Strategies for Efficient Water Resource Management in Basil Cultivation
In Emilia-Romagna region, basil cultivation has increased significantly in order to answer the demands of the agri-food industry for pesto production. Basil requires frequent irrigation, especially in years when droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Within the regional basil production chain, the STREAM2B project applies innovative and precise techniques to ensure efficient water use and improve the sustainability of the supply chain.
Objectives
STREAM2B aims to:
Develop, adapt, and apply decision support tools (DSS, Irriframe) and advanced sensor technology to improve water use efficiency in industrial basil cultivation.
Verify technological solutions to be applied to reduce evapotranspiration and increase soil water storage capacity in the field.
Develop a simulator to assess the impact of climate change on the supply chain.
Improve on-farm water storage capacity through collection and storage systems.
Expected Results
STREAM2B aims to integrate precision and digitalized irrigation systems with the regional industrial basil supply chain. In addition to significantly improving the agronomic management of basil, the project will open up new scenarios by enabling the transversal implementation of precision irrigation advice for crops with multiple seasonal cuts. The technologies developed will be scalable to similar supply chains with high irrigation requirements.
Activity Plan
STREAM2B is organized into the following work packages:
Development of Decision Support Tools: Optimize the DSS Irriframe, integration of satellite data to produce precision variable-rate irrigation maps, and development of a predictive model of crop adaptation to the climate change scenarios in collaboration with IBE-CNR.
Application of Advanced Sensor Technology: Implement advanced sensors on the most commonly used irrigation systems for basil to ensure automation.
Innovative Techniques to Increasing Soil Water Capacity: Use of biodegradable and compostable mulches and use innovative soil amendments such as biochar functionalized with microbial consortia to increase soil water capacity, reduce evapotranspiration, and improve plant resilience.
Implementation of Water Capture Techniques on Farms: Improve on-farm water storage systems.
Comprehensive Dissemination and Valorization Plan: Supporting technological advancement in the regional production sector and ensuring the operational and administrative monitoring and proper implementation of the project. This structured approach will support the efficient management of water resources in basil cultivation, contributing to the sustainability and productivity of the industry.
