Cropland‐sparing potential from closing yield gaps in two major double‐season rice production regions of China

Abstract

Cropland sparing through yield‐gap closure can help alleviate pressure on natural ecosystems. In this study, we quantified the potential cropland sparing achievable through closing yield gaps, defined as the difference between actual farm yields and potentially attainable yields, while maintaining current total production of double‐season rice ( Oryza sativa L.), including early‐ and late‐season rice, in Hunan and Jiangxi, the two largest double‐season rice production regions in China. The results showed that yield gaps ranged from 0.75 to 1.19 t ha ⁻¹ across regions and seasons. Cropland sparing achieved by closing these yield gaps would amount to 0.17–0.21 million ha across regions and seasons, equivalent to 13%–17% of the actual cultivated areas in the corresponding regions and seasons (1.21–1.27 million ha). These findings indicate considerable potential for cropland sparing through yield‐gap closure in double‐season rice production while maintaining food security in the two regions.