Date Received: 04-11-2024 / Date Accepted: 18-06-2025 / Date Published: 27-06-2025
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop, providing staple food for more than half of the world's population. However, conventional irrigated rice cultivation consumes large amounts of irrigation water and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane (CH4). In view of the impact of climate change and the goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, the research and application of water-saving irrigation methods for rice are becoming increasingly important. This paper presents the mechanism of CH4 emissions in rice fields and the benefits of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) to promote the application of this technology in sustainable rice cultivation. The results show that AWD reduces water consumption and irrigation costs, while this technology stimulates rice plant growth, grain yield and quality, improves soil biological activity, and reduces pest infestation and pesticide use. In addition, AWD significantly reduces CH4 emissions in rice fields, which can be converted into carbon credits, potentially increasing farmers' income. Therefore, the adoption of AWD in rice cultivation can play a crucial role in achieving global climate goals, ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practises.
