Project Number: 5325-22000-019-05
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Jan 01, 2005
End Date: Dec 31, 2008

Objective:
The Objectives of this proposal are to investigate 1) the levels of total and available copper in selected rice fields and how they compare to levels in soils from natural wetlands and 2) the efficacy of a non-copper algicide and copper/adjuvant combinations for controlling species of algae that are known to occur in California rice fields, particularly those that are tolerant to copper.

Approach:
To accomplish objective 1, we will collect samples from twenty rice fields spread across a wide geographic area that includes the rice growing region in northern California. The fields to be sampled will be selected after consultation with rice farm advisors and the principle investigators of Project RM-4 (the van Kessel proejct). The selection procedure will consider soil type, cropping history and other factors. Prior ro the addition of water to rice fields, we will collect five soil smaples equally spaced along a transect that bisects each field. The location of each sample will be recorded with a sub-meter Trimble XRS-Pro GPS unit. These samples will be sent to the UC DANR Analystical Laboratory and analyzed for total copper adn DPTA extractable copper (i.e., potentially available copper). Similar samples will be collected from ten nautral wetlands within the same region. We will avoid sampling wetlands with a history of rice production. The hypothesis that total copper and DPTA available copper in these two types of systems differ will be compared statistically using analysis of variance. This information will allow us to determine the extent that copper levels in rice fields differ from those in natural wetlands. Documents reimbursable with CA Rice Research Board. Log 25876.Formerly 5325-22000-018-11T (9/05).