Annual Irrigation Water Use for Arkansas Rice Production

作者：Henry C G^*; Hirsh S L; Anders M M; Vories E D; Reba M L; Watkins K B; Hardke J T

来源：Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, 2016, 142(11): 05016006.

DOI：10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001068

• Contour-levee rice irrigation
• Multiple inlet rice irrigation
• Straight-levee rice irrigation
• Zero-grade rice

This 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 763mm (30.0in.) over 10years. A significant (40%) water savings was found for rice grown using a zero-grade irrigation system [486mm (19.1in.)] compared to contour-levee or straight-levee systems. No differences in irrigation water use were found between contour-levee systems [814mm (32.1in.)] and straight-levee systems [822mm (32.4in.)]. Surface water irrigators used significantly less irrigation water [624mm (24.6in.)] than groundwater well fields [786mm (30.7in.)] 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 152mm (6.0in.) less irrigation water than electric pumps. Arkansas producers implementing the multiple-inlet water delivery practice on contour-levee or straight-levee systems, irrespective of soil type, did not realize a water savings but did realize improved yields. These results are in contrast to those in earlier studies and suggest that an educational effort may be necessary if the field research-proven multiple-inlet water savings are to be realized.

• 出版日期2016-11