How Low Can You Go?

Determine the socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence adoption of low-water-use rice production systems and greenhouse gas mitigation practices in the LMRB. Based on our previous research, non-monetary factors, such as sociological and cultural factors, influence the adoption of conservation practices and technologies. In the first year, we will develop and deploy a survey to determine if quantifiable socioeconomic variables are related to the adoption of rice conservation production systems by producers in the Mid-Southern USA that affect water use and greenhouse gas emissions. In year three, we will issue a post-project survey to evaluate project impact.

Demonstrate and evaluate at on-farm locations how reusing tailwater in an end-blocked, furrow-irrigated rice production system reduces freshwater demand for irrigation and methane emissions while having no adverse effect on crop productivity or profitability. Over three years, we will quantify freshwater demand for irrigation, greenhouse gas emissions, rice productivity, and net returns between conventionally flooded and a novel, furrow-irrigated production system at 16 Mid-South locations.

Stimulate the adoption of low-water-use rice production systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing and disseminating extension programming specific to the LMRB. To meet this goal, we will deliver research-based information through traditional Extension methods, including face-to-face and virtual workshops, field days, and communications, included farmer-to-farmer networking, podcasting, blog posts, social media messages, and videos.