The 2019 Arkansas irrigation yield contest, “Most Crop per Drop,” is open for entries. “We are conducting a conservation yield competition measuring yield and water use for rice, soybeans and corn,” says Chris Henry, University of Arkansas associate professor. The contest is meant to encourage irrigation best management practices, such as computerized hole selection, sensor based irrigation scheduling and surge ... Read More »
To say you’re sustainable is one thing. But to put numbers to that statement — and numbers that show substantial improvement in using resources more efficiently — is quite another. USA Rice recently released the executive summary of its “2018 U.S. Rice Industry Sustainability Report” that cataloged the industry’s improvements during the past 36 years. We’re not talking small gains, ... Read More »
Multi-pronged water conservation efforts help growers score ‘more crop to the drop.’ • By Vicky Boyd, Editor • Founded in 1892 by John and Emma Morris, Morris Farm near Carlisle, Arkansas, is the oldest commercial rice operation in the state. Richard and Matt Morris, fourth- and fifth-generation descendants, respectively, have embraced water-saving technology during the past several years to steward finite ... Read More »
Arkansas crop producers who want to get a better handle on water use in 2019 will have several opportunities through a series of irrigation/water management schools. “The schools are small groups with short instruction and include practical exercises,” says Chris Henry, associate professor and water management engineer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Surge/soil moisture sensor schools ... Read More »
Dustin Harrell, Louisiana State University AgCenter agronomist and Extension rice specialist, has released a detailed compilation of the varieties and hybrids planted and grown in the state during the 2018 season. New to this year’s data are water management practices, including furrow-irrigated race and alternate wetting and drying. Harrell was helped in this monumental effort by Extension agents in rice-producing ... Read More »
According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, all of our Southeast Missouri delta has a huge replenishing aquifer. So if your well is not pumping to capacity, it’s not a lack of water in your aquifer — it’s your well. Read More »
Conventional flood and optimized AWD produced highest yields after two-year Mississippi State University trial. Read More »
We know some of you do a lot of fall/winter tillage to control weeds. However, a spring burndown herbicide application or tillage just prior to seeding can help achieve a clean seedbed. Practicing a stale seedbed can also help reduce the weed seedbank and lead to less weed pressure into the season. Read More »
Most rice cultivated in the Mid-South is produced using the direct-seeded, delayed-flood production method. In this system, a continuous flood is maintained from five-leaf growth stage until a few weeks prior to harvest. Read More »
Multiple-inlet rice irrigation relies on poly tubing and Pipe Planner software to boost water-use efficiency while reducing overall use. Read More »
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