Bradbrook - 2012 - Rice Farming complete with methods to increase ric

4. Slash and burn
Removal of forest cover to make way for land to plant rice is common in very poor
communities who rely on rice growing as a source of food and income. However, this
fanning method results in top soil erosion, increased surface run-off resulting in
flooding in the low-lying areas, and loss of biodiversity.
5. Water demand
Intensive rice farming demands greater amounts of water especially in irrigated
lowland rice culture. This leads to water scarcity not only for agricultural uses, but
also for human consumption and urban needs.
Part 22: Efforts in Sustainable Rice Farming
1. Positive externalities
The traditional rice paddy has largely remained unchanged since rice was first cultured
over 10,000 years ago. Until the advent of the Green Revolution when rice growing
favored high yielding varieties that relied heavily on the use of inorganic fertilizers
and pesticides, rice growing was a sustainable and environment friendly agriculture
practice. In recent years, efforts are being made to bring back the traditional practices
that have made it survive thousands of years of population growth and human
development.
a. Reduction of floodwaters
Because rice fields are built to impound water, they are act as temporary flood
control structures particularly at the height of water flow. In the lowlands, they
contain overflows from rivers and estuaries thereby protecting human settlement
areas. Rice fields carved on hilly and mountainous terrain catch runoff thereby
preventing serious flooding in low-lying areas.
b. Recharging of the groundwater
Water in rice paddies percolates down to recharge the groundwater supply below.
The amount that percolates largely depends on the type of soil and the level of
water in the paddy. This action is particularly important in areas where the
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