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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #253979
Title: Fuzzy multi attributive comparison of tillage crop and manure management systems

Author
item KRUEGER, E - Russian Academy Of Sciences
item Torbert, Henry - Allen
item KURTENER, D - Russian Academy Of Sciences

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2010
Publication Date: 7/9/2010
Citation: Krueger, E., Torbert III, H.A., Kurtener, D. 2010. Fuzzy multi attributive comparison of tillage crop and manure management systems. In: Kurtener, D., Yakushev, V.P., Torbert, H.A., Prior, S.A., and Krueger, E., editors. Applications of Soft Computing in Agricultural Field Experimentations. St. Petersburg, Russia: Agrophysical Research Institute. p. 19-28.

Interpretive Summary: Determining the best alternative between cropping system options is often complicated by disparities in research results due to differences between years as a result of seasonal variability. The economic cost of the systems further complicates the determination of best alternative for sustainable crop production. A suitable method for assessment of tillage systems is the application of a fuzzy multi attributive comparison tool. In this study, this tool was used to research the interactions between soil tillage systems, cropping systems, and manure management for agriculture production in the Appalachian Plateau, Alabama, USA. Yield data for 19 years (1981-2001) of this study indicated that the various combinations treatments ad merits and demerits between different years of the study. The results from the utilization of the tool for fuzzy multi attributive comparison of alternatives indicated that the combination of the Chisel tillage treatment with the cover crop rotation treatment was the best alternative. In addition, it was found that in the cases where poultry litter was added to fertilize the wheat cover crop (or harvested for grain), the combination of the conventional tillage treatment with the cover crop rotation treatment was the best alternative.

Technical Abstract: Determining the best alternative between cropping system options is often complicated by disparities in research results due to differences between years as a result of seasonal variability. The economic cost of the systems further complicates the determination of best alternative for sustainable crop production. Suitable way for assessment of tillage systems is application of the tool for fuzzy multi attributive comparison of alternatives intended for application in agriculture researches. In this study, this tool was used to research the interactions between soil tillage systems, cropping systems, and manure management for agriculture production in the Appalachian Plateau, Alabama, USA. Yield data for 19 years (1981-2001) of this study indicated that the various combinations of the tillage treatment with the crop rotation treatment and manure management had merits and demerits between different years of the study. The results from the utilization of the tool for fuzzy multi attributive comparison of alternatives indicated that the combination of the Chisel tillage treatment with the cover crop rotation treatment was the best alternative. In addition, it was found that in the cases where poultry litter was added to fertilize the wheat cover crop (or harvested for grain), the combination of the conventional tillage treatment with the cover crop rotation treatment was the best alternative.