IRTA hosts rice field day to address climate change and water scarcity

The XXIX Rice Field Day, organized by the Institute of Territorial Research and Technological Advances (IRTA) in Amposta, focused on adapting rice cultivation to the challenges of climate change. The event brought together producers, technicians, and researchers to discuss strategies for managing water scarcity, high temperatures, and soil salinity.

A primary focus was varietal improvement to develop rice varieties that maintain high productivity and profitability despite environmental stress. Researchers are studying how new varieties perform under water and salt stress. Additionally, investigations are underway regarding the use of winter pea cultivation as a green manure to provide natural nitrogen to the soil, potentially reducing reliance on conventional mineral fertilizers.

Other topics discussed included precision agriculture and the use of satellite imagery for more efficient fertilization, as part of efforts to optimize resources and ensure the long-term sustainability of production systems in the Ebro Delta region.