Annual Irrigation Water Use for Arkansas Rice Production

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated rice irrigation water use in the University of Arkansas Rice Research Verification Program between the years of 2003 and 2012. Annual irrigation water use averaged 763 mm (30.0 in.) over 10 years. A significant (40%) water savings was found for rice grown using a zero-grade irrigation system [486 mm (19.1 in.)] compared to contour-levee or straight-levee systems. No differences in irrigation water use were found between contour-levee systems [814 mm (32.1 in.)] and straight-levee systems [822 mm (32.4 in.)]. Surface water irrigators used significantly less irrigation water [624 mm (24.6 in.)] than groundwater well fields [786 mm (30.7 in.)] and cost US$77.51 less per hectare (US$31.37 less per acre) to operate. Diesel pumps cost significantly more [$88.38/acre ($218.29/ha)] to operate than electric pumps [$58.69/acre (145.96/ha)] (P=0.02), although fields that used diesel as an energy source averaged 152 mm (6.0 in.) less irrigation water than electric pumps. Arkansas produ...