AgrariaUniRC | Scientific Conference on Unconventional Water Resources and Agriculture
On Monday 22 June 2026, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, the Francesco Saverio Nesci Hall of the AGRICULTURE Department of the Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Vito locality, will host the scientific conference entitled: “Use of unconventional water resources and response of horticultural plants for food use in areas affected by salinity – Results of experimental investigations” .
The meeting was created to disseminate the results of the research project "Indications on the use of unconventional water resources and the resulting productive response of plants for food use in drought-affected areas" , a crucial scientific initiative funded by the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria (Agriculture, Hunting, Fishing, Mycology Sector) and conducted by the Department of Agriculture of the University of Reggio Calabria.
The conference addresses a highly topical environmental challenge: marine intrusion into aquifers. This hydrogeological phenomenon, known as a salt wedge, forces seawater underground, contaminating freshwater reserves.
To understand the impact of this phenomenon on agriculture, the research analyzed the effects of irrigation with different salinity levels on typical crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, and chili peppers. Using the Department of Agriculture's greenhouses, laboratories, and resources, the researchers monitored the soil's biological responses, plant development, and the final quality of the crops.
The meeting will be introduced and moderated by Professor Angelo Maria Giuffrè. The program includes a rich series of institutional, scientific, and technical presentations.
Institutional greetings: Prof. Giuseppe Zimbalatti (Rector of the Università Mediterranea) and Prof. Marco Poiana (Director of the Department of Agriculture).
Representatives of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria: Eng. Domenica Catalfamo (Head of Department 3), Dr. Maria Teresa Scolaro (Head of Sector 9), Dr. Luciana IF Merolillo (EQ Sector 9) and Dr. Antonino Siclari (EQ Sector 10).
Scientific contributions (Department of AGRICULTURE): Prof. Angelo Maria Giuffrè (Scientific Project Manager), Prof. Agostino Sorgonà (Research Unit 2 Contact Person), Prof. Demetrio Antonio Zema (Research Unit 3 Contact Person) and Dr. Miriam Arianna Boninsegna (Research Fellow).
Technical and professional contributions: Dr. Michele Valenzise (President of ODAF Reggio Calabria), Dr. Stefania Crucitti (Vice-President of OTA Basilicata and Calabria), Giuseppe Canale (President of Confagricoltura Reggio Calabria), Federica Basile (President of Coldiretti Reggio Calabria) and Salvatore Borruto (President of CIA Calabria Sud).
Participation in the event is free and open to all citizens, students, and enthusiasts in the sector.
The conference is also formally accredited to issue professional training credits (CFP) for members of the Order of Agronomists and Forestry Doctors and the Order of Food Technologists.
