Rice Irrigation with Safe AWD.

This year we are conducting nine rice irrigation Extension demonstration trials across the Delta.  To demonstrate the value of maintaining a less than full flood, we are utilizing a Pani Pipe and soil moisture probes to time irrigation events.  Research from the International Rice Research Institute reports, that allowing the water level to drop to “Safe AWD” levels can translate to a 15-20% water savings without yield loss. “Safe AWD” allows the water level to recede to a level 6″ inches below the soil surface.  If you click on the picture, you will notice the water depth 3.5 inches below the soil surface and that the soil is still wet. These pipes are located in the middle of the second patty in most fields. In most circumstances, only the top half of the field is effected by this recession.  The bottom half of the field remains flooded due to seepage in most instances.

Here is the actual field notes from one of the AWD trials. Even with the extremely dry conditions this year we have been able to save over 3.5 acre inches of water translating to over $10 savings to the growers bottom line. Notice that the AWD field pump has been idle from 6/16 till 6/29 allowing us to capture every drop of rainfall.

Last years AWD report here: