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Effect of rice cultivar on greenhouse-gas emissions from rice–fish co-culture

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Effect of rice cultivar on greenhouse-gas emissions from rice–fish co-culture

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In the article “Effect of rice cultivar on greenhouse-gas emissions from rice–fish co-culture” by Xie, Wang X., Wang M., Li, Xu, Feng and Fang in June 2024, the authors have explained in aquaculture, combining rice cultivation with fish farming (co-culturing) can help reduce greenhouse gas emission cultivating four different rice cultivars alongside fish in a lab setting resulted in reduced methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide(N2O) emissions than growing fish alone. Emissions vary between rice cultivars due to their varying effects on methane transit via plants, methane oxidation, and nitrogen absorption.

Aquaculture can have a significant impact on greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions, Nitrogen(N) and Carbon(C) that are not consumed in intensive aquaculture systems are converted to CH4 and N20 discharged yearly in megaton amounts. Mangroves, wetlands and energy requires for aquaculture operations like aeration, water circulation, and temperature control and the energy used for the production and transportation of feed for aquaculture species can result in CO2 emissions.

A study discovered that cultivating four different rice cultivars alongside fish in a lab setting resulted in reduced methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide(N2O) emissions than growing fish alone. In this experiment, five treatments involving fish co-culture with different rice cultivars(Jia 67, Xiushui 121, Yongyou 1540, Zhongzheyou 8) and a control with fish monoculture were tested. Each treatment had four replicates in 20 tanks measuring 1.75*1.23*1 meter filled with homogenized soil from an aquaculture pond, used for over 10 years and filled to a 20 cm depth in each tank. Rice seedlings were transplanted into the tanks at a spacing of 0.5*0,5 meters with the water level as they grew, reaching a maximum depth of 0.7 meters. Fish fingerlings, averaging 4.5 grams, were added at 80 fish per tank and fed twice daily, with 40% of the feed at 07:00 and 60% at 18:00.

Co-culturing rice with fish lowered methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide(N20) emissions when compared to fish monoculture. Emissions varied among rice cultivars due to differences in soil CH4 oxidation, plant-mediated CH4 transport, and N2O generation substrates. Hybrid rice cultivars had higher yields and lower yield-scaled crop water productivity(CWP) than inbred varieties. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aquaculture, choose or breed rice cultivars with high yields, low plant-mediated CH4 transport, and high nitrogen uptake.(Xie et. al. 2024).

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Carbon footprint estimation in Egyptian aquaculture farms

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Carbon footprint estimation in Egyptian aquaculture farms

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The article “ Carbon footprint estimation in Egyptian aquaculture farms” written by Tarek, Abd-Elrahman, Abd-Elhameed in Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture & Rural Development (2022) explained that there are three life cycle assessment in Egypt i.e., pre-farm, farming, and post farming. Feed manufacture, which was primarily tied to the production and processing for raw materials, was the largest source of GHG emissions for all three processes. GHG emissions were also produced during the transportation of raw materials to the factory. GHG emissions were also produced during the transportation of raw materials to manufacturers, as well as feed from factories to fish farm, via ship or road. Aside from fingerling production, there are direct and indirect N2O emissions, as well as post-farming operations like packaging, ice serving method, and customer transportation.

The conclusion of this study is that the emissions linked with three farms varied greatly: Hanafy farm with 3.265 kg CO2e/kg fish and 50.917 tonnes CO2e/Season, Hashim farm with 2.259 kg CO2e/kg fish and 45.829 tonnes CO2e/Season and Aly Farm with 2.223 kg CO2e/kg fish and 38.864 tonnes CO2e/Season.(Fouda et. al. 2022).

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Your Carbon Footprint in 2026 Explained: How to Calculate and Reduce It?

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Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy that analyses actions in terms of their effects, with the goal of maximizing total enjoyment while minimising suffering. It was developed by philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, and it proposes that the proper action is the one that generates the best for the most people. This ethical theory is more relatable to my ethical issue involves the effect of rice cultivar on greenhouse gas emissions.

The ethical issue in the article involves utilitarianism ethical theory because it emphasizes the importance of outcomes. In this article, choosing rice cultivars rather than aquaculture produce lower greenhouse gas emissions resulting to better overall outcomes for the environment and society. Applying utilitarianism to the article’s topic, the business practice is unethical if it prioritises cultivars that produce more GHG because such actions generate additional harm by contributing to climate change.

From a utilitarian perspective, continuing to use high emission aquaculture is unethical because it does not maximize overall well-being. Businesses have an ethical obligation to consider the broader effects in their practice. A utilitarian approach would advocate developing rice cultivars with low emissions, as this would benefit the environment and promote sustainability. As John Stuart Mill stated,” actions are right in proportion as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.( Shaw et. al. 1998).

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Xie, K., Wang, M., Wang, X., Li, F., Xu, C., Feng, J., & Fang, F. (2024). Effect of rice cultivar on greenhouse-gas emissions from rice–fish co-culture. The Crop Journal.

Fouda, T., Elrayes, A. E., & Elhanafy, A. E. (2022). Carbon footprint estimation in Egyptian aquaculture farms.

Huang, M., Zhou, Y., Tian, H., Pan, S., Yang, X., Gao, Q., & Dong, S. (2024). Rapidly increased greenhouse gas emissions by Pacific white shrimp aquacultural intensification and potential solutions for mitigation in China. Aquaculture, 587, 740825.

Wang, C., Shi, X., Qi, Z., Xiao, Y., Zhao, J., Peng, S., & Chu, Q. (2023). How does rice-animal co-culture system affect rice yield and greenhouse gas? A meta-analysis. Plant and Soil, 493(1), 325-340.

Shaw, W. H. (1998). Moral issues in business.

Lofts, K., Shamin, S., Zaman, S. T., & Kibugi, R. (2017). Brief on Sustainable Development Goal 13 on taking action on climate change and its impacts: Contributions of international law, policy and governance. McGill J. Sust. Dev. L., 13, 183.

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Non-consequentialist ethics, particularly deontology, focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions rather than their outcomes. Deontology is rooted in the philosophy of immanuel Kant, which emphasizes adherence to duty, ruled, and principles. Actions are considered morally right if they align with certain ethical norms and duties, irrespective of the consequences they produce.

From a deontological perspective, the ethics of duty, the significant methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from intensive aquaculture make the practice unethical. Under this ethical framework, emissions resulting from aquaculture must be viewed as harmful to the environment since they upset the ecological balance and contribute to the creation of an aquatic desert.

I also want to clarify that it is important to view harmful practices as unethical and to identify with an ethical system that respects both the value of nature and the environment, even in the face of an industry that seems dedicated to the opposite. For aquaculture to be considered ethical according to the ethics of duty, responsible practices must replace harmful practices, and emission reduction must be a focus of industry practices.( Shaw et. al. 1998).

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Kant's Non-Consequentialism - Andrew Chignell

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Rapidly increased greenhouse gas emissions by Pacific white shrimp aquacultural intensification and potential solutions for mitigation in China.

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Rapidly increased greenhouse gas emissions by Pacific white shrimp aquacultural intensification and potential solutions for mitigation in China.

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In this article, "Rapidly increased greenhouse gas emissions by Pacific white shrimp aquacultural intensification and potential solutions for mitigation in China." written by Huang, Zhou, Tian, Pan, Yang, Gao, and Dong in June 2024, the authors focused on the greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions from the production of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in China, which has significantly increased over the past two decades due to expanded aquaculture areas and intensification. In this study quantified greenhouse gas( carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) emissions in L. vannamel farming systems with different levels of intensification. Various emission sources were assessed, including infrastructure, energy use, feed production, and pond aquatic emissions. Results showed that GHG emissions from semi-intensive systems were 6159.35 ± 475.24 kg CO2e/ton of shrimp, while super-intensive systems produced 24,059.81 ± 3846.31 kg CO2e/ton. The increase was mainly due to higher energy use and infrastructure development. From 2003 to 2022, emissions tripled, driven by coastal provinces.

To address this, the study suggests reducing fossil fuel use, improving feed efficiency, promoting biofloc technology, and integrating multi-trophic aquaculture systems to build climate-resilient sustainable aquaculture. (Huang et. al. 2024).

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pacific white shrimp aquaculture farming

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The journal discussed how integrating rice cultivation with fish farming(co-culturing) reduces greenhouse gas emissions, relating to the ethic of care theory, which emphasizes responsibility and nurturing relationships, including in company management.

This theory posits that for businesses, it is not sufficient to focus only on profits; they must also prioritize the well-being of the environment, employees, the local community, and shareholders. Neglecting environmental stewardship, it is suggested, may harm ecosystems and communities and can be seen as psychologically maladaptive and even unethical under the ethic of care. Swimming against the current can be harmful to both fish and fishing communities. For example, aquaculture practices that significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions seem to fall well short of the duty of care owed to the environment and all those (including current and future generations) who have a stake in its health and viability.( Shaw et. al. 1998).

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The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were formed in 2015 as part of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, which was endorsed by all UN Member States. The SDGs were developed in response to global issues like poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and climate change. The UN SDG 13 is Climate Action, and its aim is to take immediate action to combat climate change and its consequences.

The study conducted by Xie et al., titled "Effect of Rice Cultivar on Greenhouse-Gas Emissions from Rice-Fish Co-Culture," investigates how different types of rice affect the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the process of co-cultivating fish and rice. As per the authors, this integrated farming system can be used as a substitute for conventional aquaculture and rice agriculture, both of which contribute significantly to the release of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These powerful gases are a significant factor in causing climate change. The study is applicable not just to integrated farming systems but also to Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13). This objective pertains to implementing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The study suggests that by choosing rice cultivars carefully, it is possible to decrease the quantities of specific emissions, like methane and nitrous oxide, that are produced by rice fields. The decrease in paddy emissions can significantly contribute to the worldwide efforts to mitigate climate change. This study's implications are most closely aligned with Goal 13, "Climate Action," as defined by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of implementing innovative change in order to achieve sustainable agricultural development. This is essential not only for the conventional answers we have been considering, but also for taking action on climate change. Only the implementation of groundbreaking change will enable us to achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. (Lofts et. al. 2017).

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The study "Effect of rice cultivar on greenhouse-gas emissions from rice–fish co-culture” by Xie et al. (2024) highlights the environmental impact of aquaculture, particularly its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating rice cultivation with fish farming, the research demonstrates a reduction in methane(CH4) and nitrous oxide(N20) emissions compared to traditional aquaculture methods.

This study will look at the ethical issues surrounding GHG emissions and co-culture rice cultivars techniques to minimize environmental degradation, using utilitarianism ethical theory, deontological theory and ethic of care to assess the balance between food production and environmental sustainability. SDG 13 (Climate Action) which address climate change and seeks to conserve ecosystems. The assignment will investigate the impact of intensive aquaculture on emissions and way to use co culture rice cultivars techniques, identify relatable ethic theory, and how sustainable practices contribute to achieving these UNSDGs.

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Ethics is essential for organisations because it builds confidence with stakeholders, assures long-term operations, and decreases legal risk. It not only improves company’s reputation, but also benefit society and environment. This assignment addressed significant aquaculture challenges like GHG emissions and the way of using co-culture of rice cultivars can manage these problems. From a ethical theory standpoint i.e., utilitarianism, deontology and ethic of care, sustainable co-culture practices benefit the most people by lowering emissions and protecting habitats. Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals include SDG13 (Climate Action) which address climate change and natural resources conservation. Addressing these ethical problems is crucial for business to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Prioritising ethical issues helps to accomplish the SDGs and assures long-term viability.

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How does rice-animal co-culture system affect rice yield and greenhouse gas? A meta-analysis

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How does rice-animal co-culture system affect rice yield and greenhouse gas? A meta-analysis

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The article "How does rice-animal co-culture system affect rice yield and greenhouse gas? A meta-analysis" written by Wang, Shi, Qi, Xiao, Zhao, Peng, and Chu in 2023.

The authors explained how the system of rice cultivation alongside animal species (such as ducks, fish, and frogs) affects the rice yield and the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs). It combines data from 247 studies to compare the results of rice grown in monoculture with rice grown in association with certain animal species. It finds that the co-culture system reduces emissions of the dangerous GHG methane (CH4)—a potent GHG that is produced in anaerobic (without oxygen) fermentation by some microorganisms—in half of the situations studied; and that it also increases the rice yield. In the study, the favorable results obtained with ducks were better than those obtained from fish, who were better than frogs, in conjunction with other animal companions, Ferner reports. One reason for the favorable results of co-culture, say Jiang and his colleagues, is that the animals may be stirring up the soil and, in doing so, may be helping to aerate it. (Wang et. al. 2023).

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Underwater farms vs. climate change - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Megan Davis

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Huon Aquaculture to double land-based salmon stocks | ABC News

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Can we farm the ocean without destroying it?

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Abstract

Co-culture systems of rice and aquatic animals (CSRAA) constitute a type of cultivation system that is important for blue-green revolution, as they provide environmental sustainability, economic profitability, and increased food productivity. However, little research has been conducted on how and to what extent CSRAA influences greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, we conducted a global meta-analysis to examine the responses of N ₂O and CH ₄ emissions to the transformation of rice paddy fields into CSRAA. Twenty-three published articles were included, which accounted for 75 effect sizes across three types of CSRAA: rice-fish, rice-crayfish, and rice-crab. The effect size (response ratio) of GHG emissions between rice paddies and CSRAA was calculated. The results showed that the CSRAA reduced N ₂O and CH ₄ emissions by 17% and 11%, respectively. Moreover, the rice-crayfish systems were the most effective at reducing N ₂O (32%) and CH ₄ (45%) emissions. The observed reduction in GHG emissions may result from changes in critical environmental factors. The effect size of N ₂O emissions was significantly positively correlated with increases in water-dissolved oxygen ( P = 0.0082) and soil ammonium ( P < 0.0001), whereas that of CH ₄ emissions was significantly negatively associated with increases in soil ammonium ( P = 0.0055) and soil redox potential ( P = 0.0041). We observed a significant quadratic linear relationship between N ₂O emissions and soil nitrate concentrations ( P  = 0.0456). Overall, our study demonstrated the potential of CSRAA to reduce GHG emissions.

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Abbreviations

CSRAA:

Co-culture systems of rice and aquatic animals

GHG:

Greenhouse gas

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Funding

This work was funded by the National Key R&D Programs of China (2019YFD0901000), the project Scientific and Technological Demonstration for Offshore Facilities Fisheries of Shandong Province (2021SFGC0701), and the OUC-AUBURN Joint Research Center for Aquaculture and Environmental Sciences.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong Province, China

Ming Huang, Yangen Zhou, Li Li, Yunwei Dong & Qinfeng Gao

2. Feed Technology Function Line, Chia Tai Group Agro‐Industry and Food Business, Beijing, 100020, China

Jingping Guo

3. College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China

Xuan Dong

4. College of Information and Electrical Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China

Dong An

5. Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China

Ce Shi

6. Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, People's Republic of China

Yunwei Dong & Qinfeng Gao

Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. All authors contributed to the review and editing of this manuscript. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by H. M. All authors read and approved the final paper.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Yangen Zhou or Qinfeng Gao.

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Ethics approval

The animal study was reviewed and approved by the Regulations of the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals of China and the Regulations of the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals of Shandong Province.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Huang, M., Zhou, Y., Guo, J. et al. Co-culture of rice and aquatic animals mitigates greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies. Aquacult Int 32, 1785-1799 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-023-01243-z
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Co-culture of rice and aquatic animals mitigates greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies - Aquaculture International

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Co-culture systems of rice and aquatic animals (CSRAA) constitute a type of cultivation system that is important for blue-green revolution, as they provide environmental sustainability, economic profitability, and increased food productivity. However, little research has been conducted on how and to what extent CSRAA influences greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.