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A team from the Department of Geosciences at the University of Malta, composed of and , recently travelled to Argentina from 25 November to 3 December 2024, as part of the "Sustainable Agriculture Through Infrared Water Management" (SATIWaM) project. The initiative, coordinated by and funded by Xjenza Malta, aims to develop non-destructive, time-efficient methods for monitoring crop water status to ensure precise irrigation and optimal water resource management. 

In collaboration with the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (FCAyF) at the National University of La Plata and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), the team conducted a series of field measurements. These included experiments in greenhouses. Cutting-edge multispectral data, including infrared imagery, were acquired using an advanced aerial drone, highlighting the potential of these technologies for determining crop water status.

The visit also provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange. Staff members from the University of Malta delivered a training session to around 60 students from the National University of La Plata on drone photogrammetry applications in Geosciences. The team was warmly received by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Museum (FCNyM), Dr Eduardo Kruse with whom they discussed water-related challenges in Argentina and explored possibilities for future collaborative projects.

This mission underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges like sustainable water use in agriculture while fostering academic exchange and innovation.