An uncertainty-based comprehensive decision support system for site-specific crop management

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for the implementation of a decision support system that considers spatial, temporal and managerial factors in assessing the potential impact of crop amendments on the cost of a given production scenario. The proposed system includes a database and a numeric simulation model. The database is linked to previously recorded crop responses for a given agricultural input under different conditions while the numeric simulation model determines the probability of different levels of profit for each decision option. This system then determines the optimal uniform rate of application of an amendment to maximize profits, or to define the range of such rates for a case of variable rate application. Uncertainty-based treatment of each model input allows for a balance between the potential results of under-application or over-application.