More efficient circulation of horticultural irrigation surplus water means less wastewater
In the CB region, greenhouse horticulture is a key agricultural sector but its irrigation practices still often rely on linear systems where surplus water and valuable nutrients are lost. While some large growers already reuse water, many SME growers lack the capacity, knowledge, or tools to do so. As resource prices rise and environmental expectations increase, the need to shift toward circular irrigation solutions is becoming urgent, also in water-rich areas like Estonia, Finland and Latvia. SME growers, too, demand adaptable, cost-effective and practical solutions.
CIRRIWATER addresses this challenge by setting a starting level through a baseline analysis and then developing and piloting cross-border models for reusing surplus irrigation water and nutrients, making circular economy activities accessible to a wider range of growers. The project unites research organisations, greenhouse experts and growers, and business developers to co-create practical tools, including a cross-border process map to start actions, model solution scenarios for long-term planning, and hands-on pilot setups, in all three countries.
CIRRIWATER will result in two improved circular economy cycles: water reuse and nutrient recovery, both tailored for real-life adoption. The outputs will benefit growers, SMEs, policymakers, and business support organisations, helping them implement smart, resource-efficient, and scalable solutions, even beyond the pilot regions.
CIRRIWATER uses a collaborative, cross-border approach to ensure that the tools are relevant across national contexts and adaptable for various greenhouse types. The co-development process engages end users and policy-level stakeholders, increasing interest, uptake and impact beyond the project’s lifespan.
CIRRIWATER offers low-barrier, practical solutions for water reuse that combine technical modelling, economic understanding, and public communication, which has not yet been jointly done for the Central Baltic greenhouse sector.
