Rice Crops Use Water Efficiently

Did You Know? Rice Crops in California Use Water Efficiently

California is renowned for its rich agricultural diversity. It produces almonds, avocados, grapes, and pistachios. Having an arid climate the state must use water efficiently.

Did you know California is the second-largest rice producer in the United States? Thanks to their Mediterranean climate—with sparse rain and cool nights— the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys are perfect for rice growing. Rice there takes up about 500,000 acres. In particular Sacramento Valley’s clay soil effectively retains moisture, creating optimal growing conditions. The average yield is over four tons of rice per acre. California’s rice industry contributes over $775 million to the state economy.

Rice is grown in paddies

Driving through the Sacramento Valley, you might have seen submerged rice crops, or paddies. Earthen levees. surround the paddies where rice grows. This method not only curtails weed growth but also acts as a natural herbicide.

The precise amount of water used to prevent weed growth is highly important, as water that is too deep may inhibit rice stand establishment, while water that is too shallow may still allow weed seed germination. On average, it takes 370 gallons of water to produce 2.2 pounds of rice, consuming an estimated 34-43% of the world’s irrigation water. Rice crops must use water efficiently!

Tricks for using water efficiently

While rice may use a lot of water, rice farmers have found ways to utilize every drop of water efficiently, allowing the water to flow from one field to the next in the levee system. With separate field channels water is delivered to individual seed beds as needed. The precise time and location of irrigation and prevents runoff. Shallow tillage operations and puddling further help to prevent water loss.

Any remaining standing water percolates and re-charges groundwater and surface water. Hence, when planning new or existing crops, considering your water rights is crucial to comply with statewide water regulations while ensuring you will have enough water to grow your crops.

Shareholder attorney Therese Stix visited Lundberg Family Farms in Richvale, California and learned firsthand about the water use, efficiencies, and delivery means and methods in rice growing operations. She enjoyed the passion the Lundberg Family has for growing rice.