Emission of Methane From Wetland Paddy Fields: A Review

Abstract

Cultivation of rice is widely practiced throughout the world as rice is a staple food for half of the world’s population. However, the emission of methane (CH4) is an issue associated with the cultivation of rice. Many reports on the level of CH4 emission after treatment of different kinds of organic materials in paddy fields were reported. It was observed that the application of a combination of tested locally available compost along with inorganic NPK fertilisers effectively reduced the rate of emission of CH4. Intermittent wetting and drying in addition to the combined application of compost and NPK fertilisers will help in reducing the emission of CH4 up to 40 to 45%. To undertake an intermittent drainage system is a difficult step for the farmers to implement as it has extra cost and labour. Therefore, lawmakers should initiate steps to help farmers in order to reduce the emission of CH4 from paddy fields.