Increasing productivity of agricultural production by increasing water use efficiency and sustainability

In the EIP PRO-PRODUCTION project, we applied the practical results of the SPON system to optimise irrigation water use and increase agricultural productivity at demonstration farms. SPON improves agricultural productivity. We apply SPON to the apple orchard, corn, hops, tomato, potato, and cabbage, and cherries and table grapes. In the sixth six-month reporting period, which is also the last, we (1) successfully transferred SPON to ARSO and thus integrated the Irrigation Decision Support System (SPON) into the information system in combination with the weather forecast in cooperation with an external contractor, the Slovenian Environmental Agency. (2) We also carried out maintenance work and updates to the SPON system. (3) We performed the maintenance of the probes and transferred information on maintenance and use to agricultural holdings. (4) We conducted a professional excursion for students and workshops for experts and farmers on selected partner farms. (5) We prepared a feasibility analysis to transfer project solutions. (6) We produced written and multimedia learning content to disseminate SPON and on professionally correct irrigation, which are available on the project website. (7) We disseminated the project results through various media (TV, radio, e-mail, newspaper, professional and scientific journals) and professional events. We have successfully completed the project.

The project contributes to scientific development in the fields of agriculture, water management, and environmental sciences by developing and applying methods for optimising irrigation based on soil, crop, and weather data. Through the implementation of decision support systems, real-time soil moisture monitoring, and the integration of evapotranspiration forecasting models. The project enhances understanding of the interactions between water use, crop growth, yield, and environmental impacts. Its results support the advancement of scientifically grounded, data-driven approaches to sustainable agricultural production and facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge into practical application.

The project is highly relevant for the development of Slovenia, as it enhances the competitiveness of Slovenian agriculture, promotes more efficient use of natural resources, and improves the environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural production. By increasing water use productivity, the project reduces yield losses, irrigation costs, and negative environmental impacts such as nutrient leaching. It also strengthens the resilience of agriculture to climate change, particularly droughts, while supporting knowledge development, innovation, and digitalisation in rural areas.