ARS | Publication request: Crop Management to Cope with Global Change: A Systems Perspective Aided by Information Technologies

Submitted to: Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 7, 2010
Publication Date: December 19, 2011
Citation: McMaster, G.S., Ascough II, J.C. 2011. Crop Management to Cope with Global Change: A Systems Perspective Aided by Information Technologies. Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International. p. 172-190.

Interpretive Summary: Many books addressing climate change today have focused on specific dimensions, and often use a more traditional approach (i.e., not integrated with many digital technologies). Yet, optimizing crop management under climate change (the focus of this book) must consider the dynamic interaction of abiotic and biotic factors within the context of economic, environmental, sociological, and policy constraints. A wide array of information technologies exists to assist producers, consultants, scientists, agribusiness, action agencies, and policy-makers understand and manage complex agricultural systems. This chapter provides overviews of different information technologies such as crop simulation models, decision support tools, integrated assessment tools, and information databases that are available to help users understand and manage crops for ever-changing environmental conditions. Obstacles influencing adoption of these technologies by users are presented, followed by illustrations of how these technologies have been applied towards crop management under current and predicted climatic conditions. Concluding thoughts on how information technologies might meet their expected potential are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Optimizing crop management must consider the dynamic interaction of abiotic and biotic factors within the context of economic, environmental, sociological, and policy constraints. A wide array of information technologies exists to assist producers, consultants, scientists, agribusiness, action agencies, and policy-makers understand and manage complex agricultural systems. This chapter provides overviews of different information technologies such as crop simulation models, decision support tools, integrated assessment tools, and information databases that are available to help users understand and manage crops for ever-changing environmental conditions. Obstacles influencing adoption of these technologies by users are presented, followed by illustrations of how these technologies have been applied towards crop management under current and predicted climatic conditions. Concluding thoughts on how information technologies might meet their expected potential are discussed.