Three side-by-side comparisons between organically and conventionally grown rice were included in the 1999 project. Many organic growers use deep water early for watergrass control then dry down the fields for broadleaf control. Yields in the organic plots ranged from less than 50% to 80% of the conventionally grown rice yield. Money lost from yield reduction can be recovered from the premium price of organic rice.
The lower yielding field was in organic production for 3 years and will be fallowed this year because periodic rotation out of rice in an organic system is key to maintaining good yields. The higher yielding organic field was the first planting following a one year fallow.

Comparison of the yields from organically versus conventionally grown rice. Alt.= organic and Conv.= conventional.

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