Description of practice
Paddy rice is conventionally grown in anaerobic conditions for 80% of the growing period, requiring high amounts of irrigation water. Reduced use of water is recommended for increased productivity, adaptation to water scarcity and reduction of methane emissions (potentially offset by carbon dioxide emissions).
| Examples of how to use reduced water in rice cultivation | Further information (see Note below) |
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System of Rice IntensificationSystem of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a climate-smart, agro-ecological methodology for increasing rice productivity by 1) early plant establishment; 2) reduced plant density; 3) soil enrichment with organic matter; and 4) reduced and controlled water application. |
»WOCAT technology 1654
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Rice intensification through organic rice-duck farmingThe usual rice farming system (seedling condition, planting distance, irrigation time and water requirement) is modified, an organic fertilization scheme is introduced, and ducks are incorporated in the system. Ducks help weeding, pest biocontrol and fertilization. |
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Alternate wetting and dryingRice fields are flooded to a depth of 5 cm then allowed to dry. They are flooded again when the water level (monitored by perforated PVC tubes) reaches 15 cm below the soil surface. The practice decreases water use while having no impact on yield, decreases methane emissions and water pump fuel consumption. |
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Aerobic riceSpecifically developed “aerobic rice” varieties are grown in well-drained, non-puddled, and non-saturated soils. The system aims for yields of at least 4-6 tons per hectare. Crop rotation replaces flooding for weed management. |
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Saturated soil cultureThe soil is kept as close to saturation as possible by shallow irrigations (of about 1 cm floodwater) a day or so after the disappearance of standing water. It leads to water savings at slight yield impact (4-9%). |
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Note: Most of the Further information links are to a full description of the example in the WOCAT database. However sometimes the link may be to similar p actices or a research paper. Occasionally the link is to a commercial product in which case it should be understood that this does not imply any endorsement of the product by iSQAPER.