The evolution is then rapid: in just a few weeks, the landscape changes dramatically, and the shimmering expanse gives way to a dense succession of grasses. In this habitat, which is extremely interesting from a naturalistic point of view, many bird species live, such as herons, common gulls, mallards, and many others. The oriental cereal, whose cultivation in this part of the Po Valley dates back about 500 years, has become a vital resource for the province of Pavia, which, together with Vercelli, is one of Italy's rice capitals.

The "marcite" have existed since the Middle Ages, when this particular technique was devised to produce forage grass during the winter months, ensuring that livestock had enough food even when temperatures were particularly low.

Water was continuously flowed over the fields at a relatively high temperature to allow the grass to grow despite the cold. In fact, the vegetation was not damaged due to the oxygen the water provided to the roots. The name "marcita" comes from the practice of letting the last grass of the winter season rot in order to fertilize the fields.