May 2012: 5/27-5/31

Here are some photos of  field prep and conditions, pond level, rice seedlings and seedling growth for late May.

Erik is shown here getting ready to “puddle” with the spike wheel tractor. Puddling involves churning up the mud so that particles of soil become suspended in the water. With time and patience, the sediment settles in the low spots in the paddy, allowing for a more level surface.

The spike wheel tractor in action

Here is a view of the Western Paddy after puddling. Note how full of sediment the water is in this picture.

Another look at the Western Paddy after puddling.

Here is a shot of the project from the West, showing the different paddy levels.

The background of this picture shows the level markings on stakes within the paddy area.

The stakes shown mark the level of each particular location. Plus signs indicate that the area is higher than the reference point and vice versa.

The pond level is shown here just before the Eastern Paddy was prepped for transplanting.

A full day of pumping water from the pond was necessary to get to this water level on the Eastern Paddy.

Another view of the Eastern Paddy ready for transplanting

A view of the dike separating the Western Paddy from the rest of the project. Note the difference in water levels between the two paddies.

The Western Paddy is mostly sealed from leakage at this point. The work horses are in the background.

The paddy system provides habitat for many species of waterfowl, migrating birds, amphibians, insects, etc. Here a waterfowl is probably hunting in the paddy.

A view of the low tunnel where the rice seedlings are grown in flats

A view under the hood in the seedling nursery

These seedlings have just begun putting on their third leaves, an indication that they are ready for transplanting.

The transplanter demystified! This machine can do the same amount of transplanting as one person could do in a day in a mere ten minutes!

These seedlings in the hoophouse, planted on April 20, have reached an average height of about 3″.

A view under the hood in the seedling nursery