Title:
Assessing Crop Water Use of Industrial Crops Under Different Irrigation Input Using a Sub Water Retention System
Author(s):
Corinzia, S.A., Crapio, E., Caruso, P., Piccitto, A., Calė, G.A., Patanč, C., Cosentino, S.L., Testa, G.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Water scarcity and low soil water retention are major constraints to agricultural productivity in the Mediterranean Basin, especially in sandy soils prone to desertification. Within the framework of the MediOpuntia and MIDAS projects, a Sub Water Retention System (SWRS) prototype developed by CREA was tested in southern Europe to evaluate its effect on crop performance and water use. A field trial conducted in Ispica, Sicily, in 2024 assessed the response of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) to SWRS under rainfed and irrigated conditions in sandy soils with poor water retention. Results showed that post-sowing precipitation was insufficient for plant establishment in rainfed plots. LAI was significantly affected by proximity to SWRS only in irrigated hemp, with all crops displaying decreasing LAI with increased distance from the water-retaining film. Yield responses varied: hemp and castor seed yields were highest directly above the SWRS, while sorghum biomass yield was greater at further distances. The SWRS demonstrated potential to retain winter water and enhance water availability during peak summer demand, with pronounced effects on yield, particularly for hemp. However, its impact on LAI was minimal under non-limiting water conditions. Greater benefits are anticipated under drought stress, for which further data are needed.
Keywords:
hemp, water use, Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, oil crops
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Biomass resources and potentials
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.2.24
Pages:
180 - 182
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-1CV.2.24
Price:
FREE
