In Gozo, a local team of scientists are conducting groundbreaking research on an innovative irrigation method that could significantly reduce the amount of water needed to water plants and trees. The clay-based system involves placing clay elements close to the crops’ root zone. As the surrounding soil dries out, it creates a pressure differential, and suction draws water out of the clay elements. The clay’s specific porosity controls the rate of water release, ensuring a slow and steady flow that caters to the crops’ needs.
The project is being led by Eco-Gozo directorate within the Gozo Ministry in collaboration with researchers from Portugal and Morocco. Three pilot locations have been identified for testing: Government Experimental Farm in Xewkija, as well as two fields in Għarb and Xagħra. The focus is on two essential crops: vines and citrus trees.
Initial results from the pilot locations are promising, with crops showing signs of healthy growth and reduced water usage. If successful, this clay-based irrigation system could revolutionize farming practices in 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.
Researchers are particularly excited about this new technology because it offers a solution to one of Gozo’s most significant challenges: water scarcity. By reducing the amount of water needed to irrigate plants, it can help address this issue on the island.
The SLECI system being tested in Gozo is an advanced version of a Self-regulating, Low Energy, Clay based Irrigation (SLECI) system that has already been piloted in Portugal and Morocco. This innovation has shown promising results in those countries as well.
If successful in Gozo too, this new irrigation method could have far-reaching implications beyond just reducing water usage for agriculture – it could also help conserve other vital natural resources like groundwater sources.
Overall, this new irrigation technology represents an exciting development for farmers in Gozo who face numerous challenges when trying to grow crops sustainably amidst limited resources. With further testing and refinement, this innovative approach could become a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture on our planet’s smaller islands.