Irrigated rice causes anaerobic fermentation in the soil, subsequently producing large amounts of CH4 (from 6 to 29% of the total amount of anthropogenic CH4 emissions), one of the most important greenhouse gases (Neue, 1993). Lodging also causes acidification and increases salinity. Specific water demand for rice ranges from 2000 to 3000 l/kg which is slightly higher than other crops such as legumes or wheat (Hoekstra, 2003).
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