GOTArroz Operational Group: Sustainable transformation of rice cultivation through localized irrigation systems adapted to diverse soil and climate conditions
- Type Operational group
- Status In progress
- Execution 2026 -2029
- Assigned Budget 560.673,00 €
- Scope Supraautonómico
- Autonomous community Andalucía; Cataluña; Extremadura
- Main source of financing CAP 2023-2027
Agronomic pilot projects are installed and fully operational, with comprehensive monitoring of production, water, and management variables. The demonstration plots will operate under real growing conditions, generating direct information on water consumption, crop performance, weed control, and the feasibility of mechanized harvesting.
A comparative agronomic and technical database will be generated comparing drip irrigation systems with conventional flood irrigation systems. It will contain structured and comparable data on production, grain quality, and water and input use efficiency, allowing for an objective technical evaluation of the differences between the two models.
Economic feasibility report for rice cultivation using drip irrigation, including cost analysis, profitability, and adoption thresholds. A clear analysis of investment, operating costs, and expected return will be provided, facilitating decision-making for farmers and cooperatives.
A comparative environmental assessment of a localized rice irrigation system will be conducted, considering water footprint, nutrient balance, and climate mitigation potential. A technical evaluation of the environmental impact of the new system versus the traditional one will be obtained, providing quantified evidence of water savings and improved sustainability.
Dissemination Plan. Effective Internal Communication. A Dissemination Plan is designed and developed, defining the communication strategy, responsibilities, corporate identity, and dissemination tools (physical and digital materials). It includes internal coordination mechanisms through regular meetings and shared digital tools to ensure consistency and project monitoring.
Dissemination and technology transfer through participation in events and the organization of project-specific workshops. Direct transfer to the sector is ensured through participation in trade fairs and congresses (AGROEXPO, INFOGAGRO, FIMA, Horticultural Science Congress), organization of project-specific workshops (intermediate demonstration, workshop aimed at young people and final results workshop) and cooperation with other Operational Groups through networking activities.
Dissemination of the project through virtual activities: Continuous dissemination through its own website, EU-FarmBook platform, social networks (#GOTARROZ), sending of at least three electronic newsletters and production of audiovisual material (corporate video), with local, national and international reach
Publications: Issuance of press releases in media outlets, publication of at least two technical-scientific articles (journals or conference proceedings) and preparation of a final publication of results, with local, national and international reach
Localized drip irrigation systems designed and adapted to specific conditions. Agronomic pilot projects installed and operational with comprehensive monitoring of crop variables. Comparative agronomic and technical database generated. Economic feasibility report for rice cultivation with drip irrigation. Comparative environmental assessment of the localized irrigation system for rice.
The project begins with an analysis of the soil and climate conditions, physical constraints, and water availability in each pilot area, identifying the limiting factors of traditional irrigation and establishing the technical basis for the design of the localized irrigation system. Based on this diagnosis, specific hydraulic and agronomic designs are developed for each environment, defining the drip irrigation type, lateral layout, filtration systems, irrigation schedule, and fertigation scheme adapted to rice cultivation. Subsequently, the systems are installed in the pilot plots and put into operation under real-world conditions. Once implemented, the crop is established under drip irrigation, and continuous monitoring of agronomic parameters is carried out, including crop development, water consumption, fertigation efficiency, weed control, and harvest performance. The data obtained allows for a comparative analysis with the conventional flood irrigation system, evaluating production, grain quality, water use efficiency, and input requirements. Simultaneously, the cost estimates for the investment and operation of the new system are developed, analyzing its profitability, expected return, and adoption thresholds in different production scenarios. Finally, a study of sustainability indicators and an environmental comparison with the traditional system are carried out, considering water footprint, nutrient balance, and climate mitigation potential, thus integrating the technical, economic, and environmental evaluation of the proposed model.
Transforming rice cultivation by validating drip irrigation in representative environments, improving sustainability, water efficiency and agronomic viability in the face of the limitations of the traditional system.
- Coordinator/entity name: CTAEX
- Postal address: CRTA VILLAFRANCO-BALBOA, KM 1.2, 06195, BADAJOZ
- Email coordinator/entity: proyectos@ctaex.com
- Telephone: 924448077
- CTAEX
- IRRITEC IBERIA, SA
- BASF ESPAÑOLA S.L.U.
- EXTREMEÑA DE ARROCES, S.COOP.
- ARROCEROS DE HUESCA