Burning, Flooding, and Wildlife As a result of the California Rice Straw Burning Reduction Act of 1992, many farm owners and managers have turned to winter flooding of rice fields to assist in decomposition of waste rice straw. This winter flooding to decompose rice straw also has proven an invaluable source of winter habitat for millions of migratory birds and other wetland-dependent species. Forty-six species of waterbird have been recorded on flooded rice fields in the Central Valley in winter. In fact, a recent study comparing waterbird use of natural wetlands and flooded rice fields demonstrated that in many respects, these two habitat types are functionally equivalent. However, most of these same birds used unflooded rice fields only sparingly.
Most people know that rice has been important as food for people for thousands of years.
However, perhaps fewer people are aware of the positive wildlife benefits associated with rice agriculture. For animals that depend on relatively open-water wetland habitats, rice fields often prove to be welcomed sites on an otherwise inhospitable landscape. This is particularly true for many species of migratory birds. Because of differences in rice culture practices, bird species present, and geographic location among these regions, the major issues and management practices also differ. Read below to find out more.