As the world’s largest rice producer, China faces significant challenges in balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. This pressing issue is exacerbated by the current agricultural model, which relies heavily on excessive fertilization and flood irrigation to maximize rice yields. Consequently, these practices lead to numerous ecological concerns, including soil degradation, water pollution, and heightened greenhouse gas emissions. The quest for a robust solution to ensure food security while alleviating these environmental pressures has led researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University to propose an innovative and green approach to rice cultivation.
The researchers, led by Xusheng Meng, emphasize the critical need to shift from the conventional paradigm of “high input and low efficiency” in rice production. While China contributes nearly one-fifth of the world’s rice cultivation area, its nitrogen fertilizer consumption accounts for a staggering 37%, with residual nitrogen use efficiency falling below global averages. Such inefficiencies not only squander agricultural resources but also introduce environmental hazards, including runoff that contributes to soil acidification and the leaching of nutrients into water systems. Moreover, China’s paddy fields are a significant source of greenhouse gases, emitting approximately 712 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents every year, making them more polluting than rice fields in other major producing nations.
In light of these alarming facts, the Nanjing Agricultural University team has identified three innovative technical frameworks for rice cultivation aimed at harnessing resources more efficiently and sustainably. First and foremost is the optimization of nutrient management strategies. By revising fertilization practices, the researchers suggest a tailored approach that reduces the amount of nitrogen applied at seedling stages while increasing the application during the panicle formation stage. This precision in nutrient allocation not only promotes effective tillering but also enhances the quality of panicle development and grain filling. Experimental data indicates that this refined method can elevate nitrogen use efficiency by as much as 21.3%, which can lead to a visible increase in crop yield.
The second innovative path introduced by the researchers is the “carbon-nitrogen synergy” technology. This method involves the incorporation of crushed straw back into the soil along with a strategic reduction in chemical fertilizers by replacing them with organic options. The synergistic effect of this combination leads to a significant enhancement of soil organic carbon levels, thereby improving the soil’s capacity to retain water and essential nutrients. Long-term observations reveal that this novel approach can curtail ammonia volatilization losses by more than 17%, while simultaneously stimulating the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms. This enhanced microbial activity promotes a more effective nutrient conversion process, which is vital for sustainable crop production.
The third avenue is groundbreaking in its approach to water management. The researchers advocate for an integrated water management system, notably emphasizing “water-saving and controlled drainage” techniques. This alternative to traditional full-period flooding involves the adoption of an “alternate wetting and drying” irrigation strategy, which fosters better soil aeration, supports root development, and curtails methane emissions through judicious field drying during critical growth stages. Demonstrations in South China’s double-cropping rice areas have shown that this technology can save up to 19% of water usage compared to standard irrigation methods while reducing methane emissions by 16.2%. Importantly, this technique manages to maintain stable yields, ensuring that productivity does not decline.
The researchers have also tailored these technological solutions to meet the specific conditions and challenges faced by different rice-growing regions across China. For example, nitrogen-zinc synergistic fertilization technology is being employed in Northeast China to assist crops that struggle with early spring temperatures affecting seedlings. In the mountainous Southwest region, practices such as sparse planting and the deep application of organic matter are utilized to circumvent the constraints imposed by the terrain. Similarly, in the arid Northwest, the strategy of film mulching combined with controlled-release fertilizers aims to maximize water efficiency while ensuring high yields. Early demonstrations of these methods across Jiangsu, Northeast China, and South China indicate yield increases ranging from 6.3% to an impressive 15.7%.
Implementing these innovative agricultural technologies necessitates strong support from policy frameworks and active engagement from farmers. To bridge the gap between complex scientific methodologies and practical application, researchers advocate a “Science and Technology Courtyard” model. This model simplifies intricate technical guidelines into actionable standards, such as the “three-looking fertilization method,” which prompts farmers to evaluate seedling health, soil conditions, and environmental factors. Such efforts are designed to accelerate the widespread adoption of these eco-friendly technologies, moving towards a more sustainable agricultural future.
By fostering these high-yielding and environmentally sustainable practices, it is anticipated that nitrogen use efficiency in rice cultivation will witness remarkable improvements. In turn, this will curtail the environmental footprint of paddy fields, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions. The implications of these advancements extend beyond academic realms, promising significant contributions to global food security and the ongoing endeavor for sustainable agricultural development in China.
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of feeding a growing population and preserving ecological integrity, innovations in rice technology, such as those proposed by Meng and his team, may serve as a paradigm for future agricultural practices. The integration of environmental sustainability with efficient production not only aligns with the goals of contemporary agriculture but also sets a precedent for globally addressing similar challenges across various food systems.
The year ahead could see substantial progress as the researchers’ timely interventions take root in farmer communities. This progressive approach aims to transform the agricultural landscape of China and potentially inspire similar initiatives globally, making strides toward a more resilient and ecologically sound future in food production.
Food security and environmental sustainability no longer need to be viewed as opposing forces. The innovative practices developed by Xusheng Meng and his colleagues dismantle this false dichotomy, illustrating that it is indeed possible to nourish the world while preserving the very ecosystems upon which agriculture relies. As we stand at the crossroads of environmental crisis and agricultural productivity, the strategies emerging from China could illuminate a path forward, fostering a renewed commitment to sustainable practices that honor both our planet and its people.
Subject of Research:
Article Title: Integrated innovation and application of green high-yield and high-efficiency technologies of rice in China
News Publication Date: 16-Jul-2025
Web References: https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2025636
References:
Image Credits: Jian HUANG, Yixiao CHAI, Shichao YANG, Yiwen CAO, Lei YANG, Min WANG, Xusheng MENG, Shiwei GUO
Keywords
Applied sciences and engineering, Agriculture
