AIMPLAS develops microirrigation systems with antimicrobial and anti-root functionalities
AIMPLAS coordinates other five companies and technological centers which work on the European project RIGA in order to design and implement a new irrigation systems based on standard polyolefin, with new functionalities such as anti-microbial and anti-roots (trifluralin free), which allow increasing their functionality up to the end of their shelf-life (up to 50% higher) and contributes to water consumption reduction (up to 5% due to less pipe cleaning is required for correct performance), in comparison with the current systems in the market.
The new developed systems will be cost-competitive, safer for animals and plants and environmental friendly.
Project activities are divided in 7 WPs starting from the definition of micro-irrigation product requirements and the design of pipes and drips with innovative characteristics till the broad dissemination of project results among relevant stakeholders.
The project will last 30 months: from 01/07/2014 till 31/12/2016.
Outcomes of RIGA project are addressed to pipe and dripper manufacturers (distributors and installers), farmers, gardeners or greenhouse farmers. Moreover, the new micro-irrigation system components could be easily replicated for a wide range of sectors such long term farming, building and pipeline transport.
Expected results
• Definition of the requirements and production of PE masterbatches with suitable anti-algae and anti-microbial additives.
• Production of pipes and drips with innovative properties at pilot and industrial level.
• Validation of pipes and drips in field condition through dedicated demonstrative trials.
• Set up of guidelines for the cultivation of vegetable and ornamental crops that envisage the adoption of the innovative micro-irrigation pipes and drips.
• Quantification of the environmental and economical impact deriving from the adoption of the innovative pipes and drips also through L.C.A. studies.
The RIGA Consortium provides the resources and expertise required to achieve the project objectives, as enables a multidisciplinary approach and combines the knowledge and expertise gained by Partners activity in the different areas along the micro-irrigation system value chain, from the compounding process, developed by GALLOPLAST, Spain to the final products (microirrigation system) which IRRITEC, Italy are the responsible, with the final validation of the pipes by VEGETABLE RESEARCH CENTRE EAST-FLANDERS, and RESEARCH CENTRE FOR ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, both in Belgium, with the support of CENTRO DI SPERIMENTAZIONE E ASSISTENZA AGRICOLA, Italy
www.rigaproject.eu
Co-funded by the Eco-innovation Initiative of the European Union