Biodegradable Mulch Film Combined with Controlled Irrigation Reduces Water Use by 34% While Increasing Rice Yield by 9%

 A recent study by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has revealed the synergistic regulation mechanism of biodegradable mulch film coverage combined with different irrigation management practices for water-saving, emission-reducing, and efficiency-enhancing effects in rice paddies. The research, published in Agricultural Water Management, demonstrates that compared to traditional flooded rice cultivation, biodegradable mulch film coverage combined with controlled irrigation achieves approximately 34% reduction in irrigation water use while increasing yield by about 9%. Furthermore, this approach reduces global warming potential and greenhouse gas emission intensity by 39% and 44%, respectively. Although biodegradable film increases input costs, the combined benefits of yield increase and water savings result in net income gains of 10% and 32% respectively compared to continuous flooding with film coverage. This technology addresses the key constraints limiting water-saving and emission-reduction performance in rice cultivation, providing strong support for enhancing agricultural climate resilience, promoting green and low-carbon agricultural transformation, and ensuring national food security. The research was supported by the State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources Utilization, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Pollution Control, and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Innovation Project.