Adoption of Rice Field Preparation Practices to Manage Soil Sediment in Surface Water

Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments requires states to develop plans to implement management measures to address nonpoint source water pollution problems in coastal waters. In addition, under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, states are required to develop lists of impaired waters. In 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency determined that there was a need to revise regulations concerning the determination of impaired waters as well as the restoration of water bodies not meeting water quality standards. As a heavy user of irrigation water in close proximity to coastal areas, the impact of rice production practices in southwestern Louisiana on water quality is currently receiving increased attention. This article reports results from an analysis of survey data which identifies factors that influence the adoption of rice field preparation practices to manage soil sediment in surface water.