Evaluation of New Technologies for Red Rice Control
Red rice is a destructive weed that costs rice producers millions of dollars annually. In fact, in many U.S. rice producing areas, red rice has historically been one of the biggest constraints to profitable rice production. Since rice and red rice belong to the same species, it has been virtually impossible to develop a conventional herbicide without harming the commercial crop. This project studied the Clearfield/Newpath and Liberty Link systems for controlling red rice and other rice weeds and provided a better understanding of the systems and their limitations. The Clearfield/Newpath system has been one of the most significant breakthroughs in southern U.S. rice production history, and this research was key to the development of the sequential-post emergence method, now accepted as the system’s best approach for weed control.
Soil Based Nitrogen Test for Fertilizer Management in Rice
Fertilizer-based nitrogen is one of the most important ingredients for optimizing rice yield and quality. This project studied native soil nitrogen release in rice production and developed a method for determining soil’s potential for nitrogen mineralization. The new test allows for site-specific nitrogen fertilizer rate recommendations, which lowers any potential impact to the surrounding environment. It also facilitates maximum agronomic and economical rice yield with minimal disease. The research provided information to help rice producers more efficiently and effectively apply nitrogen to their crops.