The Land 'Calls Out'; New 'Short Talks' Focuses on Rice Production

University Relations

Benjamin Runkle

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Did you know Arkansas is the top rice producer in the United States?

"We're really a dominant player in global rice production and specifically the U.S.," says Benjamin Runkle, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering, in the latest episode of Short Talks From the Hill, a podcast of the University of Arkansas.

Runkle explains why the land "calls out to be rice production fields."

"The whole Delta region of Arkansas is very flat and has rich, fertile soils. … These soils have been deposited by the (Mississippi) river over millennia, and the clays there are really good at holding in water…"

But there's a problem: Much of the Arkansas Delta's water source is declining.

To learn about Runkle's efforts to help Arkansas rice producers use less water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions — and to learn more about Arkansas rice production in general — listen to the podcast.

Short Talks From the Hill highlights research and scholarly work at the University of Arkansas. Hear more Short Talks podcasts at ResearchFrontiers.uark.edu (click on the multimedia link), the home of research news at the University of Arkansas, or the "Local & Podcast" link at KUAF.com.