430-5 Reducing Drainage Phosphorus Loads through Rice Cultivation in South Florida.

Poster Number 1223

See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soils & Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Soils & Environmental Quality: II

Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Minneapolis Convention Center, Exhibit Hall BC

Mohsen Tootoonchi1, Timothy Lang2, Jehangir Bhadha2, Ronald H. cherry3 and Samira H. Daroub4, (1)Soil and Water Science, Everglades Research & Education Center, Belle Glade, FL
(2)Soil and Water Science, University of Florida, Belle Glade, FL
(3)Entomology, University of Florida, belle glade, FL
(4)3200 E Palm Beach Rd. Univ. of FL, University of Florida, Belle Glade, FL
Poster Presentation
  • MohsenTootoonchi.pdf (252.4 kB)
  • Abstract:
    Phosphorus concentration is an important factor of farm drainage water in the Everglades Agricultural Area in south Florida and rice cultivation may reduce P concentration through plant uptake and particulate settling. This two-year study is  conducted to assess the impacts of four water management schemes on outflow water quality, rice yield, and rice water weevil infestation. Four water level treatments: 15 cm continuous flood, 15 cm continuous flood with midseason drawdown, 5 cm continuous flood, and 5 cm continuous flood with midseason drawdown, and two rice cultivars: Cheniere and Taggart, are tested in a 2.4 ha split-plot experimental design with four replications. Phosphorus (P) concentration is measured in water samples of inflows and outflows of each experimental plot. First year results have shown the highest P concentration reduction (58%) in 15 cm continuous flood and lowest reduction (39%) is in 5 cm midseason drawdown, with an overall average reduction of 46%. Rice grain yield was not significantly different between treatments; average yield was 4.6 Mg ha-1. Rice water weevil larval density in the 15 cm flood was significantly higher (39%) than 5 cm flood. First year results show that growing flooded rice under shallow water level appears to improve water quality and reduce rice water weevil infestation. A single midseason drawdown can potentially be used to conserve 3600 m3 ha-1 of water per day without significantly decreasing rice yields and water quality.

    See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soils & Environmental Quality
    See more from this Session: Soils & Environmental Quality: II