The Research Unit operates within the Scientific Sector of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (AGRI-04/A) and conducts research on surface hydrological processes and the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. Research activities focus on soil conservation and the protection and sustainable management of water resources, with particular attention to Nature-Based Solutions and the use of smart technologies to support efficient and innovative irrigation practices.
Academic staff
Prof.ssa Ing. Francesca Todisco PA, \Scholar \Scopus
Prof. Lorenzo Vergni PA, \Scholar \Scopus
Prof.ssa Alessandra Vinci PA, \Scholar \Scopus
Technical staff
Dott. Marco Ruggeri
Research infrastructures
SERLAB is an advanced and highly specialized research infrastructure, with few comparable facilities at the European level. The SERLAB database includes more than 600 event-scale soil loss measurements, integrated with associated climatic data, available as a continuous time series from 2008 to the present. The technological facilities include:
- Scaled models of Nature-Based Solutions and hillslopes: 27 experimental plots equipped with a variable-intensity rainfall simulator and measurement systems for monitoring key hydrological parameters.
- Instrumentation for monitoring CO₂ and H₂O fluxes within the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum: sap flow sensors, dendrometers, an Eddy Covariance micrometeorological station, and soil moisture and soil water potential sensors (fixed and portable TDR, FDR, analog and continuous tensiometers).
- Equipment for streamflow monitoring in watercourses: pressure and ultrasonic water level sensors, and samplers for suspended sediment transport measurement.
- UAV (drone) systems equipped with multispectral and thermal cameras for remote sensing applications.
- OTT Parsivel laser disdrometer for comprehensive precipitation characterization, integrated with a weather station.
Main research activities
- Advanced modelling and digital twins for water supply planning and optimal water resource management at the district scale;
- Analysis of climate trends and assessment of their impacts on agro-ecosystems;
- Development, monitoring, and modelling of Nature-Based Solutions for soil conservation and the protection of water resources from erosion processes;
- Monitoring and modelling of water fluxes within the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum;
- Proximal sensing and remote sensing techniques supporting smart irrigation practices;
- Digital photogrammetry and smartphone-based techniques for monitoring surface hydrological processes.
Coordinator: Prof. Eng. Francesca Todisco