Context
A recent study published in Nature Food has identified India’s irrigated paddy fields among the world’s largest sources of methane (CH₄) emissions. The study highlights that continuous flooding, residue incorporation and increased nitrogen fertilizer use have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.
Explanation:
- Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a much higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
- In flooded paddy fields, oxygen-deficient (anaerobic) conditions promote methanogenic archaea, which decompose organic matter and release methane.
- Continuous irrigation, incorporation of crop residues, and excessive nitrogen fertilizer application further enhance methane emissions from rice cultivation.
- Mitigation measures include Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), improved water management, residue management, optimized fertilizer use and cultivation of low-emission rice varieties.
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