In the sun-drenched orchards of Sicily, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we understand and manage water use in agriculture. Fiorella Stagno, a researcher at the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA)—Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops in Acireale, Italy, has been leading an innovative project that could revolutionize precision agriculture and water management practices. The study, published in the journal *Land* (which translates to *Soil* in English), focuses on using proximal sensing tools to monitor citrus water status, offering promising insights for the energy and agricultural sectors.
The research, conducted over two irrigation seasons (2023–2024 and 2024–2025), employed hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and thermal infrared (IR) cameras to track changes in spectral and thermal profiles of citrus trees under five different irrigation systems. These systems varied in water distribution, allowing for the implementation of four distinct deficit irrigation strategies. The goal was to identify the most efficient water use practices while maintaining optimal plant health.
Stagno and her team measured key physiological traits such as stem water potential, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf chlorophyll content. Their findings revealed significant variations in these traits across different irrigation strategies, with the highest plant water stress observed in July, particularly in trees subjected to partial root-zone drying irrigation. “The data clearly showed that different irrigation strategies have a profound impact on the physiological status of the plants,” Stagno noted. “This information is crucial for developing more sustainable and efficient water management practices.”
One of the most compelling findings was the water-use efficiency (WUE) in subsurface drip irrigation, which was found to be up to 50% more efficient compared to the control group. This efficiency was comparable to that achieved with moderate deficit irrigation, highlighting the potential for significant water savings without compromising plant health.
The study also demonstrated the effectiveness of proximal sensing tools in precision agriculture. Four spectral indices—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Water Index (WI), Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), and Transformed Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Index (TCARI)—were calculated from the HSI spectra. These indices showed strong correlations with physiological traits, particularly stem water potential and leaf chlorophyll content. “The use of proximal sensing tools allows for real-time monitoring and early detection of water stress, which is essential for optimizing irrigation strategies and ensuring sustainable crop management,” Stagno explained.
The implications of this research extend beyond the agricultural sector. In an era of climate change and water scarcity, the ability to monitor and manage water use efficiently is critical. The energy sector, which often relies on water-intensive processes, can also benefit from these advancements. By adopting precision agriculture techniques, energy companies can reduce their water footprint and contribute to more sustainable practices.
As we look to the future, the integration of proximal sensing tools in agricultural and energy management practices holds immense promise. Stagno’s research not only provides a roadmap for more efficient water use but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges. “This study is just the beginning,” Stagno said. “The potential applications of proximal sensing in precision agriculture and ecosystem monitoring are vast, and we are excited to explore these further.”
In a world grappling with the impacts of climate change, Stagno’s work offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating how technology and innovation can pave the way for a more sustainable future. As the agricultural and energy sectors continue to evolve, the insights gained from this research will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping best practices and driving progress.