Rice cultivation in the Empordà region, 18th century (prior to regulation in 1767)

Abstract

Rice cultivation in the Empordà region of Catalonia implied the introduction of irrigation into an agrarian system dominated by the biennial rotation of rainfed cereals. During the eighteenth century - the time of its greatest expansion - and previously, rice cultivation was part of the system of rotation up until more intensive agricultural use of the soil became possible. Irrigation facilitated this, along with more intensive exploitation of the workforce. This study aims to shed some light on irrigation system management as well as rice farming practices. The article draws on a variety of documents, mainly those resulting from contracts drawn up between the different parties involved in rice cultivation.