Sustainable rice cultivation through soil nutrient mapping

On the morning of October 30 in Hanoi, the Plant Production and Protection Department, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), held an Expert Consultation Workshop on “Soil Nutrient Maps for Soil Health Management.” The event brought together more than 50 participants, including experts, scientists, and management officials from central and local agencies, research institutes, universities, industry associations, and enterprises.

The activity is part of the “Fertilize Right” (FerRight) Project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which aims to apply information technology to soil nutrient management, promote sustainable rice cultivation, enhance fertilizer use efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Digital mapping technology - A foundation for precise nutrient management

According to Dr. Robert Caudwell, Country Representative of IRRI Viet Nam, the Soil Nutrient Map provides detailed information on the nutrient composition of soils. It is developed based on field survey data, laboratory analyses, and spatial modeling using GIS and machine learning technologies. The map consists of multiple data layers, each representing a specific soil nutrient indicator. Users can access nutrient information according to precise geographic locations.

“Our team at IRRI, together with partners including colleagues from the Institute of Agricultural Soils and Fertilizers, developed this map to provide users with localized information on the nutrient characteristics of paddy soils. We believe it will serve as a valuable tool to help farmers, agricultural extension officers, and policymakers better understand soil health conditions and adopt suitable land-use practices for more effective crop management,” said Dr. Robert Caudwell.

Sharing the research methods and results, Dr. Tran Minh Tien, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Soils and Fertilizers and Vice President of Viet Nam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, stated: “The Soil Nutrient Map serves as a crucial database for developing site-specific fertilizer recommendations. Data from the map can be integrated into the RCM (Rice Crop Manager) application to provide tailored guidance on fertilizer types and optimal application timing for each field. This helps farmers apply fertilizers correctly, increase productivity, reduce costs, and protect the environment.”

Based on this foundation, researchers have developed a digital map using thousands of soil samples collected from the provinces of Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, Can Tho, and Dong Thap. With just a few clicks, by entering coordinates or selecting a location on a smartphone or computer, extension officers and farmers can instantly access information on the nutrient status of their fields. This digital platform enables the RCM application to generate precise fertilizer recommendations, supporting optimal nutrient management in rice cultivation.

Practical application - From soil maps to fertilizer recommendations

The FerRight Project, implemented from 2024 to 2027 in five key provinces - Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh (representing the Red River Delta) and Can Tho, Dong Thap (representing the Mekong Delta) - aims to improve fertilizer use efficiency, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rice production.

Both the Soil Nutrient Map and the RCM application are core technological products of the project, forming a comprehensive support system for farmers. While the map provides detailed information on soil conditions, RCM integrates that data with other variables to generate precise recommendations on fertilizer types, application rates, and timing.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Bo, agricultural expert and coordinator of the discussion sessions, noted: “The integration of the Soil Nutrient Map with the RCM application marks a significant step in agricultural digital transformation. Instead of relying on experience or generic guidelines, farmers can now receive tailored recommendations based on the real conditions of their own fields. However, for these tools to be truly effective, we need a well-defined rollout plan, proper training for both extension officers and farmers, and close coordination among all stakeholders.”

At the discussion session, experts highly appreciated the scientific foundation and practical applicability of the Soil Nutrient Map. Many opinions focused on improving the tool, developing detailed user guidelines, establishing a mechanism for regular data updates, and expanding its implementation to other rice-growing regions across the country.

Representatives from fertilizer companies expressed interest in linking map data with fertilizer products tailored to specific regions. Meanwhile, project provinces committed to working closely with IRRI to pilot the tool in production guidance and collect feedback for refinement.

Participants agreed to continue improving the Soil Nutrient Map, develop comprehensive training materials, and organize capacity-building sessions for local officers. By 2026, the integrated system, including the Soil Nutrient Map and the RCM application, is expected to be rolled out widely in project provinces, providing direct support to thousands of rice farmers.