Resource description:
This reports shows policy makers the potential of NbS to address water management issues in agriculture, providing a review of individual solutions, with technical performances, pros and cons as well as concrete applications in the EU. Among these solutions, treatment wetlands, manure management, buffer strips and ponds, water storage ponds are identified as key to solve water management issues, while providing other co-benefits. This report makes the case for increased adoption of NbS in agriculture, provided better economic assessments are performed and sustainable business models supported.
Abstract
Nature-based solutions may be cost-effective in addressing water management issues in agriculture. Treatment wetlands enable the removal of excess nutrients from manure in areas with limitations to fertilizers application. Reed beds may be a cheap and operationally simple option for the treatment of sludge before application to agricultural land. When treating domestic wastewater sludge with little runoff and industrial contributions, likely to contain low levels of metals and other persistent contaminants, the long retention time of reed beds ensures degradation of the less persistent chemicals, hence potentially a sludge of good chemical quality that could be a valuable soil conditioner. These solutions may be often financially self-sustainable.
The implementation of NBS requires an assessment of costs and benefits in comparison with their “grey” alternatives, and the definition of appropriate “business models” to secure their broad uptake and sustainable operation.
Author/Contact:
Alberto Pistocchi
Uses of this resource:
Policy Cycle Stage: scoping, design, implementation
