The site adds value to but does not replace the print version by providing calculators, databases, and other online resources that are otherwise not possible. Calculators provide an easy way for users to perform agronomic calculations. Databases allow users to access large storehouses of information on weather, soil types, spatial data, and other sources, and provide inputs to the calculators. Multimedia components bring previously static tables to life. Related on-line resources enable the user to pursue selected high quality information from sources outside the Handbook, especially from other CFAR SRI IT projects like IPM, FARM.DOC, Weed ID, and Map Illinois.
Updates allow users to see time-sensitive information such as new herbicide application guidelines.
Entirely new content is being added such as the Soil Plan program previously available only on disk. This project is a key test of the value of online, interactive versions of traditional extension publications. Management of Insect Pests Attacking Corn and Soybean in Illinois Each year hundreds of millions of dollars are spent managing European corn borer and corn rootworm in Illinois. Mathematical models are needed to manage these pests in the Illinois landscape. Because experiments cannot be performed over large landscapes and over many years, models allow the user to explore a variety of scenarios that otherwise would not be possible.