Callosa d’en Sarrià, located in the province of Alicante, Spain, is a key agricultural region facing significant challenges in water management. Its semi-arid Mediterranean climate, characterized by irregular rainfall and high summer temperatures, has put increasing pressure on available water resources. Local agriculture, mainly focused on crops such as loquats and citrus fruits, relies on a stable water supply to ensure its viability and competitiveness in the market.
Currently, the General Community of Irrigators and Water Users of Callosa d’en Sarrià sources water primarily from the Algar and Guadalest rivers, along with underground wells. However, climate variability, combined with inefficient traditional irrigation systems and a lack of digitalization in water management, threatens the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Persistent high water loss from outdated irrigation methods, along with high energy costs associated with pumping, negatively impacts farmers’ profitability and the conservation of natural resources.
This project aims to modernize irrigation infrastructure by optimizing water use, digitalizing management systems, and integrating renewable energy into water pumping. Its implementation will enhance water and energy efficiency in the agricultural sector, strengthening resilience to climate change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural production in the region.
Water use in Callosa d’en Sarrià is affected by several interconnected factors that compromise its availability and efficiency in agriculture. The region experiences prolonged droughts, reducing river flow and making groundwater recharge more difficult. This water shortage is worsened by the low efficiency of irrigation systems, as only half of the cultivated land uses drip irrigation, while the other half still relies on traditional methods such as flood irrigation, leading to up to 40% water loss.
The lack of digitalization in water management is another major obstacle. Most farmers do not have access to advanced monitoring tools to optimize water use, making it difficult to implement efficient irrigation practices. Additionally, water extraction from underground wells requires high energy consumption, increasing operational costs and reducing the profitability of agricultural production.
Climate change has intensified these problems, with rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall further limiting water availability. These combined factors threaten the stability and sustainability of the agricultural sector, making it urgent to implement innovative solutions for better water resource management.
To enhance water efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices, the project integrates modern irrigation technologies, digital water management, and renewable energy solutions. These strategies work together to optimize resource use, reduce water losses, and improve energy efficiency, ensuring a long-term sustainable impact.
1. Optimizing Water Use Through Modern Irrigation Systems
One of the most effective ways to mitigate water waste in agriculture is the transition from traditional irrigation methods to drip irrigation. This system delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff while ensuring crops receive the exact amount of water needed. By implementing precision irrigation techniques, the project reduces unnecessary water extraction, helping to preserve aquifers and other natural water sources while maintaining optimal agricultural productivity.
2. Digitalizing Water Management for Precision Irrigation
Water overuse in agriculture is often due to inefficient application rather than actual need. To address this, the project incorporates soil moisture sensors and digital monitoring systems that provide real-time data on soil conditions. By ensuring that irrigation occurs only when necessary, this approach significantly reduces water wastage and prevents over-irrigation, which can lead to soil degradation and nutrient loss. Additionally, by optimizing water distribution, farmers can improve crop yields while conserving valuable water resources.
3. Reducing Energy Dependence Through Renewable Solutions
Traditional water pumping systems rely heavily on electricity or fossil fuels, increasing operational costs and carbon emissions. To mitigate this, the project integrates solar-powered pumping systems, allowing farmers to reduce energy dependency and operating expenses. This transition to renewable energy sources not only enhances economic sustainability but also reduces the environmental footprint of irrigation activities, aligning with global climate action goals.
4. Ensuring Long-Term Impact Through Training and Capacity Building
Technological advancements alone are not enough to sustain water conservation. To ensure long-term success, the project includes farmer training programs focused on efficient water use, digital monitoring, and renewable energy integration. By equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills, the project builds local capacity for sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring that the benefits of these interventions are maintained and expanded over time.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Enhancing water efficiency through drip irrigation and digitalized water management.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Reducing energy consumption in agriculture by integrating renewable energy sources.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Creating new employment opportunities in the agricultural sector by introducing advanced irrigation technologies.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Implementing modern irrigation technologies to optimize water use in agriculture.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Promoting efficient water resource management and reducing the environmental impact of irrigation.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Strengthening the agricultural sector’s resilience to climate change by improving water and energy efficiency.
This project follows a structured, multi-phase approach to improve water efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and promote sustainable irrigation practices. Each step ensures long-term benefits for agricultural productivity while optimizing resource use.
1. Assessment of the Current Irrigation System
Before implementing changes, a thorough evaluation is conducted to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
2. Installation of Drip Irrigation Systems
To optimize water distribution, modern irrigation technology is introduced.
3. Implementation of Real-Time Monitoring Technologies
Smart irrigation solutions are integrated to further optimize water use.
4. Integration of Renewable Energy into Pumping Systems
To reduce operational costs and environmental impact, sustainable energy solutions are implemented.
5. Training and Capacity Building for Farmers
Ensuring effective adoption of these technologies requires proper education and support.
The modernization of the irrigation system in Callosa d’en Sarrià represents a fundamental step towards a more efficient and climate-resilient agricultural sector. The implementation of drip irrigation, digital monitoring systems, and renewable energy sources will significantly reduce water and energy consumption, improving farmers’ profitability and promoting sustainability in the sector.
This integrated approach will not only benefit agricultural producers but also contribute to the conservation of regional water resources, reducing pressure on water sources and ensuring a more equitable and sustainable supply. The combination of modern infrastructure, technological innovation, and training in sustainable agricultural practices will ensure that this project has a lasting impact, positioning Callosa d’en Sarrià as a model for efficient and responsible water management in agriculture.
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