Ditch blocking in managed peatland forests can be used to slow water and trap sediment after forest harvesting. The ditches can be made of wood logs or gabions, for example.
- Elaborated by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission
In the past, various activities were undertaken to straighten rivers, such as the stabilisation of river banks with concrete or other types of retention walls.ﾠ Such actions limited riversﾒ natural movements, leading to degradation of the river, increased water flow, increased erosion and decreased biodiversity.ﾠ Natural bank stabilisation reverses such activities, allowing rivers to move more freely.ﾠ Where bank stabilisation is nevertheless necessary, such as in residential areas, natural materials such as roots or gravel can be used.ﾠ Natural materials are preferable as they allow water to infiltrate into the bank.ﾠ They also provide better living conditions for aquatic fauna.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission
Nitrate, NO-3, is the main nitrogen containing anion occurring in the soil. It is very soluble and moves freely in water through the soil profile. Nitrate in water is a pollutant above certain concentrations and can be a danger to human health. The main source of nitrate in water is agriculture although sewage discharges can also be an important factor.
