SRI was validated in over 60 countries, its methods are evolving and expanding beyond rice to other crops like wheat and sugarcane. The issue showcases how SRI principles are being adapted in diverse environments, including rainfed rice cultivation and direct seeding. It will explore modifications aimed at reducing labor, enhancing crop resilience to climate change, and increasing crop biodiversity.
These issues consist of research and reviews publication, aim to update understanding and application of SRI, inviting critical and empirical evaluations.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Kumar et al., researchers from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, conducted a six-year evaluation of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methods in India, comparing them with three alternatives: a modified, partially mechanized version of SRI (MSRI), direct-seeded rice (DSR), and conventional transplanting with field flooding (CTF). This study aimed to evaluate the most advantageous rice crop management practices for India, examining factors such as yield, water productivity, soil microbial populations, biological activity, greenhouse gas emissions, and economic returns.
Francois Siewe and his team conducted research to identify the potential of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) as a feasible agricultural method for reducing the rice deficit in Northwestern Nigeria. This study aimed to identify the best adaptation of SRI practices suited to the region while considering practical factors for farmers. The research involved active farmer participation over several years, with support from the Faculty of Agriculture and students at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. The findings are expected to provide significant environmental, economic, and social benefits to farmers.
In this study, Mohammed et al. (2023) emphasize the critical role of rice as Iraq’s primary crop, essential for food security, despite occupying only 5–6% of cultivated land due to the country’s limited arable land. With water scarcity posing a greater challenge to agricultural production than land availability, the research assessed the economic and agronomic benefits of employing the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methods with deficit irrigation intervals in southern Iraq. Contrary to common belief, the study challenges the belief that rice requires continuous flooding to thrive, highlighting the importance of evaluating water stress tolerance in rice plants to optimize yield without compromising productivity.
Between 1960 and 2015, global agricultural production increased threefold due to advancements such as the Green Revolution and the expansion of land and water resources for farming. However, hunger and malnutrition persist in many countries. Demand for rice continues to rise due to population growth and changing consumer preferences, especially in Africa and South Asia. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has gained popularity in more than 60 countries due to its ability to reduce water use and production costs compared to traditional methods. SRI can also help mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, Chintalapati et al. conducted a meta-analysis on insect pests in rice fields, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between rice cultivation methods and insect pest management.
Sheath blight is estimated to reduce rice production in Asia by an average of 6%, with local losses of up to 50%. Doni et al. conducted research on the potential of endophytic Trichoderma spp. to reduce sheath blight in rice, caused by Rhizoctonia solani. This evaluation was conducted under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) conditions and compared with standard irrigated rice cultivation.
REVIEW ARTICLES
Rice contributes approximately 20% of total energy intake and a similar share of protein. However, rice farming is a major source of greenhouse gases, comparable to emissions from the aviation industry. Methane is the primary greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted during rice production, mainly from conventional rice cultivation (CRC), which requires continuous flooding of fields during the growing season. Research indicates that adopting alternate wetting and drying (AWD) techniques in rice farming can significantly reduce methane emissions. AWD is a key component of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agroecological method that optimizes the management of plants, water, soil, and nutrients. This article reviews field studies on GHG emissions related to AWD and SRI.
Increasing global rice demand from population growth, rising incomes, and persistent food deficits requires a significant boost in production by 2050. However, developing new rice varieties alone may not be enough, given limited environmental resources. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) offers a promising approach by modifying rice management techniques to enhance the genetic potential of existing traditional and improved rice varieties. This paper examines how implementing SRI methods with traditional varieties can enhance yields, lower production costs, increase farmer incomes, and contribute to rice biodiversity preservation.
Contemporary agricultural practices negatively impact the environment, including poor soil and water quality, reduced biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. These practices also increase agriculture’s vulnerability to climate change. To address these challenges, more resilient and productive farming methods are needed. Conservation Agriculture (CA) and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) are agroecological systems that enhance productivity while conserving resources. This review by Zampaolo et al. explores the compatibility of CA and SRI, highlighting instances where they complement each other effectively.
Over the past two decades, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has evolved significantly, leading to various versions labeled as SRI 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and beyond. This review examines the emergence of rainfed SRI, direct-seeded SRI, mechanized SRI, and other adaptations since 2000, including modifications for crops beyond rice, such as wheat, finger millet, maize, and sugarcane. SRI principles are integrated into diverse farming systems, extending its impact while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving biodiversity. SRI practices have also advanced understanding of plant roots and soil ecology, demonstrating how crop management can enhance desirable traits in plants. Collaboration among farmers, civil society groups, scientists, private sector entities, governments, and funding agencies plays a key role in driving significant agricultural changes, aiming to further strengthen these partnerships.
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an ecological approach to rice farming from Madagascar, has gained global attention. Despite initial controversy and skepticism, often fueled by misconceptions and biased evaluations, research has demonstrated significant benefits. Previous critiques of SRI lacked comprehensive scientific examination and comparison with established practices. Recent studies have provided substantial evidence of physiological and phenotypic enhancements in rice plants grown using SRI methods. Through an overview of global research, this paper highlights how SRI practices lead to stronger and more productive rice plants, providing insights into its agronomic impact.
