Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 145-157 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 146 analysis, this research aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable and eco-friendly rice production methods. 2 Overview of Rice Cultivation Systems Rice cultivation is a critical agricultural practice that supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Various cultivation systems have been developed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and environmental impact. 2.1 Traditional paddy cultivation Traditional paddy cultivation, also known as conventional transplanting, involves growing rice seedlings in a nursery and then transplanting them into flooded fields. This method is labor-intensive and requires significant water resources. Despite its widespread use, traditional paddy cultivation has several environmental drawbacks, including high methane emissions and water consumption (Li et al., 2019; Nirmala et al., 2021; Kumar et al., 2023). 2.2 System of rice intensification (SRI) The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an innovative method that aims to increase rice yields while reducing water usage and environmental impact. SRI involves planting fewer seedlings with wider spacing, intermittent irrigation, and the use of organic fertilizers. Studies have shown that SRI can significantly enhance grain yield, water productivity, and soil health compared to traditional methods. Additionally, SRI has been associated with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved economic returns for farmers (Katti and Ch, 2022). 2.3 Direct-seeded rice (DSR) Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) is a method where rice seeds are sown directly into the field, eliminating the need for nursery raising and transplanting. DSR is gaining popularity due to its lower labor and water requirements. However, it presents challenges such as higher weed infestation and potential increases in methane emissions. Despite these challenges, DSR has been shown to improve water productivity and reduce overall cultivation costs, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods (Kakumanu et al., 2019; Bandyopadhyay et al., 2019; Bhandari et al., 2020; Hazra et al., 2021). 2.4 Organic rice farming Organic rice farming emphasizes the use of natural inputs and sustainable practices to cultivate rice. This method avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, promoting biodiversity and soil health. Organic farming can lead to lower yields compared to conventional methods, but it offers significant environmental benefits, including reduced chemical runoff and enhanced ecosystem services. The adoption of organic rice farming is growing as consumers become more aware of the environmental and health benefits of organic products (Phụ et al., 2021). 2.5 Other emerging systems Several other emerging rice cultivation systems are being explored to address the challenges of traditional methods. These include alternate wetting and drying (AWD), aerobic rice, and modified SRI (MSRI). AWD involves periodic drying of the field, which can reduce water usage and methane emissions. Aerobic rice is grown in non-flooded, well-drained soils, which can save water and reduce labor. MSRI is a variation of SRI that incorporates mechanization to reduce labor requirements while maintaining the benefits of SRI. These emerging systems show promise in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of rice cultivation (Devi, 2023). In conclusion, the comparative analysis of different rice cultivation systems highlights the potential for innovative practices to improve productivity, sustainability, and environmental impact. Each system has its advantages and challenges, and the choice of method depends on local conditions, resource availability, and specific goals of the farmers.
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