The main goal of this group of measures is to enhance the transformational and accumulation effects of existing and re-developing floodplains by terrain modifications like lowering of banks, offset or demolition of flood protection dikes etc. This allows the water to flood the floodplain during the periods of increased discharges.
Linear protection measures help to direct the water to areas, where it does not cause harm. Such measures are flood protection dams, flood protection walls, mobile flood protection systems, water drains (enhancement, removal of obstacles), storm water drainage and culverts, emergency waterways, flood channels, road drainage in case of new constructions and refurbishment. They have…
Crop rotation is adapted to suit the specific requirements of slopes. Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in proximity. The use of cover crops prevents soil from being left without plant cover for extended periods of time. Among other benefits, such farming practices reduce erosion when it comes to surface runoff…
There is a large set of EU-requirements and standards that land managers have to meet in order to receive support scheme payments (“cross compliance”). However, local risk assessment may require exceeding mandatory standards. Here, voluntary agreements between farmer, land owner and municipality and local subsidies may help. Subsidies and agreements should accommodate the likely changes…
The development of runoff routes can be prevented and retention can be improved on slightly sloping terrain by cultivating farmland across the slope along contours. Ideally, the soil should be farmed in a chequerboard pattern to control and slow down the flow of surface water. In principle, the avoidance of downhill lanes, the creation of…
No- or low (conservation) tillage totally or largely foregoes the use of ploughs. Instead, tillage tools are used that do not turn the soil (e.g. cultivators, disc harrows) or disturb the structure of the soil while leaving crop residues (= mulch) near or on the surface of the soil. Strip cultivation or striptill is a…
