Evaluation of Rice Cultivation in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta- Rio Vista, CA, 2008 - 2015

Collaborating Organizations:

Bachand & Associates, USGS, UC Cooperative Extension, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Reclamation District 1601

Funding Organization:

California Department of Water Resources

Project Description:

This project builds upon the earlier rice investigation[1].  Current agricultural uses in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta cause subsidence when organic  soils are drained and exposed to oxygen.  Previous research indicates rice cultivation will stop and may reverse subsidence.  This project, which began construction in October 2008, will investigate the effects of rice cultivation in the western Delta on land-surface elevations, water quality, carbon dynamics, agronomy, and economics; identify potential deleterious effects; and recommend possible solutions.  The overall objectives are to determine whether widespread rice production is sustainable and if it is environmentally and economically viable in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Bachand and Associates has led the design for the rice field systems, providing recommendations for piping, pumps, power, and operation.  Bachand and Associates is also the technical lead on surface water hydrology and water quality investigations.