The Nutrient Decision Support System (NuDSS) for irrigated rice is part of an initiative by the Irrigated Rice Research Consortium to provide decision support on site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) in the irrigated lowlands. It is a software program used to estimate the nutrient requirements for realistic target yields in irrigated rice, select the adequate and least costly combination of quality fertilizer sources to match the nutrient requirement, decide on fertilizer split applications, and estimate the profit gained from improved nutrient and crop management programs. The content of the software is consistent with earlier publications on SSNM, including a Handbook, a Practical Guide, and the Rice Knowledgebank of IRRI.

The NuDSS software adds value to these materials by combining various models into one user-friendly software package to assist in the development of improved fertilizer strategies that aim at effective fertilizer use, high and sustainable yields, and increased farmers’ profit. The software was developed recognizing the need for decision aids providing assistance in complex mathematical calculations (e.g., though optimization routines) that would be difficult to perform otherwise.

NuDSS helps the user to

• estimate the yield potential of rice based on climatic data
• set realistic yield targets based on yield potential and current yield achieved by farmers
• estimate fertilizer requirements based on realistic target yield and indigenous soil nutrient supply,
• translate a nutrient recommendation into the correct amount of fertilizer materials,
• select the least costly combination of fertilizer nutrient sources based on quoted prices for fertilizer products,
• decide on fertilizer split application,
• calculate the profit of rice farming considering the revenue from grain x paddy farm gate price minus all input costs (gross margin analysis), and
• compare and evaluate cost centers (e.g., costs for fertilizers, pesticides, labor, etc).

Files for download:

[~2 MB]

[~60 KB]

[~70 KB]

Click here to proceed with software download. If you do not have a copy of MS Access Runtime, send a request for the installation of NuDSS MS Access Runtime to seasia@ipni.net

Suggested citation:

Witt C, Fairhurst TH, Sheehy JE, Dobermann A, Gfroerer Kerstan A. 2005. A nutrient decision support system (NuDSS) for irrigated rice [online]. Available at www.irri.org and www.seap.sg (last update 2005; accessed 01 Sept. 2005). Los Baños, Philippines: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Singapore: Potash & Phosphate Institute/Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada (PPI/PPIC) and International Potash Institute (IPI).

Version history:

Version 1.3: Minor bugs of the previous V1.2 were removed and the installation of NuDSS for use in MS Access Runtime was simplified.

For further enquiries in Asia, please contact:

Dr. Christian Witt
Director, Southeast Asia Program (SEAP)
International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI)
PO Box 500 GPO, Penang 10670, Malaysia
cwitt@ipni.net

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