Multiple Scale Data Processes: Stewardship, Analyses and Decisions.

There is no shortage of data being collected from modern agricultural fields; there are, however, major challenges when trying to synthesize and convert this information into reliable and informed management decisions. Farmers and agronomists working with the Iowa Soybean Association collect observations from state or watershed-wide nutrient evaluation surveys and on-farm replicated strip trials testing different products, practices and technologies. In-season field scouting data, remote sensing as well as the auxiliary field information about management, soils, topography, and weather are also analyzed. This presentation will discuss tools used to collect and process these data and statistical methods adapted to identify complex relationships between yield response (crop yield), management and weather at different scales.  Part of the on-going effort is focused on the development on-line analytical tools and the use of publically available crop systems models and commercial predictive tools for assessing and integrating risk into management decisions for corn and soybean. The described effort will not only maximize the utilization of available data but also help to engage farmers and agronomists in interactive and adaptive learning for better data driven management decisions.