Soil application with Se could reduce inorganic mercury (IHg) accumulation in rice. Foliar application with Se could increase Se but not IHg accumulation in rice. IHg-Se antagonism in soil-rice systems depends on Se doses and Se application routes. Se speciation (selenite and selenate) may play a minor role in IHg-Se antagonism. IHg-Se interactions in soil could be important in explaining IHg-Se antagonism.