Supported by the FruitCREWS COST Action, Dr. Jasmina Đorđević from the University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics in Serbia, recently completed a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP) at the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal. Her mission, conducted from October 11 to October 21, 2024, focused on developing advanced stochastic control strategies to optimize irrigation systems, a key research area for improving water resource management in agriculture. Dr. Đorđević collaborated closely with Assoc. Prof. Sofia Oliveira Lopes, an expert in irrigation modeling, to address complex challenges in irrigation efficiency.
During her stay, Dr. Đorđević worked on applying stochastic techniques to analyze and balance water gains and losses in soil, incorporating variables such as precipitation, evaporation, and deep infiltration. By implementing models that include Brownian motion and stochastic perturbations, she aimed to better account for unpredictable environmental changes affecting water availability. This approach involved intensive daily discussions with local researchers to refine methods and conduct rigorous simulations, ultimately creating a robust foundation for optimal irrigation practices.
This STSM holds significant value for the FruitCREWS COST Action, as it supports the development of efficient, sustainable irrigation models under uncertain climate conditions. Building on this research, Dr. Đorđević and her collaborators are preparing to submit an article that will disseminate the findings from this mission. This publication will contribute to FruitCREWS goals of promoting resilient agricultural practices by sharing insights and methodologies for advanced water management strategies. Through this, Đorđevuć’s work paves the way for innovative approaches to securing the future of fruit crops amid increasing climate variability.