Adaptation of a Scientific Decision Support System to the Productive Sector—A Case Study: MOPECO Irrigation Scheduling Model for Annual Crops

Despite the great number of models developed in research projects, only a small percentage have been successfully transferred to productive sector. The PRIMA programme supported by Horizon 2020, European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, aims reverse this situation. SUPROMED project funded sought develop an online platform composed several adapted requirements end users increasing economic environmental sustainability Mediterranean agricultural systems. MOPECO, its version, was designed maximize profitability irrigated farms water-scarce regions. A simplified version model (MOPECO irrigation scheduling) included improving efficiency, providing farmers with useful scheduling software. This paper shows approach adapt transfer MOPECO tool validated three different demosite areas across Mediterranean, involving local stakeholders design, validation, dissemination reached similar or higher yields than using less water. Thus, average water saved around 16%, while yield increased 10% plots located demosites (Eastern Mancha Spain, Bekaa valley Lebanon, Sidi Bouzid Tunisia). fact decreased footprint farms. high applicability has generated interest among many technicians, farmers, advisory enterprises. Furthermore, regional national governmental extension services shown spreading use their territories, validating methodology used adapting transferring scientific