Improving biodiversity in rice paddy fields to promote land sustainability

Abstract

Rice is a staple food for many people in the world, especially in Asian countries, and rice consumption increases every year. Efforts have been made to increase rice production, leading to social, economic, and environmental impacts. Rice in paddy fields is mostly grown using conventional farming systems with high inputs of agrochemicals (inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides). Continuous application of agrochemicals may damage the soil and cause decreased soil productivity and biodiversity, as well as increased pest attacks and methane emissions. Therefore, organic farming systems are likely to be the best practices for promoting land sustainability. In fact, farmers in many countries have shifted their rice production management from conventional to organic. However, it is argued that, in general, organic systems are related to lower yields and lower environmental impacts while conventional systems are related to higher yields and higher environmental impacts. Although the movement from conventional to organic farming systems is believed to have positive short-term impacts by improving soil biodiversity, therefore, it will also have an impact in terms of lowering rice production volumes. The achievement of food security and food availability requires government policies to promote the use of organic fertilizers and subsidize their prices, as well as regulation to support high prices for organic products. Application of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers, and the use of crop rotation, are likely to improve soil fertility, which is related to increased biodiversity, and eventually this will contribute to higher rice production volumes in the long term.