Water Quality Research
The aim of the Teagasc Water Quality Research Programme is to understand the hydrological and biogeochemical processes that govern the transport of pollutants to water. This understanding underpins the development of new technologies to reduce losses.
Teagasc work with a wide range of organisations both within and outside Ireland on researching water quality issues.
Ongoing Water Quality Research Projects
Below are examples of current water quality research in Teagasc.
D-TECT
Geospatial drainage status detection mapping of organic rich soils for NIR and policy support needs
D-TECT will study drained grassland peat soils, a major greenhouse gas source, currently estimated at 8-9 million tonnes CO₂ per year. By testing assumptions about soil extent, nutrients, and drainage, D-TECT could refine these estimates, potentially reducing them significantly and informing better soil management policies. Click here to find out more about the D-TECT project.
Measures for Water
Monitoring and evaluating targeted mitigation approaches to improve water quality
The Measures for Water project aims to assess the effectiveness of practical on farm mitigation measures designed to protect and improve water quality across Ireland. Working alongside the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership, the project will evaluate mitigation approaches across field, farm, and catchment scales within selected study catchments. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines field monitoring, GIS analysis, modelling, socio-economic assessment, and stakeholder engagement, the project will priovide an evidence base to support sustainable land and water management. The research will also contribute to national and European policy objectives relating to water protection, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. The outcomes of the project will support farmers, advisors, researchers, industry, and policymakers through the identification, evaluation, and dissemination of effective measures, management practices, tools, and technologies to restore and protect water quality in Ireland.
RESPONSE
Water quality response times for Irish catchments
RESPONSE will leverage collaborations with Irish and international experts to deliver farmers and policy makers’ the applications and information to determine where and when water quality will improve through on-farm actions. Click here to find out more about the RESPONSE project.