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Providing Rice Producers Irrigation Options
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Visit the New Website for the latest in research and field study information: CirclesForRice.com
Download: Circles for Rice brochure
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View from the Field
Rice research under way
“Finding alternative ways to irrigate rice means we can ideally expand where rice can be produced, and the number of acres that can be used for rice production," said Gene Stevens, extension crop production specialist, Missouri Delta Research Center.
“Ultimately, we’d like to help rice producers achieve a 50 percent water savings when they use mechanized irrigation in place of flood,” said Jake LaRue, manager of international projects and products, Valmont Irrigation.
Valley Irrigation has partnered with the Missouri Delta Research Center; EMBRAPA, the Brazilian agricultural research service; and RiceTec, a company that develops and sells proprietary rice hybrids, to evaluate the use of mechanized irrigation on rice fields.
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Conserving water by converting flooded rice fields to center pivots.
As the demand for water increases across the globe, rice producers are beginning to question traditional irrigation methods, but they have a limited number of alternatives. Valley Irrigation currently has a patent pending which outlines the process to produce rice under mechanized irrigation. This is yet another part of the continuous endeavor to conserve water and feed the world’s growing population.
The process patent reviews:
- Seed characteristics
- Recommended chemigation/fertigation
- Recommended irrigation scheduling
- Flotation options for specific soil types
- Sprinkler options
When under mechanized irrigation, rice can be produced in areas that never before would have been considered possible. However, under traditional surface irrigation methods, rice must be grown on a flat or nearly flat field, often requiring extensive leveling or complex borders. Because mechanized irrigation can water rice on most field types, more of the earth’s land can be put into production.
Rice trials under Valley center pivots have been, and continue to be, practiced in North and South America. When compared with traditional surface irrigation methods, mechanized irrigation conserves up to 50 percent of water used in rice production.
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Rice Agronomist on Staff
 Dr. Germani Concenco, a PhD level rice agronomist at Valley Irrigation, focuses his efforts on training both Valley personnel and consultants on the most effective methods of rice crop production. He also advises on water conservation through the use of efficient irrigation methods and developing solutions to make growers more profitable. Dr. Concenco earned his doctorate in Crop Production from the Federal University of Vicosa in Brazil. “Growing rice is an art,” states Dr. Concenco.
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Weed Resistance
When irrigating with center pivots weed control is a main concern. Our trials continue to show favorable results. Herbicide management becomes a key factor in the success of the crop.
 Herbicide Resistance Stewardship in Rice - UC Davis Plant Sciences 2007 - UC Davis Plant Sciences 2007
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Dealer Opportunities
Thinking about adding irrigation to your business? We are actively searching for partners in the rice producing area north of Sacramento to join the Valley team. Ag related experience necessary. All new Valley dealers receive extensive training on sales, service, product and equipment design.
Contact us today.
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