Bad weather: The sowing of authentic Carnaroli rice has just been successfully completed with a new technique.

Thanks to some measures, the 2024 harvest is also guaranteed.

The numerous storms and heavy rains that affected Lombardy, particularly in the Ticino Valley where Riserva San Massimo is located, posed a significant challenge for the sowing of authentic Carnaroli rice. The knowledge of innovative agricultural techniques, along with the experience gained over the years, has nevertheless enabled us to complete the sowing of 120 hectares. For the first time, we used the technique of sowing in water, which involves leaving the seeds immersed in water for a couple of days before distributing them over previously flooded paddy fields. To prevent seed accumulation in specific areas of the land, a satellite-controlled rotary seed drill was employed. We are proud to have successfully completed the sowing of our authentic Carnaroli rice despite challenging weather conditions, thanks to our adaptability, expertise in innovative agricultural techniques, and extensive experience.

The dry sowing of rice and the flooding of the fields.

The rice growth cycle lasts 165 days, from April to September. At the end of winter, the land is fertilized with grape marc and wood, or ‘cornunghia,’ a more recent mixture of chopped cow horns and hooves. Later, between March and April, the field is plowed, harrowed, and leveled in preparation for seeding. Only after sprouting has occurred are the fields irrigated uniformly to ensure the plant’s thermoregulation.

The latest from the magazine

Riserva San Massimo is a top-quality company, according to IFS

Riserva San Massimo has achieved IFS (International Featured Standards) certification with a score of 96.66%, attaining the “Higher Level”, the highest recognition provided for by the standard. IFS is one ...

Read More
2026 seeding and flooding: how climate guides field operations at Riserva San Massimo

Spring weather conditions set the pace of field operations and influenced the start of the new rice-growing season. This year as well, seeding was carried out using dry-seeding technique, the ...

Read More
Bosco degli Chef is born: over 6,000 trees planted at Riserva San Massimo

In the lead-up to Earth Day, Riserva San Massimo celebrates the birth of a new woodland. Chefs and restaurateurs have participated in bringing to life the Bosco degli Chef, a ...

Read More