INTERREG-SUDOE E-rigation Project: Virtual weather stations for irrigation optimization in the Sudoe region

Irregular and reduced rainfall means that the Southwest region is facing increasing difficulties related to water scarcity. In Mediterranean and continental areas, the traditional problem has worsened, with frequent restrictions on water use during periods of scarcity. In Atlantic areas, traditionally unaffected by droughts, the advance of the Mediterranean climate is generating increasingly frequent and intense episodes. Efficient water use is an increasingly important objective, particularly for water-intensive activities such as agriculture. In this sector, the efficient use of irrigation water is also a key factor in competitiveness, given the context of constantly rising costs in recent years.

Transnational cooperation is essential given the shared nature of the challenge across the Southwest region and the transnational dimension of the desired outcomes, which necessitates the active participation of stakeholders throughout the territory. Innovative digital technologies enable the development of new, intelligent irrigation systems characterized by their high precision and comparatively low cost. Among these, virtual weather stations, developed by extrapolating data from fixed stations and applying high-precision agrometeorological models, provide substantially more accurate irrigation recommendations tailored to each farm, significantly increasing their efficiency compared to traditional options.

e-Rigation will develop and test an innovative approach to efficient irrigation based on networks of virtual weather stations. This will reduce the impact of agricultural activities on the water system in the Southwest region and facilitate adaptation to a context of increasing water scarcity. Additionally, a program will be launched to train producers and raise awareness among water resource managers.