The measure “Preventive groundwater protection in arable farming” is a central component of the ÖPUL program for the sustainable protection of groundwater quality in Austria. Protection against nitrate pollution from agriculture is particularly important in the defined action areas – both in light of the Water Framework Directive and increasing climatic challenges such as droughts and heavy rainfall. The evaluation ensures that the measure is considered comprehensively, not only in terms of content (with regard to effectiveness and practicability), but also in terms of structure (willingness to participate, logistical hurdles, operational conditions). By combining quantitative data analyses, modeling, and qualitative surveys, a robust basis is created for further developing the measure, also with regard to possible combination measures. Studies on this topic take into account both individual measures and their possible combinations, which allows interactions to be visualized and evaluated.
In addition, the project results are intended to provide concrete information on practical feasibility for agricultural businesses, on improving acceptance, and on identifying potential for optimization—both for the current measure and for possible follow-up programs in the GAP Strategic Plan.