Plant another crop
The wet soil profile that remains after the rice has been harvested should be considered an economic resource. Planting a winter crop can increase your financial return per ML of water.
Planting another crop into the rice stubble after the rice has been harvested will utilise remaining soil moisture. Wheat grown straight after rice is likely to lead to more efficient water use, thus avoiding excessive run-off and accessions to the water tables.
- Analysing the Benefits of Growing Crops after Rice in the Rice Growing Areas in Australia, Singh et al., Rice CRC, 2002It is estimated that growing crops after rice would lead to a 1.00 ML/ha reduction in ground water accessions.