Prof. Dr. Nina Nikolova and Ch. Associate Professor Simeon Matev, from the Department of Climatology, Hydrology and Geomorphology of the FGG, participated in Europe's largest scientific event in the field of geosciences - the Annual meeting of the European Geosciences Union (EGU24), April 14-19, 2024. 18,388 participants from 116 countries attended the meeting in Vienna, and another 2,591 people from 106 countries participated online.
With a poster on the topic Water Footprints of Growing Maize Crops in the Danube Plain (Bulgaria), Prof. Nikolova and Assoc. Prof. Matev presented part of the results of the work on the project "Nexus approach in agriculture. The water-food relationship in the context of climate change", funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund – Ministry of Education and Science. The project is being developed in connection with the activities under COST Action No. CA 20138 Network on water-energy-food nexus for a low-carbon economy in Europe and beyond – NEXUSNET.
The presented research analyzes the water footprint of maize cultivation in one of the main agricultural regions of Bulgaria (Danube Plain) against the background of changes in air temperature and precipitation and aims to expand knowledge on the impact of climate change on agriculture in terms of the sustainable use of water for crop production. The study evaluates the utilization of green (rain) and blue (irrigation) water for maize production. In Bulgaria, where corn is grown mostly without irrigation, green water is the main water source for the development of the culture. In water-scarce regions, we can explore sustainable irrigation practices that reduce blue water use and mitigate related challenges. Precision agriculture technologies such as soil moisture sensors and remote sensing can help farmers make informed decisions and reduce water loss.
The scientific work outlined above primarily benefits researchers who are working on topics related to climate impacts on agriculture, water usage, and water footprints in agricultural processes under current and future climate scenarios. The results of the study have the potential to be used in risk management and land use planning.
