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Physical and Economic Water Productivity in Agriculture between Traditional and Water-Saving Irrigation Systems: A Case Study in Southern Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Chiara Perelli

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Tuscia University, Via del Paradiso, 47, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Giacomo Branca

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Tuscia University, Via del Paradiso, 47, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Chiara Corbari

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Marco Mancini

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Water scarcity is a growing social, economic, and political issue, especially in Southern European countries that are becoming even more arid and where different crops can be cultivated only if irrigation is possible. In this context, strategies to enhance water use efficiency are regarded as critical from both an economic and an environmental standpoint. The present work aims to analyse water use efficiency and productivity of processing tomato in Apulia region of Southern Italy. Specifically, the study examines the potential enhancements in economic and physical water productivity through the simulation of the fully coupled FEST-EWB-SAFY model, a hydrological crop model that estimates the optimal water requirements for irrigation using satellite and ground data. The model’s estimates suggest that plants require significantly less water than that provided by conventional irrigation systems. The simulations also suggest that information technology, when combined with irrigation water-saving techniques, can lead to a reduction in water waste, an increase in water productivity, and lower incidence of water costs. Policy interventions should integrate water efficiency into existing regulatory measures and promote better water usage planning through the adoption of smart delivery systems aimed at supplying water only when necessary and at optimal volumes.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Perelli & Giacomo Branca & Chiara Corbari & Marco Mancini, 2024. "Physical and Economic Water Productivity in Agriculture between Traditional and Water-Saving Irrigation Systems: A Case Study in Southern Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:12:p:4971-:d:1412396
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marta Ellena & Roberta Padulano & Paola Mercogliano, 2025. "Influence of climate change on irrigation demand: insights from one of the most agricultural regions in Italy (Puglia)," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(9), pages 10043-10058, May.

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