Water availability for agricultural uses: groundwater sources and stream-aquifer interactions

• Grant number: 24/02753-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Edson Cezar Wendland
• Grantee: Edson Cezar Wendland
• Principal researcher abroad: Linus Zhang
• Institution abroad: Lund University, Lund, Sweden
• Principal researcher abroad: Magnus Persson
• Institution abroad: Lund University, Lund, Sweden
• Principal researcher abroad: Ronny Berndtsson
• Institution abroad: Lund University, Lund, Sweden
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Jamil Alexandre Ayach Anache
• Associated research grant: 22/10206-4 - Management of aquifer recharge in different regions of Brazil and availability for agricultural use, AP.R

Abstract

Integrated water availability is of paramount importance for maintaining agricultural activities. The University of São Paulo (USP), through the São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC), conducts relevant work in water security and the role of groundwater. Meanwhile, Lund University (LU) in Sweden has extensive experience in water resources and modeling, offering solutions relevant to agricultural production. Therefore, the main objectives for financing this proposal are: (1) to identify and exchange relevant scientific knowledge and expertise necessary to address relevant policy issues and the needs of the State of São Paulo for sustainable management of the Guarani Aquifer System (SAG), (2) to develop a joint collaborative research proposal between USP and LU to conduct research activities related to the SAG, and (3) to explore opportunities for student exchange to work with USP and LU faculty on policy and research issues supporting the monitoring and sustainable management of the aquifer.Workshops will be open to both lawmakers from the State of São Paulo and scientists working on the SAG. Among the expected main outcomes, it is highlighted that both institutions, USP and LU, are involved in projects with significant similarities, enabling mutual benefits through these interactions. While USP excels in the execution and development of projects related to groundwater monitoring, LU could add value through the application of artificial intelligence tools for hydrological assessment. The approval of this project to receive funding from SPRINT would promote greater mobility among researchers, encouraging future submissions of collaborative projects, as well as facilitating the celebration of institutional agreements for double degrees and the joint production of publications. (AU)