25 - Efficient use of water

Programme manager:

Programme director:

Objective

To develop scientific principles for the efficient control (sensors, models) and automation of irrigation across all crops. To explore alternatives to irrigation. To perform plant physiological studies as the basis for breeding drought tolerance and deficit irrigation. In addition, to establish a platform with stakeholders for sustainable water management in Switzerland.

• Specific objectives

  • Develop and evaluate solutions for increasing the efficiency of water use in crop production using sensor-based decision-making tools (soil, plant) for irrigation. These decision-making tools can be used in a wide variety of crops and should also enable irrigation to be automated.
  • Model the water demand for crop production at field, farm and regional level with the aid of weather and soil data to produce recommendations for efficient app-based irrigation (Agrometeo or others).
  • Research alternatives to irrigation and supplementary, biodiversity-friendly measures to increase water-use efficiency (e.g. options to improve the water retention capacity at soil or landscape level, reducing soil evaporation, smart drainage).
  • Study the physiological response of selected crops and varieties to water stress to provide information for breeders on selection criteria for water stress tolerance and to create the basis for regulated deficit irrigation (RDI).
  • Evaluate the suitability of water resources for irrigation, including wastewater, in collaboration with other institutions (lowland, upland and alpine farming).
  • Actively participate with stakeholders (FOAG, other agencies, as well as cantons, sectors and companies) in the Swiss Sustainable Water Management platform to exchange information and develop strategies for the provision and use of irrigation water.

Expected outcomes

Swiss crop and livestock production can maintain its productivity and profitability while ensuring the sustainability of the natural resources soil, water, air and climate, and adapt to the consequences of climate change. Conflicts of interest created by competing demands for water are reduced. Agroscope provides practical recommendations to help increase water-use efficiency in agriculture. The Sustainable Water Management competence platform addresses questions about water availability and water use with stakeholders.

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