Study on drought, water balance, water retention and natural protection measures in the March catchment

Climate change has an impact on the hydrology in the March catchment. Climate change modelling studies for catchments in this region show reduced soil moisture and increasing drought stress in the summer months. The aim of this project is to investigate which ecological measures can be taken to improve water retention in the Lower Austrian March catchment area. The results should support land users, regional policy and administration in adapting to climate change. The study focusses in detail on the following three topics: 1. climate forecasts and extreme precipitation 2. causes of declining water availability and challenges 3. nature-based options for action and their potential