Technical Consultancy for the Artzan Irrigation Network, Kilkis

Consortis was the Technical Consultant for both the design and supervision of the irrigation network in the Artzan plain, within the Municipality of Peonia, Kilkis Regional Unit. This project is considered as one of the most significant rural development initiatives in Central Macedonia. The scope included a comprehensive review of the existing study, field surveys utilising drone technology, and detailed hydraulic and geotechnical analyses. The team developed definitive technical proposals to facilitate the irrigation of 13,000 hectares, encompassing 233 distinct irrigation units.

The Challenge

This region poses distinct geographical challenges with specific requirements:

• There is variability in the geotechnical conditions, with diverse soil types present. The lower sections are characterised by soft clay-silt deposits, remnants of the former Artzan-Amatovo lake.
• Water has elevated salinity and dangerously high sodium content (classified as C3-S3), as confirmed by chemical analyses conducted in the first half of 2024.
• The previous study is no longer applicable due to the following reasons: 
• It relied on unfulfilled land consolidation assumptions.
• Current cadastral boundaries do not align with the project layout.
• The requirement for pipeline burial depth (> 2.5m) is not substantiated for the entire area.
• The region is located within a Natura 2000 protected area, imposing additional restrictions and compliance requirements with both national and European environmental legislation.
• The preservation of key ecosystems within the region necessitates meticulously planned interventions to ensure ecological equilibrium, mitigate pollution risks, and uphold long-term sustainability.

These factors necessitate a comprehensive redesign to guarantee the irrigation project's implementation is safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

The Solution

The project was executed in two distinct phases. During the initial phase, focus was allocated to several key areas:

• A thorough review of the 1998 final study, with identification of implementation challenges.
• Hydraulic evaluation of the current pumping station.
• Topographical surveying utilizing drone (UAV) technology.
• Field inspection accompanied by photographic documentation at 18 critical sites.
• Geotechnical analysis involving 42 boreholes drilled up to 8 meters deep, including detailed soil condition assessments.
• Chemical analysis of water quality.
• Collaboration with relevant Ministries, regional authorities, and local agricultural stakeholders.

Based on the initial phase, Consortis prepared detailed studies, including:

• Final irrigation network design integrated with updated cadastral data.
• Agroeconomic analyses.
• Recommendations for upgrading the drainage system and implementing flood protection.
• Design specifications for agricultural roads (Categories A and B).
• Implementation of relevant national and European environmental legislation (Natura 2000 etc.).

Benefits

The completion of the irrigation network is anticipated to provide significant advantages:

• Irrigation of 13,000 hectares through a reliable central system will eliminate the necessity for borehole wells.
• The region's agricultural sector will undergo substantial transformation; currently, it predominantly cultivates cereals (48%), fodder crops (23%), and cotton (17%).
• Enhanced agricultural productivity will facilitate the growth of crops with greater economic value.
• Improvements to the drainage network will bolster flood protection.
• The current infrastructure will be utilised to its fullest potential.
• The local rural economy will be fortified, encouraging the concurrent development of agriculture and livestock farming.

The design of irrigation networks requires expertise across multiple disciplines, including hydraulics, geotechnics, surveying, agroeconomics, and environmental studies. Consortis possesses acknowledged experience and comprehensive expertise in these areas, providing consultancy services that encompass all phases, from the preliminary phase to general final design.