“One method could be to plant deciduous trees instead of coniferous trees, in order to increase the groundwater recharge. This seems to be a good method because of the infiltration rate,” says Rainer Behrens, before he points to another strategy called “rain harvesting”. This method is meant to obtain more water for irrigation by making use of high-water events in the local water courses. The idea is to retain high-water and drainage-water in the area rather than let it flow rapidly into the North Sea. Cooperation solves problems The pilot has experienced certain technical difficulties with rain harvesting, consisting mainly in how to lift and transport the water to sites qualified for seepage, since these are usually located some kilometers away from the creek in the hilly landscape. In addition, it is very difficult to determine where exactly the seepage will flow to in the underground, meaning that neighboring areas could then be “free-riders” as the benefit of more groundwater helps the area as a whole. Through a visit to the Swedish pilot, ideas and experiences with irrigation and water retention were shared. The German pilot took experts from the water authorities and responsible chiefs of irrigation boards to Sweden to evaluate and further research ideas on the spot, thereby ensuring further insights on a common basis. This expert meeting was then discussed with local irrigators. Solutions for the future The German pilot will continue to find solutions to the remaining obstacles. In the future, as climate change will continue, the need for irrigation is expected to increase. Therefore, the solutions of the pilot should be interesting for all areas in and outside of Germany, which are finding it difficult to provide enough water for irrigation.