Land owners in Southeastern states have been grading fields to low (0.2%) slope to improve drainage and increase machine and irrigation water use efficiency. Some land owners are grading fields to zero slope (level-basin) for use in growing rice.

Comparison of water use for irrigating rice by the YMD Joint Water Management District, Stoneville, MS, indicates significant water savings on level basin fields compared with other rice field designs. Louisiana growers have used level-basins fields for rice, crawfish and ducks. Growers would like the option of growing cotton on level-basin fields when market prices, input costs or weed conditions support these crops in preference to rice.

One of the advantages of level basins for rice, crawfish or ducks is the low flow rate pump capacity required to manage the system. Flood irrigation of cotton requires getting the water on the field and draining it quickly to avoid damage to the crop. Low pump capacity requires more time to irrigate, thus possibly leaving cotton flooded too long.

Filling supply ditches prior to irrigating, using poly tubing, with or without gates, closer spacing (100') of spin ditches, irrigating at varying soil moisture depletions, and planting multiple drills on raised (4”-6”) beds have been used in an attempt to spread the water out over the field more quickly.

Best results have accrued to pre-filling supply ditches, closer spacing of spin ditches and planting on raised beds.