| Data are important for generating information and knowledge necessary for developing an integrated crop management system applicable within the context of on-farm resources, conditions, and goals. Since 1989, in Pennsylvania, crop management consultants, hired by farmer organized and directed Crop Management Associations (CMA), have assisted producers in implementing the Crop Information Management System (CIMS) an iterative process for documenting and assessing crop management practices. Because information management is valuable for understanding practice outcomes, this research studied how 22 CMA producers, in cooperation with crop consultants, managed field-specific information to optimize crop production on 4,000 acres from 1997 to 2000. This research also evaluated CropMD software as the database tool for implementing CIMS and illustrated the value of data collected by CMA producers for analyzing field, farm, and regional production practices.; Field-specific data provided insights into many crop management practices and outcomes. For example, data indicated actual yields achieved during the 4-year period were 76% of the expected yield based on soil class yield capabilities. The reduction was due to unfavorable rainfall and "small field" factors, such as fence rows and outcroppings, which reduced yield potential. As a result of yields not meeting expectations, the mean nitrogen in excess of crop requirements was roughly 25 pounds/acre, with large variations from the mean occurring among fields. Also, a review of insecticide use from 1997 through 2000 indicated producers significantly reduced the percentage of cornfields treated with insecticides when the decision to apply an insecticide was based on insect information acquired in the field.; The results of this study demonstrated that CMAs are a valuable infrastructure for disseminating and acquiring information on practice implementation and outcomes. It also demonstrated that CropMD software is useful for managing field-specific data important for generating information and knowledge about a field, farm, and agricultural region. |
