D3119: Effect of cover crops on pest resistance in rice

Traditionally, U.S. rice production employs conventional agricultural practices marked by the heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers to ensure abundant rice yields. This method has long been instrumental in meeting the ever-growing food demands of the world's population. Excessive application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers has adversely impacted the overall health of our soil. Cover crops refer to crops planted during the fallow periods between harvests. The integration of winter cover crops into crop rotation systems is a common practice in agriculture, known for its capacity to deliver a range of benefits, both agroecological and economic. However, the impact of winter cover crops on rice has not been well studied. Also, how cover crops affect arthropod diversity, particularly concerning rice pests and their associated natural predators, remains an area of research with substantial knowledge gaps. I hypothesize that using cover crops in a rice rotation will increase soil health, attract beneficial insects repelling damaging herbivores, increase host plant resistance, and lower necessary inputs.