Technical workshop focused on the management of water resources in rice agroecosystems

The technical workshop “Current status and perspectives in the sustainable management of irrigation water in the rice fields of Pals”, organized by the Irrigation Engineering and Management Research Group from University of Girona has highlighted the importance of collaborative innovation to face the challenges of water management in agriculture, and has reaffirmed the commitment of rice farmers to the sustainability and preservation of water resources.

This event brought together experts, farmers and representatives of the Administration and the Irrigation Community to address the management of water and other resources in rice cultivation.

The presentation was given by Ricard Poch, from the Territorial Services of DARPA (Generalitat de Catalunya) in Girona, who highlighted the need for institutions and farmers to continue working together to optimize the use of water resources in the area.

The President of the Rice Producers Association from Pals, Josep Pericay, analyzed the current situation of rice farmers, highlighting the challenges faced by the sector as well as the efforts being made to address them.

Sílvia Cufí, researcher in the Irrigation Engineering and Management Research Group from University de Girona, presented the main results of the monitoring of water use in the rice fields of Pals rice agroecosystems in recent years, an activity that is currently being carried out within the framework of the PROMEDRICE project. Specifically, she quantified the water used in the rice fields, highlighting the impact of salinity, and emphasizing the importance of using sensors to continuously monitor the state of the water bodies and soils in the area.

Alberto San Bautista and Rubén Simeón, researchers from the Department of Plant Production of the Polytechnic University of Valencia, explained the latest advances in modeling the productive response and agronomic management of rice cultivation through the use of satellite images. This technology, combined with advanced tools and the expertise of agronomists and rice farmers, allows the optimization of irrigation and fertilization, contributing to a more sustainable use of water resources and to an improved productive efficiency.

The closing of the workshop was done by the secretary of the Irrigation Community, Josep Maria Parals, who invited people to think about the economic impact of the water restrictions experienced in the last two years in the Baix Ter area, and called for the need to continue moving towards more efficient management of irrigation water, regardless of its contextual availability.

The workshop was a success thanks to the interesting interventions and exchange of knowledge between the speakers and attendees.