Lorenzo Bonzi

Supervisors: Prof. Giovanni Rallo and Prof. Damiano Remorini

Research field: Agricultural hydraulics

Research interests: Agro-hydrological modelling, high-throughput systems, root water uptake, water stress function

Department head office, via del Borghetto, 80, Pisa
lorenzo.bonzi@phd.unipi.it

Lorenzo Bonzi is PhD student in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE) of the University of Pisa with a research project on macroscopic root water uptake modelling using High-Throughput Screening (HTS) systems: Application to identify climate-resilient traits in ornamental/fruticulture trees. In 2018 he earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (DAFE) of the University of Pisa with a thesis on “Hydrological properties of the porous media used in the green roof system”. In 2021 he achieved a Master of science in agri-food production and management of agroecosystems at DAFE of the University of Pisa with a thesis on “Design, Calibration and Validation of a wireless sensor network (WSN) for the precision irrigation of pear orchard”.

From May 2021 to October 2021 research grant on expert systems applied in horticultural, fruit and greenhouse contexts. In this period, he actively participated in the drafting of measurement protocols and various experimental activities as part of the project “Validation of a Decision Support System (SSD) for the expert management of pear irrigation”. Furthermore, he contributed to the calibration and validation of a High-throughput screening modular system for the crop drought and salinity stress response modelling.

As part of the experiences, the degree thesis and the research grant, he dealt with the study of the water exchange processes that develop in the SPAC system (Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum). Through bibliographic, field and laboratory investigations, has explored the following issues: laboratory determination of physical and hydrological properties of the soil; calibration procedures of instruments for measuring the water content (TDR, FDR, EMI) and the matrix potential of the soil; measurement of the water state (Scholander chamber) and transpiration flows of the plant and measurements of the spectral properties of vegetation with the aid of multispectral satellite images.

The Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-environmental Sciences at the University of Pisa, the oldest Agricultural School in Italy, is dedicated to addressing the challenges of the future. Agricultural Sciences are essential for community well-being and economic development, despite the small workforce in the primary sector in developed countries. With a focus on food security, a circular economy, quality of life, and environmental conservation, the department plays a pivotal role in establishing sustainable agri-food production systems. Through impactful research, high-quality education, and community services, the department generates technological innovations for socio-economic advancement. The department’s study programs equip students with specialized knowledge, practical skills, and critical awareness. By combining theoretical and practical approaches, students are prepared for job opportunities and personal growth. Faculty members conduct interdisciplinary research and collaborate with local and international partners to foster innovation and address agricultural challenges.