Rice management framework figure (IMAGE)
Caption
The regional-scale management framework for safe rice production combines the control of metal(loid) sources by imposing limits on metal(loid) concentrations in organic fertilizer and irrigation water and increasing straw removal; assessment of the regional risk of toxic metal(loid) contamination in paddy soils based on the concentration of metal(loid)s in soil and grain, and various soil properties; risk-informed technology implementation for regional metal(loid) management; and assessment of the sustainability of the management approach. The threshold values shown represent existing regulatory or guideline limits for Cd (EU regulations for fertilizers214) and As (Chinese (CN) standards for organic fertilizers)215 in fertilizers and irrigation water (based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water quality216). This framework prioritizes activity-centric regulation strategies in low-to-moderate risk sites to maintain agricultural productivity and reserves strategies focused on mass reduction for high-risk sites where regulatory thresholds are exceeded.
Credit
Fang, L., Chi, J., Liu, K. et al. Managing metal(loid) contamination for safe rice production. Nat Rev Earth Environ (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-026-00804-z
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Must credit Fang, L., Chi, J., Liu, K. et al. Managing metal(loid) contamination for safe rice production. Nat Rev Earth Environ (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-026-00804-z
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