How can we ensure that tree nurseries, nature, and water management remain in balance in the future? That question is central to the “Water in Balance in the Garden of Brabant” project. As part of this project, Tree Nursery M. van den Oever & Sons, Udenhout Tree Nursery, Treeport, Atla Terra, and Compas Agro collaborated on a comprehensive regional analysis of the De Leemkuilen nature reserve, which is part of the De Loonse en Drunense Duinen Natura 2000 site.
The project was co-funded by the European Union and the province of North Brabant through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2023–2027) under the “Collaboration on Integrated Area Development – Preparation” initiative.
The project focused on the challenges surrounding water quality and water availability in the area. Water quality is under pressure due to the presence of crop protection products in surface water. At the same time, the drying out of deeper soil layers and the effects of climate change are increasing. This calls for measures that contribute to both future-proof tree cultivation and a more resilient water system.
As part of the project, the area’s water management, groundwater levels, and soil structure were mapped. Based on this, various measures were examined that could contribute to improved water quality and increased groundwater recharge. These included, among other things, infiltration ditches, increasing the organic matter content, improving soil structure, subsidence ditches, water-level-controlled drainage, and techniques to better infiltrate stormwater into deeper soil layers.
The project’s main outcome is a region-specific approach with concrete measures that will enable the tree nursery sector to contribute to the restoration of the water system. The results form the basis for further collaboration with the De Dommel Water Board. Together, the parties involved are exploring the possibilities for a practical pilot project in which the proposed measures can be tested and monitored in the coming years. This effort aims to create a sustainable and climate-resilient tree nursery in Central Brabant, where water management, nature, and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.