Cereal Sector

The grain supply chain of the Piana Reatina is characterized by extensive cereal and herbaceous crops, including soft wheat, durum wheat, corn, and sunflower. Under the project, specific experimental fields were selected to conduct activities concerning the planting of soft and hard wheat varieties. These fields have been closely monitored from the earliest stages of crop development through nondestructive sampling, destructive sampling and analysis of data obtained from satellite images.

A key aspect of the project was the identification and study of a crop simulation model suitable for the goals set. The model chosen is DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer), which allows simulation results to be compared with those observed in the field. During this first phase, using weather data and soil characteristics of the Rieti Plain, the sensitivity of the model was evaluated, gaining a thorough understanding of its operation.

The next steps involved calibration of the DSSAT model, using data collected through satellite imagery and scouting activities carried out during the 2022-2023 agricultural campaign dedicated to durum and soft wheat in the Rieti Plain. This approach allowed the model to be refined and effectively integrated with field observations.