The Potential of Micro-Storage Systems for Enhancing Resilience in Agricultural Water Resource Management under Climate Change

Climate change-induced heatwaves and extreme rainfall events present significant challenges to agricultural landscapes, particularly in rainfed farmland. These extreme events not only reduce food production but also result in economic losses and accelerate land degradation. For smallholder farmers, ensuring a self-sufficient supply of irrigation water during droughts—especially at the onset of a drought—is critical.

In this context, sustainable water resource management plays a vital role in enhancing the resilience of agriculture under changing climate conditions. Small, low-cost micro water storage systems are recognized as effective solutions for intercepting surface runoff and harvesting water when properly designed. However, limited research has explored the detailed water retention efficiency of such micro-storage systems under different conditions and the factors influencing their performance. This study aims to optimize water retention rates in micro-storage systems through best maintenance practices and identify the key factors affecting their efficiency. To achieve this, we established an experimental site in northern Italy with four micro-storage systems, each with a capacity of 150 m³. Additionally, water level transducers were installed in the reservoirs to monitor water levels at 30-minute intervals. A meteorological station was set up to record environmental variables, including solar radiation, precipitation, wind speed, and humidity.The findings of this study will provide crucial guidance for maintaining micro-storage systems, enabling local farmers to improve their resilience and contribute to the sustainability of rainfed agriculture in the face of climate change.