Flood irrigation, once the most widespread method for growing rice, is gradually being abandoned in many regions traditionally dedicated to this crop. The main reason is its high water consumption—an increasingly scarce resource due to ongoing climate change and growing competition among agricultural, industrial, and civil uses.

In response to this challenge, the Living Lab Acqua – Veneto has launched an experimental initiative aimed at reducing irrigation volumes in rice production. The project was carried out in collaboration with the farm “La Fagiana,” which provided its land to test innovative solutions for more sustainable water use. This approach serves not only the interests of the farm itself but also those of the wider community.

In 2024, a large-scale field trial was launched, covering approximately 35 hectares. Conducted under real-world conditions, the experiment was based on close cooperation between technicians and researchers. Moreover, “La Fagiana” plays a central role in a broader network of stakeholders, including universities, the local land reclamation consortium, and agronomists.

Objectives

• Assess the rice crop’s yield response to two different irrigation methods: traditional flooding and micro-irrigation;
• Calculate the water balance associated with each irrigation method;
• Provide crop coefficients for rice specific to the environment near the Venetian Lagoon;
• Promote innovation in sustainable rice cultivation practices.

Participating Entities

• La Fagiana Agricultural Company
• Technical Office of Agronomist Dr. Maurizio Leoni
• Eastern Veneto Land Reclamation Consortium
• DAFNAE Department – University of Padua