Keys to Water Management Success

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Soil and Water Management
Rice Irrigation - Keys to Water Management Success

Keep acreage within the limits of pumping capacity.
Select fields that hold water adequately.
Establish a smooth field surface that provides a good seedbed, drainage and water control.
Contact county Extension office for water quality testing if there is no recent history.
Consider using multiple inlets on fields where it might help improve the water management.
Be certain of accurate levee survey, proper levee construction and correct gate installation.
Survey levees on 0.2 foot intervals when possible.
Establish a levee base as early as possible (before seeding) on clay soils.
Where choices exist, seed long season varieties on fields with good water-holding capacity or low pumping cost.
Service and check out the pumping plant before the pumping season to prevent costly pumping delays.
Carefully analyze differences in energy costs. Select and use another energy source where economically justified.
Choose the electric rate structure best suited for specific pumping situations and allow the electric company to control the well if water supply is adequate.
Work with equipment dealers on proper selection, matching and operation of pumping plants.
Replace ditch and canal water delivery systems with pipe or tubing when possible.
Flush if necessary for stand establishment or weed control.
Maintain a continuous, shallow flood of 2 to 4 inches from beginning tillering until two weeks prior to harvest. Consider ceasing pumping on field in preparation for harvest 10 to 14 days after heading if there is an adequate flood on the field to prevent drought stress during grain fill.
Drain only if necessary for straighthead, scum or possible rice water weevil control.
Operate the well in a manner that minimizes runoff or tailwater loss.
Consider the use of available surface water for irrigation when pumping cost can be decreased.

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Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 • USA
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Soil and Water Management Rice Irrigation - Keys to Water Management Success

Soil and Water Management
Rice Irrigation - Keys to Water Management Success