Refining computer models that
help farmers better manage crop water and irrigation needs is the
focus of an ongoing research project funded through the Soil and Water
Conservation Grant program. The study is led by researchers Tom Gerik
and Wyatte Harman of the Blackland Research and Extension Center at
Temple, Raghavan Srinivasan of the Texas A&M University (TAMU)
Mapping Science Laboratory, and Terry Howell of the U.S. Department
of Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in Amarillo. The focus
of this project is to improve and expand the “CropMan”
Crop Production Management Model developed at TAMU. This model utilizes
information on soils, climate, and crop management to help agricultural
producers minimize risk and boost yields and profits.
Much of the recent work to improve the model involves developing a
software utility that allows users to download, format, and update
daily weather data from weather stations throughout Texas. The research
team incorporated the irrigation cost calculator developed by Extension
specialist Leon New into CropMan, and they are working with Howell
to evaluate how well CropMan estimates yields and evapotranspiration
needs of irrigated field crops.
Work to improve CropMan continues. Economic analysis tools are being
added to help agricultural producers who lease or share-rent farmlands
estimate their production costs and profits. Other improvements will
help farmers gauge how cover-crops and double-cropping systems influence
productivity, profitability, and water use. Ultimately, Gerik hopes
CropMan and other computer decision aids will help Extension professionals,
crop consultants, and farmers improve the profitability of Texas Agriculture.
Note: To learn more, contact Gerik at (254) 774-6118or gerik@brc.tamus.edu.
