No-till rice reduces methane emissions
Additional evidence of the benefits of paraquat was revealed at the 20th Asia Pacific Weed Science Society (APWSS) congress in Ho Chi Minh in November 2005, where results of a study showed that no-tillDescription Also known as conservation tillage or zero tillage is a way of growing crops from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage ie cultivating the soil usually with tractor-drawn implements. Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://www.no-till.com/index.htm A portal for on-line information about no-till farming. rice farming methods using paraquat significantly reduced methane emissions.
The study, entitled, “The Effect of Water Regime and Soil Management on Methane (CH4) Emission from Rice Field” was a collaborative effort between Syngenta Research and Development Station, Cikampek and Agricultural Environment Preservation Research Station, Jakenan, in Indonesia. Syngenta is a leading manufacturer or paraquat.
Field data collected over the one-year study examined the effects of different watering systems as well as different tilling systems and showed that no-till systems reduced methane emissions by 43% compared to normal-till methods in Indonesia’s wet season.
The researchers concluded that “the best CH4 gas mitigation option in terms of benefit gain and CH4 reduction was the zero tillage, combined with intermittent/saturated water regime plus application of 0.4 kg a.i. paraquat/ha before transplanting….”
Methane reduction
Methane is one of several gases that have been shown to cause global warming. Reducing methane emissions from all sources – including agriculture – in developing countries is an essential step to prevent further environmental damage.
No-till farming and paraquat
The adoption of no-till farming methods using paraquat has also demonstrated other environmental benefits including reduced soil erosionDescription Displacement of solids (soil, mud, rock and other particles) usually by the agents of currents such as, wind, water, or ice by downward or down-slope movement. Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://soilerosion.net/ This site brings together reliable information on soil erosion from a wide range of disciplines and sources. It aims to be the definitive internet source for those wishing to find out more about soil loss and soil conservation., an increase in organic matter, and preservation of soil moisture.
At the same time, it has also benefited farmers around the world, by allowing them to significantly reduce costs and labor needs while enabling them to increase yields.
"No-tillage and intermittent irrigation allow farmers to grow high yielding rice with less water, labor and cost. Earlier and faster rice planting also makes it possible to grow three crops per year instead of two. By combining both new techniques, farmers can increase their income and produce rice in a more sustainable way," says Yuli Irianto, study leader.
Paraquat’s contact-only action allows farmers to control weeds without killing the weed root structure, making it an ideal herbicide for use in conservation and zero-till systems.
Find more information about paraquat’s benefits to the environment here.
Read more about how no-till farming methods using paraquat are benefiting farmers around the world: