Using olive mill waste compost with sprinkler irrigation as a strategy to achieve sustainable rice cropping under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract Traditional rice ( Oryza sativa L.) cropping systems under flooding irrigation combined with conventional tillage management are increasing threat due to a loss of soil quality and scarcity water resources, especially in Mediterranean environments. Hence, the development such strategies as no-tillage, application organic amendments, water-saving methods could be vital enhancing sustainability crops. This work tests combination various for growing conditions. It assesses first time their influence on properties yield components. A field experiment was carried out southern Spain over 3 years (2015–2017) six treatments: continuous flood either without or two-phase olive mill waste compost; sprinkler direct seeding (no tillage) compost. Applying compost sprinkler-rice improved significantly soils’ properties. Sprinkler-rice similar that flooding, but it used less water. In 2017, greatest occurred (8581 kg ha -1 ), showing importance matter yields. Additionnally, increased weed density because lowered herbicide efficacy, making control key issue Thus, novelty this communication is may sustainable alternative crops conditions, efficiency reducing pressure, while improving different