Water use and salinity
Rice can't be grown just anywhere. The Australian rice industry has developed strict regulations that ensure high growing standards with minimal environmental impact.
If grown in the wrong soils, irrigation of rice can lead to rising watertables and salinity levels. In Australia, to address this issue, rice is only grown on approved heavy clay soils that minimize the seepage of water (in some areas more than 3 metres of heavy, continuous clay is required for unrestricted rice growing). This practice also reduces the amount of water used in irrigation.
If grown in the wrong soils, irrigation of rice can lead to rising watertables and salinity levels. In Australia, to address this issue, rice is only grown on approved heavy clay soils that minimize the seepage of water (in some areas more than 3 metres of heavy, continuous clay is required for unrestricted rice growing). This practice also reduces the amount of water used in irrigation.