deliverable no. 6.13 showcase eventstransfer of innovative techniques for sustainable water use in...

Transfer of INNOvative techniques for

sustainable WAter use in FERtigated crops

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and

innovation programme under grant agreement No 689687 1

Deliverable No. 6.13

Showcase events

Project acronym FERTINNOWA

Project number 689687

Project title Transfer of INNOvative techniques for sustainable WAter use in FERtigated crops

Organisation responsible for deliverable

NIAB EMR

Deliverable author(s) Eleftheria Stavridou

Deliverable version number 1.0

Actual delivery date 31/12/2018

Dissemination level PU

Change log

Ref. Ares(2018)6676531 - 31/12/2018





Version Date Author Reason of change

0.1 21/12/2018 Eleftheria Stavridou

Initial draft

0.2 26/12/2018 Els Berckmoes

Revision

1.0 31/12/2018 Eleftheria Stavridou

Final

Release approval

Version Date Name and organisation Role

1.0 31/12/2018 Eleftheria Stavridou, NIAB EMR WP leader

1.0 31/12/2018 Raf De Vis & Els Berckmoes, PSKW Coordinator





Table of Contents

List of Figures ................................................................................................................... 5

List of Tables .................................................................................................................... 6

1 Executive summary ............................................................................................... 7

2 Objective ............................................................................................................... 8

3 Dissemination events ............................................................................................ 9

4 Showcase events ................................................................................................. 14

Technologies showcased by PSKW .................................................................................. 14 Thematic day for tomato growers: Showing the potential of foreign technologies (Algae prevention

and sodium reduced unit) .................................................................................................................................... 14 Seminar and technology market on Water: showcasing Algae prevention and presenting sodium

reduced unit ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Future water challenges at your farm?: Showcase of the potential of the WADITO model (Lier) ...... 16 Water and recirculation… from problem to solution?! (a showcase of the WADITO and sodium

reduced unit) ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Future water challenges at your farm?: Showcase of the potential of the WADITO model (Beveren)

18

Technologies showcased by PCS and FRAU ..................................................................... 19 Nutrient removal from drainwater: the e-Phos® showcased @ PCS ................................................... 19

Technology showcased by APREL .................................................................................... 20 Optimisation de la fertirrigation en culture en sol. Démonstration de nouvelles technologies ......... 20 Optimisation de la fertirrigation en culture en sol. Démonstration de nouvelles technologies ......... 21 Optimisation de la fertirrigation en culture en sol. Démonstration de nouvelles technologies ......... 22

Technology showcased by CERSSA .................................................................................. 22 Use of absorbing mats to reduce nitrate leaching into the soil in potted cultivation ......................... 22

Technology showcased by TNO ....................................................................................... 23 Showcase meeting on use of photocatalytic (PCO) materials in horticulture ..................................... 23

Technologies showcased by ZW ...................................................................................... 24 Waterday ............................................................................................................................................. 24

Technologies showcased by IFAPA .................................................................................. 25 Showcasing the CLEANLEACH system .................................................................................................. 25 Uso Sostenible del Agua y los Fertilizantes en Cultivos Hortícolas en Sustrato. Reducción del impacto

ambiental por efluentes en cultivos en sustrato. ................................................................................................. 26 Showcasing the CLEANLEACH system at the EIP-Agri workshop “Connecting innovative projects:

Water and Agriculture” ........................................................................................................................................ 27

Technologies showcased by CDR..................................................................................... 29 Contemporary challenges of water management in rural areas ......................................................... 29

Technologies showcased by FC and UAL .......................................................................... 29 Demonstration of technologies for an eficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation in soil-grown

vegetable crops - FERTINNOWA project (Demostración de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas en suelo - proyecto FERTINNOWA) .................................................................. 29





Demonstration of technologies for an efficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation in soil-grown vegetable crops (Demostración de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas en suelo) .............................................................................................................................................. 32

Demonstration of technologies for an efficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation in soil-grown vegetable crops. FERTINNOWA project (Demostración de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas en suelo. Proyecto FERTINNOWA) ................................................................... 32

Technologies showcased by CICYTEX .............................................................................. 34 Demonstration of technologies for an efficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation

(Demostración de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas) ............... 34 Presentation showcase CONESA.......................................................................................................... 36 Irrigation automation (IRRIX) showcased at HACIENDASBIO .............................................................. 36 Technology exchange in irrigation decision suport system (Intercambio tecnológico sistemas de

soporte decisión de riego) .................................................................................................................................... 37

Technologies showcased by DGRDPAC and IVIA .............................................................. 38 Oportunidades technological para un manejo mas sostenible del fertirriego en horticultura

ornamental ........................................................................................................................................................... 38 Demostración Tecnológica- El agua y los nitratos en el suelo también cuentan en el cálculo preciso

de las necesidades de riego .................................................................................................................................. 39 Demostración Tecnológica- El agua y los nitratos en el suelo también cuentan en el cálculo preciso

de las necesidades de riego .................................................................................................................................. 41

Technologies showcased by INTIA .................................................................................. 42 The sigAGROasesor and Vegsyst model .............................................................................................. 42 The Vegsyst model ............................................................................................................................... 43

Technologies showcased by CATE and Priva .................................................................... 44 Le CATE et PRIVA organisent une reunion d’information- La régulation de l’irrigation et du climat

sous serre 44

Technologies showcased by CAFS ................................................................................... 45 Early warning system for irrigation ...................................................................................................... 45

Technologies showcased by PCG ..................................................................................... 46 PCG op Werktuigendagen 2017 ........................................................................................................... 46 Betreft: Studiemoment: Fertigatie in courgette open lucht ................................................................ 46 Infovergadering “Beredeneerd beregenen van opnluchtgroenten en oardappelen” ......................... 46

Technologies showcased by PCH ..................................................................................... 47 Using KNS tables to fertigated strawberry in soil cultivation - Reducing the impact of nitrogen on the

environment ......................................................................................................................................................... 47 Collection and reuse of drain water on trayfields strawberry: prefiltration techniques ..................... 49

Technologies showcased by OA and PSKW ...................................................................... 50 Selective removal of sodium from drain water ................................................................................... 50

Technologies showcased by NIAB EMR ........................................................................... 51 Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased to The Asplins PO Ltd ............. 51 Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased to South African growers ....... 53 Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased during the Fruit focus tours ... 53 Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased to Swedish growers ................ 54

5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 55





List of Figures

Figure 1. Audience reached through the showcase events ..................................................... 14

Figure 2 Participants were guided along the different exchanged technologies in small groups. ............................................................................................................................ 15

Figure 3 One of the participating booths at the Water technology market at PCS ................ 16

Figure 4. Participants at the location of the showcased technology at PCS ........................... 19

Figure 5. Participants visited the demonstration site at APREL .............................................. 21

Figure 6. The group of attendants of the showcase event held by APREL .............................. 22

Figure 7. A group of visitors seeing the use of absorbing mats .............................................. 23

Figure 8. The showcase event held by TNO ............................................................................. 24

Figure 9. A group of participants visiting the showcased technology at ZW .......................... 25

Figure 10. A visit on the CLEANLEACH system in Almeria ....................................................... 26

Figure 11. Growers and advisors during their visit at IFAPA ................................................... 27

Figure 12. During the showcase event organised by CDR ....................................................... 29

Figure 13. Showcase event on 8th of March ............................................................................ 31

Figure 14. Showcase event on 22nd of March ......................................................................... 31

Figure 15. During the showcase event organised by FC and UAL ........................................... 34

Figure 16. Showcase event at CICYTEX .................................................................................... 36

Figure 17. CICYTEX researchers presented the results to members of HACIENDAS BIO ....... 37

Figure 18 The showcase event organised by CICYTEX ............................................................. 38

Figure 19. During the showcase event held at Orvifrusa nursery organised by DGDRPAC .... 39

Figure 20. During the showcase event of IVIA ......................................................................... 42

Figure 21. During the showcase event organised by INTIA ..................................................... 43

Figure 22. During the showcase event organised by INTIA ..................................................... 44

Figure 23. CATE and PRIVA showcased the Priva Root Optimizer ........................................... 45

Figure 24. Attendants of the showcase event organised by CAFS .......................................... 46

Figure 25. Atendants of the showcase event at PCG ............................................................... 46

Figure 26. Participants of the showcase event at PCG ............................................................ 47

Figure 27. PCH showcased the KNS tables ............................................................................... 49

Figure 28. PCH showcased prefiltration techniques ................................................................ 50

Figure 29. The group of attendants on the showcased event organised by OA and PSKW .... 51





Figure 30. Growers visiting the demonstration site at NIAB EMR ........................................... 52

Figure 31. Groups of participants at the research tours during the Fruit Focus at NIAB EMR 54

Figure 32. The group of Swedish growers visited the demonstration site at NIAB EMR ........ 55

List of Tables

Table 1. A selective list of events where FERTINNOWA’s outcomes were presented .............. 9





1 Executive summary

This deliverable will describe the dissemination events that FERTINNOWA was presented as part of T6.2. “Dissemination activities”, subtask T6.2.8 “Dissemination and showcase events”.

The aim of this task was to organise national and local FERTINNOWA dissemination events at which exchanged technologies (WP5) or other innovative technologies mentioned in WP3 or WP4 will be showcased and the results of FERTINNOWA will be disseminated. When the Dissemination and Communication strategy was prepared a more detailed plan for each consortium member was set to enable us to use the expertise of each partner with the best way to raise the widest possible awareness and visibility at the local and national level as needed. On this task we set up two targets to i) disseminate the project results on local, national and international events and ii) organise or co-organise showcase events at the location of the exchanged technology at WP5 (this task was relevant only for members that participated on the WP5).

The consortium members participated on more than 90 events where they had the opportunity to disseminate the FERTINNOWA outcomes and increase the project visibility. The dissemination events included local or international workshops, symposiums, (inter)national conferences, growers’ days, exhibitions and agricultural fairs. Through these events, we reached more than 5000 people (final numbers to be confirmed).

Moreover, the consortium members organised or co-organised showcase events on the location of the technologies exchanged on the WP5. Each member involved in WP5 exchanged at least 1 technology and (co)organised at least 1 showcase event. Through the showcase events that were organised, we reached in total 1231 people.

We consider that the FERTINNOWA project has been successfully disseminated and the outcomes of the project reached our target audiences.





2 Objective

This deliverable will describe the dissemination events that FERTINNOWA was presented as part of T6.2. “Dissemination activities”, subtask T6.2.8 “Dissemination and showcase events”.

The aim of this task was to organise national and local FERTINNOWA dissemination events at which exchanged technologies (WP5) or other innovative technologies mentioned in WP3 or WP4 will be showcased and the results of FERTINNOWA will be disseminated. Each WP member had to organise at least 2 local showcase events to be held at ‘early adopter’ commercial sites or research demonstration sites to feature the individual best practice technologies and innovations. The technologies exchanged are described in detail on the D5.2, D5.3, D5.4 and D5.5.

When the Dissemination and Communication strategy was prepared a more detailed plan for each consortium member was set to enable us to use the expertise of each partner with the best way to raise the widest possible awareness and visibility at the local and national level as needed. On this task we set up two targets to i) disseminate the project results on local, national and international events and ii) organise or co-organise showcase events at the location of the exchanged technology at WP5 (this task was relevant only for members that participated on the WP5).

As it has been reported on the interim report the communication and dissemination plan of the project was revised regularly. The monitoring and evaluation of the plan helped to assess the effectiveness of channels and formats and recommend changes where necessary.





3 Dissemination events

The consortium members participated on more than 90 events where they had the opportunity to disseminate the FERTINNOWA outcomes and increase the project visibility. The dissemination events included local or international workshops, symposiums, (inter)national conferences, growers’ days, exhibitions and agricultural fairs. Through these events, we reached more than 5000 people (final numbers to be confirmed). A selective list of the events where FERTINNOWA outcomes have been presented can be found in Table 1. The complete list of all the dissemination activities performed from the partners can be found on the final project report.

Table 1. A selective list of events where FERTINNOWA’s outcomes were presented

Date Event Partner

February 2016 HDC soft fruit agronomist day

NIAB EMR

February 2016 Aglian salad grower's day NIAB EMR

February 2016 EMRA/AHDB tree fruit day

NIAB EMR

June 2016 Coordinators day organised by Horizon 2020

PSKW

November 2016

ERIAFF symposium, CICYTEX

November 2016 Technical grower meeting of open air vegetables

PCG

November 2016 Technical grower meeting for potted plants

PCS

November 2016 Technical grower meeting for bedding plants

PCS

December 2016 Technological exchange workshop on innovative techniques for the sustainable management of water and fertilizers in fertigated crops

CICYTEX

December 2016 12. Lombergarjev sadjarski posvet

NIAB EMR





January 2017 “Sustainable agricultural practices" organized with WWF

CDR

January 2017 Water Conference ZW

February 2017 Development agency delegate visit

CATE

February 2017 Regional policy makers visit CATE

March 2017 Korean growers visit CATE

March 2017 Sustainable use of natural resources at the farm'

CDR

March 2017 Water purification in soilless systems

ZW

April 2017 Kick off meeting TNO MKB (SME) Technologie cluster

TNO

May 2017 Presentation of showcase activity on irrigation management to members EUVRIN workshop on irrigation and fertigation management

CICYTEX

May 2017 LUWQ conference PSKW

June 2017 Salon de Provence Agricultural show

APREL

June 2017 Technical grower meeting for potted plants

PCS

June 2017 56th IALB / 6th EUFRAS Conference

PSKW

July 2017 The Fourth Horticulture Research conference

NIAB EMR

August 2017 8th international strawberry congress poster presentation on KNS fertililzation Quebec Canada

PCH





October 2017 Technical seminar "Nuevas tecnologías en Agroganadería (new technologies in agrofood) organised by FEVAL and CAJAMAR in Don Benito

CICYTEX

October 2017 Undercover farming conference Western Cape 2017

OA

October 2017 WRE conference PSKW

November 2017

2nd Forum on Innovation and knowledge transfer in Warsaw

CDR

November 2017 Workshop collecting drainwater trayfield

PCH

December 2017 Lombergarjevi dnevi CAFS

January 2018 Kick of meeting NEFERTITI EU thematic network

FC, UAL

January 2018 Meeting of the project group Save and Save water

TNO

January 2018 Berry gardens growers and advisors

NIAB EMR

February 2018 advisors and Slovenian Environment Agency

CAFS

February 2018 EUFRAS Annual Assembly CDR

February 2018 Course of “Incorporation of young farmers to the agricultural enterprise”

IFAPA

February 2018 Themasessie Marktgedreven ontwikkeling van innovatieve watertechnologie

TNO





March 2018 Precision irrigation and fertilization FERDOÑANA project

CICYTEX

March 2018 Undercover farming conference Gauteng 2018

OA

March 2018 Waste water treatments …. a broad range of possibilities?! Workshop

PSKW

March 2018 Workshop linked to EUVRIN and EUFRIN

PSKW

May 2018 During the technical tour of the EIP-Agri workshop “Connecting innovative projects: Water & Agriculture”

FC, IFAPA, UAL

May 2018 Workshop “Uso Sostenible del Agua y los Fertilizantes en Cultivos Hortícolas en Sustrato. Reducción del impacto ambiental por efluentes en cultivos en sustrato.”

IFAPA

June 2018 Salon de Provence Agricultural show

APREL

June 2018 7th EUFRAS Conference

IFAPA

August 2018 AHDB

August 2018 XXX International Horticultural Congress: IHC2018

FC, NIAB EMR, UAL

September 2018

British Embassy Warsaw PL-UK Science Forum on international cooperation,

CDR





September 2018 Pitching disinfection technologies at PCS studiemiddag

PRIVA

September 2018 EUVRIN meeting TNO

October 2018 RED PACA conference APREL

November 2018 Pitching disinfection technologies at PSKW studienamiddag,

PRIVA

November 2018 Grower meeting for pot plant growers

PCS

December 2018 Future water challenges at your farm

PSKW





4 Showcase events

The consortium members organised or co-organised showcase events on the location of the technologies exchanged on the WP5. Each member involved in WP5 exchanged at least 1 technology and (co)organised at least 1 showcase event. To be able to evaluate the impact of the project, the partners had to fill out a brief report (see sections below). Through the showcase events that were organised, we reached in total 1231 people (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Audience reached through the showcase events

Technologies showcased by PSKW

Thematic day for tomato growers: Showing the potential of foreign technologies (Algae prevention and sodium reduced unit)

Date: 28 August 2018

Location: PSKW, Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Highlights: In the framework of the " Thematic day for tomato growers", participants had the chance to follow a guided tour to see some new water technologies. Amongst these technologies, also the new FERTINNOWA demonstration site for algae preventions and the sodium reduced unit of Optima Agrik were visited. During the visit, growers received detailed information on the exchanged technology and its potential to be used in Flemish greenhouse horticulture.





Target groups reached:

Figure 2 Participants were guided along the different exchanged technologies in small groups.

Seminar and technology market on Water: showcasing Algae prevention and presenting sodium reduced unit

Date: 13 September 2018

Location: Proefcentrum Sierteelt, PCS

Highlights: The seminar focussed on 2 aspects of sustainable water use at the greenhouse production. Saving water to overcome droughts was one aspect, while the other aspect was on the prevention of drain water discharge. During the plenary session, Els Berckmoes presented the outcomes of the FERTINNOWA project. During the technology market, PSKW showcased the outcomes of the algae exchange. The different materials were demonstrated to the audience. The sodium reduced unit was explained by use of a slideshow.





Figure 3 One of the participating booths at the Water technology market at PCS

Future water challenges at your farm?: Showcase of the potential of the WADITO model (Lier)

Date: 25 October 2018

Location: Zuid-West, Lier, Belgium

Highlights: During this growers' discussion evening, the current and future water challenges were discussed, as experienced by both the growers and the researchers. During the event, the possibilities of water storage were discussed and the possibilities of clustering collecting surfaces were explained as one of the ways to overcome droughts. The possibilities of the WADITO model to modulate the impact of clustering collecting surfaces were showcased. Also, other technologies, listed and reported in the FERTINNOWA project were highlighted and discussed during this evening.





Water and recirculation… from problem to solution?! (a showcase of the WADITO and sodium reduced unit)

Date: 21 November 2018

Location: Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium

Highlights: On the 21st of November 2018, PSKW, PCS, PCH, PCG and Inagro organised together the "Water and recirculation… from problem to solution" event. This was a combined initiative of both the FERTINNOWA and the S.O. Spuistroom project. During the plenary sessions, participants were informed about the current drought and the related policy, future policy perspective etc. Els Berckmoes presented possible ways to deal with droughts on farms by, for example, clustering the collective surfaces of the neighbouring buildings. Jim Ruyven from WR, gave the Dutch Point of view on recirculation best practices. During the 2nd part of the event, guided tours were organised, leading the participants along a series of technology booths. The WADITO tool was explained in more detail at one booth while also the sodium reduced unit of Optima Agrik was showcased.





Targeted audience:

Future water challenges at your farm?: Showcase of the potential of the WADITO model (Beveren)


Location: Beveren, Belgium

Highlights: During this growers' discussion evening, the current and future water challenges were discussed, as experienced by both the growers and the researchers. During the event, the possibilities of water storage were discussed and the possibilities of clustering collecting surfaces were explained as one of the ways to overcome droughts. The possibilities of the WADITO model to modulate the impact of clustering collecting surfaces were showcased. Also, other technologies, listed and reported in the FERTINNOWA project were highlighted and discussed during this evening.





Target group(s) reached :

Technologies showcased by PCS and FRAU

Nutrient removal from drainwater: the e-Phos® showcased @ PCS

Date: 12 July 2018

Location: Destelbergen

Highlights: The e-Phos is designed by Fraunhofer Institute (DE) and was adapted to remove the nitrate and phosphorous from the drainwater and recover the phosphorous as fertiliser. A combination of ion exchange and the electrochemical phosphorus recovery technology ePhos® has been showcased at PCS on the 12th of July.

Figure 4. Participants at the location of the showcased technology at PCS





Technology showcased by APREL

Optimisation de la fertirrigation en culture en sol. Démonstration de nouvelles technologies


Location: St rémy de Provence, France

Highlights: On 14th of September organise the first FERTINNOWA event showcasing the use of sensors and decision support tools to improve fertigation management in soil grown tomato crop.

APREL’s work at FERTINNOWA aims to:

To promote the efficiency of capacitance probe for irrigation management To evaluate the interest of soil analysis with suction cup for fertilization

management at soil level To showcase technics (PILazo and sap analysis) to manage fertilization at plant level

The event attended a wide group including growers, advisors, researchers, companies and public administration officers.





Figure 5. Participants visited the demonstration site at APREL



Location: Avignon, France

Highlights: Showcase to present the innovative technologies used: capacitance, suction cup, chlorophyll meter and flow water controller.





Figure 6. The group of attendants of the showcase event held by APREL


Date: 10 December 2018

Location: Avignon, France

Highlights: Presentation of the main FERTINNOWA results: fertigation bible, benchmark reports and showcase results.

Technology showcased by CERSSA

Use of absorbing mats to reduce nitrate leaching into the soil in potted cultivation


Location: CERSAA, Italy

Highlights: A seminar organized by the representatives of Liguria Region and Cersaa open to different categories of stakeholders in order to discuss the main topics related to the





implementation of the Action Plan for nitrate vulnerable areas that have been recently reviewed. This was also the occasion to present again the outcomes of a study conducted by Cersaa with regards to nitrate issue and that was considered in the technology exchange report “Use of isotopic analysis to determine nitrate source in groundwater” in order to disseminate it to policymakers and to growers and technicians;

The visit of the pilot area set up at Cersaa’s premises where trials regarding the adoption of absorbing mats to reduce nitrate leaching were carried out between May and November 2018.

Figure 7. A group of visitors seeing the use of absorbing mats

Technology showcased by TNO

Showcase meeting on use of photocatalytic (PCO) materials in horticulture


Location: WPK Made, Netherlands





Figure 8. The showcase event held by TNO

Technologies showcased by ZW

Waterday

Date: 31 May 2018

Location: Naaldwijk (The Netherlands)

Highlights: A showcase was organised by Proeftuin Zwaagdijk during the Waterday 2018, which took place in the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk on May 31. The theme day on water was organised in collaboration with LTO Glaskracht. More than 100 growers and advisors visited the event on the latest developments on the water in horticulture.

After the opening session, the interactive program started, which consisted of workshops and individual pitches. The main topics of the day were water purification techniques, dealing with sodium, micro life in water streams and emission-free cultivation on a floating system. In presenting the last topic there was special attention for the FERTINNOWA project; after discussing the goals of the thematic network, a presentation was given about emission-free cultivation on a floating system, including the airlift.





Figure 9. A group of participants visiting the showcased technology at ZW

Technologies showcased by IFAPA

Showcasing the CLEANLEACH system

Date: December 2017

Location: IFAPA, Almeria, Spain

Highlights: The workshop “Water use efficiency and use of non-conventional water sources in protected horticultural crops” was held at the IFAPA Research and Training Station in Almeria (Spain) on December 2017. Results from current research and dissemination activities were presented to 150 growers and advisors. The Regional Minister of Agriculture officially opened the session and expressed the need to encourage from the Administration the adoption of more sustainable irrigation practices. Topics included sustainable management of irrigation, automatic control, new research activities on the use for irrigation of regenerated waste water or desalinated water for irrigation and performed





dissemination activities on irrigation control. Presentations were followed by a field visit to the experimental greenhouses and included a brief explanation of the FERTINNOWA project and more specifically the CLEANLEACH technology as a method to reduce polluting emissions.

Figure 10. A visit on the CLEANLEACH system in Almeria

Uso Sostenible del Agua y los Fertilizantes en Cultivos Hortícolas en Sustrato. Reducción del impacto ambiental por efluentes en cultivos en sustrato.

Date: 8 May 2018


Highlights: The objective of this technical seminar was to provide growers and advisors with some of the recent outcomes in relation to the management of leachates from soilless crops. The European Regulation on reducing the concentration of nitrates to avoid pollution of groundwater bodies in certain vulnerable zones makes it necessary to search for new methodologies to amend this issue. Two of these methodologies were presented: Cascade crops and the Clean Leach system. The latter is one of the technologies selected in WP5. Besides, the programme of the FERTINNOWA Final Conference was presented to the audience.





Figure 11. Growers and advisors during their visit at IFAPA

Showcasing the CLEANLEACH system at the EIP-Agri workshop “Connecting innovative projects: Water and Agriculture”

Date: 30-31 May 2018


Highlights: The EIP-AGRI Workshop ‘Connecting innovative projects: Water & Agriculture’ brought together Operational Groups and other projects financed under other policy areas, giving them the possibility to exchange experiences, learn from each other, find common solutions, and establish new partnerships.

Most participants were members of one or several of the following types of projects:

- 34 Operational Groups (8 ES, 8 PT, 7 IT, 5 NL, 3 DE, 1 BE, 1 SE, 1 FR)

- 5 Horizon 2020 projects (Water2Return, FAIRWAY, RichWater, and two other using multi-actor approach:

- FATIMA, Landmark)

- 2 Horizon 2020 thematic networks (FERTINNOWA, EUFRUIT)





- 1 IoT European Large-Scale Pilots Programme (IoF2020)

- 3 LIFE projects (AGROgestor, Aquemfree, REAGRITECH)

- 2 EIP WATER Action Groups (Renewable Energy Desalination, SPADIS).

- 1 INTERREG project (NUTRINFLOW)

Four field visits were organised according to the four main thematic areas. Two of them were hosted by IFAPA. These were the contents of both visits.

A. Field visit “Water Quantity” to Las Palmerillas (Fundación Cajamar) and IFAPA Research Centers. The visits could be summarised by the following keywords: Environment (semi-arid area with over-exploited water resources); Irrigation (for sustaining productions and reclaiming the water outflows); Productivity (research and innovation to implement high technology in farms); Workshop (a real field laboratory with producers, researchers and investors, for example, for adopting sensors to facilitate irrigation scheduling); Agrosystems (combining water requirements and environmental issues); Technology (software and electronic sensors for precision irrigation); Economy (the economic returns to the farmers is a main objective of the Fundación Cajamar); and Regional scale (reliable innovative solutions with site-specific character, as demonstrated by IFAPA).

C. “Water reuse” - IFAPA and Las Palmerillas Research Centers. Visited projects included: a) CLEANLEACH that recovers and treats the drainage from hydroponic greenhouses (combination of a slow sand filtering system and constructed wetlands with Vetiver, Bulrush, Yellow iris or Glaswort plants, plus carbon); b) Optimisation of irrigation uniformity and water dosage for the production of greenhouse crops and water-use efficiency; c) Optimisation of a blend of desalinated sea water and underground brackish water for high water-use efficiency and profitability; d) PURASOL, that optimises the purification treatment of animal slurries using microalgae and bacteria; and e) SABANA, that aims at developing a large-scale integrated microalgae-based bio-refinery for the production of biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilisers.





Technologies showcased by CDR

Contemporary challenges of water management in rural areas


Location: Polanica-Zdroj, Poland

Highlights: On September 17-19, 2018, a conference "Contemporary challenges of water management in rural areas" was held in Polanica-Zdroj, Poland. The event attended 140 participants, including farmers, agricultural advisors, representatives of science dealing with the issues of sustainable water use in rural areas.

During the second day of the conference, the FERTINNOWA showcase event was organised. The representative of CDR provided information about the project, its main assumptions and the idea of promoting the available solutions related to the fertigation irrigation among farmers in Europe. The assumptions of technology exchange and the core of the activities conducted in Poland were also presented. The technical aspects of the demonstration were presented, the first results and the benefits of the proposed technology for other farmers struggling with similar problems.

Figure 12. During the showcase event organised by CDR

Technologies showcased by FC and UAL

Demonstration of technologies for an eficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation in soil-grown vegetable crops - FERTINNOWA project (Demostración de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas en suelo - proyecto FERTINNOWA)

Date: 22 and 28 March 2018

Location: Almería (Spain)

Highlights: Two showcases were organised by the Cajamar Foundation and the University of Almería during March 2018. The first event was for growers and advisors of UNICA group, one of the biggest cooperatives in Almería, which collaborated with the demonstration trial with tomato. The second event was open to other growers and advisors. Each showcase





event consisted of the following. After an explanation of the FERTINNOWA project, there were several short presentations about the technologies selected for the improvement of water and nutrient use efficiency and the reduction of nitrate leaching in soil-grown vegetable crops. These were about tensiometers, the VegSyst-DSS decision support system, soil solution suction cups, sap analysis, and on-farm quick test equipment. Another presentation reported results from the demonstration trials being carried out. Additionally, a final presentation in the second showcase event presented results, from Almería, of a survey done in commercial farms for the FERTINNOWA project as part of collective consultation. In each showcase event, there was also a demonstration session of the use of quick test measurement equipment (calibration and measurement) with nutrient solutions and plant sap and a visit to the demonstration trials.

Participants were interested in how to optimally use different devices. The following issues were dealt with:

- Installation of tensiometers to achieve optimal contact with the soil.

- Target values of matric potential for the activation of the irrigation depending on the soil texture.

- Differences between electrotensiometers and tensiometers with magnet.

- Threshold values of electrical conductivity in the soil solution extracted by suction cups.

- Differences between the solution extracted by suction cups, that obtained in a lysimeter and the saturation extract determined in a laboratory.

- Interpretation of the ion concentration data obtained by using suction cups.

- Reliability of quick analysis multi-ion sensors.

- Cost of the devices

Other issues were the followings:

- Optimal irrigation volume and frequency when using non-optimal quality water.

- Optimisation of the fertigation management to avoid salt accumulation and minimise nitrate leaching.

- Water requirement for salt washing at the end of the crop.

- Adjustment of the ion concentration to be supplied in the nutrient solution in relation to the water requirement.

- Influence of dripper flow on the movement of water in the soil.





Figure 13. Showcase event on 8th of March

Figure 14. Showcase event on 22nd of March





Demonstration of technologies for an efficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation in soil-grown vegetable crops (Demostración de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas en suelo)

Date: 25 April 2018

Location: Almeria, Spain

Highlights: A showcase was organised by the Cajamar Foundation and the University of Almería during April 2018. The event was for growers and advisors of La Unión, one of the biggest auctions in Almería. The showcase event consisted of the following. After an explanation of the FERTINNOWA project, there were several short presentations about the technologies selected for the improvement of water and nutrient use efficiency and the reduction of nitrate leaching in soil-grown vegetable crops. These were about tensiometers, the VegSyst-DSS decision support system, soil solution suction cups, sap analysis, and on-farm quick test equipment. Another presentation reported results from the demonstration trials being carried out. There was also a demonstration session of the use of quick test measurement equipment (calibration and measurement) with nutrient solutions and plant sap.

The participants indicated that the price of the technology presently available in the market is still high and that there is a big interest in cheap automatic types of equipment able to register data. Some participants indicated the importance of data registration before having problems in the crop in order to facilitate correct decision making.

Demonstration of technologies for an efficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation in soil-grown vegetable crops. FERTINNOWA project (Demostración





de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas en suelo. Proyecto FERTINNOWA)

Date: 23 May 2018

Location: Almeria, Spain

Highlights: A showcase was organised by the Cajamar Foundation and the University of Almería during May 2018. The event was organised for growers of SUCA, which is a big cooperative for input delivery, but a number of advisors and members of the auxiliary industry also attended the showcase. The showcase event consisted of the following. After an explanation of the FERTINNOWA project, there were several short presentations about the technologies selected for the improvement of water and nutrient use efficiency and the reduction of nitrate leaching in soil-grown vegetable crops. These were about tensiometers, the VegSyst-DSS decision support system, soil solution suction cups, sap analysis, and on-farm quick test equipment. Another presentation reported results from the demonstration trials being carried out.

The followings issues were dealt with during the discussion with the attendants:

- How to establish the irrigation target

- Protocol for the use of suction cups

- Use of soil water content devices for irrigation control instead of soil matric potential sensors

- Experience with a sensor for automatic continuous measurement of nitrate and potassium concentration in the soil (Nutrisens sensor)

- Possibility of doing sap analysis by laboratories in the area

- Influence of the supply of different types of nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium, urea)





Figure 15. During the showcase event organised by FC and UAL

Technologies showcased by CICYTEX

Demonstration of technologies for an efficient use of water and nutrients in fertigation (Demostración de tecnologías para un uso eficiente del agua y los nutrientes en cultivos hortícolas)


Location: Guadajira (Spain)

Highlights: Showcase was organized by CICYTEX during November 2017. The event was for growers, technology supplies and advisors of Extremadura. The event was divided into three parts. One part for present FERTINNOWA Project, some results of the FERTINNOWA surveys and Showcase development in 2017 on the commercial farm of processing tomato, (use of sensors and spatial variability to fertilization management in processing tomato). A workshop on technologies for irrigation and fertilization management: Success and demonstration cases, was held on the sensors that we have used, taught by users of these sensors, in which they explained their operation, advantages, etc. Among the participants of these workshops were:

- Alberto Samperio (HACIENDASBIO), who spoke about the use of sap analysis to determine the nutritional status of the crop.

- Marisol Soriano (AGROCONECTA), who spoke about the use of environmental sensors for the determination of temperature in crops.

- Emilio Mellado (NOGALTEC), who spoke about the use of the pressure chamber for irrigation management in plots.

- Ignacio Puech (PUECH & ASOCIADOS), who spoke about the installation of probes and soil moisture sensors for irrigation programming.

- Diego Juárez (SSD-AGRO), who spoke about the methods for determining the water needs of the crop.





- Custodio López(BYNSE), who spoke about the realization of efficient irrigation by monitoring soil-plant-climate.

- Javier Gutiérrez(ACTTUA), who spoke about sensors for rapid determination of soil moisture.

- Carlos Ortega (GATEREX), who spoke about the use of manual sensors of reflectance and thermal infrared to determine the hydric and nutritional stress.

- Rafael Fortes (AGRODRONE), who spoke about the use of the electromagnetic induction sensor for the establishment of soil properties.

- Faustino Marquez (DRONEGROUP), who spoke about the use of aerial images for the determination of irrigation and fertilization management in crops.

- Juan Luis Gordillo (LOLAFRUITS), who spoke about the use of satellite images to identify problems of irrigation and fertilization in crops.

At the end, a workshop on sensors was held where attendees could see the demonstration of the use of the sensors in irrigation and fertilization management by the different

companies attending





Figure 16. Showcase event at CICYTEX

Presentation showcase CONESA

Date: 19 December 2017

Location: CC Badajoz, Spain

Highlights: Presentation to the technicians and managers of CONESA of the results and technology of "Use of sensors and spatial variability to fertilization management and Evaluation different plant and soil nutritional status sensors in processing tomato development of the showcase on the farm owned by the company during 2017.

Irrigation automation (IRRIX) showcased at HACIENDASBIO


Location: CC Badajoz, Spain

Highlights: Presentation to the technicians and managers of HaciendasBio of the results and thr technology of irrigation automation (IRRIX) used for the development of the showcase on the farm owned by the company during 2018. Also the company HIDROSOPH presented the results of the technology for estimating the Irrigation dose (IRRISTAT).





Figure 17. CICYTEX researchers presented the results to members of HACIENDAS BIO

Technology exchange in irrigation decision suport system (Intercambio tecnológico sistemas de soporte decisión de riego)


Location: Guadajira (Spain)

Highlights: The showcase was organized by CICYTEX during November 2018. The event was for growers, technology supplies and advisors of Extremadura. The event was divided into three parts. One part for present FERTINNOWA Project, some results of the FERTINNOWA and Showcase development in 2018 on the commercial farm of peach, (use of irrix decision support system (DSS) for irrigation management). HIDROSOPH company spoke about IRRISTAT scheduling water management and the results of this system in FERTINNNOWA showcase At the end, a roundtable was held on the different levels of adaptation of the technology and the problems for its incorporation in the farms.





Different technology level users were invited to speakke about experiences in the technology used in their farm

Figure 18 The showcase event organised by CICYTEX

Technologies showcased by DGRDPAC and IVIA

Oportunidades technological para un manejo mas sostenible del fertirriego en horticultura ornamental

Date: 27 June 2018

Location: Viveros Orvifrusa, Spain

Highlights: On June 27, the H2020 FERTINNOWA WORKSHOP was held: Technological opportunities for more sustainable management of fertigation in ornamental horticulture. An event organized by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture through the Technology Transfer Service (DGDRPAC) that was held in Orvifrusa (nursery company) with the collaboration of





Asfplant (Valencia Nursery Association). The program included a vision of the results of the different aspects addressed in the project: consultation to irrigators, technologies compiled, online monitoring of live demonstrations of different technologies conducted by Dolores Roca of DGDRPAC helped by a presentation and some posters. IVIA expert, José Miguel de Paz explained everything related to a selection of user-friendly technologies for the individual producer. The visit concluded with the technical visit to the nursery, an example of good practice, this from the hand of the production manager of Orvifrusa, Jordi Ferrer.

Figure 19. During the showcase event held at Orvifrusa nursery organised by DGDRPAC

Demostración Tecnológica- El agua y los nitratos en el suelo también cuentan en el cálculo preciso de las necesidades de riego


Location: Valencia, Spain

Highlights: On September 21th, a workshop organised by the Dirección General de Desarrollo Rural y PAC (DGDRPAC) and the Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA) was held in Alginet (Valencia, Spain). Fifteen technicians and growers from the “Acequia Real del Jucar”, one of the biggest irrigation communities in Spain (25,000





irrigators) attended. For the workshop, 4 orchards of persimmon and citrus with different soil textures were selected. All the orchards, which are located in Alginet, were visited.

During the workshop, it was showcased an innovative technique, which allows to measure the soil moisture and nitrate content variation over time, assess water quality and increase the water and nitrogen use efficiency of field crops with drip irrigation.

At the visits, the technique was demonstrated real time. To gain more information to help to optimise the fertigation recommendation, soil solution extracted from suction samplers. The samplers installed in the soil closed to drippers in two depths 40 and 70 cm and every 15 days were sampled. Electrical conductivity and nitrate content were measured on-site by a handle EC-meter and a colourimetry-based rapid analysis device, respectively. Since the levels of the nitrate applied through the fertigation are known, we compared it with the levels on the soil solution and allowed us to estimate the crop requirements. An increase in the nitrate levels extracted from the deeper soil layers (70 cm) indicates an excess of nitrate supply and requires to adjust the fertigation solution. To improve the irrigation management and match crop water demand to supply, a data logger with a GPRS connection and capacitive EnviroSCAN-Sentek sensors, monitored the soil water content at a depth of 20, 40 and 70 cm and assessed the drainage. Plant (leaf) water potential measured by a pressure chamber used to estimate plant water demand to avoid hydric stress.

After the fieldwork, the data collected by the system were visualised and interpreted in the control centre of the Acequia Real del Júcar (Guadasuar). There, the attendees show how the analysis of these tests and the knowledge of certain parameters allow us to obtain very useful information for adjusting the irrigation and fertilizer scheduling.

The day finished with demonstrations of technology exchanged in FERTINNOWA. The results of the project are being spread in the area of Valencia.





Demostración Tecnológica- El agua y los nitratos en el suelo también cuentan en el cálculo preciso de las necesidades de riego


Location: Valencia, Spain

Highlights: The Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA) hosts a workshop to present the H2020-FERTINNOWA results of on-field technological demonstrations but also Factsheets as documentary support to the improvement of the sustainability of the fertigated systems.

On November 27th, Maite Cháfer, General Director for Rural Development and PAC (DGDRPAC), from regional Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, Climate Change and Rural Development, presented the conference , placing particular emphasis on the project's networking methodology, which allows, between several technology information patterns that are shown, the exchange of innovative technologies for improving fertigation systems.

Dolors Roca, from the Technology Transfer Service (DGDRPAC), gave an overview of the results achieved so far in the various actions carried out during the project. Starting from the detection of needs, some issues of the Fertigation Bible were analysed an discussed by 40 attendees, from the industry (several sensor companies especially in soil, technicians of irrigation communities, crop advisors, farmers, researchers, trainer, etc) showing as a result the wealth of the Fertigation Bible by providing useful information for a wide range of needs. It was revealed by the attendants an already established knowledge of FERTINNOWA, and also an expectation in being able to have friendly-patterns for the end users. In this sense, the FACTSHEETS were very well welcome. It was informed about the kind of titles trying to answer users questions. The design of the factsheets was reported, insofar as they support users to select the technologies that can help them meet their needs. Three examples translated into Spanish were edited and distributed to the public, which they liked a lot. The maintenance of the web for several years was informed as a tool-deposit so that the public can have these results freely.

In this meeting, the usefulness of 3 technologies tested in the community of irrigators of the Acequia Real del Júcar by Jose Miguel de Paz and Luis Bonet, researchers of the IVIA, has been shown. Soil moisture monitoring using soil moisture sensors, soil solution sampling using suction capsules and rapid determination of nitrate in the field were the technologies tested in order to optimize the irrigation management that minimizes water loss. water by drainage, and the monitoring of nitrate lost by leaching that contaminates the aquifers. This demonstration of technologies was carried out in 4 different field conditions corresponding to 4 cultivation fields of the community of irrigators and represented by 2 emblematic crops in the Valencian Community such as mandarin and persimmon combined with 2 types of highly contrasted soils (clayey and sandy). By interpreting the information from the probes that measure soil moisture, irrigation could be optimized by reducing up to 26% the consumption of irrigation water at a time of greater evaporative demand of crops, avoiding losses of water to groundwater. On the other hand, by combining this sensor technology





with the use of soil solution samplers and the rapid nitrate measurement technique in the field, nitrate losses were monitored, demonstrating that with the information obtained from the combination of the three technologies, can perform a specific fertigation for the area that minimizes the problem of nitrate contamination in the persimmon and citrus crops.

Figure 20. During the showcase event of IVIA

Technologies showcased by INTIA

The sigAGROasesor and Vegsyst model


Location: Cadreita, Spain

Highlights: INTIA organized the first Local Showcase of the FERTINNOWA project last September 6, 2017, in the INTIA Experimental Station in Cadreita, in the summer horticulture conferences framework, that INTIA organizes annually.

The meeting was attended by a large group of agricultural professionals, who took the opportunity to approach the new technologies that from Europe are installed in the production of tomato and other horticultural crops.

In the event, Juan del Castillo from INTIA presented the results obtained up to the date of the FERTINNOWA project. First, he explained the results obtained through 531 surveys to agricultural producers distributed in 9 European countries, of the following topics: Water management, Irrigation management, Fertilization management. They were carried out to have a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of European farms in fertigation issues. Thanks to these results, several tools have been proposed that attempt to solve some of the problems detected. Two of these tools are transferred to field demonstrations in Navarre. In this sense, INTIA the field trial of the Irrigation Tool of the platform sigAGROasesor. Tool that helps to determine the doses and moments of irrigation in horticultural open field crops, in this case, industry tomato. It was also informed the other decision support tool that INTIA will validate soon and within this framework of the project,





the VEGSYST tool developed by the University of Almería, aimed at helping the producers in the management of irrigation and fertilization of greenhouse crops.

He then presented the FERTINNOWA technological database. In this database, we collect technical information related to 5 major themes: Water sources and their availability: improvement of irrigation water quality, irrigation and fertigation equipment, irrigation management, and fertigation and, finally, the limitation of all relevant information is summarized in 1 data sheet.

The database itself consists of small datasheets containing all relevant technological, practical and financial information. If you need more information, you can click on one of the Internet links or read the Technology Review Documents (TRD). The latter gives you a more detailed and in-depth explanation of the technology itself and related technologies. Each fact sheet contains a brief survey that gives you the opportunity to rate the technology and post your considerations, experiences, and questions.

And finally, the visit to the trial Decision Support Tool sigAGROasesor (4000 m2 of industry tomato) took place. Inmaculada Lahoz from INTIA, explained that in the trial irrigation programming is being carried out with the HADriego decision support tool present on the sigAGROasesor web platform, and it is being validated with measurements of soil moisture and plant water potential, carried out with the portable camera PUMP UP, to determine the water status of the plant, according to the methodology developed by CICYTEX of Extremadura, which recommend maximum potential values in the different phenological stages of the crop. The objective is to establish technologies that allow us to improve the efficiency of the use of water in fertigated crops, and consequently also of fertilizers applied in irrigation.

Figure 21. During the showcase event organised by INTIA

The Vegsyst model


Location: Villava, Spain

Highlights:





Figure 22. During the showcase event organised by INTIA

Technologies showcased by CATE and Priva

Le CATE et PRIVA organisent une reunion d’information- La régulation de l’irrigation et du climat sous serre


Location: Saint Pol De Leon, France

Highlights: Precise watering is very important for the plant since it prevents water shortage and unintended plant stress and influences the root system’s health. With a healthier root system, the nutrient uptake will be better, resulting in higher production. As part of the FERTINNOWA project, CATÉ is currently showcasing the Priva Root Optimizer in a greenhouse. With the Root Optimizer, watering is automatically controlled to the conditions, the state of the crop and the type of substrate and as a result based on the plant’s needs.

Two greenhouses have been compared, both of which have irrigations based solely on the radiation sum measured with a solarimeter and minimum/maximum rest time between two cycles. One is also equipped with the Root Optimizer software. Both setups have slab scales,





which give the grower information about the weight in real time and give him the opportunity to adjust the irrigation settings.

CATÉ’s current results show that the Root Optimizer software manages irrigation. During a sunny day, the greenhouse with solely a solarimeter provides sufficient information to trigger regular irrigations at the right time. On a mixed day, however, the Root Optimizer deals better with variations in water uptake than the solarimeter. The results show that the Root Optimizer software calculates water uptake and drainage, not the sum of solar radiation.

As an example of a mixed day, 7 August was a good day to see the difference between irrigation with and without the additional sensors and software. During the morning, the greenhouse equipped with the Root Optimizer initiated three irrigation cycles compared to two in the other greenhouse. In total, the greenhouse with the Root Optimizer received one extra irrigation opposed to the other greenhouse. Currently, CATÉ is still working with the Root Optimizer and implementing it in more complex settings.

At the end of November, CATÉ hosts a growers’ event to share the insights on irrigation management.

Figure 23. CATE and PRIVA showcased the Priva Root Optimizer

Technologies showcased by CAFS

Early warning system for irrigation


Location: Sadjarski center, Slovenia

Highlights: The FERTINNOWA technology exchanged, the irrigation warning system, was presented to members of “fruit grower’s society” from Hrastnik on the 30rd of August. Visitors got practical information and show the technology implemented on the orchard at CAFS. The project and the fertigation bible were presented as well. The irrigation possibilities and early warning system for apple orchards initiated a lot of interest. The discussion was held by Biserka Donik Purgaj.





Figure 24. Attendants of the showcase event organised by CAFS

Technologies showcased by PCG

PCG op Werktuigendagen 2017

Date: 23-24 September 2017

Location: Kruishoutem, Belgium

Highlights:

Betreft: Studiemoment: Fertigatie in courgette open lucht

Date: 9 April 2018


Figure 25. Atendants of the showcase event at PCG

Infovergadering “Beredeneerd beregenen van opnluchtgroenten en oardappelen”







Figure 26. Participants of the showcase event at PCG

Technologies showcased by PCH

Using KNS tables to fertigated strawberry in soil cultivation - Reducing the impact of nitrogen on the environment

Date: 18 April 2018

Location: Research Centre Hoogstraten, Meerle, Belgium

Highlights: Strawberry cultivation in Belgium is facing strict governmental controls by the entities VLM and VMM. Both in the soil as in water regularly norms of nitrogen content are exceeded. Soil cultivations of vegetables and also strawberries are proven to cause run-off of nitrogen-rich water and also raises the nitrogen content in the soil. European legislation demands of the member states to respect the norms. Belgium stribes towards nitrogen





levels in the water below 50 mg NO3/l in rivers and below 90 kg N/ha in the upper 90cm of the soil.

Strawberry in soil is fertigated with t-tape and growers are obligated to send in soil samples throughout the year to look at the nitrogen content of the soil. If norms are exceeded restrictions in fertilisation are applied for the following year. Within FERTINNOWA we try to implement the German KNS-system in Belgium to make growers aware of the nutrients the soil can supply and to only amend with fertilizer to meet the total plant demand. Growers have to learn to take soil samples before planting en at least once during the cultivation to know what the soil can deliver in nitrogen. Also, mineralisation is taken into account in KNS, and growers finally just have to add fertilizer to meet the total crop demand for nitrogen.

At the research centre, the visitors and growers were shown a field were FERTINNOWA compared a strawberry cultivation fertilized towards the full crop need with a fertilized cultivation based on the KNS-system. During the field visit, we explained how to use KNS-tables and which simple calculations give the necessary output to know the weekly nitrogen fertigation rates that are needed for the crop.

Growers were informed how to deal with KNS-tables:

- How to take soil samples and how many are needed?

- How to interpret analyses?

- How to estimate the mineralisation capacity of the soil?

- How to construct the total crop need for nitrogen?

- How to calculate the amending amounts of nitrogen in KNS-systems?

In the conclusion presentation, the visitors were convinced of the success of KNS with the results of the last three demonstrative trials: crop development, production rate and fruit quality are maintained and the residue level of nitrogen at the end of the cultivation is well beneath the norm of 90 kg N/ha.





Figure 27. PCH showcased the KNS tables

Collection and reuse of drain water on trayfields strawberry: prefiltration techniques


Location: Research Centre Hoogstraten, Meerle, Belgium

Highlights: The visiting public visited two trayfields of strawberry with a closed water system.

At PCH we showed the necessity of prefiltration of the drain water before disinfection with the slow sand filtration unit. The water is heavily polluted by organic particles, at PCH 3 techniques were shown to filter the water: tiles in the gutters, sinking of particles in a silo and a sieve bend filtration.





At a local grower, the water has to be filtered before disinfection with the UV-installation becomes possible. At the showcase we showed four techniques: tiles in the gutters, sinking of particles in a silo, a sieve bend filtration and t.

Figure 28. PCH showcased prefiltration techniques

Technologies showcased by OA and PSKW

Selective removal of sodium from drain water

Date: 10 July 2018

Location: PSKW Belgium

Highlights: On 10 July 2018 Optima Agrik showcased the use of ion exchange in the treatment of irrigation water at Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt. The showcase was attended by 19 participants of whom three were growers and the rest advisors and technology suppliers.

The requirements for the selective removal of sodium from drain water i.e. the 100% separation of sodium from nitrate and phosphate and the need to be able to keep them separate after removal from the water, were explained to the audience. Further, it was





shown that ion exchange is the only commercially available technology that can achieve such a separation. The results of a successful demonstration during the 2018 season of a specific ion exchange process called the Sodium Reduction Unit (SRU) were shared with the audience. Lastly, the demonstration in 2018 highlighted two aspects, pH-control and the treatment of the NaCl concentrate, that needed to be finalised before the SRU-process will be market ready.

The event was concluded with a viewing of the SRU.

Figure 29. The group of attendants on the showcased event organised by OA and PSKW

Technologies showcased by NIAB EMR

Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased to The Asplins PO Ltd

Date: 10 May 2018





Location: East Malling, United Kingdom

Highlights: An irrigation workshop was organised for the Asplins PO Ltd. During the workshop the following subjects were presented:

Improving Irrigation Performance : Opportunities and Challenges

Precision Irrigation Package : Product Performance and Grower Added Value

Irrigation System Design : Optimising Water Delivery

Coir Moisture Technology : improving Water Retention and reducing EC

Grower Support and WET Centre Trials Summary: Precision Irrigation and

Rainwater Harvesting

At the end of the day the growers visited the WP5 demonstration site where they had the

opportunity to see in practice the technologies used for optimising water use efficiency.

Figure 30. Growers visiting the demonstration site at NIAB EMR





Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased to South African growers

Date: 7 June 2018


Highlights: A group of growers from South Africa visited NIAB EMR to be updated on current research on soft fruit production. The group visited the demonstration site where the technologies exchanged on WP5 are being showcased. We explained the growers the need for precision irrigation in the soft fruit production. The precision irrigation system, using sensors was introduced and we discussed the practical question they had.

Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased during the Fruit focus tours

Date: 17 July 2018


Highlights: The Fruit Focus is the leading technical event for the fruit industry and is held every year at NIAB EMR. Attracting an increasing number of visitors year on year, Fruit Focus brings together more than 1 200 growers and industry professionals. Over 115 leading suppliers exhibit at Fruit Focus. It showcases all aspects of agronomy, machinery and equipment, business information, pre- and post-harvest technology, and marketing. Each year Fruit Focus offers the ideal opportunity to take a guided tour encompassing NIAB EMR’s latest fruit research. During the event 4 groups, of approximately 20 people each, were guided on the WET centre where the precision irrigation technologies showcased. Moreover, during the event visitors had the possibility to visit the WET centre and discussed with the researchers about the technologies demonstrated there as well as about the FERTINNOWA project.





Figure 31. Groups of participants at the research tours during the Fruit Focus at NIAB EMR

Precision irrigation management in soft fruit production showcased to Swedish growers

Date: 24 October 2018


Highlights: A group of 43 Swedish growers and advisors visited NIAB EMR to be updated on current research on soft fruit production. The group visited the demonstration site where the technologies exchanged on WP5 are being showcased. We explained the growers the need for precision irrigation in the soft fruit production. The precision irrigation system, using sensors was introduced and we discussed the practical question they had. A copy of the Fertigation Bible was gifted to the group as they were eager to learn more about the FERTINNOWA project and the available technologies for fertigation. It was interesting to find out that some of the advisors had already downloaded the ebook.





Figure 32. The group of Swedish growers visited the demonstration site at NIAB EMR

5 Conclusion

The consortium members participated on more than 90 events where they had the opportunity to disseminate the FERTINNOWA outcomes and increase the project visibility. The dissemination events included local or international workshops, symposiums, (inter)national conferences, growers’ days, exhibitions and agricultural fairs. Through these events, we reached more than 5000 people (final numbers to be confirmed).

Moreover, the consortium members organised or co-organised showcase events on the location of the technologies exchanged on the WP5. Each member involved in WP5 exchanged at least 1 technology and (co)organised at least one showcase event. Through the showcase events that were organised, we reached in total 1231 people.

We consider that the FERTINNOWA project has been successfully disseminated and the outcomes of the project reached our target audiences.