ORYZA in action: A comprehensive training on rice growth and climate impact modeling

The Advanced Modeling for Environment, Emission, Exchange, and Extension (AM4E) – ORYZA modeling team successfully conducted a comprehensive training on the Practical Applications of ORYZA in Rice Research from March 24 to 28 at the IRRI Network Commons, Philippines.

The training brought together 15 participants from esteemed organizations, including BASF Agricultural Solutions, CarbonFarm Technology, the University of New England, the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and IRRI offices in Headquarters, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Participants gained essential knowledge of the ORYZA crop model, including how to identify and prepare input files for practical applications. The sessions also covered key concepts such as calibration and evaluation. Through hands-on exercises with sample datasets, attendees successfully generated outputs related to potential growth and yield, soil carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the impacts of abiotic stresses and climate change on these critical variables. Some participants also applied their own data to simulate site-specific conditions, further enhancing their understanding of the model’s real-world applications.

By equipping researchers with these modeling capabilities, ORYZA continues to be a powerful tool in addressing the challenges of global rice production and sustainability.

Beyond the technical sessions, the training fostered collaboration and networking among participants. A fellowship dinner on the third day provided an opportunity for attendees to connect and engage in meaningful discussions. On the fourth day, participants toured IRRI’s cutting-edge research facilities, including the Speed Breeding Facility, the Genebank, and the Long-Term Continuous Cropping Experiment, gaining valuable insights into ongoing innovations in rice research.

The training was expertly led by Dr. Tao Li, with support from the AM4E-ORYZA modeling team, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience for all participants.

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