Summary
The study site area is situated in the coastal region of the East Nestos River Delta (Xanthi, Greece). The altitude is below 5 m from MSL and the distance from the seashore < 4 km. Groundwater is over-exploited and the water quality has been devastated by seawater intrusion and an increasing salt content. The use of such waters for irrigation purposes during the last 40-50 years resulted in significant land degradation and desertification.
A local-traditional technology applied by the farmers is the transportation of freshwater from local streams inland. This technology has significant benefits concerning productivity and land preservation, however, in some cases (sodic soils) the degradation processes are enhanced. There is also a significant cost charged to the farmers due to the continuous operation of diesel (oil) pumping stations.
The local water policy (Decision of the Prefecture, Xanthi, Greece) prohibits the transportation of water from superficial sources in a distance > 500 m. As a result it is not possible for the local enterprise to install an electrical supply system (for agricultural-irrigation purposes) in case one field is situated at a higher distance.
The DESIRE project aims at policy level to promote the local technology of freshwater transport in a broader-district area. This can take place by a carefully designed central transportation network system receiving freshwater from Nestos River. Major dams (Thesauros, Platanovrisi) are already in operation in the river and there is a provision for irrigation water supply in the broader Xanthi region.
A major objective of the DESIRE project in field level is to demonstrate i) the beneficial effects of freshwater irrigation in a region traditionally irrigated by brackish groundwater, ii) the drawbacks related to the degradation of sodic soils upon application of freshwater, and iii) promising amelioration strategies.
