Code
A01
Sector
Agriculture
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

Meadows are areas or fields whose main vegetation is grass, or other non-woody plants, used for mowing and haying.  Pastures are grassed or wooded areas, moorland or heathland, generally used for grazing. Due to their rooted soils and their permanent cover, meadows and pastures provide good conditions for the uptake and storage of water during temporary floods. They also protect water quality by trapping sediments and assimilating nutrients.

The measure offers the potential for temporary flood storage, increased water retention in the landscape and runoff attenuation. Soil cover is maintained at all times with rooted vegetation, this reduces the surface flow of water and allows greater infiltration to the soil. Rates of soil erosion are considerably lower than arable land with potential benefits for water quality.

Illustration(s)

 

Flooded meadow, Scotland (UK)

Source: Chris Spray’s presentation, NWRM Workshop 1 (Scotland)

Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
BP2 - Slow runoff
High
BP5 - Increase evapotranspiration
Medium
BP6 - Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge
Low
BP7 - Increase soil water retention
Medium
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
High
BP11 - Improve soils
Low
BP17 - Absorb and/or retain CO2
Medium
ES5 - Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Medium
ES6 - Groundwater/aquifer recharge
Medium
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
High
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
High
ES9 - Filtration of pollutants
Medium
PO3 - Improving status of hydromorphology quality elements
Medium
PO5 - Improving quantitative status
Low
PO7 - Prevent surface water status deterioration
Medium
PO8 - Prevent groundwater status deterioration
Low
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
High
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
High
PO12 - More sustainable agriculture and forestry
Medium
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
Medium

Case studies per NWRM