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Water-Saving Pumps Boost Rice Production in the Mississippi Delta

Let's talk about rice—a global food staple produced domestically in just six states, including Mississippi.

Mississippi-grown rice can be found on grocery shelves and dinner tables throughout the U.S., Latin America and other parts of the world. But from an irrigation standpoint, there's a drawback: Rice constitutes 15% of planted acres in the Mississippi Valley river basin but is responsible for 45% of groundwater withdrawn from the region's alluvial aquifer.

In an increasingly water-constrained world, it's critical to develop irrigation practices that help farmers produce rice more sustainably without sacrificing yields. Thanks to the Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, the state's rice farmers are ahead of the game.

"MSU researchers have been investigating row rice techniques for several years as an alternative to conventional flooded rice production," said Dave Spencer, MSU assistant professor. "Last year, we teamed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Resources Conservation Service to pair irrigation pumps with row rice, and we have promising results to report."

Traditionally, rice farmers maintain a two- to four-inch flood over their fields for most of the growing season, which requires around 36 inches of water. Based on preliminary data, row rice farming with irrigation pumps can lower water use to around 15 inches, thereby significantly reducing reliance on groundwater.

And there's another key environmental benefit: Flooded fields produce large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas. Recirculating water can substantially reduce methane emissions, and irrigation pumps are powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels like diesel, which lowers their carbon footprint.

As part of the initiative, federal grants are available to cover the purchase and installation of pumps for participating farmers, free of charge. MSU scientists are now preparing to launch the second year of the irrigation pump initiative and expect to sign up at least 16 growers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri to expand their research.

"Mississippi's growers are among the best in the world, and working with them to improve their operations and sustainably grow their business will always be a point of pride for Mississippi State," Spencer said.

The Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University is a leader in addressing critical water and land use challenges. Collaborating with leading water resources officials, the institute develops innovative research solutions that benefit Mississippi, the region and the nation. Learn more about the institute at www.wrri.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

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