EIA Summer Irrigation Forum Explores the Expanding Role of Irrigation in Hydroponics and Urban Water Resilience

On Friday, 3 July 2026, the European Irrigation Association (EIA) welcomed members from across Europe to its online Summer Irrigation Forum, which focused on an increasingly relevant question for the irrigation sector: Is hydroponics irrigation?

The event brought together industry representatives, researchers and innovators to discuss how irrigation technologies are evolving beyond their traditional applications and becoming central to Europe’s broader water resilience ambitions.

The forum was opened by EIA President Moshi Berenstein, who outlined the Association’s current priorities and the rapidly changing European policy landscape. He explained how EIA is strengthening its activities in advocacy, market intelligence and member support to ensure irrigation is recognised as an essential contributor to the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy.

Members also received an update on the Association’s ongoing work with European institutions, upcoming activities in Brussels, and preparations for the next edition of the EIA Irrigation Days. Since the previous forum, EIA has welcomed five new members, bringing the Association to a total of 84 member organisations representing a growing diversity of expertise across the irrigation and water management sector.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Dimitrios Savvas of the Agricultural University of Athens, who explored the relationship between irrigation and hydroponics. He explained that although hydroponic production differs significantly from conventional soil cultivation, efficient water management remains its defining principle. In soilless cultivation, irrigation is intrinsically linked to plant nutrition, requiring highly precise control of water delivery, nutrient composition and irrigation scheduling.

Professor Savvas presented recent advances in hydroponic irrigation management, including evapotranspiration-based scheduling, decision-support systems, nutrient optimisation and the development of closed-loop production systems that recycle water and nutrients. He also highlighted emerging technologies such as ion-selective sensors, automated fertigation and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how digital innovation is making hydroponic irrigation increasingly efficient, sustainable and responsive to changing crop needs.

The second presentation featured Stéphane Bihorel, Strategy Business Development Director at VERTUO, who introduced an innovative approach to water-autonomous urban greening. His presentation demonstrated how integrated planting systems combining rainwater harvesting, filtration, specialised substrates and capillary irrigation can create resilient urban green infrastructure without the need for conventional irrigation.

Using examples from projects implemented across France, Mr Bihorel illustrated how these systems reduce maintenance requirements, improve plant survival, mitigate urban heat islands and contribute to more sustainable public spaces. The presentation highlighted the growing role of irrigation technologies beyond agriculture, particularly in supporting climate adaptation and water-efficient urban development.

The forum concluded with an open discussion during which participants reflected on the future of irrigation in both agricultural and urban environments. Discussions emphasised the increasing importance of digital technologies, measurable water efficiency, evidence-based decision making and the need to position irrigation as a key component of Europe’s long-term water resilience strategy.

The Summer Irrigation Forum once again demonstrated the value of bringing together researchers, industry experts and EIA members to exchange knowledge and explore emerging trends shaping the future of irrigation.

EIA warmly thanks all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and looks forward to continuing these discussions during the upcoming EIA Irrigation Days in September.

For those unable to attend, the recording is available on EIA youtube channel.