We propose to evaluate and ultimately provide spatial data analysis tools for agricultural practices to reduce in-field variability in an effort to maintain or improve crop yields. An expected by-product of the analysis is an initial assessment of the potential benefits of variable rate application. This combination will greatly extend most spatial information systems from data repositories to an active analytical and modeling tool. Development of an 'On-tractor' Information Manager Advances in agricultural machinery, electronics, and computing technologies have evolved U.S. agriculture from mechanized agriculture to precision agriculture. Effective precision agricultural operations depend on the capabilities of information processing and utilization.
Many elements required for information agriculture are available today at reasonable costs.
The current usage level and future need for business simulations incorporating the impacts of precision farming on agribusiness will be assessed in this study. This study will also assess the opportunity for Illinois researchers to contribute to improved profitability and operational performance of agribusinesses through the development of improved business simulations for training and education. This project is a proposal for a decision support system. The current FRA extension allows for the design and management of precision farming experiments. Programing and beta testing of the EFRA and production of a web based training program for EFRA will follow.