Climate change leads to more extreme weather, which to an increasing extent causes periods of excess water and drought. Especially the agricultural sector is affected by this. In additon, the Netherlands are still dealing with groundwater and surface water pollution caused by nutrients and crop protection chemicals. To a large extent, the agricultural sector can be held accountable. Together with the agricultural sector, the Agricultural Water Management professorship, creates solutions to these problems.
Water quantity
How can we create a solid water system? By creating more water catchments and improving the soil, we can partly counter the negative effects of an increasing intensity of precipitation. In periods of drought dams and stoplogs can be used to retain water and soil moisture sensors can collect data to facilitate decision-making on water management measures. Furthermore we are looking into the measures that can be taken to reduce wate consumption, for example set level drainage, drip irrigation and fertigation. By providing farmers with insights on this subject and enabling them to regulate water management on their own properties, the professorship intends to improve production circumstances.
Water quality
How can we achieve a solid and clean water system? By creating ditches with aquatic plants and green corridors, we can purify the water in a natural manner. The application of fertigation can reduce the run-off of nutrients. Soil improvement can lead to less run-off and infiltration. Besides demonstrating new possibilities, we must remove financial and political obstacles. Water boards can play an important part in this, for example, by minimizing legislation and rewarding good results.
Connection with education
The professorship is the connection between agricultural practice and Aeres University of Applied Sciences. Students and teacher-researchers participate in projects, and agricultural practice provides realistic and current information for education and research subjects. The professorship works together with those who want to play a part in sustainable agriculture through water management.
- Students learn about the basic principles of agricultural water management and new developments.
- In their fourth year, students can choose for the Agricultural Water Management minor, where they learn how to set up a solid water system both technically and administratively.
