Comparison of the environment, energy, and economic impacts of rice production with different mechanized straw management methods

Qingyue Cheng; Chuanhai Shu; Yuanqing Shi; Zhengbo Peng; Binbin Liu; Qiqi Chen; Ning Liu; Hongkun Xie; Xiana Tie; Song Chen; Zhonglin Wang; Yongjian Sun; Jun Ma; Zhiyuan Yang

Agricultural Systems, Vol. 236, Article number: 104779 (2026), April 2026 (IF=6.100).

Abstract

Context Mechanized straw management is a key component in achieving full mechanization of rice production and addressing labor constraints. Objective To comprehensively evaluate different mechanized straw management methods and promote the green transformation of rice production. Methods This study evaluated the energy, environmental, and economic impacts of four management systems: no-tillage with straw mulching (NTSM), conventional tillage with straw incorporation (CTSI), no-tillage with straw removal (NTSR), and conventional tillage with straw removal (CTSR). Results NTSM achieved the highest net energy (219,158.62–247,202.77 MJ ha⁻¹) and energy use efficiency (10.93–12.29). Although NTSM increased CH₄ emissions, it achieved the optimal net GWP due to enhanced soil organic carbon storage, functioning as a carbon sink. NTSM also showed the best economic performance, with net economic return increasing by 182.08–565.54 USD ha⁻¹ compared to other treatments. Significance NTSM achieved the best comprehensive performance, reasonably coordinating energy conservation and emission reduction with lower cost and higher yield.

Keywords：Energy analysis; Greenhouse gas emissions; Economic analysis; Straw incorporation; No-till farming