Researchers Find High Yields with Small Environmental Impact Possible for Rice

New research led by Shaobing Peng, professor of agronomy at Huazhong Agricultural University, and Patricio Grassini, associate professor of agronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and co-leader of the Global Yield Gap Atlas, provides an analysis of roadmaps toward sustainable intensification for a larger global rice bowl.

The study, conducted in collaboration with 10 research institutions from seven countries, assessed rice yields and efficiency in the use of water, fertilizer, pesticides, and labor across 32 rice cropping systems that accounted for half of the global rice harvested area.

According to the study, there is still substantial room to increase rice production and reduce its negative environmental impact. Another important finding from the study is that food production and environmental goals do not conflict. Peng said that achieving high yields with a small environmental impact is possible. "Improved agronomic practices, complemented with proper institutions and policy, can help make rice cultivation more environmentally friendly," Grassini added.

For more details, read the article in Nebraska Today.