This document summarizes a presentation on greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields and strategies for mitigation. It introduces that methane and carbon dioxide are the primary greenhouse gases emitted from flooded rice fields. It then discusses the causes of methane and carbon dioxide emissions from paddy soil and rice cultivation practices. Finally, it outlines techniques for mitigating methane emissions, such as alternate wetting and drying of fields, and for mitigating carbon dioxide emissions, including practices like no-till farming and agroforestry integration. The presentation concludes that a holistic approach combining these methane and carbon dioxide mitigation strategies can significantly reduce the climate impact of rice agriculture.

1. Presented By
Mr. Mahesh Sapkota (2023035225)
(Department of Food Security And Agriculture Development)
KNU, Daegu South Korea
30Th October , 2023
WELCOME
(नमस्कार)
Prof: Yoonha Kim
Greenhouse gases emission in paddy field and
strategies for mitigation

2. Presentation Outline
 Introduction
 GHG in paddy field
 Methane emission
 Carbon-dioxide emission
 Mitigation techniques
 Methane mitigation techniques
 Carbon-dioxide mitigation techniques
 Conclusion

3. Introduction
Paddy Field:-
 Rice is a staple food in many part of the world
 Paddy field are flooded or irrigated field used for growing rice
 Paddy fields provide a significant portion of the worlds food (rice)
production making them crucial for food security

4. Green house gases:-
 Gases trap heat in the earths atmosphere and contributing to global
warming and climate change
Introduction (cont.)
GHGs
• Methane
• Co2
• Nitrous Oxide
• Flourinated gases
Non GHGs
The major atmospheric
constituents
• Nitrogen(N2)
• Oxygen(O2)
• Argon(Ar)
• Other remaining gases

5. Introduction (cont.)
Impact of climate change and GHGs in Agriculture
 Reduction in crop yield
 Shortage of water
 Irregularities in onset of monsoon, drought, flood and cyclone
 Rise in sea level
 Decline in soil fertility
 Loss of biodiversity
 Problem of pest, weed and diseases

6. GHGs emission from different sector
Source: IPCC (2014) Exit based on global emissions from 2010. Details about the sources included in these estimates can be found in the Contribution of Working Group III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. Exit

7. GHGs emission from Agriculture sector
Source:Main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector in 2005 (Smith et al., 2007)

8. Types of green house gases in paddy field
 Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the primary greenhouse gases
emitted from paddy fields.
 Paddy fields emit these gases during various stages of rice cultivation, including
flooding, cultivation, and residue decomposition.

9. Why methane emission is more in rice field ?
• Anaerobic Environment: Paddy fields are flooded,
creating anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions ideal for
methane-producing microbes.
• Decomposing Organic Matter
• Methanogenic Microbes: Specific microbes called
methanogens thrive in waterlogged soils and
produce methane during their metabolic
processes.
• Rice Roots: Rice
plants release organic
compounds into the
soil that further fuel
methanogenesis by
methanogens.

10. Methane emission on rice field by country
Source: World Bank staff calculation based on FAOSTAT and CAIT Climate Data Explorer 2018

11. Why carbon-dioxide emission is more in paddy field ?
• Deforestation: Clearing land for
paddy fields often involves
cutting down forests, releasing
CO2 stored in trees and forest
soils.
• Fossil Fuel Use: The use of
machinery and energy-
intensive practices in rice
farming generates CO2
emissions.
• Land Use Changes: Conversion
of natural landscapes into rice
fields results in CO2 release
from vegetation and soil.
Pic:- Deforestation

12. • Post-Harvest and Processing: Activities like
rice milling and transportation can lead to
CO2 emissions, particularly if powered by
fossil fuels.
• Chemical Fertilizers: The production and
application of chemical fertilizers in rice
farming contribute to CO2 emissions.
• Residue Burning: In some regions, farmers
burn rice straw after harvest, releasing CO2
into the atmosphere.
• Residue Decomposition: When rice straw
is left in the fields to decompose, it
releases CO2 as it breaks down
Why carbon-dioxide emission is more in rice field ?(cont.)
Pic:- Residue Burning in Paddy Field

13. • Alternate Wetting and Drying
(AWD): Periodically drying
the fields to reduce methane
emissions.
• Improved Water
Management: Controlled
irrigation to minimize
waterlogged conditions and
methane production.
• Amending Soil Conditions:
Adding organic amendments
to promote beneficial
microbial activities and
reduce methane production.
Mitigation strategies of methane in paddy field
Pic:- Alternate watering in paddy

14. • Use of Fertilizers: Applying fertilizers in
a way that minimizes their impact on
methane-producing microbes.
• Rice Varieties Selection: Choosing rice
varieties that produce less methane
during cultivation. Eg. SUSIBA2
• Residue Management: Proper
handling of rice residues to minimize
methane emissions during
decomposition.
• Biochar Application:Apply biochar to
the soil to enhance carbon
sequestration and reduce methane
production.
• Precision Farming Practices
Mitigation strategies of methane in paddy field(cont..)
Pic:- Biochar

15. Mitigation strategies of CO2 in paddy field
Reduced Fossil Fuel Use:Minimize the use of
fossil fuel-powered machinery for land
preparation and irrigation.
Sustainable Land Use Practices:Avoid
deforestation and practice sustainable land
management to preserve carbon stored in
forests and soils.
Low-Carbon Input Agriculture:Promote
practices that reduce the use of energy-
intensive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
No-Till Farming:Implement no-till or
reduced-till farming to conserve soil carbon
and reduce CO2 emissions from soil
disturbance. Pic:- Reduced Till Paddy farming

16. Organic Farming Methods:Encourage
organic farming practices that focus on
natural fertilizers, cover cropping, and
composting to sequester carbon.
Agroforestry Integration:Integrate trees
and shrubs into rice fields, enhancing
carbon sequestration and reducing
emissions.
Straw Management:Promote the
incorporation of rice straw back into
fields, reducing carbon losses during
burning or decomposition
Mitigation strategies of CO2 in paddy field(cont…)
Pic:- Straw management on Paddy field in Nepal

17. Conclusion
• Addressing greenhouse gas
emissions in paddy fields,
particularly methane and carbon
dioxide, is vital for sustainable
rice cultivation. A holistic
approach that combines
methane and CO2 mitigation
strategies can significantly
reduce the environmental
footprint of rice farming,
contributing to climate change
mitigation and food security.

18. Thank you for your patience