Agricultural activity has a significant impact on the environment, starting with the clearing of natural land for cultivation. This process disrupts the hydrological cycle and increases the risk of laminar erosion in rills and gullies. Erosion also occurs during tillage and harvesting, while agrochemicals contaminate soils, as well as surface and groundwater. Additionally, a large portion of available water resources is consumed for irrigation.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for the future of humanity. A comprehensive approach requires a productive balance between direct data and observations, along with modeling tools, as data is essential for accurate model evaluation.
This session aims to explore several key areas, at the agricultural watershed scale: the characterization of hydrological, erosive, and agrochemical export behavior in agricultural watersheds worldwide; problem diagnosis; new technologies and sensors for monitoring these variables; innovative watershed modeling techniques to evaluate the impact of agriculture on water quality and soil erosion; and the identification of scenarios, through modeling, that minimize the adverse effects of agricultural practices. The ultimate goal is to foster more sustainable and environmentally responsible agriculture.
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Agriculture impacts the environment by disrupting the hydrological cycle, causing erosion, and polluting water with agrochemicals. This session covers key areas like watershed monitoring, innovative modeling techniques, and solutions to minimize negative effects, aiming for sustainable agriculture.