Department Water Resources and Drinking Water

Increasing drought periods pose major challenges for agriculture. This project investigates how keyline management and soil management practices can enhance soil water retention. Conducted within the Jurapark Aargau living lab, the study focuses on spatial and temporal dynamics of soil moisture, with particular attention to dry summer conditions.

The project combines remote sensing with in-situ soil moisture sensors to capture high-resolution measurements over time. Geophysical methods are used to characterize subsurface structures and identify potential groundwater pathways. Comparative measurements on fields with and without keyline structures allow for a robust assessment of their effectiveness. The project aims to deliver scientifically sound and practice-oriented knowledge that supports climate adaptation, improves water management in agricultural landscapes, and strengthens long-term resilience to drought.