project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
Development and adaptation of dry rice sowing in the Ebro Delta
Context
The aim was to develop the dry sowing system in the Ebro Delta. To do this, we studied how this sowing methodology affects the birth and subsequent establishment of the crop in terms of salinity, water management, soil type, sowing rate and crop varieties.
The project also aimed to assess the impact of dry sowing of the crop on apple snail populations. In this regard, by restricting the presence of water in the plots during the period of the crop's maximum sensitivity to the apple snail, the damage of this pest on the crop could be significantly controlled.
Objectives
The main objective was the development and adaptation of dry rice sowing in the Ebro Delta.
The specific objectives were:
- The optimisation water management according to the soil type (texture and salinity).
- The identification and evaluation of the impact of dry seeding on weeds, pests and diseases.
- The identification of the optimum seeding rate for the dry seeding of rice.
Activities
Evaluation of the different textures and salinity levels in sandy, clayey, saline and non-saline soils.
Evaluation of the different varieties and seeding rates:
- Five rice varieties that are amongst the most representative for the Delta de l'Ebre have been chosen for the trial.
Water management:
- Water management is extremely important for cleaning, salt displacement and, consequently, for achieving good crop establishment and development.
Weeds, pests and diseases:
- The impact of dry seeding on the weed population, pests and diseases will also be evaluated.
- We expect that modifications to the soil’s hydrological conditions will result in differences in weed populations, pests and diseases.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014ES06RDRP009 Spain - Rural Development Programme (Regional) - Cataluña
Location
- Main geographical location
- Tarragona
EUR 228 120.00
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
1 Practice Abstracts
The project aimed to develop the dry sowing system for rice in the Ebro Delta, focusing on how this method affects crop establishment, considering factors like salinity, water management, soil type, sowing rate, and crop varieties. Additionally, it evaluated the impact of dry sowing on apple snail populations, seeking to reduce pest damage by limiting water presence during the crop’s most sensitive phase.
The main goal was to optimize dry rice sowing by adjusting water management based on soil texture and salinity, crop variety, and pest control. Sowing rate recommendations were established for five key crop varieties, with separate guidelines for clay and sandy soils. In clay soil, both high and low plant densities yielded good results, with the recommended sowing rate being 500 seeds/m² for Sirio CL, Montsianell, and Argilia, and 300 seeds/m² for JSendra and Guara. In sandy soil, the crop established well, with Sirio CL requiring 500 seeds/m² and the other varieties 300 seeds/m².
Regarding apple snail control, early water withdrawal did not affect mill yield but helped minimize pest activity. Reducing the flooding period by 21 to 25 days before harvest significantly reduced apple snail reproduction without impacting yield. These findings support the viability of dry sowing in the Ebro Delta while improving pest management and crop productivity.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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ASSOCIACIÓ DE PRODUCTORS AGRARIS DEL DELTA DE L'EBRE (PRODELTA)
Project coordinator
Project partners
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ARROSSAIRES DEL DELTA DE L'EBRE I S.C., SCCL
Project partner
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COMUNITAT DE REGANTS SINDICAT AGRÍCOLA DE L'EBRE
Project partner
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COMUNITAT GENERAL REGANTS CANAL DE LA DRETA DE L'EBRE
Project partner
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CÀMARA ARROSSERA DEL MONTSIÀ I SECCIÓ DE CRÈDIT, SCCL
Project partner