Many people believe that lowland rice produces best when it receives water
and minerals as if hydroponic techniques were being applied. But rice does not
grow in water. It grows in soil and NPK fertiliser adds only 3 of 45 minerals
needed for full development. Green Revolution technology has caused soil degradation
and this is becoming increasingly visible. Sooner or later this will lead to
stagnation or a decrease in yield. Degraded soils produce low quality food and
this has a direct effect on human health. Far from rescuing populations from
famine, the Green Revolution is becoming a threat to food security.
However, soil productivity can be recovered. In southern Brazil we developed
an alternative concept of irrigated rice production based on soil aeration,
crop rotation, the restoration of organic matter and micro nutrients.