As the phase-out period for burning rice straw stubble draws closer, Sacramento Valley rice farmers in California are trying a variety of alternative methods for getting rid of the plant residue, according to a new UC Davis survey of farmers. "Many growers are trying options with equipment they're familiar with, like chopping the straw and turning it back into the soil," says Sylvia Brouder, a postgraduate researcher in the agronomy and range science department who conducted the study. "Others are experimenting with a 'wet-rolling' technique as a method of straw disposal," she says. The survey revealed that growers are unsure whether winter flooding is necessary to suppress microbial activity. While low cost was cited as the primary disposal advantage of burning, high cost was viewed as a major disadvantage of flooding. The survey provides scientists with a better understanding of what education still needs to be done to promote rice straw disposal techniques.