Climate change mitigation in rice fields: A global synthesis of agronomic interventions
Abstract
Rice sustains half the global population, yet its cultivation is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Meeting rising demand calls for agronomic interventions that increase yields while curbing GHG emissions. Here, for the first time, we present a meta-synthesis of 91 meta-analyses, quantifying the effects of 54 rice agronomic interventions, grouped into 14 categories, on yield, CH4 and N2O emissions, global warming potential (GWP), and GHG emission intensity (GHGI). Biochar consistently delivered co-benefits, increasing yield by 12%, and reducing CH4, N2O, and GHGI by 15-18%. In contrast, residue incorporation and organic amendment raised yields (5% and 19%), but sharply increased CH4 emissions (144% and 76%) and GWP (96% and 65%). No-till or reduced tillage lowered GWP by 15% without a yield penalty. Water-saving technologies cut CH4 emissions by 50% and GHGI by 39%, with a slight yield decline (-3%). Within this category, intermittent irrigation offered the best balance, while non-flooded systems achieved greater emission reductions but incurred larger yield losses (-9%). Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer increased yields by 31% but raised N2O emissions by 130%. Innovations, including deep placement and enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, reduced N2O emissions by up to 38% and improved yields by 6%-19%. Symbiotic systems (e.g., rice-duck) reduced CH4, though effects on N2O were variable. While several agronomic interventions show promise, evidence remains limited for…
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