Toward sustainable irrigation development - case study for Slovenia

Slovenia is one of the countries whose agriculture will be even more susceptible to droughts in the future and is also one of the countries with one of the lowest percentages of agricultural land equipped with irrigation systems. Less than 4% of all land potentially suitable for irrigation (8,000 ha) is equipped with irrigation systems, which means that the majority of agriculture is dependent on rain. In order to improve the situation and pursue an appropriate development policy, the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for the period 2023–2027 provides funds for the construction of individual irrigation systems, the purchase of equipment and the construction of multi-user irrigation systems.

The proposed measures to enhance irrigation include (i) scaling up irrigation systems, (ii) modernizing irrigation systems (replacing sprinkler systems with drip irrigation, repairing distribution and supply lines and modernizing pumps), (iii) improving efficiency through transfer of property rights (improved irrigation management) and (iv) integrating tools to support irrigation decisions into daily agricultural production.

Our analysis shows that the water use efficiency of the existing irrigation systems is quite high, as closed pressurized systems with sprinklers and drip irrigation were used from the beginning, while large-scale irrigation systems were only introduced in the 1990s. However, obtaining documentation for the construction of new irrigation systems is a lengthy and complex process, as it must take into account the protection of nature, water bodies and cultural heritage, as well as the  existing infrastructure. Studies show that there is no solution in the form of simplified legislation that would lower the quality standards of irrigation development. Appropriate approaches are the organization of applications and participation. A system of operational support must be created for investors and producers to help them manage the difficult process of obtaining permits and approvals for irrigation facilities. This requires better organization of work at the local level and stronger support for investors and producers at the national level.

Of the commonly available tools for improved irrigation management, Slovenia has recently introduced a national decision support system for irrigation (SPON). SPON combines the current water content in the soil, the development phase of the plant and the weather forecast. On this basis, it calculates the plants' water requirements on a daily basis, which it provides in the form of irrigation recommendations at plot level. The use of SPON reduces overall water consumption. The possibility of nutrient leaching is reduced, irrigation rations are shortened and the energy consumption of the pumping station is reduced. SPON is available to all farmers in Slovenia (www.spon.si) and is supported by the Slovenian Environment Agency. After its initial phase, SPON has regular users, but there is a great need for training and support for users to accelerate the dissemination of SPON. This strategy will sustainably increase the resilience of agricultural production in Slovenia to drought.