Abstract
Irrigation sustainability is particularly important in the vicinity of Doñana National Park (Huelva, Spain), where Europe’s most important wetland area coexists with a profitable strawberry irrigation activity. In this paper, an innovation and technology transfer project was laid out. The project was promoted by the Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), belonging to the Regional Government of Andalusia. The main objective of the project was to contribute to the sustainability of the complex ecological, productive, and social system of this region. The project was focused on the rational use of water resources. Experimentation, demonstration, technology transfer, and training activities were carried out, involving public administrations, companies, and private farms. The project was carried out in collaboration with strawberry companies covering a total surface area of 1900 hectares. Irrigation application efficiency and irrigation water productivity increased by 66% and there was also a significant increase in water saving (44%), without resulting production losses. The success of the activity was based on the implication of farmers in experimentation assignments. During a five-year time span, irrigation trials took place on several farms. This fact allowed a progressive improvement of irrigation management by farmers based on confidence in the experimental work results.
Highlights
Irrigation is essential to ensure suitable production and adequate crop quality in regions with a Mediterranean climate [1]
The objective of the project was to facilitate the transition from traditional irrigation, based mainly on the farmer’s experience, towards sustainable intensive agriculture based on rational criteria for water use
Application of a wide range of water volumes applied to cucumber, pepper and watermelon crops resulted in similar productions [30]
Summary
Irrigation is essential to ensure suitable production and adequate crop quality in regions with a Mediterranean climate [1]. Social pressure centered on the use of water in agriculture has not ceased in recent years, with special reference in semi-arid areas dedicated to intensive horticulture. This increase in public concern is mainly due to the populations general perception that agricultural water use is far from efficient [2]. The introduction of technological innovations implies economic advantages and improvements in the efficiency of the use of water, energy, and productive resources [3]. The introduction of new irrigation infrastructures in distribution networks and microirrigation has had a notable impact on the potential improvement of the use of irrigation water
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
