The main objective of the project is to develop a series of tools using different technologies to optimize the use of nitrogen fertilizers in irrigation nutrient solutions, as well as to minimize leaching from drainage in greenhouse horticultural crops.

Horticultural production systems are among those that generate the highest nitrogen losses to the environment. This is due to the use of intensive management strategies, characterized by high doses of water and nutrients, often exceeding the optimal values required by the crop.

The potential for nitrogen losses in these systems is high, either through nitrate leaching, gaseous nitrogen losses, or as a result of high residual nitrogen concentration in the soil after harvest, which can be subsequently washed away during rainy periods without crops.

With this project, the necessary tools will be developed to assist farmers in optimizing nitrate supply in the irrigation nutrient solution for each development phase and the development of an action protocol based on good agricultural practices, allowing farmers to carry out the necessary techniques to readjust and minimize nitrate consumption in the nutrient solution.

All of this will be accompanied by a study of the influence of nitrate management on the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit, with the aim of ultimately obtaining a product with the best characteristics for consumers.