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Pilot #6

Recycled water utilization

Pilot #6 is situated on the breathtaking island of Santorini, home to some of the oldest self-rooted vineyards in the world, cultivated over 3,500 years. The island’s unique volcanic soil—composed of lava, ash, and pumice—provides a rich agricultural foundation, enabling the production of high-quality grapes. Santorini’s kouloura vine training method, which protects grapes from harsh winds, exemplifies the island’s innovative farming practices. Given its proximity to the coast, the island faces challenges such as poor groundwater quality and salinity, necessitating sustainable irrigation solutions.

Objectives

Utilization of Recycled Water

Partnering with the local Municipal biological purification plant, wastewater is treated for irrigation across more than 50 hectares of vineyards.

Networking for Farmers

Establishing a robust irrigation network of over 3 km to serve 20-30 farmers, with potential for wider community benefits as the solution scales.

Technology in Action

Smart Irrigation Systems

Apply SynField / SynWater systems for in-situ IoT data collection and automated irrigation management, ensuring optimal water use.

Water Quality Monitoring

Monitor the quality of recycled water and assess its suitability for irrigation through handheld instruments, like field spectroradiometers.

Why GEORGIA Stands Out

GEORGIA is pioneering innovative irrigation practices that address the unique challenges faced by Santorini’s vineyards. Here’s how GEORGIA makes a difference:

Automated Water Sharing

Streamline the distribution and management of recycled water among farmers to enhance irrigation efficiency.

BSL 3 Validation

Safety for agricultural use is ensured by testing and validating the biosafety measures of recycled water treatment.

Socio-Economic Analysis

The irrigation solution's sustainability and economic viability are examined, setting a model for replication across the island and beyond.

Green dEal cOmpliant iRriGation Increasing Europe’s Agriculture resilience to drought

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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