Abstract

In this paper the evolution of irrigation methods, in relation to socio-economic andtechnological developments, with particular reference to the territory of the Apulianregion, are reported.The evolution of irrigation methods was determined not only by the need to reducewater consumption, but also to irrigation management at the farm level, such as:- the gradual increase in the cost of labor;- the growing decrease in the labor supply, even during the day.In the fifties of the last century, irrigation was performed with gravitational methods,while in the following decades it has gone progressively towards sprinklers and lowpressure localized methods. The transition from gravitational irrigation methods tosprinkler and localized low pressure methods, water distribution was also aided bythe evolution of the public water supply network. In fact the water distribution networkchanged from the free surface (channels) to pressure pipes, and the type of waterdelivery, both rounded or on demand, according to the needs of the crops.Now water networks begin to be realized equipped also with hydrants that, usemagnetic cards (AcquaCard) showing contractual obligations.Water pipe networks delivery and the prevalence of autonomous water sources(private wells) have encouraged the spread of automation in irrigation management.However, the drilling of a large number of wells, on one hand has encouraged theexpansion of irrigated areas and the spread of automated irrigation methods, onthe other is leading to excessive pumping of water from aquifers, resulting in theirprogressive salinization, as occurs along the Adriatic coast.The evolution of irrigation methods, however, has relatively little contributed tocontain specific seasonal irrigation volumes, so the future challenge will be to makethe use of the current irrigation methods more efficient, through a correct definition ofthe irrigation variables (watering volumes and irrigation time) , in relation to:- the hydrological characteristics of the soil;- crops water needs;- the criterion of maximum cost-effectiveness of water use.Research institutions are focusing their actions on these issues and are alreadyavailable information to be transferred in practice to promote water conservation.To make those information more usable in practice, however, it would be desirablethe strengthening of technical support in agriculture.

Autore Pugliese

• Boari Francesca

Tutti gli autori

• A. Caliandro; F. Boari

Titolo volume/Rivista

Non Disponibile

Anno di pubblicazione

2015

ISSN

Non Disponibile

ISBN

2-85352-549-X

Numero di citazioni Wos

Nessuna citazione

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

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Numero di citazioni Scopus

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Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

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Settori ERC

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Codici ASJC

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