SpongeScapes: understanding the role of nature-based solutions in improving sponge functioning of landscapes – the case of regenerative agriculture

Sah, Neeraj; Blake, James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1033-4712; D’Acunha, Brenda ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8767-7772; Bell, Vicky ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0792-5650; Evans, Jonathan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4194-1416; Morrison, Ross ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1847-3127; Dussaillant, Alejandro ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7830-013X. 2024 SpongeScapes: understanding the role of nature-based solutions in improving sponge functioning of landscapes – the case of regenerative agriculture. E3S Web of Conferences, 599, 05004. 10, pp. 10.1051/e3sconf/202459905004

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf%2F202459905004

Abstract/Summary

The SpongeScapes project aims to accelerate understanding Nature-based Solutions (NBS) that enhance the sponge functioning of soil, groundwater, and surface water ecosystems, improving landscape resilience against hydrometeorological extremes across diverse climates. One NBS being explored within SpongeScapes is the adoption of Regenerative Agricultural Practices (RAPs) such as reduced tillage and cover cropping. These practices can improve soil health and potentially increase water retention capacity, compared to conventional agriculture practices that degrade soil structure and porosity. However, quantifying RAP benefits is challenging due to the delayed soil response to management changes. This report discusses an exploratory approach of back-analysing long-term soil moisture datasets to assess the impacts of RAPs on soil water retention capacity. By inferring changes in saturated water content (proxy for porosity), findings from trend analyses on UK case studies provide insights into the potential of RAPs as an NBS for enhancing landscape water resilience through improved soil sponge functioning.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1051/e3sconf/202459905004
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Hydro-climate Risks (Science Area 2017-24)
ISSN:	2267-1242
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
NORA Subject Terms:	Hydrology Agriculture and Soil Science Data and Information
Date made live:	22 Jan 2025 16:27 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/538789

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1051/e3sconf/202459905004

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Hydro-climate Risks (Science Area 2017-24)

ISSN:

2267-1242

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

NORA Subject Terms:

Hydrology
Agriculture and Soil Science
Data and Information