xarvio^® FIELD MANAGER and Kubota’s Smart Agri-System (KSAS) integrated to increase yield and efficiency of Japan’s rice farmers

• Kubota is first Japanese farm machinery maker to integrate xarvio FIELD MANAGER with KSAS, aiding smooth data transfer by wireless connection

• Field trials verify increased yield via variable application maps for fertilizer

• Optimizing fertilizer use through digital and precision farming technology

BASF Digital Farming and Kubota, in co-operation with ZEN-NOH, announced that the integration of their digital platforms, xarvio FIELD MANAGER and KSAS respectively, is complete and will help Japan’s rice farmers optimize production this season.

The integration enables a faster, more convenient, and seamless exchange of data between the platforms. The field-specific variable application maps for fertilization created by xarvio FIELD MANAGER can be used by capable Kubota rice transplanters, including its the precision farming models - the NAVIWEL ″Special Class 8-row", "Agri Robo 8-row" and "Agri Robo 10-row".

xarvio FIELD MANAGER’S variable application maps for fertilization, which use satellite images, data, and artificial intelligence (AI), ensure the targeted use of product in field areas that offer optimum yield potential based on current biomass readings. This supports a more efficient use of fertilizer, which improves plant health and yield, while delivering a better return on investment (ROI) and helping reduce environmental impacts.

The positive effect of this was evident in field trials conducted by ZEN-NOH with farmers during the 2022/23 growing season. For comparison, trials were also held in the same soil fertility levels with conventional fertilization. At the end of the season, specially equipped combine harvesters, with taste and yield sensors, measured the production levels. The field trials using Kubota rice transplanters and xarvio FIELD MANAGER’s variable application maps for fertilization delivered yield increases of between 4% and 5% by contrast. The variable use of fertilizer in a field with low soil nitrogen also showed that yields were equivalent to a field with high soil nitrogen, as yield was raised by levelling off growth. In addition, the automatic calculation of fertilizer application amounts has shown the potential to reduce the time required for fertilizer preparation and to enable appropriate purchase of fertilizer volume, thereby contributing to increased productivity.

BASF, Kubota, and ZEH-NOH remain committed to helping Japan’s farmers maximize the use of data and digital technologies for more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious crop production. They will build on the integration of xarvio FIELD MANAGER and the KSAS system, by continuing to explore how further information can be shared, used, and documented.