Research progress in water‐saving cultivation of rice in China.

The conflict between rice production and water scarcity is becoming more pronounced. Therefore, the advancement of water‐saving rice cultivation is crucial in guaranteeing both food and ecological security. This study provides a summary of the development and characteristics of various water‐saving cultivation techniques for rice, including alternate wetting and drying irrigation, wet irrigation, controlled irrigation, the system of rice intensification, direct seeding rice, and dry cultivation of rice (DCR). We also introduce the varietal characteristics of upland rice, aerobic rice, water‐saving and drought‐resistant rice, and DCR. We summarize the impact of different water‐saving cultivation models on yield and quality and regulatory measures, and propose challenges and strategies for the development of water‐saving cultivation of rice in the future. We hope to provide a reference for promoting the development of rice water‐saving cultivation and dry farming agriculture. Core Ideas: This review summarizes the development of water‐saving cultivation techniques for rice.This review presents the challenges and strategies for developing water‐saving rice cultivation.This review provides technical and theoretical support for the development of rice water‐saving cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]