Agroecological rice production in China

Abstract

Biodiversity is an important characteristic to keep ecosystems stable and to make efficient use of environmental resources. These trends of simplification of agro-ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of ecosystem services need to be averted. Agroecology is a promising approach to restore biodiversity and ecosystem services to agro-ecosystems, and transition towards sustainable food and agricultural systems. Rice is the most important food crop, both worldwide and for China. To achieve a transition towards sustainable rice production based on agroecology, biodiversity is a crucial component. Through China’s long history of agricultural development, many rich experiences of harnessing biodiversity in traditional rice production have been accumulated. Eight typical methods of agroecological rice production are introduced in this report, with an emphasis on the role of biodiversity. These agroecological methods for harnessing biodiversity in rice production can be learned, modified, improved and integrated into rice production across different regions around the world according to the specific context in each place.