Fifteen farmers in Aarlanderveen are going to install systems to keep the peat soil moist. They do this to combat soil subsidence. Soil subsidence means that the ground is slowly sinking, especially during warm and dry periods. The Province of South Holland is providing approximately 1.5 million euros in subsidies for this.

The farmers will install a water infiltration system (WIS) on more than 116 hectares (which is over 1 square kilometer) of peat land. This system ensures that water stays better in the soil. This way, the soil remains moist even in summer. A moist soil sinks less quickly and releases less CO2. This is better for the climate.

The province has a budget to implement projects that combat soil subsidence. Aarlanderveen is the first WIS project that the province is executing with this budget. The subsidy was requested by the agricultural foundation Rijn & Gouwe Wiericke, on behalf of the farmers.

Aarlanderveen is a peat meadow polder. This means a soil that mainly consists of peat, grassland, and farms that keep dairy cows.

Other Sustainable Measures

The farmers are doing more to work sustainably on their farms and in the polder. For example:

• they ensure more meadow birds and higher biodiversity
• they emit less nitrogen
• they improve water quality and protect the banks

The plans are part of the project Farmers with a Future in Polder Aarlanderveen. The WIS project has been prepared by the farmers and their advisors in collaboration with the Rijnland Water Board and has been made possible by the regional cooperation project Climate Smart Farming on Peat.

Dairy Farmer Peter Pieterse is Happy:

We farmers want our polder to be ready for the future. Therefore, we participate in solutions for the climate. Combating soil subsidence is an important part of that. Thanks to the subsidy from the province, we can really install the water infiltration system. It is nice that the Province of South Holland emphasizes the primary agricultural function of this polder for the next generation with this subsidy provision.

Arne Weverling says:

With the WIS system, up to 38% of soil subsidence can be prevented. This also means that less CO2 is released. Together with other sustainable measures, we ensure a better climate, nature, and living environment.

Frank Rijkaart adds:

“This measure is an important step in the development of sustainable agriculture that addresses societal challenges. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions and soil subsidence, these farmers are committed to managing a culturally and landscape valuable peat meadow area in South Holland.”