08-11-24 TPE HEAR.COM AM

Good Flooding? Cultivating Rice in the Everglades

In the heart of Florida's Everglades Agricultural Area, a sprawling 1,100-square-mile region just south of Lake Okeechobee, a remarkable agricultural practice is taking root. Here, amidst the challenges of soil subsidence that has seen nearly 6 feet of soil vanish over the past century, innovative farmers are turning to rice cultivation during the summer months to combat this environmental dilemma.

Historically, rice farming in this area began briefly in the 1950s but was halted due to the outbreak of the hoja blanca virus. However, the resilient spirit of agriculture shone through in 1977 when local farmers reintroduced rice into fallow sugarcane fields, capitalizing on the hot and wet summer conditions unsuitable for vegetable cultivation. 

Today, the region boasts over 50,000 acres of potential rice-growing land during the late spring and summer, with approximately half of this land being utilized in 2023. The practice not only provides an alternative crop but also serves a crucial environmental function. The flooding required for rice cultivation helps to preserve the organic, nutrient-rich Histosols—soils comprising up to 80% organic matter and unique to the region.

Jehangir Bhadha, an Associate professor and soil sustainability expert at the University of Florida, highlights the dual benefits of this practice: "By flooding these fields for prolonged periods, growers suppress both the microbial activity that causes oxidation and the hatching of pest insects." This not only enhances soil health but also benefits subsequent sugarcane crops and contributes to the longevity of the soil.

Moreover, the environmental impact extends beyond the fields. The flooded rice paddies attract a variety of wading birds, such as the great white heron, snowy egret, and glossy ibis, turning agricultural land into temporary wildlife habitats.

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