Water for terrestrial nature

Description

The map shows the location of Dutch nature reserves, broken down by groundwater dependency and the possibilities for water supply from the main water system. First of all, wet, groundwater-dependent nature reserves (cat 1, cat 4 and other nature) are distinguished from dry nature areas. Then it is determined what the water supply possibilities are from the main water system. Rijkswaterstaat uses the displacement series for this purpose. Part of the Dutch nature reserves is in category 1 of the displacement series: nature bound to soil conditions, where water shortage can lead to irreversible damage. These are the peatlands with main function nature, where water supply can actually reach the nature reserve. Nature reserves on peat that are not accessible for water supply are represented as other nature. In these areas, water supply from the main water system does not provide any relief and the availability of local water is of great importance. Wet nature, where water shortages do not cause irreversible damage, falls into category 4. Finally, it is indicated whether the areas have a protected status. Natura2000 concerns the European network of protected natural areas, the remaining areas are classified non-Natura2000. Detailed Explanatory Notes In the Netherlands, roughly five types of nature can be distinguished: 1. High sandy soils with forests and dry heath 2. Wet nature with high water levels such as the IJsselmeer, the weather ribs and surface water-fed peat lakes. 3. Torment-dependent nature that can often be found in stream valleys. 4. Flooding nature, such as the floodplains in the river area. 5. Dunes and beaches Torment-dependent nature is bound to high groundwater levels and groundwater with a specific chemical composition (basins rich and not contaminated). The torment-dependent nature reserves are mainly found in stream valleys, but also in other areas where there is a torment situation, such as along the Hondsrug, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Veluwe nature is influenced by the groundwater. Other systems that are highly dependent on the groundwater situation are high bogs and fens. Also in the dune areas, nature often depends on specific influence by groundwater. In many tormented nature there is dryness and acidification due to low groundwater levels in the surrounding area (through drainage) or by groundwater abstractions (Aggenbach, 2005, Witte et al. 2007). In terrestrial ecosystems there is often fertilisation through too nutrient-rich groundwater. All these bottlenecks lead to a decline in biodiversity (Aggenbach, 2005, Witte et al. 2007). Multiple ecosystem services use the same water supply. For wet nature areas and water nature (brooks and creeks) it is important that sufficient water of good quality is present. Available groundwater resources play a crucial role in this, not only for the supply of sufficient water, but also of the right quality. The capacity of these stocks decreases through use for other ecosystem services, such as abstractions for irrigation and drinking water (Figure 1). Other developments that intervene on groundwater levels and rise heights, such as increasing drainage in agricultural areas, can also have a major limiting impact on pest-dependent nature. In times of water shortage, Rijkswaterstaat uses the displacement series to determine how the surface water from the national waters is distributed to different water growers. Part of the Dutch nature reserves is in category 1 of the displacement series: nature bound to soil conditions) because water shortage can lead to irreversible damage. Other wet nature falls into category 4. It is of course a prerequisite that the surface water landed can actually reach the areas. Water boards develop policies for the distribution of groundwater. The nature reserves also provide important ecosystem services themselves. Well-functioning terrestrial nature areas such as categories 1 and 3 generally have a high biodiversity of bacteria and fungi. This variation in soil life greatly determines the optimal functioning of the biochemical cycles and the cleaning capacity of the soil (e.g. Rutgers et al. 2007). Forests on the higher sandy soils (category 1) contribute to good temperature regulation due to their evaporation. Undehydrated natural areas on the higher sandy soils (category 1) are important complementary areas for deeper groundwater.

Resources

Name Format Description Link
0 https://data.rivm.nl/geo/ank/wms?request=GetCapabilities
0 https://data.rivm.nl/data/ank/DANK007_terrestrische_natuur.zip

Tags

  • grondwater
  • ecosysteem-diensten
  • landbouw
  • stroming
  • watervoorziening
  • beregening
  • regulering

Topics

  • TECH

Categories