TY - JOUR AU - Brouder, Sylvie M. AU - Hill, James E. TI - Conjunctive use of farmland adds value: Winter flooding of ricelands provides waterfowl habitat JF - California Agriculture JO - Calif Agr Y1 - 1995/11/01 VL - 49 IS - 6 SP - 58 EP - 64 PB - University of California Agriculture and Nature Resources SN - 0008-0845 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3733/ca.v049n06p58 L3 - 10.3733/ca.v049n06p58 AB - 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 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 California has undertaken a 5-year, multidisciplinary research and demonstration program to address these issues.