Original research article
Rice paddies are a major source of methane (CH4) emissions, necessitating the development of novel mitigation strategies during cultivation. Surface water aeration (SWA) can increase oxygenation in flooded water, potentially reducing CH4 emissions in paddy systems. However, its efficacy remains unclear. In this pot experiment, different levels of aeration - specifically, none (control, without air supply), low (air supply via a single line) and high (air supply via double lines) - were applied using an air supply device. These treatments were evaluated in the presence (OM) or absence (NOM) of rice straw as an organic amendment to investigate their effects on CH4 emissions and rice productivity. Dissolved CH4 and oxygen concentrations in surface water were periodically monitored to decipher the factors influencing CH4 dynamics. Regardless of organic matter incorporation, SWA partially reduced CH4 emissions, particularly during the initial period (ca. 3 - 4 weeks), resulting in 22 - 32% and 5 - 7% reductions compared to the control under NOM and OM treatments, respectively. However, SWA did not significantly reduce cumulative CH4 emissions over the entire cultivation period, likely due to enhanced organic matter decomposition stimulated by increased aeration. Interestingly, dissolved CH4 concentrations were significantly reduced by aeration in both the OM and NOM treatments, which could be attributed to increased ebullition from the surface water. Furthermore, SWA deteriorated rice productivity. In conclusion, SWA showed negligible effects on overall CH4 mitigation while reducing rice productivity. This study suggests that SWA is not a feasible strategy for CH4 mitigation, highlighting the need for alternative approaches that can optimize oxygen levels within the soil profile without hindering plant growth.
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10.1007/s44246-023-00049-1- Publisher :Korean Society of Soil Science and Fertilizer
- Publisher(Ko) :한국토양비료학회
- Journal Title :Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
- Journal Title(Ko) :한국토양비료학회 학회지
- Volume : 59
- No :2
- Pages :184-197
- Received Date : 2026-03-11
- Revised Date : 2026-04-09
- Accepted Date : 2026-04-14
- DOI :https://doi.org/10.7745/KJSSF.2026.59.2.184
Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
