Greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields in Bangladesh compared to top twenty rice producing countries and emission reduction strategies

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture contribute to global warming. Total GHG emissions from paddy fields based on life cycle assessments are limited in developing countries because of data lacking. The amounts of carbon (C) emissions and GHG intensity have been evaluated for top 20 rice producing countries based on measured and review of literature for determining relative position of Bangladesh and delineating reduction strategies of GHG emissions from paddy fields. In 2018, the position of Bangladesh was 7th among top 20 rice producing countries in terms of methane (CH4) emission. Per capita CH4 emission because of rice cultivation was the highest in Cambodia followed by Thailand and 8th position for Bangladesh. The higher per capita GHG emissions were recorded in Thailand (1595.24 kg CO2 eq.) than in Cambodia (1517.21 kg CO2 eq.) and in Bangladesh, it was 706.72 kg CO2 eq. Greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) was the highest in China (5.87 kg kg(-1)) than in Thailand (3.91 kg kg(-1)) and in India (3.44 kg kg(-1)). Position of Bangladesh was 6th among top 20 rice producing countries in terms of total GHG emission for rice cultivation (9903.03 kg CO2 eq. ha(-1)). In Bangladesh, irrigation water management contributed about 30% of indirect GHG emission and that of fertilizers by about 6.5%. The balance between C inputs and outputs resulted in net emission by about 179.92 kg C ha(-1) because of rice cultivation in Bangladesh. There were comparatively greater total GHG emissions from paddy fields in developed countries than in the least developed and developing countries. The GHG emissions could be minimized by adopting reduced tillage practices, alternate wetting and drying (AWD), fertilizer placement, suitable cropping patterns, high yielding short duration varieties, and integrated nutrient management.

Automated summary

Agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions play a significant role in global warming. Bangladesh ranks high in methane emissions from paddy fields, but has relatively low per capita carbon dioxide emissions. Adopting practices such as reduced tillage and alternate wetting and drying can help reduce GHG emissions.