paddy rice - field prep

SHI Panama participants dig rice paddy.
When farmers in Panama grow rice in paddies instead of using slash-and-burn practices they are able to improve their yields by 400%-800% without having to cut down more forest. In addition to greatly improving family income and reducing deforestation, these paddies provide a wonderful ecosystem where fish can be raised with the rice. The fish eat the weeds and pests while naturally fertilizing the rice crop.
www.sustainableharvest.org