NIAES > Symposia and Workshops
MARCO/GRA Joint Workshop
on Paddy Field Management and Greenhouse Gases
September 1-3, 2010
Tsukuba, Japan
September 1, Wednesday (9:30-17:00)
— Scientific symposium for oral presentations of research
Venue: Epochal Tsukuba (Tsukuba International Congress Hall), Room 200
September 2, Thursday (9:00-17:00)
— Meeting of GRA paddy field management research group
Venue: Epochal Tsukuba (Tsukuba International Congress Hall), Room 404
September 3, Friday (9:00-17:00)
— One day Excursion
Jointly organized by:
National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences (NIAES)
and
Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA)
Rationale:
Paddy fields are recognized as an important source of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) mainly through the emissions of methane (CH4) which is specific to flooded ecosystems. Globally, over the last 70 years there has been a rapid increase in the harvest area of rice to meet increasing demand for rice which has resulted in increased emissions of CH4. In addition, it is suggested that by introducing high-yielding varieties, together with new cultivation technologies, it has brought about an additional increase in CH4 emissions because of accelerating carbon turnover in the rice-soil system, caused by adding more organic matter to the soil in the form of crop residues. The rate of global CH4 emissions from rice fields is also expected to increase further in the next decade in order to meet expected consumption rates.
Reducing CH4 emissions from paddy fields is very important to stabilize atmospheric concentration of the greenhouse gas, which can contribute significantly to mitigate global warming. Because of the possibility of controlling the emissions by agronomic practices, paddy field management must be one of the most likely means of mitigating CH4 emissions. Actually, it is demonstrated that a number of traditional or improved management practices can mitigate CH4 emissions, providing a “win-win” outcome rather than a conflict between different economic, environmental and social goals. Those studies also suggested that some mitigation options for CH4 may promote an increase in the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) or a curb of soil carbon sequestration. Therefore, it is necessary to consider those trade-offs with the fluxes of other GHGs.
Over the last three decades, scientific knowledge for paddy field management and GHG emissions has been accumulated from a series of process studies, field monitoring, and modeling approaches. Major promising options to mitigate GHG emissions from paddy fields, such as improved management of water and rice straw, are proposed. However, there is still a need to improve knowledge sharing of the mitigation options among researchers and policy makers in different regions of the world. Because the systems of rice cultivation are widely diverse depending on climate, social and economical conditions, the options often need to be developed in accordance with those regional conditions. Also, implementation strategies to extend the options successfully to local farmers and communities are needed.
This workshop will provide an opportunity to bring researchers and policy makers from different countries together to exchange the latest information on paddy field management and GHG emissions. The workshop will be jointly supported by the Monsoon Asia Agro-Environmental Research Consortium (MARCO) and the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).
Objectives:
This workshop will address:
(1) Overview of the issues related to paddy field management and GHG emissions in monsoon Asian countries and the world,
(2) Monitoring and measurements of GHG emissions from paddy fields,
(3) Mitigation options for GHG emissions from paddy fields,
(4) Compilation and analysis of databases for GHG emissions from paddy fields, and
(5) Modeling GHG emissions from paddy fields.
This workshop aims;
(1) To summarize the stock-take of research activities in each country,
(2) To identify gaps in knowledge at each country, and
(3) To discuss future research needs and possible forms of cooperation.
Official Language:
The official language of the Workshop will be English. However, voluntary services of simultaneous translation for any monsoon Asian languages are welcome, in particular during the discussion sessions.
Workshop fees:
We do not charge any fees for registration nor workshop materials. However, we will ask following charges those who participate in the Workshop Reception and the Excursion Tour:
Workshop Reception, on September 1, Wednesday
— 5,000 Yen per person
One Day Excursion, on September 3, Friday
— 2,000 Yen per person (for the cost of lunch)
Contact at:
Kazuyuki Yagi
Research coordinator
National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences
Phone: +81-29-838-8430
Fax: +81-29-838-8199
E-mail: marco_gra_ws2010@ml.affrc.go.jp