Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D. in Range science and engineering, Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of rangeland and watershed management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of rangeland and watershed management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of rangeland and watershed management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
4
Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of agricultural management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
10.22124/cr.2026.32678.1888
Abstract
Comprehensive abstract
Introduction
Rice (Oryza sativa) is a strategic agricultural crop that plays a pivotal role in food security and livelihoods in Iran and worldwide. In this context, a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation systems is essential for achieving sustainable production and Carbon footprint serves as an indicator for estimating both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.Aligned with global efforts to mitigate climate change, the role of traditional knowledge systems in carbon management has increasingly garnered attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the carbon footprint of rice cultivation and the associated Traditional knowledge related to its influencing factors in Gilan Province during the 2022 cropping year.
Materials and Methods
A mixed-methods design was applied, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The CF was calculated for three farm sizes (<0.5 ha, 0.5–1 ha, >1 ha) using life cycle assessment based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidelines. Traditional knowledge was explored through an ethnographic method and analyzed with coding in MAXQDA 2020. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and due to the non-normal distribution of some data, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests was conducted using SPSS software. For pairwise comparisons, Dunn’s post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction was applied at a 5% significance level.
Research findings
The average CF of rice production was 1.23 kg CO₂eq/kg.year. Although no statistically significant differences were observed among farm sizes, larger farms tended to have slightly lower CF values. The mean global warming potential of the system was 3031 kg CO₂eq/ha.year. Irrigation practices and methane emissions during the growing season accounted for approximately 64% of total emissions, while nitrogen-based fertilizers and associated N₂O emissions contributed about 10%. Additional sources included fuel, labor, and seed inputs. Farmers recognized Traditional knowledge as effective in reducing CF, particularly through organic fertilizer management (50%), mechanization (40%), and seed practices (10%).
Conclusion
Mitigating the CF of rice production in Gilan requires an integrated strategy that merges formal scientific approaches with Traditional knowledge. Priority measures include transforming irrigation practices, optimizing fertilizer application, promoting local rice cultivars, and combining farmers’ experiential knowledge with energy-efficient mechanization.
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