The group's primary research thrust focuses on water use, plant-water relations and irrigation scheduling for horticultural crops. A second deals with the use of nitrogen in greenhouse crops and nitrate pollution of aquifers.
A third studies the environmental impact of intensive production in Mediterranean greenhouses. We also study rhizosphere oxygenation in soilless crops and crops grown in sanded soils along the Spanish coastline, and climate control in greenhouses. Finally, we also study horticultural production under mesh in inland areas.
As far as technology is concerned, we have a laboratory where we analyse inorganic nitrogen in samples of soil, water and plants. We also conduct nitrogen gas analysis, and determine on the installation, use and interpretation of humidity sensors in the soil and plant water status. Another service is gauging and analysing rhizosphere oxygenation in crops. Finally, we also supply climate monitoring instrument services.
Human Team
Luisa Gallardo Pino
Plant Production Professor, Agronomy Department, University of Almeria. Professor Gallardo's teaching activity focuses on irrigation scheduling in greenhouse crops and modelling crops with applications for water and nitrogen management; most of her teaching is at master's degree level.
Professor Gallardo's research activity centres on modelling crops and optimising water and nitrogen management in greenhouse crops in the Spanish south west. She obtained her doctorate at the University of Cordoba, in agricultural development and plant-water relations in the new tritodeum cereal.
After obtaining her doctorate, she worked for two years at CSIRO, Perth, Australia, on legume and cereal root signals in response to drought, and later worked for three years at UC Davis, California, on irrigation scheduling and modelling in lettuce. In addition to teaching and research, Professor Gallardo Pino also performs administrative duties on University of Almeria master's degree and research commissions.
Group members
- Bonachela Castaño, Santiago
Professor - Fernández Fernández, Mª Dolores
Researcher - Giménez Padilla, Carmen
Researcher - Granados García, Maria Rosa
Researcher - Hernandez Rodriguez, Joaquin
Lecturer
- López Hernández, Juan Carlos
Researcher - Magán Cañadas, Juan José
Researcher - Padilla Ruiz, Francisco Manuel
Researcher - Peña Fleitas, Maria Teresa
Researcher - Thompson , Rodney
Professor