Water Quality Environment in Muda Area of Malaysia in Comparison with Japanese Paddy Field Area

Abstract

Recently, the impact of agriculture on the environment has been extensively discussed. For paddy farming, the conservation of irrigation water quality is one of the prerequisite conditions. Paddy fields themselves have a responsibility not to pollute public water bodies. In this study, the water quality environment in the Muda area of Malaysia was analyzed in comparison with a Japanese paddy field area through data collection and supplementary field survey. The results of water quality monitoring and studies conducted so far tell that the water quality environment in the Muda area does not have significant problems for irrigation purpose. The present paddy farming system including water management is basically contributing to water quality conservation. But some efforts to search for sustainable paddy farming are still desirable. Good management of paddy fields is essential for not only food production but also conservation of water quality and ecosystem.