WATER RETENTION AND NUTRIENT RECYCLING IN SOILS AND STREAMS FOR IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Informations projet

WATERAGRI

N° de convention de subvention: 858375

DOI

10.3030/858375

Projet clôturé

Date de signature de la CE 29 Avril 2020

Date de début 1 Mai 2020

Date de fin 30 Avril 2024

Financé au titre de

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Coût total

€ 6 999 986,25

Contribution de l’UE

€ 6 999 986,25

Coordonné par

LUNDS UNIVERSITET
Sweden

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - WATERAGRI (WATER RETENTION AND NUTRIENT RECYCLING IN SOILS AND STREAMS FOR IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION)

Période du rapport: 2023-05-01 au 2024-04-30

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

The WATERAGRI project, funded by the European Union under Horizon 2020, concluded in April 2024. It addressed the pressing challenge of ensuring reliable water and nutrient availability for agricultural production, recognising that small-scale water management solutions had often been overlooked in Europe. These issues were of particular importance given increasing climate variability, growing global populations and geopolitical pressures that highlighted the need for more resilient food production systems.

The WATERAGRI project objectives were to O1: co-develop alongside farmers, farm managers, agricultural extension officers and EIP AGRI and WATER Groups, the links between agricultural land and soil-sediment-water management for improved management of water excess and shortage, maximising crop production and improving water quality and nutrient uptake by crops; O2: Undertake both technical and sustainability assessments of proposed measures considering tested and reviewed management options; O3: Develop a cloud-based simulation and data assimilation system based on a physically-based terrestrial system model, which is able to assimilate in situ and remotely sensed observations of hydrological and plant variables and meteorological data in near-real time to analyse effects of structures such as drains and dams for improved farm-scale water management and retention; O4: Identify, develop and test affordable and easy-to-implement long-term technical and operational farm solutions such as controlled drainage, regulated deficit irrigation, subsurface irrigation, groundwater recharge, farm constructed wetlands, soil management and nutrient recovery options; O5: Assess the proposed techniques for their potential regarding adaptation to climate change and their impact on ecosystem services for different biogeographic regions using case studies; and O6: Disseminate the implemented innovations to farmers, advisory services and decision-makers as part of a multi-actor approach.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

WATERAGRI advanced scientific and practical solutions for on-farm water and nutrient retention by exploring nature-based methods (farm-constructed wetlands, controlled drainage, bio-inspired filters) and developing digital decision-support tools. A cloud-based system integrated field data and remote sensing to offer near-real-time insights, enabling stakeholders to customise retention practices under diverse conditions.

European case studies demonstrated how optimised irrigation scheduling, subsurface irrigation, and nutrient recycling can reduce water scarcity and improve yields. Small-scale retention measures were effective across varied climates, and a comprehensive sustainability framework facilitated the assessment of cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts.

Stakeholder engagement was vital throughout. WP1 hosted workshops for project introductions, feedback collection, and an 18-month gender distribution analysis, while also launching the serious game AgriLemma. WP2 created farm-scale tools—such as geodatabases, FMIS, and remote sensing workflows—supported by soil organic matter data. WP3 refined water retention solutions through near real-time, physically based hydrological modelling. WP4 expanded nutrient retention methods by developing bio-inspired filters, chemically modified nanocellulose membranes, and a microfluidic nutrient recovery prototype, alongside studies on wetland biomass composting.

WATERAGRI’s solutions were tested at ten European sites (WP5), with WP6 systematically evaluating their performance. WP7 integrated these technologies into a framework that supports real-time water management decisions and clearer cost–benefit insights. WP8 led communication and dissemination, producing policy briefs, a massive open online course, and targeted events for policymakers and broader audiences. Finally, WP9 coordinated the overall project, organised General Assembly meetings, and hosted a final conference featuring dedicated sessions for farmers, policymakers, researchers, and the general public.

These achievements confirmed that combining water retention and nutrient recovery can bolster Europe’s long-term food security. Throughout the project, multi-actor engagement ensured that innovations were practical, evidence-based, and ready for adoption. Building on WATERAGRI’s experiences, the new FARMWISE project under Horizon Europe integrates artificial intelligence tools to further strengthen agricultural water management and sustainability across Europe.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

The WATERAGRI project advanced the scientific and practical understanding of water and nutrient retention in agriculture by integrating field data, remote sensing, hydrological modelling, and economic assessments. Its solutions, tested in multiple European sites under real conditions, moved beyond earlier work focused on large catchments. The project introduced near real-time, physically based hydrological modelling with data assimilation, enabling dynamic water management strategies tailored to local contexts.

WATERAGRI’s nutrient recovery innovations, including bio-inspired filters, nanocellulose membranes, and microfluidic devices, addressed circular production needs. While not all reached full maturity, successful field and laboratory validation provided valuable insights for further refinement. The project also produced guidelines and training materials for farmers, policymakers, and advisory services.

Socio-economic and societal impacts emerged through the early adoption of certain innovations, engagement at local workshops, and strong participation in public demonstration events. A massive open online course, the AgriLemma game, and targeted outreach expanded knowledge transfer to diverse audiences, while policy briefs and a conference in Brussels highlighted how these solutions inform European water policies. By fostering multi-actor collaboration, WATERAGRI strengthened science-based decision-making and demonstrated tangible outcomes in varied climates, setting a foundation for more inclusive, sustainable water management. These results continue under the FARMWISE project, which builds on WATERAGRI’s knowledge, methods, and solutions.

WATERAGRI logo and initial infographic.

Figure1. Case Study Finland 1

Figure5. Case Study Germany

Figure9. Case Study Italy

Figure3. Case Study Sweden

Figure10. Case Study Hungary

Figure7. Case Study Switzerland

Figure4. Case Study France

Figure2. Case Study Finland 2

Figure8. Case Study Austria

Figure6. Case Study Poland