Precision irrigation in the Trentino region: how SWAB tackles the water challenges

This study presents SWAB (Soil-Water-Atmosphere Advanced Budget), an advanced model for precision irrigation of grapevine, apple, and olive orchards in alpine regions, developed to address the needs of the agricultural sector and policymakers. Based on the FAO-56 water balance methodology, SWAB enhances this approach by incorporating advanced parameterizations of the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum (SPAC), specifically adapted to the pedoclimatic variability of the Trentino region. The region encompasses approximately 20,000 irrigated hectares of orchards and vineyards, with a Gross Production Value (GPV) of 22.7 kEUR/ha at current prices (updated 2022, source: ISPAT), highlighting the critical role of irrigation in stabilizing productive yields and supporting the local economy. Although annual precipitation is abundant, including during the growing season for apples and grapevines, decreasing snowfall is progressively eroding spring water reserves, intensifying competition among economic sectors (agriculture, tourism, and hydropower). In the Trentino context, irrigation water is managed by Land Improvement and Irrigation Consortia without fully considering crop-specific needs. SWAB estimates irrigation requirements and, through the IRRITRE project, supports irrigation Consortia in optimizing short-term water distribution. This integrated approach promotes sustainable water resource management, thereby strengthening the resilience of Trentino's agriculture in the face of climate change.