ARI REVIEW FOR 2016-2017

Expansion of studies onto new topics related to climate change, the sustainable use of soil and water, precision agriculture and environmental issues Spatial and temporal variations in evapotranspiration and net water requirements of typical Mediterranean crops on the island of Cyprus. ( A. Christou, P. Dalias, D. Neocleous ) Comparative analysis of the nitrogen effect of common agricultural practices and rotation systems in a rain-fed Mediterranean environment. ( P. Dalias, D. Neocleous ) Modelling transpiration of soilless greenhouse cucumber and its relationship with leaf temperature in a Mediterranean climate. ( G. Nikolaou, D. Neocleous, N. Katsoulas, C. Kittas ) Physiological, nutritional and growth responses of melon (Cucumis melo L.) to a gradual salinity built-up in recirculating nutrient solution. ( D. Neocleous, G. Ntatsi, D. Savvas ) NaCl accumulation and macronutrient uptake by a melon crop in a closed hydroponic system in relation to water uptake. ( D. Neocleous, D. Savvas ) Using SEBAL to investigate how variations in climate impact on crop evapotranspiration. ( G. Papadavid, D. Neocleous, G. Kountios, M. Markou, A. Michailidis, A. Ragkos, D. Hadjimitsis ) Advances in hydroponic research. Irrigation management techniques used in soilless cultivation. ( G. Nikolaou, D. Neocleous, N. Katsoulas, C. Kittas ) European LIFE Programme - Adapt2change Project actions completed during 2016: 1) Cultivation guides containing information on the soilless cultivation of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and cucumbers inside the Adapt2change greenhouses. After providing detailed data for each of the aforementioned cases, the guide concludes with an overview of achieved results in view of the programme’s objectives. 2) Information about the cultivation testing for the greenhouses of Larissa and Zygi for the Adapt2change project: The heating of the prototype greenhouse using Shallow Geothermal Energy was compared to the standard method used in Cyprus, i.e. using diesel fuel. The results were positive showing that shallow geothermal energy can be used as an alternative RES, contributing to the protection of the environment. The deliverable is a comprehensive and complete list of information-results based on a protocol developed and finalised by the TEI of Thessaly, the Agricultural Research Institute and the University of Thessaly. The deliverable is designed to include information of key project outputs (e.g. guide environmental achievements). ( D. Neocleous, P. Polycarpou ) https://www.adapt2change.eu/en/home 53 Natural Resources and Environment