As part of the ongoing research within Work Package 2, a specialized team recently conducted a vital field study in Medenine, Tunisia, to analyze the hydraulic behavior of local soils. The focus of this mission was to measure soil infiltration rates under natural conditions – a key factor in sustainable water management for arid regions.
The Objective: How Does the Soil “Drink” Water?
The primary goal of this field activity, held between February 2 and 5, 2026, was to characterize the water infiltration capacity of the study area. By understanding how quickly water moves through the soil surface, researchers can:
Better predict surface runoff and erosion risks.
Optimize irrigation strategies for local crops.
Improve groundwater recharge models in water-scarce environments.
Methodology: The Double-Ring Infiltrometer
To achieve high-precision results, the team utilized the Double-Ring Infiltrometer method. This technique is the gold standard for field measurements because it isolates vertical water flow, providing a much more accurate representation of how the soil absorbs water compared to single-ring methods.
Collaboration on the Ground
This activity was a collaborative effort involving key experts and institutions dedicated to Mediterranean agriculture:
Achraf KATAR, Mongi Ben Zaied, and Habib Lamourou from the Institut des Régions Arides (IRA) of Médenine.
Ammar Jamai from The Regional Commission for Agricultural Development (CRDA).
The participation of both scientific researchers and regional decision-makers ensures that the data collected will have a direct impact on agricultural policy and land-use planning in the region.
Why This Matters for the Future
The data gathered during this study visit provides a critical baseline for developing more resilient farming systems. In regions like Medenine, where every drop of water counts, precise soil science is the foundation for overcoming the challenges of climate change and desertification.
By bridging the gap between technical research and practical application, this mission contributes to the broader goal of securing a sustainable future for Mediterranean ecosystems.
