Optimizing sustainability in rice-based cropping systems: a holistic approach for integrating soil carbon farming, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies via resource conservation practices.

Abstract In the context of regenerative agriculture (RA) and sustainability in lowland rice agroecosystems, inefficient resource use leads to reduced agricultural output and significant greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), particularly methane from flooded paddy fields. Adopting regenerative practices such as precision nutrient and water management, conservation tillage, and crop diversification can enhance soil health, reduce emissions, and improve productivity. The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land). By promoting climate-smart agriculture, regenerative practices in rice farming can contribute to mitigating climate change effects, ensuring food security, and conserving biodiversity. In this scholarly investigation, we explore the efficacy of resource conservation technologies (RCTs) as nature- based solutions to enhance carbon storage, mitigate GHG emissions, and improve energy efficiency within rice-based cropping systems. Our study revealed that all resource conservation treatments led to increased system productivity and soil organic carbon compared to conventional practices. Among these treatments, zero-tillage exhibited the highest effectiveness in terms of carbon sequestration, with a rate of 0.97 Mg ha⁻ ¹y⁻ ¹. Zero-tillage consistently demonstrated the highest energy savings, ranging from 52.0–67.8% across analyzed seasons, and emerged as the most effective nature-based solution, with lower greenhouse warming potential compared to conventional practices. Implementing zero tillage reduces global warming potential, carbon emissions, and greenhouse gas intensity compared to conventional methods. Our findings support zero tillage and green manuring as effective strategies to enhance soil organic carbon levels, reduce emissions, and improve crop productivity in lowland rice-green gram cropping systems, fostering sustainable and climate-friendly agriculture. These findings provide valuable insights into nature-based solutions and resource conservation practices, addressing climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, and energy savings in rice-based cropping systems, promoting a more sustainable future.