Alternate wetting and drying technology for rice production

Abstract

Practice of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology in rice is a viable option for water saving that has been implemented in various regions of India. However, its effectiveness has been limited due to requirement for more water and inconsistencies in nutrient supply in light textured soil. By adopting such potential water-saving techniques in rice cultivation, not only the crop yield improves, but also carbon sequestration increases, while reducing resource utilization including water, labour, energy and time, and lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. AWD offers several significant benefits such as utilizing 23–33% less water, enhancing grain quality by reducing arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) content, reducing GHG emission, improving water efficiency, maintaining or even increasing grain production. Additionally, intermittent irrigation with AWD method has proven successful in reducing disease and insect pest infestations in lowland rice.