Chapters authored
Revolutionizing Rice Farming: Maximizing Yield with Minimal Water to Sustain the Hungry Planet
Increasing rice yield while reducing water usage is crucial to feed growing population. This chapter explores techniques to enhance irrigation efficiency and water productivity in rice farming while minimizing negative impacts like groundwater depletion, land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and soil degradation. Modern techniques for rice farming bring significant benefits by increasing productivity, reducing water usage, and conserving natural resources. Promising techniques include direct-seeded rice, aerobic rice, drip-irrigated rice, saturated soil culture, IoT-based automated irrigation, and the system of rice intensification (SRI). For example, drip-irrigated rice increases yield by up to 20% using 30–50% less water, and the SRI boosts yield by up to 50% with 25–50% less water. Implementing these techniques improves rice productivity, income, food security, and water conservation. However, effectiveness varies based on soil, climate, labor force, and socio-economic status. Selecting suitable water-saving methods is crucial for maximizing farmer livelihoods while ensuring environmental safety.
Part of the book: Irrigation Systems and Applications