Irrigation Post-Modernization. Farmers Envisioning Irrigation Policy in the Region of Valencia (Spain)

Abstract

During the last three decades, like many other Mediterranean states, Spain has intensively promoted the modernization of irrigation, focusing mainly on the introduction of pressurized irrigation systems. Following 30 years of investment, a shift in irrigation policies is needed to solve some of the deficiencies in this modernization process and to incorporate new measures to cope with upcoming challenges generated by international markets, climate change and other social and economic processes. This paper describes and analyses the results of participatory research carried out with the water user associations in the autonomous region of Valencia, in order to define post-modernization irrigation policies. A survey and 24 local workshops involving 304 water user associations were conducted during the irrigation season of 2018 in order to form an assessment of the sector and design new irrigation policies. The results show that after 30 years of important investment, the obsolescence of the infrastructure has become the current main priority, making farmers dependent on public subsidies. New necessities have also emerged, such as renewable energies and nonconventional water resources, which farmers consider indispensable in order to reduce operating costs and guarantee water supply.

The Potential of Wastewater Reuse and the Role of Economic Valuation in the Pursuit of Sustainability: The Case of the Canal de Isabel II

“…This means that the financial viability of water reuse is affected in the context of rising energy prices [26]. This energy problem is also perceived by irrigators, the main users of reclaimed water in Spain, as it not only means an increase in the price of water but also requires available energy to carry out this activity [48]. For this reason, the use of renewable energy sources has become a topical issue in water services, as they can provide both financial and environmental benefits [48][49][50].…”

“…This energy problem is also perceived by irrigators, the main users of reclaimed water in Spain, as it not only means an increase in the price of water but also requires available energy to carry out this activity [48]. For this reason, the use of renewable energy sources has become a topical issue in water services, as they can provide both financial and environmental benefits [48][49][50]. Finally, the presence of an obsolete infrastructure is also perceived as a major problem by irrigators [48,51,52].…”

“…For this reason, the use of renewable energy sources has become a topical issue in water services, as they can provide both financial and environmental benefits [48][49][50]. Finally, the presence of an obsolete infrastructure is also perceived as a major problem by irrigators [48,51,52]. In summary, wastewater reuse is currently facing difficulties that are mainly related to public opinion, food safety, the financial aspects of the activity, regulations, energy costs, and infrastructure.…”

Orchard Level Assessment of Irrigation Performance and Water Productivity of an Irrigation Community in Eastern Spain

“…The modernization of irrigation schemes in Spain [2], and also in the Valencia region [3], has entailed changing from open channels networks for surface irrigation to pressurized pipes networks and drip irrigation systems. This modernization has allowed the reduction in irrigation water use [4,5] and improved the control of irrigation application by farmers [2,5] aided by irrigation management and information systems at the national level [6] and at the Valencian Community regional level [7].…”

Recognition of Maize Phenology in Sentinel Images with Machine Learning

“…Gonçalves et al [ 3 ] conducted an efficiency analysis in the Lis Valley Irrigation District in Portugal and found that the overall efficiency in the district was 67% and concluded that it is important to maintain, conserve and modernize the hydraulic infrastructure. In Spain, for three decades, they have promoted the use of pressurized irrigation systems to reach 72% of the arable area [ 4 ], in Brazil, the main modern irrigation technique is the central pivot irrigation system with a 78.3% of irrigable area [ 5 ].…”