Sentera has partnered with Anheuser-Busch to deliver critical grower-level insights to forecast nitrogen demand in rice production. The technology, delivered using advanced remote sensing tools, will empower growers to improve productivity and profitability by optimizing nitrogen use, according to a news release.
Anheuser-Busch’s agronomy team will deploy the technology to make precise, field-level nutrient and nitrogen recommendations to help rice growers reach their highest quality yields.
“Nitrogen is one of the biggest input costs rice growers have today, and the correct application of fertilizer has enormous implications for plant health, yields, grower profits and the environment,” Zach Marston, principal scientist at Sentera, said in the release.
“While currently there are ways to systematically manage nitrogen demand, this solution enables us to get a baseline for the field, recommend a rate and closely monitor plant health throughout the growing season to modify additional applications accordingly. Ultimately, this empowers us to make adaptive decisions regarding nitrogen applications and management.”
Rice is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and a key ingredient for brewers such as Anheuser-Busch. While nitrogen application improves grain yields and quality, excessive application of fertilizer can cause “luxuriant” growth, leaving the plant more susceptible to disease and lodging.
“We are very excited about the use of remote sensing to determine optimum nitrogen use rate in rice. I envision a very positive impact for our rice producers and our rice mill here in Jonesboro, Arkansas,” Bill Jones, rice agronomy manager at Anheuser-Busch, said in the release. “We are now able to provide farmers the tools and data they need to become more sustainable in their nitrogen applications and growing practices. They’ll be able to improve their bottom lines while continuing to produce a high-quality rice crop.”
In April 2018, Anheuser-Busch launched its U.S. 2025 Sustainability Goals focused on four key areas: renewable electricity and carbon reduction, water stewardship, smart agriculture and circular packaging.