Performance of different rice varieties under drip irrigation

The world-wide development and spread of water-saving techniques and new rice genotypes to reduce water consumption and increase water productivity (i.e. the amount of rice produced per unit of water) is crucial for maintaining or even increasing rice production area in several regions. The utilization of varieties adapted to aerobic conditions and the application of precision agriculture technologies could maintain yield levels and optimize water use. Rice cultivation under drip-irrigation could represent an opportunity for farmers but needs to be assessed in field experiments. A field experimentation trial comparing the growth, yield and water use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties under drip irrigation was established in Maremma Toscana, Italy. The results of the first year of experiment at the Grosseto (GR) site showed that the drip irrigation technique could maintain high production level for most of the varieties evaluated, but with significant differences in terms of milling yield. The assessed farm water consumption for rice cultivation seems high and water use could be optimized through water balance assessment.