Rice cultivation is a major source of agricultural greenhouse gases, with global emissions nearly doubling since the 1960s. Flooded soils create ideal conditions for methane producing microbes, while synthetic nitrogen fertilizers increase nitrous oxide levels. Researchers suggest that climate smart practices, such as intermittent flooding and optimized fertilizer use, could reduce emissions by 10 percent by midcentury. However, the study emphasizes that no single method works everywhere and regional strategies are necessary to balance food security with climate goals.
