SWUP-MED

• Introduce and test new climate-proof crops and cultivars with improved stress tolerance, selecting promising varieties of cereals, grain legumes and new crops. Climate-proof traits will be identified for breeding programmes using advanced physiological and biochemical screening tools. Supplemental irrigation will be performed as deficit irrigation by different sources of water. • Investigate the sustainable field applicability of the farming systems, such as environmental effects related to irrigation water quality assessed by monitoring groundwater and soil quality. Financial implications for the farmer and economic costs and benefits in the food sector will be analysed. • Develop a research synthesis in dialogue with food sector, based on experimental results and advanced simulation modelling to improve farming systems management, utilizing dynamic tools that ease adaptation to the effects of a variable and changing climate. The approach is participatory, involving the farmer’s community and the market and political level. The expected outcome is improved productivity and sustainable use of agricultural lands by developing a more diverse farming system, supporting economic development in non-European Mediterranean countries while ensuring mutual interest and benefit with the EU. It will accelerate adoption of improved agricultural practices and technologies to meet future constraints imposed by climate changes.

EU-funded science is taking action to improve vulnerable farming systems under the Sustainable water use securing food production in dry areas of the Mediterranean region (SWUP-MED) project. The research focuses on how crop rotation, supplemental irrigation and climate-proof crops can be used to improve yields and foster food security in the region.

One SWUP-MED study has shown that rotating wheat, quinoa and chickpea crops over three years in Morocco and Turkey improved both yield and soil quality. In addition, quinoa used less water and had a higher yield than wheat, and it tolerated typical Mediterranean drought and salt stress well.

The researchers tested different varieties of each crop to find those genotypes that are most resistant to multiple stresses. Genetic variations that allow certain crops to speed up their own development were found to yield the most grain, especially during drought.

In terms of irrigation, the project found that by using treated wastewater to supplement rainfall, farmers could substantially improve crop yields and stress tolerance. Children are eight times more likely to suffer from water-borne diseases in wastewater-irrigated environments than in freshwater-irrigated areas. However, freshwater could be conserved for better use if wastewater intended for irrigation is treated to remove pathogens and heavy metals.

The researchers have published a number of articles and book chapters as a testament to the quality and relevance of their work thus far. Currently, they are developing a model which could accurately predict how climate, irrigation and water quality will affect soil and crop yields.

In conclusion, the results of introducing the agronomic measures of the SWUP-MED project, i.e. improved rotation, cropping and irrigation systems including use of low quality water, and new varieties and crops, showed significantly positive effects on overall agricultural productivity, soil quality and resilience. The project results will help farmers and extension workers in making smart decisions, selecting appropriate food legumes and new crops for developing climate-proof cropping systems for food security and market potential, and to choose best strategies for water use. Finally, new market channels were recommended for the new crops.