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Calibrating Hydrological Models to Understand Forests’ Role in Water Retention in Slovenia

  • 31 Oct 2025
ARSO staff carrying out infiltration tests in soils in the Gradaščica catchment

In October 2025, as part of the SpongeScapes project, researchers from the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) conducted a field visit to the Gradaščica catchment near Ljubljana, Slovenia, to collect essential data for the calibration of their hydrological model. This work will help improve understanding of how forest cover influences rainfall runoff and the catchment’s capacity to retain water — key to managing both floods and droughts.

Understanding the Landscape

Case Study

08 Gradaščica catchment SI

  • Slovenia
08_SI_rainfallinterceptionplot_Ljubljana

The Gradaščica catchment in Ljubljana is located in a hilly pre-alpine region, with elevations ranging from 300 to 1000 meters above sea level. Approximately 70% of this area is forested, mainly with broad-leaved and mixed forests, which play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water management. Within SpongeScapes, we are investigating how trees reduce rainwater run-off, which is crucial in flood-prone areas. 
 

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