ARS | Publication request: EFFICIENCY OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) IN MITIGATING NUTRIENT RUNOFF

Submitted to: Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 9, 2005
Publication Date: November 13, 2005
Citation: Moore, M.T., C.M. Cooper, and R. Kroger. Efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa) in mitigating nutrient runoff. 26th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Baltimore, MD. p. 229. 2005.

Technical Abstract: Hyper-eutrophication of US surface waters is one of the leading causes of impairment for water quality. With nutrient criteria development and TMDL issues looming for regulators, agricultural research is focusing on practices aimed at decreasing nutrient contributions to receiving aquatic ecosystems. This study examined the use of rice (Oryza sativa) for luxury uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus components associated with agricultural storm runoff. Microcosms (2540 L) planted with rice were exposed to two concentrations (5 mg/L and 10 mg/L) of nitrate, ammonia, and orthophosphorus. Results from these microcosms were compared to unvegetated controls to determine efficiency of rice in remediating nutrient runoff. Retention of nitrate and ammonia in all microcosms was improved when compared to orthophosphate retention. No significant differences existed between vegetated versus unvegetated microcosms. Slight increases in retention of all nutrient species at 5 mg/L were present when compared to retention values at 10 mg/L. Although rice is a nutrient-dependent aquatic plant, this study suggests nutrient concentrations found in runoff may not be in the most available form for mitigation.