Researchers at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, BC are experimenting with growing rice without flooded paddies. The goal is to reduce methane emissions, which are roughly 80 times more potent than CO2 over 20 years, while maintaining yields. Students are testing faster-maturing rice varieties and organic weed control methods on the Garden City Lands. The project addresses a key trade-off in agriculture: flooded rice fields produce methane from anaerobic decomposition, but dryland systems face challenges like weed competition and cooler temperatures. Each year, a new student builds on previous findings, refining techniques to balance environmental impact and productivity. If successful, dryland rice could offer a lower-emission staple crop for temperate regions.
