Comparative Study of Irrigation Methods on Rice Productivity

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple food crops globally, feeding more than half of the world's population. Water management plays a crucial role in rice cultivation, significantly influencing crop growth, yield, water-use efficiency, and production costs. Traditional continuous flooding has been the dominant irrigation practice for rice production; however, increasing water scarcity has necessitated the adoption of more efficient irrigation methods. This study compares various irrigation methods, including continuous flooding, alternate wetting and drying (AWD), sprinkler irrigation, and drip irrigation, in terms of rice productivity, water use, economic returns, and sustainability. The findings suggest that modern irrigation techniques can improve water-use efficiency while maintaining or enhancing rice yield, making them viable alternatives to conventional flooding systems.