Skip to content

€700,000 Climate Lab in Andalusia Aims to Save Mediterranean Crops

This innovative lab is tackling climate change head-on. It's helping farmers adapt and saving Mediterranean crops from drought.

In this image there are a few plants with fruits, in the background there is a metal structure and...
In this image there are a few plants with fruits, in the background there is a metal structure and the sky.

€700,000 Climate Lab in Andalusia Aims to Save Mediterranean Crops

A €700,000 laboratory has been established in Andalusia to study the impact of climate change and drought on Mediterranean crops. The facility, known as the 'Life Adapt' centre, is located in Carmona, Sevilla, and is a joint project between the Andalusian Agriculture Council and Ifapa. It aims to find solutions for efficient water and soil management and determine which crop varieties adapt best to the future Andalusian climate.

The laboratory features two independent modules, allowing it to simulate different climatic conditions simultaneously and host multiple trials. It has been designed by Ifapa researchers in collaboration with leading companies in the sensorization and automation sectors. The facility uses advanced technologies such as atmospheric CO2 control systems and state-of-the-art sensors and cameras for crop characterization. Preliminary results have shown the response of certain crops to moderate drought stress, enabling specific irrigation schedules to be implemented. Initial trials are being conducted on olive, almond, pistachio, and grape, with plans to include orange and mandarin soon.

The 'Life Adapt' centre in Carmona is expected to play a significant role in developing solutions to adapt Mediterranean agricultural systems to drought and climate change. Its advanced technologies and innovative design make it a valuable tool for researchers and farmers alike, helping to ensure the sustainability of Mediterranean agriculture in the face of a changing climate.

Read also:

Latest