Researchers in Gozo are testing an innovative irrigation method that could significantly reduce the amount of water needed to irrigate plants and trees. The clay-based system involves placing clay elements close to the crops’ root zone, where they draw water out of the soil as it dries out. The clay’s specific porosity controls the rate of water release, ensuring a slow and steady flow that caters to the crops’ needs.
The initiative is being led by the Eco-Gozo directorate within the Gozo Ministry, who are piloting this technology alongside Portugal and Morocco. Three pilot locations have been identified: the Government Experimental Farm in Xewkija and two fields in Għarb and Xagħra. Researchers are specifically studying vines and citrus trees, two essential crops on the island.
Initial results from these pilot locations have shown promising signs of healthy growth and reduced water usage. If successful, this clay-based irrigation system could revolutionize farming practices on Gozo and beyond, offering a sustainable and efficient way to nourish crops while conserving precious water resources. Further research and testing will be conducted to evaluate its long-term benefits and scalability.
This innovative irrigation method has significant implications for water conservation efforts on Gozo, which faces severe water scarcity issues due to its arid climate. By reducing the amount of water needed to irrigate crops, it can help address these challenges while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
The SLECI system being tested in Gozo is a variation of a larger project being implemented across Portugal and Morocco. This project aims to develop self-regulating irrigation systems that use low energy consumption techniques while still delivering efficient results.
Overall, this new irrigation technology holds great potential for transforming agriculture practices on Gozo and beyond, providing a more sustainable approach to crop cultivation while also conserving precious water resources.
The new technology is expected to make a significant impact on farming practices on Gozo by reducing the amount of water needed for irrigation. It will help address severe water scarcity issues on the island while promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers are currently studying vines and citrus trees at three pilot locations in Gozo: Government Experimental Farm in Xewkija, as well as two fields in Għarb and Xagħra. Initial results from these pilot locations have shown promising signs of healthy growth and reduced water usage.
Further research will be conducted to evaluate long-term benefits and scalability of this innovative irrigation technology before it can be implemented on a larger scale across Gozo or other regions with similar conditions.
If successful, this new clay-based irrigation system could transform agriculture practices on Gozo by providing a sustainable solution for crop cultivation while conserving precious water resources.