Model-based soybean decision support: A technology transfer project

The United Soybean Board has supplied significant, multi-year funding to (1 ) develop a model-based decision support system for soybean production and (2) transfer it from a research mode to self-sustained operation. The proje ct is national in scope, with broad participation across the soybean belt, including farmers, university staff, consultants, and private firms serving the agricultural industry. This paper describes the organization and accom plishments of the project and gives technical details about the software. T he system allows users to (I) compare the expected performance of an extrem ely wide range of production scenarios and (2) conduct specific analyses fo r planting, variety selection, irrigation, weed control, replanting, and pr icing decisions. The heart of the system is the CROPGRO-Soybean model to wh ich has been added a Windows 95(TM) user interface for data entry and manag ement, execution sequencing, and display of results.