Bocages and runoff apprehended through multi-agent modeling

Abstract

Hydrosedimentary transfers resulting from the erosive runoff processes of agricultural soils generate multiple hazards within hydrosystems (e.g. soil erosion, water pollution and flooding at outlets). In bocages, these transfers are not rare and the landscape changes recorded over the last 70 years (like enlargement of plots and removal of hedges) tend to amplify these processes of alteration of environmental resources. Developing these agricultural areas therefore requires, first and foremost, an interest in the respective roles of the elements that comprise these landscapes (e.g. agricultural plots, hedges, ditches and ponds) and the interactions they generate with biophysical processes. The use of spatial analysis, and its modelling tools in particular, is of particular interest in this sense. After presenting a spatial simulation tool, some examples of the results obtained will be presented. The latter should enable the various managers to facilitate the implementation of adapted management plans and provide solid arguments in favour of reclaiming bocage features (like hedges, meadows and wetlands) within agricultural areas.