Journal of Agronomy and Field Innovations

Background: Rice farming is a significant source of greenhouse gases from agriculture, especially methane and nitrous oxide. Precision nutrient management could solve these problems through nitrogen efficacy and reduced emissions, but it needs more investigation into its potential advantages for sustainability.
Objectives: This study evaluated the impacts of alternative nutrient management practices on carbon footprint, energy use and environmental impacts in irrigated rice-based systems using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Materials and Methods: The farmers’ practice, site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), Nutrient Expert® and sensor-based variable-rate PNM treatments were compared in a two-year field experiment using a randomized complete block design. A cradle-to-farm-gate LCA was conducted according to ISO 14040/14044 standards for determining the greenhouse gas emissions, energy demand, acidification and eutrophication potential.
Results: Sensor-based PNM and Nutrient Expert® increased grain yield by 22% and 19%, respectively, and reduced carbon footprint by 38% and 27%, respectively, compared with farmers’ practice. Lower emission intensity was partly driven by lower N 2 O emissions and improved nitrogen-use efficiency. The main environmental hotspots identified were fertilizer production and N2O emissions at field level.
Conclusion: Rice production can be more environmentally friendly without losing productivity or profit through precise management of nutrients. Digital decision-support tools and improved nutrient strategies can speed up the transition to sustainable, low-carbon rice-based agriculture.