ABSTRACT
Recent quantum advances in computer technology and simulation have made possible the development of Expert Systems. An expert system (COMAX-GOSSYM) has been developed which acts as an expert in cotton crop management. COMAX-GOSSYM provides decision aids reference the best strategies for integrated crop management, including irrigation, fertilization, tillage, and applications of defoliants and cotton boll openers. Economic models are being added to the system. The system can simulate and evaluate crop response to insect damage. The system have been tested on two farms (one in the Mississippi Delta and the other in the South Carolina Coastal Plains) during the last two years and appears to hold high potential for assisting farmers in precision management of their crop to reduce unit costs.
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