Operating Group AXARQUÍA SOSTENIBLE

Promoting the sustainable use of reclaimed water in agriculture, especially in tropical crops.

Farm challenges

• Extreme water scarcity in the Axarquía region.
• Historical dependence on reservoir and groundwater.
• Lack of technical knowledge regarding the safe and efficient use of reclaimed water.
• Need to optimize fertilization to avoid over-fertilization, high costs, and pollution.

Assistance / Boost program

Selection of farmers and pilot plots, initial assessment, implementation of the optimized fertigation system, technical monitoring, training, demonstration, and technology transfer.

Innovative features of the initiative / solution

• Considers the nutrient content of reclaimed water, reducing the need for mineral fertilizers.
• Practical, farmer-oriented approach, validated on real plots.
• Applicable to tropical crops, which are understudied in fertigation with reclaimed water.
• It promotes more resilient, sustainable, and circular agriculture in water-stressed areas.

Results obtanied

Efficient water use, improved fertigation, no significant negative effects detected on soil or plants, development and validation of a functional and operational digital tool for farmers and technicians, contribution to the circular water economy by reusing a resource that was previously wasted, reduced risk of nitrate contamination due to more precise fertilization, and strengthened agricultural resilience in the Axarquía region to drought.

Lessons learned

• Reclaimed water is viable but requires technical management.
• Fertigation must adapt to the water, not the other way around.
• Digitalization only works if it is simple and useful.
• Technical support is key; cooperation among stakeholders is essential.
• Innovation must be adapted to the local context.

Contact

• Website 1: https://www.bioazul.com/
• Website 2: https://axarquiasostenible.es/

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