Code
F07
Sector
Forest
Other sector(s)
Agriculture
Hydro Morphology
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

Off road driving has potentially severe negative consequences for water quality. Some of these damages can be minimized or mitigated if drivers of vehicles exercise a few simple precautions. Avoiding driving in wet areas whenever possible will limit soil compaction and rutting. Rutting can concentrate flow paths and lead to increased erosion. In colder regions of Europe, driving on frozen soils will also reduce the potential for compaction and damage. Driving parallel to contour lines of hill slopes will reduce the potential for rut formation and concentration of flow paths but may not always be feasible, especially in areas of high relief. Use of slash cover or specially designed logging mats in off road driving during forest logging operations may help to reduce soil compaction and rutting. Reduction of truck tire pressure on unpaved forest roads may also be considered as one aspect of this NWRM.

Illustration(s)

Water sensitive driving would avoid areas such as the one illustrated

Source: Gebhard Schueler’s presentation, NWRM Workshop 1

 

Water sensitive driving with low pressure tyres and additionnal rolling pathways

Source: https://www.sydved.se/skogsbruk/miljo-och-naturvard/mark-och-vatten/sa-…

Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
BP2 - Slow runoff
Low
BP6 - Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge
Low
BP7 - Increase soil water retention
Low
BP8 - Reduce pollutant sources
High
BP9 - Intercept pollution pathways
Medium
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
High
BP11 - Improve soils
Low
BP17 - Absorb and/or retain CO2
Low
ES2 - Fish stocks and recruiting
High
ES4 - Biodiversity preservation
High
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
Low
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
High
ES9 - Filtration of pollutants
Medium
ES11 - Aesthetic/cultural value
Medium
PO1 - Improving status of biology quality elements
Medium
PO2 - Improving status of physico-chemical quality elements
Medium
PO4 - Improving chemical status and priority substances
Medium
PO7 - Prevent surface water status deterioration
High
PO8 - Prevent groundwater status deterioration
Medium
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
Low
PO10 - Protection of important habitats
Low
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
Low
PO12 - More sustainable agriculture and forestry
High
PO13 - Better management of fish stocks
Medium
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
Low

Case studies per NWRM