The Project A.C.Q.U.A. 2 – Citrus growing Aware of the Quality and Use of Water, promoted by the Citrus Production District of Sicily and by the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture of the University of Catania (DiCAr), realized with the unconditional contribution of The Coca-Cola Foundation, an in-depth study of “smart” irrigation methods that allow water to be distributed only when necessary, without any waste, but at the same time guaranteeing the quality of the product.
Water is a precious commodity and is a fundamental production factor for the citrus production chain, especially in Sicily.
Strategies for the sustainable use of water resources cannot ignore the improvement of irrigation techniques, including through the use of new technologies.
For this it is essential to rely on innovative techniques that ensure the exact water needs, intelligent and easy-to-use systems that allow the farmer to remotely adjust the sprinklers and irrigation systems.
- Promote the sustainable use of water resources in the citrus production chain;
- Disseminate irrigation techniques, methods of monitoring the soil and climatic variables useful for irrigation planning;
- Improve knowledge and identify strengths and weaknesses on the use of water in the Sicilian citrus fruit supply chain.
- Use of field sensors for efficient irrigation management;
- Use of remote sensing by drones (UAVs) for high-resolution monitoring of water stress;
- Updating and extending the WebGIS platform;
- Implementation of a blockchain platform for tracking the factors of sustainable use of water resources;
- Enhancement of the demonstrative irrigation field in the Palazzelli experimental orchard of CREA-OFA;
- Specific training sessions for entrepreneurs of the Sicilian citrus production chain on specific areas related to the project activities;
- Communication within and beyond the Citrus production chain.
Manual reading sensors for measuring soil moisture at the Palazzelli Experimental Company of CREA-OFA
Weather station for monitoring atmospheric and subsoil parameters in real time
Media trip – Visit to farms
Technical meeting with farmers
Remote sensing by drones for high resolution monitoring of water stress