Water and Nutrient Management for Rice Production
Enhancing the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural ecosystems through improved management
An integrated approach to managing water and nutrients for rice production
The Water and Nutrient Management program at Beaumont works to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural ecosystems through improved nutrient management, particularly in rice.
The program uses a combination of well-established and cutting-edge research approaches to address challenges facing agricultural producers, industry, and society as a whole, while addressing more basic scientific questions.
Basic science
From a basic science perspective, the program address how agronomic management practices affect point source movement of plant nutrients, carbon (C) sequestration, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Applied science
From an applied perspective, the program addresses how rice, biomass sorghum, and energycane (a type of sugarcane of interest for biofuel) yield performance is impacted by crop variety, fertility management and soil amendments.
Faculty and staff
Fugen Dou, Ph.D.
Professor, Rice Soil and Nutrient Management
Ongoing projects
Texas Climate Smart Initiative 2024-2028
Alternate Wetting and Drying Rice Production
Drs. Fugen Dou, Lloyd Ted Wilson, Lee Tarpley, and Yubin Yang. Holly Petrowicz, project climate ambassador, pursuing related Ph.D.
The overall goal of this project is to promote the adoption of climate-smart practice, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), for sustainable rice production.
This project will provide opportunities to determine the effects of different soil and rainfall on rice production, water use efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil carbon (C) sequestration.
Elucidating the Impact of Nanoagrichemicals on Paddy Soil Health and Rice Production through Combined Greenhouse Studies and Machine Learning
Understanding the consequences of intentionally or incidentally introduced nanoparticles on soil health is imperative due to its critical role in agricultural production. In particular, the impact of prolonged exposure over several generations of nanoparticle applications on soil health and crop production must be well understood to achieve sustainable applications of nanotechnology in agriculture.
This proposal will systematically assess the multigenerational impact of two engineered nanoparticles: zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles, their transformed products and bulk and ionic forms on paddy soil health and rice production over four generations.
Objectives
A rice system is selected due to the unique biogeochemistry observed in paddy soil and the global significance of rice as a staple food. Specific objectives include:
- Understand the impact of chosen nanoparticles and their bulk and ionic counterparts on representative chemical and biological soil health parameters.
- Evaluate their effects on rice production and grain quality.
- Determine the multigenerational impact of these chemicals on soil health and rice production at different application scenarios.
- Elucidate the underlying connections of different soil parameters, soil health and crop yield through machine learning.
Anticipated outcomes
Our project will generate significant new information on the chronic impacts of two agriculturally significant nanoagrichemicals on the properties of paddy soils and rice production, leading to enhanced knowledge to promote sustainable applications of nanotechnology in rice production.
