Sponge landscape measures hydrologically supported through Citizen Science and development of applications, methods and models as a toolbox (SPONGEBOX)

In this project, sponge landscape measures and their implementation are to be monitored from a hydrological perspective to develop a toolbox for the future planning of such measures. A sponge landscape is a landscape element that is improved in terms of its hydrological storage effect through so-called nature-based measures (retention, infiltration of water). As a result, more water can be stored during heavy rainfall events, which reduces the risk of flooding. At the same time, the storage effect means that this water can also be kept in the landscape for longer during dry periods (droughts). The term is thus related to the idea of a sponge city, which pursues the same objectives in urban areas.

Climate change and the associated increase in hydro-climatic extremes such as heavy rainfall and drought mean that such measures are becoming increasingly important as an adaptation measure. While there are already many studies on sponge cities, their counterpart, the sponge landscape, is still a relatively new field. The SPONGEBOX project aims to provide hydrological support for the implementation of concrete sponge landscape measures: By collecting hydrological data, the hydrological storage effect of these measures is to be investigated. For this purpose, qualitative data such as the assessment of soil moisture or the dryness of ditches will be continuously collected via a coordinated Citizen Science campaign (CrowdWater App) - both for neighboring areas with and without sponge landscape measures. The aim is to check the plausibility of simple but physically based water balance models. Together with the data collected via the app (Citizen Science), these models will form a freely available toolbox that can support planners in the future in assessing the effectiveness of sponge landscape measures before implementation.