In practice, it is challenging to target agricultural water conservation measures and to verify the effects of implemented measures.
In WP3 of the Shared Waters project we will develop a new drainage area scale crop production system. The system connects basic drainage channels implemented by utilizing the fundamentals for environmentally sound hydraulic engineering and environmental measures targeting the fields of the drainage area.
We based our plant on the fact that drainage and soil structure of a cultivated field must be in order and soil phosphorous content must be reasonable from the plant production point of view. Likewise, the crop cultivation and sequence is expected to be diverse.
In addition to the presented measures, other environmental measures are used as needed. Our aim is that the water flows slowly in the drainage channels built based on the fundamentals for environmentally sound hydraulic engineering.
The effects of the drainage and field measures on the runoff water quality are monitored at the discharge point of the drainage area. Based on the monitoring data, the level and changes of loading are estimated. The gathered knowledge of the drainage area level will provide tools for both researchers and farmers to connect different environmental measures and to prepare for future changes such as Climate Change.
Leader of the work package
Laura Alakukku
Professor of Agriculture and Environmental Technology
University of Helsinki
firstname.lastname@helsinki.fi
+358 294 158 682
The work package comprises four tasks.
Task 3A: The system analytic method in managing environmental flows
In cooperation with farmers we will carry out agri-environmental measures in field areas based on a new concept – drainage management.
Participating in the study:
Kaisa Västilä
Senior Research Scientist
The Finnish Environment Institute
firstname.lastname@syke.fi
+358 295 252 143
Sari Väisänen
Research Scientist
The Finnish Environment Institute
firstname.lastname@syke.fi
+358 295 251 760
Task 3B: Creating a new monitoring platform
The quality of water coming from field areas is monitored both by taking the traditional water samples, and by using real time sensors that monitor the water quality hourly. Consequently, farmers in the area get information on the quality of run-off water immediately via the internet
Participating in the study:
Sirkka Tattari
Hydrologist
The Finnish Environment Institute
firstname.lastname@syke.fi
+358 295 251 685
Task 3C: Sizing of two-level channels and improving the efficiency of wetlands
Two-level channels and wetlands can retain nutrients in run-off from fields. We are testing how the efficiency of wetlands could be improved and how two-level channels should be dimensioned in a changing climate.
Participating in the study:
Turo Hjerppe
Research Scientist
The Finnish Environment Institute
firstname.lastname@syke.fi
+358 295 251 176
Jari Koskiaho
Research engineer
The Finnish Environment Institute
firstname.lastname@syke.fi
+358 295 251 312
Task 3D: Improving the soil structure of fields
Soil quality in fields affects both crop yield and nutrient load into water sources. Soil quality is evaluated and measures will be taken to improve the soil structure through different means including the utilisation of a quality test of soil on the fields of farmers.
Participating in the study:
Marja Jalli
Senior Research Scientist
Natural Resources Institute Finland
firstname.lastname@luke.fi
+358 295 326 168
Laura Alakukku
Professor
University of Helsinki
firstname.lastname@helsinki.fi
+358 50 448 0596
Ari Rajala
Principal Scientist
Natural Resources Institute Finland
firstname.a.lastname@luke.fi
+358 295 326 461
Katja Kauppi
Researcher
Natural Resources Institute Finland
firstname.lastname@luke.fi
+358 295 322 209