Optimizing water use and soil health in agriculture: The role of microbial solutions and natural amendments

Water resource management is a fundamental challenge for highly productive agricultural areas, such as the Fucino Plain (AQ), where water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather events. In this scenario, the employment of microbial formulations and natural soil improvers has been identified as a novel strategy to optimise water usage, thereby enhancing soil water retention capacity and crop resilience to water stress, particularly in vulnerable agricultural contexts. The scientific importance of these approaches lies in their ability to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The application of microbial formulations containing beneficial bacteria and fungi has been demonstrated to stimulate soil particle aggregation processes, thereby enhancing porosity and structural stability. These microorganisms also promote the solubilisation of nutrients, thereby optimising their availability to plants, and improve the air/water balance, increasing water absorption efficiency and crop resistance to water stress. Biochar, a natural soil conditioner with high porosity and specific surface area, has been shown to increase the water retention capacity of the soil, thereby improving water stability and reducing water loss through evaporation and percolation under stress conditions. The project involves the selection and characterisation of microbial formulations and soil improvers, the development of application protocols and validation in experimental contexts, both in the laboratory and in the field. The anticipated outcomes encompass enhanced water use efficiency, augmented crop resilience, and optimised physical and biological characteristics of the soil. These interventions are expected to enhance the sustainability and resilience of horticulture in the Fucino Plain, thereby mitigating the impact of water scarcity. The results will provide insights for developing sustainable water management solutions. Concrete applications in vulnerable areas will provide a replicable model for other regions facing similar challenges.