Water-efficient regenerative system of rice intensification

On a 30 acre parcel on its research farm in East Arkansas, Delta Conservation is working with the University of Arkansas Extension Service, Adam Chappell of the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance, and others to research the most water conserving and environmentally benevolent rice production methods possible in the Delta region.  We are dividing this 30 acre parcel into 5 acre strips, and comparing trials side by side, of regenerative system of rice intensification done in row rice format, combined with a small surface water recirculation system.  Each 5 acre strip will feature different cover crops, seeding rates, planting configurations, water usage, and chemical intervention.  Our hope is to achieve a high-yielding, regenerative organic technique with minimal groundwater use, or to get as close to this as possible.