[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/slider-comunicacio.jpg” max_height=”130px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px||11px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Unitats de recerca” module_class=”ieec-orgs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_phone=”26px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoiY3VzdG9tX21ldGFfb3JnYW5pemFjaW9uZXMiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImVuYWJsZV9odG1sIjoib2ZmIn19@[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title author=”off” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” admin_label=”T\u00edtol i data” module_class=”ieec-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Cairo|300|||||||” title_font_size=”40px” meta_font=”||on||||||” meta_font_size=”16px” title_font_size_tablet=”35px” title_font_size_phone=”30px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subt\u00edtols” module_class=”ieec-summary” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Source Sans Pro||on||||||” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.1em” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”22px” text_font_size_phone=”20px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
\u2022 Students from Bernard\u00ed Tolr\u00e0 School (Vila-rodona) assisted a team of researchers from the IEEC at the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) in measuring soil moisture
\u2022This work is part of a real experimental campaign (the MEDHUSA project) aimed at validating a new measurement technique using a drone
\u2022 The participation of the young pupils took place in the frame of the educational programme \u2018CientifiKs en Joc\u2019, promoted by the Department of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title title=”off” meta=”off” module_class=”ieec-img-container” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#406fda” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Estel Cardellach, IEEC’s researcher at ICE-CSIC, during the activity<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Last 27 March, a team of researchers from the <\/span>Institute of Space Sciences<\/span><\/a> (ICE-CSIC) and members of the <\/span>Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia<\/span><\/a> (IEEC) visited the area around the Gai\u00e0 River and its surrounding vineyard agricultural land to work alongside 5th-year primary school students from Bernard\u00ed Tolr\u00e0 School (Vila-rodona).<\/span><\/p>\n For several hours, the pupils became \u201cyoung researchers,\u201d assisting with tasks to measure soil moisture as part of a real experimental campaign (the MEDHUSA project) aimed at validating a new measurement technique using a drone.<\/span><\/p>\n MEDHUSA seeks to validate the MIRROR instrument, a passive reflectometer that <\/span>measures soil moisture at different depths,<\/b> with the aim of contributing to precision agriculture by providing tools that enhance resilience to climate change.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This science-education activity carried out is part of the <\/span>educational programme \u2018CientifiKs en Joc\u2019<\/span><\/a>, promoted by the <\/span>Department of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia<\/span><\/a>. The programme, aimed at schools across Catalonia, has the primary goal of fostering an interest in science and knowledge among primary school students, while also highlighting women researchers through the <\/span>design of a video game featuring an active Catalan researcher.<\/b><\/p>\n In addition, \u2018CientifiKs en Joc\u2019 seeks to promote creativity, interdisciplinarity and teamwork, as well as raising awareness of Catalonia\u2019s research institutions, the work they carry out, and the people who work in them.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Climate change poses a major challenge for agriculture. Longer droughts and changes in rainfall patterns are increasing the risk of desertification. Knowing which water resources are actually available to crops therefore becomes extremely valuable information, allowing for better management of these resources with the ultimate goal of <\/span>improving the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change.<\/b><\/p>\n In this context, <\/span>measuring vertical soil moisture profiles in agricultural areas is a key factor. <\/b>This is because plants have root systems that penetrate the soil to varying depths, from just a few centimetres to a couple of metres. Some plants are therefore more drought-resistant than others if their roots reach deeper soil layers, where moisture may still be sufficient despite a lack of rainfall.<\/span><\/p>\n This information can be used to optimise the management of water resources and thereby improve crop health and productivity at different stages of the agricultural cycle (such as sowing, irrigation, or plant development), through actions such as selecting which crop (or variety) to plant, choosing the type of irrigation system, or applying targeted irrigation to specific agricultural plots.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”486.5px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The MEDHUSA project aims to validate the MIRROR instrument, a passive reflectometer developed by the Earth Observation Group of the ICE-CSIC, which includes members of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia.<\/span><\/p>\n The MIRROR instrument was developed within the framework of projects from the State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2021-2023 (Ministry of Science and Innovation) and projects oriented towards ecological and digital transition, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. It is supported by the <\/span>Secretariat for Digital Policies<\/span><\/a> of the <\/span>Department of Business and Labour<\/span><\/a>, which promotes the <\/span>Catalonia Space 2030 Strategy<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n MIRROR is currently in its validation phase. As part of its development, flight campaigns are being carried out over agricultural areas to <\/span>validate the technical viability of the measurement system, as well as the data processing and inversion algorithms.<\/b> The results obtained will be compared with ground-based measurements.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MEDHUSA-Vila-Rodona-CientifiKs-en-joc-1_edited_edited.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n One of the innovative aspects: measurements are performed using a drone Serni Rib\u00f3, ICE-CSIC\/IEEC<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The fundamental principle of a passive reflectometer involves using signals transmitted by satellites that are reflected off the ground surface to obtain its geophysical properties. The sensor designed by the ICE-CSIC\/IEEC team features two innovative aspects.<\/span><\/p>\n Firstly, it is a dual-band reflectometer, meaning it utilises signals from two different wavelengths (in this case, 25 and 120 cm). <\/span>This allows for differential penetration, enabling the estimation of soil moisture at different depths<\/b> (approximately between 5 and 50 cm).<\/span><\/p>\n Secondly, the measurements are performed using a drone.<\/b> On one hand, this allows for the validation of MIRROR\u2019s new measurement concepts, laying the groundwork for potential future satellite missions. On the other hand, flying at low altitudes enables the validation of moisture measurements with a spatial resolution of around 30 m, thus directly characterising plots and their variability.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” custom_margin=”||-15px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MEDHUSA-Vila-Rodona-CientifiKs-en-joc-2-px_edited-land.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Students from Bernard\u00ed Tolr\u00e0 School (Vila-rodona) assist the ICE-CSIC\/IEEC team of researchers in measuring soil moisture\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Serni Rib\u00f3, ICE-CSIC\/IEEC<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The validation of this technology will also allow for its transfer to the space sector, as the receiver architecture and the primary elements of the project are the same as those used by the <\/span>C3SatP<\/b> on-board computer. This computer was developed by the <\/span>Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia<\/b> within the framework of the Generalitat de Catalunya\u2019s Catalonia Space 2030 Strategy, as well as other platforms within the space industry.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#406fda” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Enlla\u00e7os” module_class=”ieec-sub-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Cairo|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#406fda” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Links<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-sub-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.1em” link_font=”|700|||on|||#1a1140|” link_text_color=”#1a1140″ link_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n IEEC<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#406fda” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contactes” module_class=”ieec-sub-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Cairo|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#406fda” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Contacts<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_class=”ieec-contact-col” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||20px|false|false” border_width_left=”1px” border_color_left=”#406fda” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-contact” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.1em” link_font=”|700|||on|||#1a1140|” link_text_color=”#1a1140″ link_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#1a1140″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Serni Rib\u00f3, ICE-CSIC\/IEEC<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBetter water resource management: a key factor to address the negative effects of climate change<\/h2>\n
MEDHUSA project<\/h2>\n
Transfer to the Space Industry<\/h2>\n
ICE-CSIC<\/a>
Cient\u00edfiKs en joc<\/a>
Departament de Recerca i Universitats<\/a>
Secretaria de Pol\u00edtiques Digitals<\/a>
Departament d’Empresa i Treball<\/a>
Estrat\u00e8gia Catalunya Espai 2030<\/a><\/p>\nIEEC Communication Office<\/h4>\n