In most of the Circles for Rice fields, the rice crop under center pivots is off to a fast start! As there has not been significant rain for at least 10 days in many field locations, the rice seed was planted in dry, or relatively dry, seed bed (photo below). A light application of irrigation through the center pivots has not only activated pre-emergence herbicides, but has also helped settle the soil and germinate the rice. Last weekend (April 23 through April 25), the rice received between 1/4" and 3/4" of irrigation, and 3/4" to 3" of rain, varying by location.
Miscellaneous Information about Rice under Pivots and Linears
A traditionally flooded rice field will take between 54,000 and 81,000 gallons per acre. Compared with these numbers, a rice field irrigated with center pivot and lateral move (linears) technology will only need to take 7,000 to 14,000 gallons per acre.
When irrigating rice with center pivots and linears, the grower does not need to take time to map fields and pull levees - he or she only needs to walk up to the center pivot and press "start"!
Notice the photo below - very small weeds are present. At this size, focus on controlling the weeds.
How is your growing 2010 season progressing so far? If you have a thought to share, or a question about producing rice under center pivots and linears, please write in the Comments box below.
Comments