Conference Agenda

Mediterranean collective irrigation systems (CIS) are exposed to coupled pressures from water availability, reservoir operation, pressurized network performance, energy dependence and evolving crop patterns. This study presents a performance-based resilience assessment of a reservoir-supplied CIS under present-day conditions, supporting climate-resilient resource management. Resilience is evaluated across five interconnected subsystems: (A) water resources, (B) reservoir/service performance, (C) conveyance/distribution, (D) pumping, (E) demand adaptive capacity. System A quantifies inflow-driven stress using hydrological drought metrics; B assesses supply reliability and deficit severity; C evaluates pressure reliability under peak demand; D captures pumping energy intensity; E reflects adaptive capacity through crop diversity, deficit irrigation, application efficiency and on-farm storage. These form an integrated representation of system behavior, conceptually aligned with a digital-twin approach.

Application to the “Minutes” CIS in Portugal, shows good water-resources resilience during 2016–2025 (R= 0.82), despite pronounced interannual variability (CV=0.96) and drought persistence (3.9 months). Reservoir storage ensured service continuity, revealing dependence on multi-year storage. Network hydraulic performance was excellent; however, the increasing share of perennial crops extends the irrigation season, increasing exposure to low-storage conditions and energy-intensive operations (0.22 kWh m^-3). The proposed framework identifies current fragilities and supports targeted, transferable adaptation strategies for resilient land and water systems.

Drained peatlands account for a large portion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agricultural sector. Therefore, political measures aim to promote the rewetted use of peatland areas to reduce GHG emissions. However, for the harvest material from wet grasslands or paludi-material, no economically viable value chains exist currently. Therefore, alternatives are needed to ensure economic profitability. We propose the following approach: for rewetting and later use of rewetted peatland infrastructure is needed. Along the driveways, agri-photovoltaic should be installed, which may also enable the extensive grazing of animals. Second, nearby houses could be supplied with heating and cooling by installing a water pipe network within the peat soil connected to heat pumps. A third pillar would be the CO₂ climate certificates that compensate farmers for the achieved annual GHG savings. A fourth option for using rewetted peatlands is harvesting the produced biomass, e.g for use as feed or biofiber. However, this option should only be realized if the industry is willing to pay a profitable price to the farmer for higher machinery and labour costs and the accompanying risks. If this is not viable, the farmer should leave the biomass on the rewetted peatland, contributing to nature restoration.

Saltwater intrusion is increasingly threatening coastal agricultural systems worldwide, particularly in low-lying delta environments where droughts, reduced river discharge, and sea-level rise enhance salinization processes. The Po River Delta (Italy) represents one of the Mediterranean regions most exposed to these dynamics. This study presents an integrated assessment of soil salinity dynamics and crop vulnerability based on three years of field monitoring, soil chemical analyses, and multi-scale remote sensing. Field investigations included seasonal measurements of soil electrical conductivity using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) probes, continuous monitoring through multi-depth sensors, and laboratory analyses of aqueous soil extracts to determine EC and major ions (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺). Soil data revealed clear seasonal patterns, with increasing salinity during summer months and recurrent exceedance of critical thresholds in several monitoring sites. The ionic composition highlighted the dominant role of chloride and sodium, consistent with marine-derived salinization processes. Satellite analyses based on Landsat imagery and vegetation–salinity indices identified recurrent hotspots of vegetation stress in coastal sectors. Multi-decadal observations (2000–2024) further indicate a progressive intensification of salinity-related stress in the most exposed areas. The integration of in situ monitoring and remote sensing provides a robust framework for detecting salinity-related crop stress and supporting regional risk assessment.