Fertinnowa: the farmer s point of view

Transcription

1 INNOVATION Fertinnowa: the farmer s point of view Partial results and situation of the European project Juan del Castillo García, Isabel Gárriz Ezpeleta, Maite Astiz Muguerza, Ángel Matilla Iraola, Inmaculada Lahoz García, Ana Pilar Armesto Andrés, Alberto Lafarga Arnal, Alberto Alfaro Echarri y Natalia Murugarren Villava. INTIA If producers are asked about what kind of tools they hope or would like to have to improve the fertirrigation management, they mostly opted for systems based on remote automatic sensors, real-time diagnosis Tools of needs nutrients and, third, ask for aid economic or subsidies to apply these new technologies. The Fertinnowa project has asked farmers around Europe for their opinion and these have been, in summary, the conclusions. As we reported last year in number 217 of this same magazine, INTIA participates as a partner in the project Fertinnowa in the Framework Program European Research and Innovation Horizon 2020, project which started on January 1, 2016 and will end in December of Focused on the optimization of crop fertigation, its main objective is the creation of a platform of exchange of knowledge at European level for the diffusion and evaluation of existing and novel techniques in the sustainable use of water in fertirrigated crops. The actions of the project must provide added value that responds to a need for improvement in the European Union with results that can be extrapolated and replicated European level. In this line we have been working and we have already made a diagnosis of those needs through surveys carried out in 531 farms European. How is the project responding to the demands of the farmers? navarra agraria z november december 2017 The content of this publication represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission 11

2 INNOVATION FERTINNOWA INTIA intends with this project to promote the use of the ground and plant monitoring systems applied to the irrigation of horticultural species, sector very important in Navarra. Diagram 1. Tasks of the Fertinnowa project and their interrelation Task 1: Project coordination and management The SAR, Irrigation Advisory Service of INTIA, may be endowed of new complementary instruments, such as continuous monitoring of soil water status, what will allow us to advance in the automation of irrigation systems. 23 partners from 9 European countries participate in the project and from an African country that participates by way of observer, which are entities corresponding to research centers, transfer and training centers, universities, SMEs and agricultural industries. To understand the why and how of the work that is being done, we offer schematically a vision of the different tasks of the project and their interrelation (Diagram 1). Task 2: Inventory of existing knowledge. It is about knowing the current situation of European farms through SURVEYS TO THE PRODUCERS. Task 3: Assessment of current technology and its distribution at European level. STUDY OF SURVEYS TO DETERMINE THE DEFICIENCIES, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTION SYSTEMS. Task 6: Transfer of knowledge. Outreach activities of the project results. Task 5: Exchange of technologies. VALIDATION IN THE FIELD OF SOME OF THE PROPOSED TECHNIQUES OR TOOLS PROPOSED IN PACKAGES 2, 3 AND 4. In this framework, we will comment on the results we have up to date, which are the results of the producer surveys, the technological database and the field tests planned to validate two of the proposed technological tools. Task 4: Transfer of innovative technologies to the horticultural sector. EVALUATION OF DEFICIENCIES AND SEARCH OF SOLUTIONS TO THE DETECTED CHARACTERS IN PACKAGE 3 THROUGH THE EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES OR IN PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT THAT CONTRIBUTE TECHNOLOGICAL SECTORS. DATABASE. RESULTS OF THE SURVEYS Figure 1. Number of Surveys and tipe of production system 1. Overview Greenhouse soil Open field soil Soilless greenhouse Soilless open field navarra agraria z nº surveys have been conducted to know the reality of the agricultural holdings at European level centered on the following topics: z Technical characteristics of farms: areas, crops, productions and systems production. z Irrigation water: origin, consumption, availability, quality and storage. z Technological management: irrigation management, fertilization and equipment. z Socio economic aspects: environmental sustainability, legislations. These 531 surveys (one for each production system of exploitation, 11 of them carried out in Navarra) correspond to 371 producers throughout Europe. The results have been divided by 3 geographic areas: North Western, Mediterranean and Eastern center. In Figure 1 we can see the surveys carried out by partner countries of the Project, as well as the crop analyzed. North-West Mediterranean Central- East United Kingdom Netherlands France Belgium Spain Africa Portugal Italy France Slovenia Poland The Spanish technology centers participating in the project have carried out 171 surveys. They are, in addition to INTIA in Navarra, CICYTEX of Extremadura, IVIA of Valencia, IFAPA and the University of Almeria in Andalucia and Foundation CAJAMAR

3 The crops covered have been virtually all susceptible to be fertirrigated: fruit trees, ornamental crops and, especially, horticultural crops. The survey has been appreciated a great diversity in the type of system production, we talk about cultivation with or without soil and in greenhouse or open field. In total 260 holdings owned a single system of cultivation, 62 farms have 2 farming systems and 49 had three. There are 531 surveys to 391 producers in 9 European countries with participation of 23 technology centers. Figure 2. Origin of irrigation water by countries % Exploited farms Belgium, n=43 France, n=42 Italy, n=33 Netherlands, n=42 Poland, n=73 Slovenia, n=19 South Africa, n=8 Spain, n=94 Rainwater Groundwater Water from community Surface water Mains (tap) water Recycled waste water (drainage) Other( desalinated/ disinfected urban watse water..) United Kingdom, n=17 By regions, it should be noted that almost 40% of farms in the Mediterranean region (where Spain is located) have more than one farming system. This is also true in 35% of the farms in the north western region. On the other hand, more than 70% of farms Orientals specialized in one system.. In Spain, the lack of water has led to this figure particular (Irrigation communities), which does not exist in the rest of Europe, to facilitate resource management. In this image, an essay in tomato culture for the Fertinnowa project 2. Origin of irrigation water In Figure 2 we can see the different origins of water from irrigation by countries on the percentage of farms surveyed. The figure of "Irrigation Community Water" stands out that, although it may come from other declared sources, European level is considered as differentiated by the figure legal status of Spain as the main source of water for irrigation and therefore it is considered a differentiated origin. In general, groundwater is the most used source in Europe (almost 60% of farms use it). Rainwater is also a significant source, especially in Northern Europe where it is produced fundamentally in hydroponics, predominating storage and reuse. In Central Europe and in the Mediterranean area, most of the exploitations generally use ground water, except Spain that is based on the system of irrigation communities. In northwest Europe, where the main focus is on soilless production, water resources are more diversified, they are based mainly on two types of resources such as rainwater and groundwater. Highlight important use in some countries and for crops without soil of reconditioned drainage water (see Figure 2). 3. Problems with the water supply The problems detected are quantity, quality (composition mineral), sanitation (pollution) and pollution chemistry (presence of pesticides). A strong effect of the geographical context is observed (Figure 3). The water quantity problems appear in all the places in Europe with lower incidence in central east area. Even in the Northwest and at certain times of the year, deficiencies appear that are explained by the difficulties to store water, sometimes per year (summer) due to the large quantities needed and whose origin is rain water. In dry navarra agraria z november december

4 INNOVATION FERTINNOWA summer seasons they must use another source of water to supplement the necessary for crops. In the Mediterranean area, problems of availability explain by drought and reduced availability (between June and August, in particular) when the producers they face the system of irrigation turns with the irrigation system community. Quality problems are specific, depending on the country, but there are difficulties in France, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Italy. These difficulties are linked to the production without soil, reuse drainage waters, which are loaded with certain salts harmful to crops. It is worth highlighting the specific health problems manifested in practically all countries in major or minor measure and of which we certainly have no record. We have no results of what agents cause this type of contamination. (see Figure 3) To a lesser extent, there are also specific problems pesticide residues. We have no data on what types of pesticides are responsible for this contamination. 4. Evaluation of producers In general, producers are very satisfied with the quality of the water supply available. Virtually all types of water are with a note above 7 out of 10. The main difficulties that are registered, without being high percentages, are among the producers who recycle water. The accumulation of non usefull ions (Chloride and Sodium) or the EC values (Electrical Conductivity) too high are the main difficulties mentioned by the producers that recycle and reuse the drainages (Figure 4) Figure 4. Percentage of users who face to quality problems depending on the type of water Percentage of growers facing water quality problems OTHER WATER RECYCLED WATER COMMUNITY WATER Figure 3. Percentage of farms that declare problems with the quality of its waters % 80 GROUNDWATER RAINWATER Constantly Sometimes Exceptionally Note for sa sfac on of water quality DESINFECTED URBAN WATER 6,5 DESALINATED WATER 8, DRINKING WATER SUPERFICIAL WATER DRAIN WATER IRRIGATION COMUNITY DRILLING WATER RAIN WATER 8,9 7,7 7,3 7,6 7,9 8, navarra agraria z nº 225 Belgium, n=43 Netherlands, n=42 United Kingdom, n=17 France North, n=16 France South, n=26 Spain, n=94 Italy, n=33 South Africa, n=8 Poland, n=73 Slovenia, n=19 North-West Mediterranean Central-East Quan ty problems Quality problems (mineral composi on) Sanitary problems Chemical pollu on problems. European average 14

5 Figure 5. Systems used for irrigation management Hydric balance Irriga on programs Measurement of the amount of water contributed Solarimeter Watermark Probe Capacity probe Poten al water leaf/stem Crop coverage Others Crop Aspect Adjustable irriga on programs Soil aspect Tensiometer Meteorological sta on Volume measurement in dropper Water availability is the biggest problem detected and some producers talk about technical limitations or unaffordable costs Figure 6. Systems used to manage the contribution of fertilizers 5. Fertigation management methods Drain analysis Others Nutrient solution analysis Irrigation management Among the systems or tools most used for manage irrigation in the European farms, highlights what we could define as "the experience" or "the eye" of the farmer, that decides according to the aspect of the crop and the appearance of soil. The farmer knows their farms and crops and understands when they have to irrigate. They are followed by more technical systems such as irrigation programs, volume measurements in dripper, per station and weather forecast, tensiometers and water balance. (Figure 5) The least used systems are those based on solarimeters, capacity probes and water potential systems in cultivation as seen in Figure 5. Leaf wise analysis Fertilization management Soil analysis Regarding the management of fertilization, it mostly predominates the management based on the chemical analysis of the soil, followed by foliar analysis to know the nutritional status of crops. Third, the nutrient solution analysis to make the relevant adjustments (this fundamentally in soilless crops) and finally, the drainage analysis, also in soilless crops (Figure 6) navarra agraria z november december

6 INNOVATION FERTINNOWA 6. Main weaknesses and incentives for innovation Water availability as the main weakness detected in water resources. What we can appreciate (see Figure 7) is a worsening of availability in Western and Mediterranean area (almost 50% of farms) and just in the northwestern region, which remains constant. ç A worsening is also observed about the water quality in the Mediterranean area (by more than 30% of farms). In the northwestern region it hardly changes. The producers of the Mediterranean area are shown quite pessimistic in this sense, unlike the producers of the Northwest zone. Regarding the willingness to use more sustainable sources, few producers are willing to switch to another source of more sustainable water, except in the case of the United Kingdom.. What reasons do the producers indicate not to evolve towards a more sustainable source of water? The majority of respondents do not answer this question. Those that do express some reason not to change they argue that they are already in a situation of sustainable water use or they do not see a problem in their current situation and they don t see therefore reason to change. (Figure 7). Then, other reasons like lack of alternatives, economic cost unaffordable and technical limitations. Figure 7. Availability of water resources Evolution of water availbaility Evolution of water quality 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Deteriora on No evolución Improvement Willing to use more sustainable water navarra agraria z nº % 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% No Yes

7 Figure 8. Incentives for a better management of Fertigation Improving crop quality Increasing marketable yields Reduce produc on costs Improving financial returns Reducing crop and siol damages Improving security of the produc on Mee ng customer requirement to demonstrate sustainable produc on Licencing / legisla ve changes and need to demonstrate efficiency use Addressing current or future restricted water availability Security of water supply Reducing labour costs (e.g. opera on of manual valves) Figure 9. Expected tools to better manage fertigation But if you ask about the incentives that would be necessary to perform better management of fertigation, mostly they have decanted by: z Ability to produce a better fruit quality. z The possibility of opening newmarkets. z Appearance of techniques with minors production costs. Affordable remotely accessed automatic sensor-activated Affordable real time nutrient diagnostic tools Financial support / subsidies to apply BMP or to implement Visiting sites which demonstrate fertigation best practice Nutrient management Decision Support System for portable Learning from the experiences of other irrigators/fertigators Direct access with specialists... Updated nutriment recommendation guides Documents about technologies -comparisons of systems Nutrient management Decision Support System printable tables Appropriate documents explaining the Best Practices and Workshops involving suppliers of fertigation equipment and Other : Technical advice Workshops on how to improve your own water availability Workshops to better understand water source issues in your Other: increase knowledge on mineralisation of organic fertilizer z And that they would offer better benefits economic. It also highlights here the interest in reduce the impact on soil and crops as well as improving safety of the production. (See Figure 8) If producers are asked about what kind of tools they hope or would like to have to improve the management of Fertigation (Figure 9), mostly opted for systems based on remote automatic sensors and Real time diagnosis tools for needs of nutrients. Third, economic aid is demanded or subsidies to be able to apply these new technologies. They also highlight the demand for Decision support tools, and to know experiences from other regions or centers where demonstrations of good agricultural practices are showed. See press release of the trip organized by INTIA to know other European centers in the link: comunicacion/889 intia participa en el primer taller de transferencia del proyecto fertinnowa.html Figure 9 reflects the technology demands expressed in the survey by the producers. In all cases, there is a clear interest in the new technologies. navarra agraria z november december

8 INNOVATION FERTINNOWA 7. Relationship of producers with organizations public If we analyze the answers of the producers to the questions related to what they expect from public bodies, we appreciate that a large number of farmers do not respond or expect little from public agencies. From the answers obtained, the expectations of the producers are of various natures (Figure 10) that could be divided into 3 categories: z The first one refers to the relationship with the administration and to the simplification of administrative procedures, to make the regulations and guidelines more flexible clear to understand the legislation, the rights and obligations of producers. z Another category refers to the economic aspect, fundamentally to subsidies and financial aid for agricultural companies that help improve their methods management instead of repressive measures. z The last category is aimed at encouraging the administration to finance technical support in the exploitation. 8. Situation in Navarra As we noted at the beginning of this article, eleven of surveys have been conducted in Navarra. Without pretending to give a significant image of the sector due to the limited data sample, we can indicate that: z Regarding the technical characteristics of farms directed to horticultural crops, most use drip systems with ring filtering equipment and of sand. There are no monitoring systems. The farms with greenhouse cultivation are more technically equipped, especially if they have systems of hydroponic crops. z In general, they do not indicate having availability problems of water, using only one source of origin of water. In the southern area, a new irrigation channel is planned to avoid supply problems in the future and expand the productive surfaces. z Irrigation management is mainly done according to the experience of the farmer, the crop and climatic conditions, although technology is demanded of monitoring and decision support tools, as well as systems of automation. In hydroponic crops, automatic irrigation systems are used. Regarding the main bottlenecks found, small scale farms indicate that they can not adopt automatic systems economically viable. There is no awareness of making a negative environmental impact and they do not show problems or concerns in this sense. It is true that part of the study area corresponds to an area declared vulnerable to nitrate pollution and the use of adjustment tools for fertigation management, would help to improve the economic results without contaminating the water with an excessive use of nitrates. Figure 10. What is expected from public agencies? Fertinnowa survey s results. navarra agraria z nº NOTHING NO ANSWER CONTROLS STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS LESS POLITICAL INTERFERENCE RAISE AWARNESS ON WATER MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT EXPERIMENTATION SET UP/ MAINTAIN WATER INFRASTRUCTURES INCREASE WATER QUALITY OTHER TECHNIQUE MANAGEMENT ECONOMIC ADMINISTRATION Belgium, n=43 Netherlands, n=42 United Kingdom, n=17 France, n=42 Spain, n=94 Italy, n=33 South Africa, n=8 Poland, n=73 Slovenia, n=19 LOWER/STABLE PRICE FOR WATER NO ADDITIONAL RULES/ FEES INCENTIVES/ SUBSIDIES POSITIVE INCITATIONS CLEAR GUIDELINES ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLIFICATION FACILITATION/ FLEXIBILITY WITH REGULATIONS 18

9 TECHNOLOGICAL DATABASE As we have already mentioned, this project, focused on optimization of the crops fertigation has as its main objective the creation of an exchange platform of knowledge at European level for the dissemination and evaluation of existing and novel techniques in the use sustainable water in fertirrigated crops. This technological database is available in English in the link database/ found within the project's website: In it technical information is collected related to 5 major themes: z Water sources and their availability z Improvement of irrigation water quality CONCLUSIONS OF THE SURVEY There is a great effect of the geographical context, with characteristics and problems specific to certain regions, which forces us to look for solutions or make proposals specific to each zone. Consequently, differentiated technologies will be proposed to be tested and validated in function of the zones and their problems. z Irrigation and fertigation equipment z Irrigation and fertigation management z Limitation of environmental impact In turn, of each of these themes, they appear other related subtopics and in them you can find all the technological, practical and relevant financial. In case you need more information, you can do Click on one of the internet links or read the Technology Review Documents (TRD). These last ones offer a more detailed explanation and deep of the technology itself and related technologies. Each data sheet contains a brief survey that offers the opportunity to qualify the technology and publish the considerations, experiences and questions that the user deems appropriate. navarra agraria z november december

10 INNOVATION FERTINNOWA CURRENT SITUATION OF THE PROJECT Once the surveys were analyzed, weaknesses were detected, new technologies or existing tools that can help in this regard, have been proposed for its validation in the field. With respect to INTIA, two tools will be validated Decision Support (HAD). Both tools are directed to manage the dose and time of irrigation and fertilization and therefore the fertilizers efficiency contributed HAD Irrigation Platform sigagroasesor The first one, for industrial tomato cultivation, is the technological tool DST Irrigation of the sigagroasesor Platform. Platform whose development has been led by INTIA, with a consortium formed by 5 Autonomous Communities and Aemet, within the framework of the sigagroasesor LIFE project. It has been made an experimental trial of tomato industry in the irrigation programming is done with the DST Irrigation sigagroasesor that will end this 2017 campaign. In the trial, measurements of soil moisture and hidric potential are validated with the portable camera PUMP UP according to the methodology developed by the CICYTEX of Extremadura. It will try to determine potential values in the different phenological phases of the crop, to determine the doses and times of irrigation. This trial was presented on last September 6 on the first day of transfer of Fertinnowa organized by INTIA in the experimental farm of Cadreita. FERTINNOWA INTIA Team. From left to right: Isabel Garriz, Ana Pilar Armesto, Inmaculada Lahoz, Juan del Castillo, Alberto Lafarga, Maite Aguilar y Maite Astiz DST VEGSYST The other tool, which will be validated next year 2018, and is aimed at greenhouse crops (fresh tomatoes), is the Decision Support Tool (DST) VEGSYST. Developed by the University of Almería, its objective, as the previous one, is to manage the doses and times of irrigation, adapting the needs of the crop to the climatic conditions inside a greenhouse. This technology will be presented to the greenhouse sector of Navarra during the open day doors in the experimental trail Farm, in We will inform you of the results of both experiences next issues of Navarra Agraria. navarra agraria z nº Producers from Navarra visiting European centers in October 2016