TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE WATER USE IN MEDITERRANEAN RICE-BASED AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS: MEDWATERICE

MEDWATERICE project (https://www.medwaterice.org/) explores the sustainability of innovative irrigation options, to reduce rice water consumption and environmental impacts, and to extend rice cultivation outside of traditional paddy areas to satisfy the increasing rice demand in Mediterranean countries. Case studies (CSs) are conducted in pilot farms of each country involved in the project. Tested alternative irrigation methods are tailored to local conditions using a participatory action research approach through the establishment of Stake-Holder Panels. For each irrigation solution, innovative technologies and the most appropriate rice varieties and agronomic practices are implemented to minimize impacts on yield quantity and quality. Experimental activities are conducted in the pilot farms during at least two agricultural seasons to assess water consumption, crop yield, nutrient balance; in some CSs, additional environmental impacts (GHG emissions, pesticide pollution risk, etc.) are moreover quantified. Data collected at the farm level are being extrapolated to the irrigation district scale to provide support to irrigation managers and decision makers. An original set of indicators to assess the overall (environmental, economic and social) sustainability of rice production under the different irrigation management strategies are being identified/built and applied both at the farm and the irrigation district levels.