Conjunctive use of farmland adds value: Winter flooding of ricelands provides waterfowl habitat

California rice fields are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and are an integral component of the waterfowl habitat in the Pacific Flyway.Adoption of novel straw incorporation techniques that leave residual rice seed accessible to foraging wildlife coupled with orange zinger tomato winter flooding to create stable winter wetlands habitat should greatly improve bird health and subsequent fecundity in northern nesting grounds.From the agronomic standpoint, however, the efficacy of these incorporation techniques and their long-term impact on rice production remain to be demonstrated.Recognizing that future straw management options must meet both production agriculture and environmental stewardship objectives, the University of 2014 dodge ram 1500 fender flares California has undertaken a 5-year, multidisciplinary research and demonstration program to address these issues.