Abstract
This paper reveals reductions of up to 485 t CO2 eq (CO2 equivalent) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of energy origin associated with the water-energy binomial which can be achieved after modernizing and automating a Water User Association (WUA) of over 1780 users with microplots in a total area of 775 ha in southeastern Spain. This case study aims to show how the latest advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) for precision agriculture are being applied efficiently with the implementation of a Smart Agri system, capable of making improvements through the use of renewable energies (64.49% of the total CO2e- avoided), automation in irrigation water management, by applying adequate governance, use of ICTs (731,014 m3 per water footprint reduction with 20.41% of total CO2 eq of associated electrical origin), hydraulic improvements (283,995 m3 per water footprint reduction, 13.77% of the total CO2 eq of associated electrical origin) and reduction of evaporation in reservoirs (26,022 m3 of water by water footprint reduction with 1.33% of the total CO2 eq electrical origin avoided) that act as batteries to accumulate the daily solar energy and enable watering at night, when irrigation is most efficient. It is important to consider the valuable contribution of these artificial green lungs, not only in terms of food for the European Union, but also as a CO2 eq sink that supports the planet’s GHGs. As shown in this study, this is made possible by the joint governance led by the Water Users Association (WUA) and co-led by different management organizations with the support of ICT.
Highlights
The first reports of water governance in Murcia date back to the time of Alfonso X ‘El Sabio’, in the thirteenth century [1]
CO2 eq emissions is obtained (0.382 kgCO2 eq/kWh), equivalent to 139 t CO2 eq/y (Figure 10)
CO2eq/y (Figure 10)
Summary
The first reports of water governance in Murcia date back to the time of Alfonso X ‘El Sabio’, in the thirteenth century [1]. The Muslim people passed on the knowledge learned from the East [2], using the energy of the moving water to elevate it to lands above river level, adding value to the land dedicated to dry crops thanks to others with irrigation. In doing so, they understood the need to seek renewable energy sources. Farmers in the Region of Murcia (Spain), in the Segura basin, have maintained, improved and preserved the hydraulic facilities they inherited, while striving to produce the best fruits and vegetables in Europe.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
