Theses and Dissertations
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Baker, Beth
Committee Member
Brooks, John P.
Committee Member
Iglay, Raymond Bruce
Committee Member
Davis, J. Brian
Date of Degree
12-14-2018
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Degree Name
Master of Science
College
College of Forest Resources
Department
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Abstract
This study investigated a potentially sustainable rice production system in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) that uses ecological principles to enhance environmental quality at the field scale. It was hypothesized annual flooding of rice fields to create waterbird habitat would benefit soil health, providing agronomic benefits to the farmer. Two sites were selected: a low-external-input-sustainable-agriculture (LEISA) system with flooded (LF) and nonlooded (LN) fields and a conventional site with flooded (CF) and nonlooded (CN) fields. Soil microbial diversity and nutrient content were quantified and compared. Camera traps were used to document bird activity for estimates of fecal matter input. Soil health variables linked LF high bird activity with soil health and pathogen detection. Evidence from the investigation provided a framework for other producers within the MAV to adopt similar management methods, ultimately improving the overall integrity of soil, water, and environmental quality.
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/11668/18529
Recommended Citation
Firth, Alexandra Gwin, "Investigation of a Low-External-Input Sustainable Rice Production System to Identify Ecosystem Services towards Adoption Costs and Benefits" (2018). Theses and Dissertations. 2830.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/2830
Comments
ecology||agriculture||nutrient cycling