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Can the Integration of Water and Fertilizer Promote the Sustainable Development of Rice Production in China?

Author

Listed:
  • Qin Liao

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Jiangxia Nie

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Huilai Yin

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Yongheng Luo

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Chuanhai Shu

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Qingyue Cheng

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Hao Fu

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Biao Li

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Liangyu Li

    (Chengdu Academic of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Yongjian Sun

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    Crop Ecophysiology and Cultivation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Zongkui Chen

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Jun Ma

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    Crop Ecophysiology and Cultivation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Na Li

    (College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Xiaoli Zhang

    (Chengdu Academic of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Zhiyuan Yang

    (Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    Crop Ecophysiology and Cultivation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 611130, China)

Abstract

Rice production is the agricultural activity with the highest energy consumption and carbon emission intensity. Water and fertilizer management constitutes an important part of energy input for rice production and a key factor affecting greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields. Water–fertilizer integration management (AIM) is an automated water and fertilizer management system for large-scale rice production, which can effectively save water and fertilizer resources. At present, the energy utilization and environmental impact of AIM in rice production are not clear. To clarify whether AIM is a water and fertilizer management measure that combines energy conservation and carbon emission reduction, a comparative study between the widely used farmers’ enhanced water and fertilizer management (FEM) in China and AIM was conducted in this paper. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the rice yield, carbon emission, energy utilization, and economic benefits of the two management methods. The results showed that AIM reduced water and fertilizer inputs, energy inputs, and economic costs by 12.18–28.57%, compared to FEM. The energy utilization efficiency, energy profitability, and energy productivity under AIM were improved by 11.30–12.61%. CH 4 and N 2 O emissions and carbon footprint were reduced by 20.79%, 6.51%, and 16.39%, respectively. Compared with FEM, AIM can effectively improve the utilization efficiency of water and fertilizer resources and reduce carbon emissions. This study presents a mechanized water and fertilizer management approach suitable for large-scale rice production systems in China. By analyzing rice yield, resource utilization efficiency, and environmental benefits, AIM can serve as a crucial management strategy for enhancing productivity, economic returns, and environmental conservation within profitable rice production systems. In the future, further investigation into the impact of AIM on the microbial mechanisms underlying rice yield formation and greenhouse gas emissions is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Qin Liao & Jiangxia Nie & Huilai Yin & Yongheng Luo & Chuanhai Shu & Qingyue Cheng & Hao Fu & Biao Li & Liangyu Li & Yongjian Sun & Zongkui Chen & Jun Ma & Na Li & Xiaoli Zhang & Zhiyuan Yang, 2024. "Can the Integration of Water and Fertilizer Promote the Sustainable Development of Rice Production in China?," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:4:p:585-:d:1371694
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    1. Naihui Wang & Shuqi Zhang & Mo Li & Tianxiao Li & Yi-Jia Wang, 2025. "Farmers’ Acceptance of Water–Fertilizer Integration Technology: Theory and Evidence," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.

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