Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
4d Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and Colorado State University, Department of Rangeland Ecosystem Science, Fort Collins, CO. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5402-66000-002-00D, Dr. Joe Trilca, PI; Testing and Extension of GPFARM: A Decision Support System for Farmers and Ranchers. The primary objective of this SCA was to develop test databases for validating the rangeland forage production module of GPFARM. In 2001 three grazing intensities were imposed on research plots established at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER) near Nunn, CO. Field teams from CSU and ARS have worked jointly for three years (2001 - 2003) to collect and process data for model validation. Goals and Milestones: All graduate students have completed their degrees, published their theses, and graduated. The post-doc who used the data to calibrate and
validate the GPFARM Range forage production models has completed that work and published a paper. This is the final report for this project. In FY 2005 Dr. Qi completed the analysis of the satellite imagery and developed the final algorithms required. All goals and milestones for the project were met. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Przseslowska, Agnes, J. Trilica, and W. Weltz. Comparison of Techniques for Estimation of Green Area Index on the Shortgrass Prairie. 2003, SRM, Kansas City, KS. VanAmburg, Lisa, J. Trilica, and W. Weltz. Near Ground Remote Sensing of Herbaceous Vegetation on a Shortgrass Prairie. 2003. SRM, Kansas City, KS. Theses: Przeszlowska, Agnieszka. Comparison of four techniques for estimation of green area index on the shortgrass prairie. Colorado State University. Thesis ; 2003. VanAmburg, Lisa,
Digital imagery to estimate canopy characteristics of shortgrass prairie vegetation . Thesis (M.S.)--Colorado State University, 2003.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or publish any research findings.
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Progress 07/01/00 to 07/01/05
Outputs
Progress Report 4d Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and Colorado State University, Department of Rangeland Ecosystem Science, Fort Collins, CO. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5402-66000-002-00D. The primary objective of this SCA was to develop test databases for validating the rangeland forage production module of GPFARM. In 2001, three grazing intensities were imposed on research plots established at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER) near Nunn, CO. Field teams from CSU and ARS have worked jointly for three years (2001 - 2003) to collect and process data for model validation. Goals and Milestones: All graduate students have completed their degrees, published their theses, and graduated. The post-doc who used the data to calibrate and validate the GPFARM Range forage production models has completed that work and published a
paper. In FY 2005, Dr. Qi completed the analysis of the satellite imagery and developed the final algorithms required. All goals and milestones for the project were met.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or publish any research findings.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? 4D. Progress Report: This report serves to document research conducted under Specific Cooperative Agreement #58-5402-0-313 between ARS and Colorado State University, Department of Rangeland Ecosystem Science, Fort Collins, CO. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5402-66000-005-00D. The primary objective of this SCA was to develop databases for validating the rangeland forage production module of GPFARM. The field research component of this project was started in 2000 and completed in 2002. The biomass and remotely sensed data were collected from plots at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER) near Nunn, CO. Plot treatments were three grazing intensities. Biomass samples and remotely sensed images collected monthly from April to October in both years. Teams from CSU and ARS worked jointly for the three years to collect and process data for model
validation. The results were used by ARS to validate the forage production component of GPFARM. A manuscript titled "Evaluation of GPFARM for Simulation of Forage Production and Cow-Calf Weights" has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Range Management. Two CSU Master's candidates completed their degrees as part of this project This study has been highly successful, and the data collected has allowed GPSR scientists to refine the forage production module of GPFARM. This new module will be presented to a private company and the USDA Risk Management Agency as a potential tool for managing de-stocking during drought conditions. All goals and milestones have been met.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or publish any research findings.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? This report serves to document research conducted under Specific Cooperative Agreement #58-5402-0-313 between ARS and Colorado State university, Department of Rangeland Ecosystem Science, Fort Collins, CO. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5402-66000-002-00D, Dr. Joe Trilca, PI; Testing and Extension of GPFARM: A Decision support System for Farmers and ranchers. The primary objective of this SCA is to develop test databases for validating the rangeland forage production module of GPFARM. In 2001 three grazing intensities were imposed on research plots established at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER) near Nunn, CO. Field teams from CSU and ARS have worked jointly for the past three years to collect and process data for model validation. The final forage harvest was conducted in October 2002. Biomass samples collected during the 2002 growing season
were sorted by functional group and color (green from brown), weighed, and sub-sampled for nutrient analysis. Litter samples were washed, dried, and weighed. The results were used by a GPSR post doc to validate the forage production component of GPFARM. A manuscript has been submitted for publication. The forage data were reported to cooperating scientists from the Rangeland Resources Research Unit and the CSU Range Science Department. As part of the project, two master's candidates collected auxiliary data for their theses. Both students have completed their degrees and two manuscripts from their respective theses have been submitted for publication. Two volunteered papers on the results of the study were presented at the 2003 Society of Range Management meeting in Casper, Wyoming. This study has been highly successful, and the data collected will benefit both existing rangeland models (GPFARM) as well as guide future model development in areas including rangeland restoration and
global climate change.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or publish any research findings.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Colorado State University, Department of Range Sciences. Additional details of research can be found in the report for parent project 5402-66000-002-00D Testing and Extension of GPFARM: A Decision Support System for Farmers and Ranchers. The primary objective of this SCA is to develop test databases for validating the rangeland forage production module of GPFARM. Towards this end, field plots were established at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER) near Nunn, CO. Field teams from CSU and ARS have worked jointly for the past two years to collect and process data for model validation. From October 2001 through March 2002 previously collected biomass samples were sorted (green from brown), weighed, and sub-sampled for nutrient analysis. Litter samples were washed, dried, and weighed. The
results will be used to validate the forage production component of GPFARM and were reported to cooperating scientists from the Rangeland Resources Research Unit and the CSU Range Science Department. As part of the theses studies, classification of plot images was conducted using image analysis software. Leaf area index (LAI) estimates were obtained and evaluated using traditional methods and compared with more technologically advanced methods. Two papers were presented on the results of the study were made at the 2002 Society of Range Management meeting in Kansas City, Missouri. From April 2002 through October 2002, the forage growing season, forage growth measurements were taken from plots at the CPER. These measurements included plant samples collected monthly from replicated plots under three grazing intensities treatments. Twenty seven plots were sampled each month with biomass separated by functional plant group. The samples were dried and stored for further processing or
were handled green for leaf area index (LAI) analysis. In addition, two graduate students collected LAI and digital imagery data for their respective theses. A new laser point frame developed by Unit scientists was used in the data collection and has been so effective a publication on its design is forthcoming. This study has already been highly successful, and the data collected will benefit both existing rangeland models (GPFARM) as well as guide future model development in areas including rangeland restoration and global climate change.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or publish any research findings.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it?
Sustainable agriculture in the Great Plains continues to be a complex problem because of the interactions between weather, disease and pests, consumer preferences and perceptions, local and world wide commodity prices, and changing state and federal rules and regulations. Producers must be able to adapt to these every changing forces if they are to remain economically viable. The complexity of agricultural management problems calls for a comprehensive and integrated knowledge base of the whole system and suitable analysis tools for making rapid decisions. This research is developing an integrated whole-farm/ranch decision support system (GPFARM - Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management) consisting of soil-crop and rangeland-livestock simulation model for estimating crop yield, livestock production, and environmental impacts to evaluate alternative management practices. Producers will be able to quickly test existing and alternative management scenarios and
select the ones that make the most sense on their individual farms/ranches based on economics and environmental protection
2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
U.S. agriculture is facing a crisis situation due to foreign competition and the recent decline in the Asian markets. Producers need to be able to quickly reevaluate their strategic position in the marketplace and select management systems that make sense for each individual farm or ranch. U.S. agricultural producers must continue to be more efficient to remain competitive in both the local and the global market place.
3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Component(s)?
This research relates to two National Programs: Integrated Farming Systems 207 (60%) and Rangeland, Pasture and Forages 205 (40%). This research provides for the development of a whole-farm/ranch decision support system (GPFARM) for Great Plain's agriculture, but with capabilities for extension nationally to all regions and types of agriculture. GPFARM addresses key components of the Integrated Farming Systems National Program by (1) including capabilities for improved understanding of whole-farm systems and mechanisms to graphically present this type of information to producers; (2) developing of a decision aid that addresses natural resource protection, integrated animal and plant production, management simulation, and expert system application through the combined use of simulation, graphical user interfaces, and geographical information systems (GIS); (3) providing a flexible tool capable of benefitting low to middle income farmers and ranchers; and (4) assisting producers in
answering the critical question of how to interpret crop yield monitor data in precision agriculture and related applications.
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year?
The single most significant accomplishment during FY 2001 year was the release of a beta version for testing of a weeds model and a economic analysis model.
5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project including their predicted or actual impact.
During the last five years, the USDA-ARS Great Plains Systems Research Unit has developed Version 1.75 of a whole-farm/ranch DSS, called GPFARM (Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management), for strategic planning in the Great Plains. The overall goal of GPFARM is to determine medium and long-term effects of current and alternate cropping, ranching, or integrated farming systems on economic and environmental sustainability. The program is capable of analyzing the changes in management practices associated with these systems, such as the type of tillage, amount of residue cover, dates of planting, fertilizer applications, chemical weed control, and water applications on cropland or changes in stocking rates on rangeland. GPFARM allows producer, managers, advisors, and scientists to design and compare alternate strategies on the computer before implementing them in the field.
6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years?
A rigorous whole-farm testing and evaluation program was implemented this year on several cooperator farms/ranches to evaluate the ability of GPFARM to address the economic and environmental decisions at the whole-farm level that farmers/ranchers are required to make each year. Version 1.75 of the GPFARM decision support system was released and testing has begun across the central Great Plains. GPFARM Version 1.75 provides for cropping/ranching systems and databases for Eastern Colorado and Wyoming and Western Nebraska and Kansas conditions. Version 2.0 of GPFARM is planned to be released in April of 2002 with tools to graphically display yield data and provide easy methods to quantitatively compare alternative management practices to select the options which are economically and environmentally sustainable.
7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints if known, to the adoption & durability of the technology product?
This project was initiated in August of 2000 and has not had the time to develop and transfer to the public or private enterprises any cultural practices or technology. The focus of the project is to assist in the development and testing of the GPFARM decision support system. The constraints to adoption of any computer implemented decision support systems are related to the accuracy of its predictions and its ease of use. The scientists working on the project are dedicated to developing an intuitive user interface with point and click accessability to all necessary databases. This should facilitate use by customers and reduce any impediments to its adoption.
8. List your most important publications in the popular press (no abstracts) and presentations to non-scientific organizations and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your peer-reviewed publications which are listed below)
This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or present any research findings to the public.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or publish any research findings.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it?
Sustainable agriculture in the Great Plains continues to be a complex problem because of the complex interaction between weather, disease and pests, consumer preferences and perceptions, local and world wide commodity prices, and changing state and federal rules and regulations. Producers must be able to adapt to these every changing forces if they are to remain economically viable. The complexity of agricultural management problems calls for a comprehensive and integrated knowledge base of the whole system and suitable analysis tools for making rapid decisions. This research is developing an integrated whole-farm/ranch decision support system (GPFARM - Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management) consisting of soil-crop and rangeland-livestock simulation model for estimating crop yield, livestock production, and environmental impacts to evaluate alternative management practices. Producers will be able to quickly test existing and alternative management scenarios
and select the ones that make the most sense on their individual farms/ranches based on economics and environmental protection
2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
U.S. agriculture is facing a crisis situation due to foreign competition and the recent decline in the Asian markets. Producers need to be able to quickly reevaluate their strategic position in the marketplace and select management systems that make sense for each individual farm or ranch. U.S. agricultural producers must continue to be more efficient to remain competitive in both the local and the global market place.
3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Component(s)?
This research relates to two National Programs: Integrated Farming Systems 207 (60%) and Rangeland, Pasture and Forages 205 (40%). This research provides for the development of a whole-farm/ranch decision support system (GPFARM) for Great Plain's agriculture, but with capabilities for extension nationally to all regions and types of agriculture. GPFARM addresses key components of the Integrated Farming Systems National Program by (1) including capabilities for improved understanding of whole-farm systems and mechanisms to graphically present this type of information to producers; (2) developing of a decision aid that addresses natural resource protection, integrated animal and plant production, management simulation, and expert system application through the combined use of simulation, graphical user interfaces, and geographical information systems (GIS); (3) providing a flexible tool capable of benefitting low to middle income farmers and ranchers; and (4) assisting producers in
answering the critical question of how to interpret crop yield monitor data in precision agriculture and related applications.
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year?
A. Single most significant accomplishment during FY 2000 year. This project was initiated in August of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to produce significant accomplishments. B. Other significant accomplishments. This project was initiated in August of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to produce significant accomplishments. C. Significant accomplishments/activities that support special target populations. None. D. Progress report. None.
5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project including their predicted or actual impact.
During the last five years, the USDA-ARS Great Plains Systems Research Unit has developed Version 1.5 of a whole-farm/ranch DSS, called GPFARM (Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management), for strategic planning in the Great Plains. The overall goal of GPFARM is to determine medium and long-term effects of current and alternate cropping, ranching, or integrated farming systems on economic and environmental sustainability. The program is capable of analyzing the changes in management practices associated with these systems, such as the type of tillage, amount of residue cover, dates of planting, fertilizer applications, chemical weed control, and water applications on cropland or changes in stocking rates on rangeland. GPFARM allows producer, managers, advisors, and scientists to design and compare alternate strategies on the computer before implementing them in the field.
6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years?
A rigorous whole-farm testing and evaluation program was implemented this year on several cooperator farms/ranches to evaluate the ability of GPFARM to address the economic and environmental decisions at the whole-farm level that farmers/ranchers are required to make each year. Version 1.5 of the GPFARM decision support system will be released and testing will begin across the central Great Plains in September 2000. GPFARM Version 1.5 provides for cropping/ranching systems and databases for Eastern Colorado and Wyoming and Western Nebraska and Kansas conditions. Version 2.0 of GPFARM is planned to be released in January of 2002 with tools to graphically display yield data and provide easy methods to quantitatively compare alternative management practices to select the options which are economically and environmentally sustainable.
7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints if known, to the adoption & durability of the technology product?
This project was initiated in August of 2000 and has not had the time to develop and transfer to the public or private enterprises any cultural practices or technology. The intent of the project is to assist in the development and testing of the GPFARM decision support system. The constraints to adoption of any computer implemented decision support systems are related to the accuracy of its predictions and its ease of use. The scientists working on the project are dedicated to developing an intuitive user interface with point and click accessability to all necessary databases. This should facilitate use by customers and reduce any impediments to its adoption.
8. List your most important publications in the popular press (no abstracts) and presentations to non-scientific organizations and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your peer-reviewed publications which are listed below)
This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or present any research findings to the public.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- This project was initiated in the summer of 2000 and has not had the opportunity to develop or publish any research findings.
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