Dynamic and Functional Monitoring Technologies for Applications in Crop Management

Abstract

This chapter describes the development and application of more integrative systems modeling tools, which can be used to explore and design more profitable, less risky, and more sustainable farm businesses. One of the most important advances in the management of spatial variability has been the recognition of the need for more functional, dynamic, and predictive systems able to translate changes in cropping practices into future likelihoods of improved economic and/or environmental returns. Agricultural production systems are dynamic and diverse. Numerous interactions occur between soil, crop, and climate, which are often difficult to identify and manage. Management decisions that relate to climate are also made at different times of the year and with different levels of significance for different farming systems. It is clear that sensing technologies have the potential to inform management decisions at a field level within a season, but when used in isolation, these technologies will rarely provide enough information for the decision maker to confidently change management practice across farms and seasons.