Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.5, 243-251 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 245 Figure 1 Wetting and drying regimes during the AWD irrigation (Adopted from Haque et al., 2021) 3.2 Soil fertility management Integrated nutrient management (INM) involves the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers to optimize soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This approach can enhance the efficiency of nutrient use, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, which are a significant source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. Studies have shown that INM can reduce N₂O emissions by up to 66% when combined with water-saving irrigation techniques like AWD (Islam et al., 2020). The use of organic amendments, such as biochar and compost, can improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies (Liang, 2024). Biochar, in particular, has been shown to reduce CH₄ emissions by up to 40.6% when applied to rice fields. Additionally, organic amendments can enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, which can further mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil (Sriphirom et al., 2020). 3.3 Crop management practices Selecting rice varieties that are more efficient in water and nutrient use can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Varieties that have shorter growing periods or are more resistant to drought and pests can reduce the need for water and chemical inputs, thereby lowering CH₄ and N₂O emissions. Research has shown that certain rice varieties can maintain high yields under AWD conditions, making them suitable for sustainable rice production (Ishfaq et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020). Crop rotation and diversification involve alternating rice cultivation with other crops to improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Sun and Qian, 2024). This practice can break pest and disease cycles, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and enhance soil fertility. Studies have indicated that crop rotation can reduce CH₄ emissions by altering the microbial activity in the soil, which is responsible for methane production. Additionally, diversifying crops can improve the resilience of farming systems to climate change, further contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation. 4 Climate Change Mitigation Strategies 4.1 Role of rice paddies in carbon sequestration Rice paddies play a significant role in carbon sequestration, which is crucial for mitigating climate change. The incorporation of organic fertilizers and the adoption of no-till practices have been shown to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. For instance, replacing synthetic nitrogen with organic fertilizers in rice paddies can significantly decrease net greenhouse gas emissions and improve rice yield, thereby contributing to carbon sequestration (Shang et al., 2021). Additionally, no-till practices, especially when combined with residue retention, have been found to reduce methane emissions and enhance SOC sequestration, although the increase in nitrous oxide emissions needs to be managed carefully (Zhao et al., 2016). Integrated management practices, such as reduced water usage, tillage with residue management, and reduced mineral nitrogen fertilizer, have also demonstrated potential in increasing SOC stocks in rice paddies (Begum et al., 2018).
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