Rice production using groundwater

Low surface water irrigation allocations in recent years have led to the increased use of groundwater for rice growing.

Groundwater usually has higher salinity than surface water.

If irrigation water has higher salinity, it can impact on rice growth and yield, particularly at the seedling and panicle initiation (PI) to booting stages.

Hence, growing rice with higher salinity water increases the need for growers to monitor water quality during the rice growing season.

Low rainfall conditions after ricegrowing can lead to reduced leaching and possible salt build-up in the soil for following crops.

This Primefact covers the following topics:

• water quality and effects on rice
• effect of salinity on different rice varieties
• water management
• monitor water quality
• impact of water quality on infiltration