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ARS Home » Midwest Area » West Lafayette, Indiana » National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #68555
Title: DECISION SUPPORT TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINED PRODUCTION AND AGRICULTURE USING EROSION PREDICTIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

Author
item Barrett Jr, John
item Nearing, Mark

Submitted to: Crop Simulation Workshop Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/4/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Information about how erosion prediction and other computer simulations can be used to support decisions made by farmers is discussed. Soil conservation will be emphasized. Why and how production managers make decisions is included. Critical success factors considered by excellent farmers are related. USLE, RUSLE and WEPP are discussed as information sources. Precise farming is placed in perspective. The challenge is to make technological innovations, along with models, effective in supplying information that supports decisions. This must be done in words and logic that make sense to the people spending the money, as well as scientists. Another challenge is to develop technology that provides information to the decision maker in forms and at times needed, both in terms of receptivity of the decision maker and in precision that is useful and understandable. This must be done in ways that the decision maker feels safe to make a change, no problems w/cash flow. New facts must be presented, along with associations, relative to potential chemical, environmental and regulatory issues. Discussion about the following will be sought. Much emphasis is being placed on global warming, environmental pollution, chemical leaching, pesticide and herbicide runoff, erosion, and conservation. We now have the abilities and opportunities to bring together decision support, simulation and the emerging information technologies in efforts to better bridge the gaps between research and practical applications. It is exciting to glimpse the future and see that a farmer's sustainable production can be balanced with the environmentalist's sustainable agriculture so that improved environmental stewardship can be achieved while people enjoy a high quality of life!