Wildlife Rice, Orza sativa
Warm Season Small Grain
Easy to grow in Mudflats, Marshy Areas or Shorelines. Provides a supplemental food source for Migratory Waterfowl, also provides good cover for wildlife. Is also a food source for various invertebrates which waterfowl feed on. NOTE: The rice seed types we sell are "cultivated" varieties selected for use for wildlife food plot plantings. These are NOT true "wild" rice varieties"
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Planting:
- Rate: Broadcast or drill 80-100 lbs. per acre
- Date: May-June, Matures in 90-100 days
- Depth: 1"
- Grows on sandy loam to loam soils. Look for moist sites, or edges of standing water/mud flats for planting. Doesn't grow well in sandy soils. Plant in prepared clean, smooth seedbed, can be achieved by disking.
- Management: Flood to bring water to heads in the milk stage to reduce blackbird damage. Rice for waterfowl can tolerate some weeds, but in severe cases of infestation of weed can choke out rice. To reduce weed problems use good seedbed preparation, and flood properly.
Best for: Waterfowl
Rice - Wildlife
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Code
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Name
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Image
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Price
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WG-RICE-50
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Rice Seed / Variety Wells - 50 LBS. (Mid Western Variety) -Used for W
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$33.50
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WG-RICE-10
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Rice Seed / Variety Wells - 10 LBS. (Mid Western Variety) -Used for W
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$16.95
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Adaptation: Choose slowly drained sites, preferably with clay subsoil. Small plots on mudflats and shorelines which flood frequently are good choices. Plots near large bodies of water also work well.
Uses:
Small-scale plantings on exposed mud flats can be reliable attractants to waterfowl, especially if levee-controlled and can be flooded with up to a foot of water during the hunting season.
Benefits:
Provides supplemental food sources to migratory waterfowl can benefit individual and flock health.
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How To Plant
This rice is best planted by spreading the seed on a well-prepared seedbed at 50 pounds per acre, followed by using a cultipacker to cover the seed and then flooding the seedbed. However, excellent crops can be produced by broadcasting the seed into 2" to 4" of water.
For example, it can be planted in the shallow portions of existing ponds or beaver swamps by simply broadcasting the seed into the water and disturbing the bottom to cover the seed (this can be easily achieved by riding an ATV through the shallow water). The seeding rate should be increased when planting in marginal conditions. It is not recommended to plant rice in stagnant water.
This rice can also be planted as a dry land crop. Water is to control weeds that compete with rice. Rice will grow in non-flooded fields provided normal crop-growing rainfall amounts occur. It is best to use a pre-emergent weed herbicide if growing rice in a non-flooded environment.
When To Plant:
Rice generally matures between 100 and 120 days. Therefore, it should be planted at least 120 days before the average fall frost date.
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Nutrition:
Crude protein (rough grain) - 9%
Planting Info
For water seeding, pre-soak seeds in a large container. Skim off floating seeds. After 24-36 hours, drain and place in a wet sack (pillowcase or burlap work fine). For the next 24 hours turn the sack occasionally and keep it moist in a shady, warm areas. Seed is ready to water broadcast after 24 hours.
Date:
April 1 (lower south) to June 10 (upper south).
Seed can be broadcast or conventionally drilled (1" depth) into a firm seedbed and rolled. No-till drill (1" depth) into a killed sold. If possible, flood irrigate to control weeds. - MANAGEMENT: Flood with up to one foot of water during the hunting Season.
Important note: Waterfowl are protected by federal law with specific regulations regarding food plantings and baiting. Broadcasting seeds on exposed mud flats or shorelines is generally considered legal if seeds have germinated prior to hunting. Regulations are subject to change and you should contact your local or federal game wardens / agencies for current rules and regulations that apply to your state.
