Nyírbátor, Hungary

Nyírbátor case study site is situated in the Pannonian region, on the edge of a moderately warm and moderately cool climate belt, at the Norther Great Plain region next to Nyírbátor city. This case study site is at a nitrate-sensitive area. It comprises of 16 ha pastureland with sprinkler irrigation for cattle grazing and 50 ha irrigated arable land with lateral moving irrigation system for feed stocks. The case study site is situated at alluvial cone plain covered mainly with quicksand. Soil is mainly sandy, sandy loam, with some loamy spots in deeper layers. Humus content is very low and underground water is in 1-3 m depth. Its active water network is sparse and drought appears mainly in July and August.

At this case study site, the utilization of alternative water resources is evaluated for irrigation. The results will contribute to the development of real-time irrigation scheduling. Regarding this goal, lot of analysis and survey were conducted before the project mid-term. During 2021, Digital Elevation Model was prepared based on LIDAR data and soil survey and soil sample analysis were made. The dewaterability characteristics of fermented sludge to be used as an alternative water source for irrigation was also assessed. The water retainer product is tested to analyse its contribution to better water balance. Soil incubation experiment and small pot experiment were made to study the effects of Water Retainer on soil conditions and nutrient status. Small pot experiment was made to study the effects of Water Retainer on soil conditions and nutrient status in a soil-plant system.  Field experiments were set up to study the effects of Water Retainer on soil conditions and the nutrient uptake by the apple trees.