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TASKS |
Project Methodology Outline The project has four logical components (the development of each of the above listed tools). Each component is a “work package, that is further divided into “tasks”. The first work package (WP1) is a review of present situation, both resources and expected requirements, in the most important horticultural areas in the Mediterranean basin. The estimate of the expected requirements will be coupled to the development of realistic fertigation recipes for the major horticultural crops. The second work package (WP2) will consider greenhouse management (climate and irrigation) strategies that make it possible to mitigate the negative effect of low-quality irrigation water, once this effect (yield response to salinity) is quantified for the most important crops. Work package three (WP3) will give structure to existing information on water saving techniques and installations (such as rain-harvesting, use and upgrade of waste water; new irrigation techniques; new crops and crop combinations) and link their efficiency to climate and other regional factors. We will determine a strategy for the management at farm level of multiple-quality water-resources. Work package four (WP4) will provide a tool for irrigation and fertigation management. An analysis of expected effects on yield quantity and quality will be translated into a decision support system (DSS) for growers. The Decision Support System will contain simulation modules of the relevant processes at farm level (WP2 and WP3). It will be able to perform a multi-objective optimisation, suggesting a ranking of strategies for the best allocation of restrictions to different farming structures with the aim of maximising rewards. The work of the previous work-packages will be assembled into models or blue-print rules to be used by the DSS of WP4.
Links between Workpackages
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INCO-MED :International Cooperation Contract number : ICA3-1999-00009 - HORTIMED |