In mid-September, agricultural water management expert Wolter van der Kooij started as a lecturer in agricultural water management at Aeres Hogeschool in Dronten. An important step towards realizing the dream that farmers are rewarded for water performance.
Van der Kooij wants to ensure that agricultural entrepreneurs who take measures themselves to improve water quality, water storage and water availability are rewarded for the results achieved. Farmers who deserve this have insight into the consequences of their activities and have knowledge of agricultural water management. All locks on their farms are designed and managed in an environmentally friendly way. In combination with a helophyte filter, locks also have a water-purifying effect. Every second ditch has a weir, with which precision water management can be realized at company level by retaining and letting in water and also discharging it in good time.
Soil moisture sensors are installed throughout the region and the water quality is monitored. Extensive water analyzes are performed by the water board and the results are intensively communicated with farmers and citizens.
Aeres Farms Demonstration Project
The beginning of this vista of the brand new lecturer is already visible. At the school farm in Dronten, called Aeres Farms. A Helyfotens ditch has been set up there. The ditch is closed off with a weir and plants grow in the ditch that purify the water (helophytes). With the helophytens ditch, the school farm can regulate water management itself, the water is purified and biodiversity increases.
A swamp roof has been set up on part of the roof of the so-called Weidestal of Aeres Farms. Slightly polluted water is led over the roof and purified and then discharged. This system saves space and can also be used in urban areas. A fertigation trial has been set up on the arable farm of Aeres Farms. Fertigation means that irrigation is combined with the administration of nutrients, in a very economical and efficient way.
Pipeline needed in water management
Van der Kooij wants to spread the experiences gained at Aeres Farms over the Dronten-Lelystad zone. With this he hopes to contribute to the agricultural water management problem. According to him, the changing climate has major consequences for water management in agricultural areas. "Extreme droughts and periods of flooding are increasingly occurring. In addition, the water quality in agricultural areas remains on the moderate side. Measures are urgently needed, but action is being taken hesitantly. Nobody seems to really be taking it on. in charge?"
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.