Agricultura de Conservación: consideraciones para su adopción en agroecosistemas arroceros de Pinar del Rio

Conservation agriculture is part of the adaptation measures promoted to continue providing food to the world population, while presenting itself as an alternative to mitigate the effects of rice production on climate change. In Cuba, the cultivation of rice is a priority for the Government, and for this reason a strong investment program is carried out with the purpose of replacing imports. Nevertheless, rice is mostly grown in the traditional way (tillage and irrigation by flood), which implies a high consumption of water and deteriorates the soil, besides that it requires a lot of time, great energy, economic and environmental costs. However, in a context of climate change, the amount of water available and the low fertility of soils are the main limiting factor in rice production, so the efficient use of water and the improvement of soil fertility determine the future of the crop. In the following work, we present a review of the experiences developed in Cuba and worldwide with the use of conservation agriculture, focused on saving water and improving water quality, the fertility of the soil, as well as the main steps to follow for its adoption.