Exploring the role of structural and financial factors to implement Natural Small Water Retention Measures in agriculture: insights from a survey to practitioners

Diffuse pollution from agriculture remains a major threat to the quality of surface and groundwater across Europe, continuing to significantly pressure water usability. Alongside soil erosion, nutrient run-off and leaching, this condition deteriorates the production capacity of agricultural areas and diminishes the potential income for farmers. In response, farmers must adapt their practices to mitigate these impacts, while addressing environmental challenges and complying with a sustainable resource management. Natural Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs), which leverage natural processes for pollution mitigation, offer valid alternatives in this direction. Promoted and supported by decision- and policymakers at various levels, NSWRMs represent an opportunity for farmers to wider take-up or adopt new practices to improve water quality and availability. Exploring whether and how structural conditions, financial and technical support may influence NSWRM implementation at farms is crucial for identifying current weaknesses and opportunities, and refining policies to better support farmers. This presentation stems from the activities carried out within the H2020 EU project OPTAIN (“OPtimal strategies to retAIN and re-use water and nutrients in small agricultural catchments across different soil-climatic regions in Europe”). As such, it aims to explore the current adoption status of different agricultural NSWRMs that have already demonstrated or are expected to ameliorate either water availability or quality at farm level. Through a targeted survey conducted in project case study areas, the esearch collected qualitative and quantitative data and information on farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices related to relevant NSWRMs. The results provide a snapshot of farmers’ perspectives on NSWRMs attractiveness and reveal insights into successful practices. In addition, the findings highlight potential bottlenecks, constraints and limitations to wider implementation, offering valuable insights and inputs for policymaker and strategic planners to direct future investments in NSWRMs effectively.