Geochang-gun, 'Low-Carbon Rice' Pilot Project Site Meeting

Information Exchange on Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Including Methane Gas

Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Project Site Meeting [Image Source=Geochang-gun]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam Province, announced on the 14th that it held an on-site meeting for the ‘Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Project’ at Seodeokdeul Pavilion in Sangcheon-ri, Wicheon-myeon, with about 20 participants including the National Institute of Crop Science and members of the rice farming group, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

At the meeting, information was exchanged on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as methane by managing paddy water and mid-season drainage methods and reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizer, aiming to lower carbon emissions generated during the rice cultivation process.

When paddy water is stagnant, dissolved oxygen is consumed by internal microorganisms, producing methane, one of the greenhouse gases. To reduce this, paddy water management such as mid-season drainage and shallow water flow during the growing period is necessary. By reducing nitrogen fertilizer use from the conventional 9 kg per 1000㎡ to about 7 kg, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while producing high-quality rice.

Accordingly, the county is promoting water management pilot projects for mid-season drainage in three locations: Wicheon, Namha, and Gajo myeon, and for proper fertilizer use such as nitrogen, it is necessary to prescribe appropriate fertilizer. The Agricultural Technology Center advised conducting soil tests and applying fertilizers according to the deficient components based on the standard amount.

Gu In-mo, the mayor of Geochang-gun, said, "We implemented the ‘3-No (無) Agriculture’ last year nationwide for the first time, which does not use herbicides, growth regulators, or colorants to practice low-carbon agriculture," and added, "We will actively reflect the opinions gathered at this on-site meeting in next year’s project."

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