Weather stations help with water storage research

In the framework of the 'Water in Balance' program, research is being conducted in South Limburg to increase water storage. A weather station including a rain gauge and soil moisture meters has been installed at the Wijnandsrade Experimental Farm in Limburg to determine how many extra millimeters of water potato thresholds can hold.

In the 'Water in Balance' program the Limburg Water Board, together with the LLTB and nature managers, is focusing on measures to prevent flooding. In southern Limburg it is specifically about increasing water storage in the rural area, while in northern and central Limburg it is about system design. The Wijnandsrade experimental farm is involved in testing the measures taken by a number of farmers.

Potato thresholds

For example, thresholds between the potato ridges must retain extra rainwater. This can prevent flooding and run-off of fertile soil, but also retain water for dry periods. In the video below, farmer Bert Merx shows how he uses potato thresholds to retain water on his plots.

Six weather stations

"There are now six weather stations in South Limburg. This allows us to properly determine the exact precipitation and the effect of the various measures on water storage with the participants," says project leader Brigitte Kroonen-Backbier of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Open Cultures. "Precipitation is measured every five minutes. We collect the runoff water in tanks. That way we know what the measures yield at the measured rain intensity," says the WUR project leader.

According to Kroonen-Backbier, many growers are already applying thresholds this year. "The disadvantage may be that the thresholds are not yet completely gone at harvest. That depends mainly on how big you make them. In the spray trails, you can eliminate the construction of thresholds at least at the time of planting."

Highly intense showers

"Farmers are already doing a lot to reduce water and mud flows to prevent flooding in the village centers in the valleys," says Josette Van Wersch, administrator at Waterschap Limburg. "Because of climate change, however, showers are becoming more intense, resulting in water nuisance in the villages in the valleys. That's why we're working with the LLTB and nature managers as part of the 'Water in Balance' program for the Heuvelland region to come up with good ideas for retaining about 10 millimeters of extra water per square meter on the plateaus and slopes."

More about Water in Balance? Check out the website of Waterschap Limburg. It is also possible to visit a trial location or share your own experiences with water retention measures.

Source: New Harvest and Water Board Limburg