Bridging Mediterranean cultures in the International Year of Soils 2015: a documentary exhibition on irrigation techniques in water scarcity conditions

Barontini, Stefano; Boselli, Vladimiro; Louki, Amina; Slima, Z. Ben; Ghaouch, Fatima Ezzahra; Labaran, R.; Raffelli, Giulia; Peli, Marco; Ani, A. M. Al; Vitale, Nicola; Borroni, Massimiliano; Martello, N.; Bettoni, Barbara; Negm, Amro; Grossi, Giovanna; Tomirotti, Massimo; Ranzi, Roberto; Bacchi, Baldassare

doi:10.2166/nh.2017.113

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…During the last decades, a number of models have been developed and applied to simulate mass exchange processes in the soil-plant-atmosphere (SPA) continuum [11][12][13]. Several models have been proposed to simulate all the components of the water balance, including actual crop evapotranspiration [14], in particular under arid and semi-arid conditions [15,16], deep percolation [17], and water and solute transport [18,19].…”

Section: Of 16mentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Performance of Thermal Inertia and Hydrus Models to Estimate Surface Soil Water Content

et al. 2017

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Abstract:The knowledge of soil water content (SWC) dynamics in the upper soil layer is important for several hydrological processes. Due to the difficulty of assessing the spatial and temporal SWC dynamics in the field, some model-based approaches have been proposed during the last decade. The main objective of this work was to assess the performance of two approaches to estimate SWC in the upper soil layer under field conditions: the physically-based thermal inertia and the Hydrus model. Their validity was firstly assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. Thermal inertia was firstly validated in laboratory conditions using the transient line heat source (TLHS) method. Then, it was applied in situ to analyze the dynamics of soil thermal properties under two extreme conditions of soil-water status (well-watered and air-dry), using proximity remote-sensed data. The model performance was assessed using sensor-based measurements of soil water content acquired through frequency (FDR) and time domain reflectometry (TDR). During the laboratory experiment, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was 0.02 m 3 m −3 for the Hydrus model and 0.05 m 3 m −3 for the TLHS model approach. On the other hand, during the in situ experiment, the temporal variability of SWCs simulated by the Hydrus model and the corresponding values measured by the TDR method evidenced good agreement (RMSE ranging between 0.01 and 0.005 m 3 m −3 ). Similarly, the average of the SWCs derived from the thermal diffusion model was fairly close to those estimated by Hydrus (spatially averaged RMSE ranging between 0.03 and 0.02 m 3 m −3 ).

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Section: Of 16mentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Performance of Thermal Inertia and Hydrus Models to Estimate Surface Soil Water Content

et al. 2017

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“…The loop R(cl) on cultural landscapes refers directly to the vast literature promoted by UNESCO on the theme; in particular, for traditional water harvesting techniques and water distribution can be referred to a study of Barontini et al [20]. The loops R(ws), R(mt), B(wd) and R(se) have been mapped to describe a dynamic that emerged during the second phase of the modelling process, after a first field survey.…”

Section: Drought Adaptation R(bio)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On the other hand, TAS create a new equilibrium with the ecosystem and the water cycle, significantly altering the ecological and hydrological balance in a sustainable manner by maintaining water conservation and regulation, slope stabilization and soil erosion control [12,19]. In fact, traditional irrigation and landscaping techniques used in terraces were identified as key aspects of soil conservation and agricultural practices [20] to build living and autopoietic ecosystems in adverse climatic conditions, and to adapt to climatic variations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In fact, situated learning is useful not only to teach basic scientific notions, but to promote cultural exchange, as well. Moreover, school activities related to traditional agriculture and irrigation practices can help to build and reinforce the identity of young people [20] hence preserving local culture and developing the social potential of new generations.…”

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confidence: 99%

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System Dynamics Applied to Terraced Agroecosystems: The Case Study of Assaragh (Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco)

Boselli

Ouallali

Briak

et al. 2020

Water

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Terraced agroecosystems (TAS)—apart from being an important cultural heritage element—are considered vital for sustainable water resource management and climate change adaptation measures. However, this traditional form of agriculture, with direct implications in food security at a local scale, has been suffering from abandonment or degradation worldwide. In light of this, the need to fully comprehend the complex linkage of their abandonment with different driving forces is essential. The identification of these dynamics makes possible an appropriate intervention with local initiatives and policies on a larger scale. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to introduce a comprehensive multidisciplinary framework that maps the dynamics of the investigated TAS’s abandonment, by defining cause–effect relationships on a hydrogeological, ecological and social level, through tools from System Dynamics studies. This methodology is implemented in the case of Assaragh TAS, a traditional oasis agroecosystem in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas, characterized by data scarcity. Through field studies, interviews, questionnaires and freely accessible databases, the TAS’s abandonment, leading to a loss in agrobiodiversity, is linked to social rather than climatic drives. Additionally, measures that can counteract the phenomenon and strengthen the awareness of the risks associated with climate change and food security are proposed.

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“…In our search, we found only two papers focusing on drought and/or water scarcity (Table 1). Barontini et al (2017) used arts as a communication tool. They documented traditional irrigation techniques to cope with water scarcity in the Mediterranean and, together with other researchers and students, developed a travelling exhibition for students and the general public.…”

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confidence: 99%

Creative practice as a potential tool to build drought and flood resilience in the Global South

Loon

Lester-Moseley

Rohse

et al. 2020

Preprint

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<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Global South communities are increasingly exposed and vulnerable to natural hazards such as floods and droughts. Preparing for future extremes requires including diverse knowledges, elevating under-represented voices, thinking out of the box for possible solutions, enhancing communication between diverse groups, and instigating organisational and behavioural change. In this study we investigate whether artistic and creative processes could support Global South communities in improving their preparedness to extremes. A literature review of 267 journal articles published between 2000 and 2018 showed that there is a growing body of research on using creative practice in environmental issues. Art and creativity are for example often used for raising awareness of climate change and for encouraging behavioural change in relation to health issues. Research using creative practice to increase resilience to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods and droughts is, however, still very rare. An opportunity exists to better understand the application of the wide range of creative methods currently used for environmental and health-related issues also to enhance resilience to droughts and floods. We tested this in a pilot project in South Africa, in which we designed storytelling workshops to create community narratives about impacts of and preparedness for future drought. These narratives were filmed and edited and shared both with the community and governance actors. Although this was a short pilot project and the effects have not been thoroughly researched, we see potential for these kind of methodologies. We noticed that the approach allowed people to imagine future droughts and that it opened up conversation about potential adaptation measures. Based on the literature and pilot study we call for more research on the use of creative practice in building resilience to extreme events. It is especially important to investigate how the use of creative methods compares to other methods, and how effective creative practice is to make a difference, either in people&#8217;s own behaviour or in communicating people's needs to decision makers.</p>

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Bridging Mediterranean cultures in the International Year of Soils 2015: a documentary exhibition on irrigation techniques in water scarcity conditions

Cited by 7 publications

References 12 publications

Assessing the Performance of Thermal Inertia and Hydrus Models to Estimate Surface Soil Water Content

Assessing the Performance of Thermal Inertia and Hydrus Models to Estimate Surface Soil Water Content

System Dynamics Applied to Terraced Agroecosystems: The Case Study of Assaragh (Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco)

Creative practice as a potential tool to build drought and flood resilience in the Global South

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