Long-term studies find benefits, challenges in alternative rice straw management
California state legislation passed in 1991 mandated a phased reduction of rice straw burning in the Central Valley, to reduce air pollution. In 1993, UC Davis scientists launched an 8-year research project on the long-term effects of various alternative means of managing...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
2002-03-01
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| Series: | California Agriculture |
| Online Access: | http://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.v056n02p69 |
| Summary: | California state legislation passed in 1991 mandated a phased reduction of rice straw
burning in the Central Valley, to reduce air pollution. In 1993, UC Davis scientists
launched an 8-year research project on the long-term effects of various alternative
means of managing rice straw. Burning, incorporation into the soil, rolling, and baling
and removing the straw were compared, with and without winter flooding. None of the
various practices reduced grain yields on our experimental plots, but there was an
increase in weeds when straw was incorporated, and in particular when the fields were
not winter flooded. However, when straw is incorporated, nutrients are returned to
the soil and less nitrogen fertilizer can be applied, resulting in lower production
costs and less potential for water pollution. In addition, waterfowl on the Pacific
Flyway benefit significantly from the wetlands created when fields are flooded during
the winter. |
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| ISSN: | 0008-0845 2160-8091 |