Applicazione di tecniche di agricoltura di precisione e indicatori ambientali per la valutazione della sostenibilità della produzione del frumento duro in Val d’Orcia

The study analyzed and evaluated the quality and sustainability of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf., Triticum turgidum L. subsp. Duro) grown in Val d'Orcia, with the use of the different techniques integration, such as remote sensing, modeling and CF (Carbon Footprint) analysis and other environmental indicators through the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), whose results were compared with the data collected by monitoring ground and laboratory analysis. In particular, to assess the durum wheat production sustainability, the work has chosen to consider the aspect of the importance of the nitrogen fertilization management. This is crucial to play a key role both as regards the qualitative aspect in the production of durum wheat, that, on the other hand, to concerns the environmental impact into agroecosystem. For this analysis, the study has used also the most modern techniques of precision agriculture, which were of great help especially in the technical aspect, allowing you to perform georeferenced analysis of durum wheat biophysical variables. The techniques used were monitoring through remote sensing satellite platform, combined with a growth model. At first were analyzed relationship between the information from remote sensing and sampling carried out in the field, finding existing correlations. Afterwards, the study has developed a crop growth simple model, aimed at identifying the yield and the total nitrogen amount to harvesting and during the entire period of growth. Finally, research has assessed through the use of LCA analysis of the environmental sustainability of production through three specific indicators, the CF, the consumption of non-renewable resources and water consumption, referring to three different management methods of fertilizer nitrogen.