The challenge for many arable farmers in Denmark is to achieve a financially viable production in the field and still comply with EU regulation with regard to the emission of nitrate and phosphorous. Mini wetlands have proven to be instrumental in securing this.
The environmental legislation in Denmark is restrictive with regard to the emission of nutrients. This has led to insufficient fertilization by 10-20 % during a number of years. In 2016, fertilizing optimally was allowed again, but environmental requirements must still be met. A mini wetland enables the farmer to fertilise optimally where sustainable.
What Does the Mini Wetland Do?
By means of field experiments, it has been demonstrated that by implementing a mini wetland, an arable farmer is able to fertilise higher lying areas without a high emission of nitrate and phosphorous to parcels lying lower. The drainage water is led to an open reservoir of the mini wetland, which is established close to fields and drains. Here the oxygen-free environment, carbon in the form of plant residue as well as microorganisms reduce the concentration of nutrients before the water moves on.
“This is a good example of how far we can get when all stakeholders work together towards solutions.”
How the Innovation Process Started
In 2005 some researchers and agricultural advisors went on a research trip to Sweden to see an early version of a mini wetland. Ole Lyngby Pedersen, a farmer from Jutland, did not go on the trip but picked up on the idea and wanted to put it to the test. An operational group was established, consisting of the farmer Pedersen, nine other local farmers, the local farmers’ association, L&F, SEGES, Danish as well as international universities, local authorities, and private companies. The combined knowledge and funding of all these actors contributed to the setup of the first successful mini wetland in Denmark which was established in 2008.
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