Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Rice Cultivation in Equatorial Regions

Rice production systems at Orinoquia, a typical equatorial region, exhibit significant negative externalities, primarily greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). This study analyzes these challenges, focusing on Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) emissions, by incorporating local factors such as soil characteristics, climate, and management practices to establish a baseline for prospective scenarios targeting 2030 and 2035. Key findings indicate that management efficiency varies by landscape, where the timely incorporation of rice straw significantly influences methane emission factors, resulting in values of 1.015 kg CH4 ha−1 day−1 in floodplains and 0.297 kg CH4 ha−1 day−1 in high plains. Additionally, the analysis reveals that daily CH4 fluxes and nitrogen fertilizer inputs are the primary drivers of emissions, with the highest aggregate emissions observed in Puerto Gaitán (39,497.53 tC-CO2 eq) due to specific soil water conditions and crop rotation practices. Effective management strategies, such as optimized water use and nutrient recycling, can reduce GHG emissions and increase soil organic carbon (SOC) storage while lowering costs. The implementation of organic amendments like biochar and compost, alongside cover crops and minimum tillage, further enhances carbon sequestration and reduces soil carbon re-emission. Ultimately, these integrated approaches support the scalability of low-carbon rice systems, mitigating climate impacts while strengthening production-conservation strategies and ensuring the provision of multiple ecosystem services.