Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 254-259 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 258 7 Concluding Remarks Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation has been shown to significantly impact rice cultivation by enhancing water use efficiency and reducing water consumption without substantially compromising yield. Studies indicate that AWD can reduce water use by 19%-56% compared to conventional flooding methods, while maintaining or slightly reducing rice yields. Additionally, AWD has been associated with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, by up to 100% in some cases, contributing to a lower global warming potential. However, there is a potential yield penalty, with some studies reporting a decrease in yield by approximately 5.4% under certain conditions. The large-scale application of AWD presents several opportunities, including improved water management and reduced environmental impact, which are crucial in regions facing water scarcity. AWD's ability to maintain groundwater recharge while reducing irrigation needs makes it a viable option for sustainable rice production. However, constraints include the need for precise water management and monitoring, which can be challenging for farmers without access to adequate resources or training. Additionally, the variability in yield response and the potential for increased nitrous oxide emissions under certain conditions pose challenges that need to be addressed. To optimize irrigation practices, future research should focus on developing integrated management strategies that combine AWD with other sustainable practices, such as biochar application and optimized nutrient management, to enhance soil health and further reduce emissions. It is also recommended to conduct long-term studies across diverse agro-ecological zones to better understand the adaptability and long-term benefits of AWD. Policymakers should consider supporting infrastructure development and farmer training programs to facilitate the adoption of AWD on a larger scale, ensuring that farmers have the necessary tools and knowledge to implement this practice effectively. Acknowledgments We thank Mr Z. Xu from the Institute of Life Science of Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University for his reading and revising suggestion. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Damanhuri, Widodo T., and Muhklisin I., 2022, Effect of soilless media with alternate wetting-drying (AWD) as basic irrigation on the growth of two varieties of rice, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 980: 012054. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/980/1/012054 Carrijo D., Lundy M., and Linquist B., 2017, Rice yields and water use under alternate wetting and drying irrigation: a meta-analysis, Field Crops Research, 203: 173-180. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FCR.2016.12.002 Cheng H., Shu K., Zhu T., Wang L., Liu X., Cai W., Qi Z., and Feng S., 2022, Effects of alternate wetting and drying irrigation on yield, water and nitrogen use, and greenhouse gas emissions in rice paddy fields, Journal of Cleaner Production, 349: 131487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131487 Chu G., Zhan M., Zhu K., Wang Z., and Yang J., 2016, Effects of alternate wetting and drying irrigation on yield and water use efficiency of rice, Acta Agronomica Sinica, 42: 1026. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1006.2016.01026 Duong N., Pham V., Le H., Nguyen S., and Huynh D., 2024, Evaluating the performance of alternate wetting and drying irrigation technology: an on-farm rice case study in An Giang Province, the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, 47(3): 2. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjtas.47.3.02 Gao R., Zhuo L., Duan Y., Yan C., Yue Z., Zhao Z., and Wu P., 2024, Effects of alternate wetting and drying irrigation on yield, water-saving, and emission reduction in rice fields: a global meta-analysis, Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 353: 110075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2024.110075 Gilardi G., Mayer A., Rienzner M., Romani M., and Facchi A., 2023, Effect of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and other irrigation management strategies on water resources in rice-producing areas of Northern Italy, Water, 15(12): 2150. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15122150
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