South Louisiana rice fields contaminated with salt from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge have shown some improvements, although not as much as expected, and salinity levels actually have increased in some sugarcane fields.

The data provided is from the sites that were sampled in the Salt Water Intrusion Maps. Each site is numbered the same as it is on the maps that are provided.

The following maps consist of sites that were sampled, analyzed and then ranked, post Hurricane Rita.

Farmers are facing uncertainty with expected changes in U.S. farm policy, high energy costs and World Trade Organization talks, a Washington agricultural analyst told rice producers last week (Jan. 26).

Rice farmers whose fields have high salt levels from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge should avoid plowing their fields, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

LSU AgCenter researchers are studying the effects of salt water in rice after many fields were flooded during Hurricane Rita. The study started with extensive soil sampling of affected areas. LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Gary Breitenbeck explains. (Radio News 12/12/05)

The salt water that washed over coastal areas in Southwestern Louisiana during Hurricane Rita could greatly affect next year’s rice crop. LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Gary Breitenbeck says the high salinity levels in rice fields could lead to decreased yields. (Radio News 12/12/05)

LSU AgCenter scientists hope they will soon be able to make recommendations for farmers whose fields were hit with saltwater contamination from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge.

Farmers attending workshops in Acadia and Calcasieu parishes Tuesday (Oct. 25) learned about assistance for dealing with hardships caused by two hurricanes that struck the state this summer. Similar sessions, organized by the LSU AgCenter, were planned for New Iberia, Hammond and Raceland over the next few days.

The LSU AgCenter soon will begin comprehensive tests for salt contamination in areas of Vermilion Parish hit by Hurricane Rita’s storm surge, but officials this week said the problem may not be as bad as originally feared.