Re-thinking water use in agriculture
As global water resources face increasing pressure, the Trace4Values related initiative Unity4Water is pioneering new ways to address water scarcity in agriculture. By reusing industrial process water and wastewater, the project alleviates strain on freshwater supplies and supports sustainable farming practices. Using advanced technologies such as optical sensors and AI, Unity4Water optimizes nutrient use, reducing environmental impacts and promoting eco-friendly agriculture.
– By linking technological solutions with behavioral change and policy development, we have the potential to lead the way towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, says Monica Odlare, Unity4Water’s project manager and professor of environmental engineering at Mälardalens University.
Collaborative efforts across borders
Unity4Water’s success is driven by collaboration, involving more than 30 international partners from academia, industry, and research institutions. These partnerships enable the exchange of best practices, tailored through pilot projects in diverse regions to meet local needs, making the project scalable and adaptable worldwide.
Reducing environmental impact
A core aim of Unity4Water is to reduce the environmental footprint of traditional farming, particularly regarding synthetic fertilizer use. By promoting nutrient recycling, the project mitigates issues like eutrophication and lowers greenhouse gas emissions linked to fertilizer production and application.
– We hope that the Unity4Water project can help raise awareness of the importance of sustainable water use and food production, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable global food system, concludes Monica Odlare.
