To save water in agriculture, there is no single solution, but a set of strategies that, when integrated, overall yield good results
To save water in agriculture, there is no single solution, but a set of strategies that, when integrated, overall yield good results.
We use micro-irrigation systems through a network of pipes and drippers, reducing waste due to evaporation or runoff, providing more targeted and efficient irrigation to plants.
Sprinkler irrigation is only used in emergencies.
We design scaled and closed water systems capable of recovering 25% of drainage water.
We carry out periodic checks on the distribution network.
We have systems for the recovery, collection, and reuse of rainwater.
Since 2024, the wastewater from irrigation at the Piuvica production site has been treated with a plant that includes a leveling station, microbial electrolysis cell, phosphorus bioreactor, manganese oxide filter, disinfection tank, and AI-driven technical room capable of monitoring and ensuring the mechanical, biological, and chemical purification of water, recovery of raw materials, and accumulation of electrical energy.
Following the experience as the leader together with the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Agro-Environmental Sciences (DiSAAA-a) of the University of Pisa for the IRRIGO project aimed at testing and applying innovative solutions to improve water use efficiency in the cultivation of container-grown ornamental plants, we have continued our research to identify and implement good practices for rationalizing water use.
Thanks to the sensors installed with the Nurset system and IoT systems, we can measure and record all substrate data such as moisture, salinity, and soil temperature. This allows us to precisely adjust irrigation cycles.
In 2023, a research project was carried out at our company by the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental, and Forestry Sciences and Technologies (DAGRI) of the University of Florence to study the effects of deficit irrigation and the application of leaf sensors for assessing the plant’s water status and reducing water inputs.
Three distinct experiments were carried out on Morus alba and Cinnamomum camphora; the experiment demonstrated that plants subjected to moderate stress showed minimal growth reductions (2%) compared to normally irrigated plants, revealing significant potential for water savings (link to study publication – to be obtained).
The plants were subjected to moderate stress (with a 30% reduction in water supply) and severe stress (with a 50% reduction in water supply). Both scenarios showed no significant changes in relative water content (RWC), indicating that reduced irrigation rates allow plants to maintain sufficient hydration for an extended period, even during summer.
Since 2024, at “Ferruccia 300” (Link to nursery 300), we have started further monitoring of the soil through sensors, which, combined with data retrieved from rain gauges, will provide forecasts on when and how much to irrigate based on algorithms sensitive to the type of soil and individual crop variety, allowing further optimization of resources.
An additional contribution is provided by data acquired from weather stations, used for irrigation decisions.
We monitor and optimize consumption in the various phases of the production process.
