 This paper analyzes field-based rice yields, fertilizer inputs, nitrogen leaching and greenhouse emissions for two-case studies in Xijiang Province, China, to assess the trade-offs among economic gains from increased yield and environmental consequences of different paddy rice management practices. The results indicate short-term economic gains to farmers outweigh the environmental cost concerns, but considering the lasting environmental effects, there is a significant imbalance toward a conservative farming practice. Synergies can be achieved if precision management practices are adopted, and large spatial variation exists in yields and environmental impacts, suggesting one-size-fits-all policies will likely be ineffective in reducing environmental impacts. The approach may be generalized to other geographic regions to help guide paddy farmers in similar climatic and land use environments, such as those in the subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. This article was authored by Huishu, Zhongliu, Lihua Wang, and others. We are article.tv, links in the description below.