Spatially differentiated analyses of the agricultural water conservation in the Weser river basin

Background and Objective

Diffuse nutrient inputs from agriculture stress water quality conditions. Mineral fertilizers, intensive livestock production and accompanied manure lead to a large amount of nitrogen surpluses from agriculture. These can reach groundwater and surface water via soil. The European Water Framework Directive aims to achieve good qualitative and quantitative status of al water bodies until 2015, in some exceptional cases until 2021 or 2027. In the AGRUM + Weser project we analyze the questions, where, if and how the nutrient targets of the Water Framework Directive can be achieved for the Weser River Basin.

Approach

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Results

With the coupling of the models RAUMIS, GROWA, DENUZ / WEKU and MONERIS, we managed to create a model system that is suitable to illustrate the nutrient status of an entire river basin, both realistic and differentiated - in terms of large areas as well as by pathways and necessary actions and to analyze options for appropriate action. We have also made sure that the models can be transferred with relative ease to  other river basins (with available data bases). In addition, the composite model is suitable to analytically accompany the action programs of the catchment areas.

Over the last 15 years we have seen that nutrient balance surpluses are reduced. According to the model calculations, this will continue until 2023. Caused by the residence times of nutrients in the soil and groundwater system, the time needed for improved conditions can differ between the regions. However, in a projection until 2015 under status quo conditions (baseline), if one takes into account delayed effects, neither the goals for groundwater nor for surface water could be achieved for the two studied nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Links and Downloads

FGG Weser