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Selecting Environmentally Analogous Areas for Agronomic Research Using Computer Graphics 1
Author(s) -
Ford G. L.,
Nielsen G. A.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1982.00021962007400020002x
Subject(s) - graphics , extrapolation , agriculture , agricultural engineering , variable (mathematics) , agricultural land , computer science , environmental science , computer graphics , land use , mathematics , statistics , data mining , ecology , engineering , computer graphics (images) , biology , mathematical analysis
Test plots are the foundation of most modern agricultural research programs. Experimental sites are frequently selected without substantial knowledge of surrounding land having similar environmental characteristics to which results can be directly applied. Thus, transfer of research results from experimental sites to environmentally analogous areas cannot be accomplished systematically or efficiently. Computer graphics were used in a study of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station system to determine the amount and distribution of land having environments similar to those of existing research centers and to assist in locating a new center. The computer graphic system internally overlays maps of data and then plots single variable or composite maps showing the desired combination of environmental variables. Identifying agriculturally similar land facilitates the location of areas with potential for particular crop varieties or soil management practices, and permits more effective extrapolation of research results from experimental plots to farms.