Optimizing Rice Irrigation Boosts Yields and Saves Water in China.
Rice irrigation in the Longtouqiao district was optimized using a model combining AquaCrop and entropy-cloud methods. By adjusting irrigation amounts at different growth stages and considering rainfall, researchers found that irrigating more during tillering and less during regreening stages can boost rice yield. The optimal irrigation amount per session ranged from 20 to 60 mm. In dry, normal, and wet years, the best field capacity, total water amount, and irrigation frequency for optimal results were 25%, 425 mm, and 17 times; 25%, 450 mm, and 14 times; and 25%, 425 mm, and 17 times, respectively. These findings can guide water-saving practices and improve rice irrigation efficiency.