Alternate Wetting and Drying

Alternate Wetting and Drying: AWD

Alternate Wetting and Drying is an irrigation method that helps save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rice production.

Typically, rice is produced in constant flooded conditions.  Saturated soils tend to produce methane through natural processes.  By carefully managing irrigation water and allowing soils to temporarily oxygenate throughout the growing season, a process known as Alternate Wetting and Drying, this natural methane production process can be minimized. Our previous investments in technologies like Zero Grade make it possible for us to manage this technique on some portion of our farm.

You can learn more about the research project we are engaged in here.   You can learn more about how this fits into our greater focus on sustainability here and here.