Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 145-157 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 152 6.2 Soil conservation methods Soil conservation is vital for maintaining soil fertility and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. Practices such as crop rotation, the incorporation of legumes, and the use of mycorrhizal associations can significantly improve soil health (Mali et al., 2023). The co-culture of rice and aquatic animals has also been shown to enhance soil quality by increasing biodiversity and improving nutrient cycling (Bashir et al., 2020). Additionally, the use of rice-specific harvesters can help manage rice residues more effectively, reducing the need for residue burning and its associated environmental impacts (Ullah et al., 2021). 6.3 Emission reduction strategies Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation is essential for mitigating climate change. Integrated nutrient management in GCRPSs has been shown to reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) emissions by approximately 77% and 50%, respectively, compared to conventional methods (Yao et al., 2019). The adoption of direct-seeded rice instead of transplanted rice can also reduce methane emissions, a significant greenhouse gas (Ullah et al., 2021). Furthermore, AWD has been found to reduce methane emissions by 52.3%, although it may increase carbon dioxide emissions (Livsey et al., 2019). 6.4 Enhancing biodiversity Enhancing biodiversity within rice cultivation systems can lead to more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. The co-culture of rice and aquatic animals not only improves farm productivity but also increases biodiversity, which can enhance ecosystem services such as pest control and nutrient cycling (Bashir et al., 2020). Crop rotation and companion planting are other methods that can contribute to biodiversity, thereby improving soil health and reducing the need for chemical inputs (Mali et al., 2023). 6.5 Integrated pest and nutrient management Integrated pest and nutrient management (IPNM) is a holistic approach that combines various agricultural practices to optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts. The use of synthetic and organic fertilizers in GCRPSs has been shown to reduce N2O and NO emissions significantly, making it an eco-friendly strategy (Yao et al., 2019). Precision agriculture techniques, such as the use of artificial intelligence for nutrient management, can further enhance the efficiency of IPNM (Mali et al., 2023). Additionally, the incorporation of allelopathic crops in rotation systems can help manage weeds, reducing the need for chemical herbicides (Ullah et al., 2021). By adopting these sustainable practices and innovations, rice cultivation can become more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially acceptable, ensuring food security for future generations. 7 Policy and Regulatory Implications 7.1 National and international policies National and international policies play a crucial role in shaping the environmental impacts of rice cultivation systems. Policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices can significantly reduce the carbon footprint (CF), water footprint (WF), and other environmental impacts associated with rice farming. For instance, the restriction of harmful pesticides like glyphosate and chlorpyrifos in Thailand highlights the importance of regulatory measures in mitigating long-term health effects and environmental toxicity (Toolkiattiwong et al., 2023). Additionally, the development of farming technologies and standards, as seen in China, can help avoid the disorder of agricultural production and promote better economic performance and environmental sustainability (Chen et al., 2021). 7.2 Incentives for sustainable practices Incentives for sustainable practices are essential to encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods. For example, the introduction of cleaner production technologies in China has shown that eco-rice systems can improve soil fertility and increase net economic benefits despite a slight reduction in grain yield (Yang et al., 2019). Similarly, organic rice farming in Thailand has demonstrated a lower carbon footprint and higher value of carbon sequestration ecosystem services compared to conventional farming, indicating the potential benefits of
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