Agro-Pedoclimatic Yield Reference for Sustainable Crop Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the sustainability of cropping practices at the field-plot level are either too expensive, qualitative, or subjective, and fail to objectively assess whether yield increases from innovative inputs are sustainable, as they rely on subjective concepts or require extensive data collection.
Innovation Solution
An agronomic method that determines an agro-pedoclimatic yield reference for each plot, adjusts yield data using an intrinsic soil productivity index, and compares observed yields to these references using machine learning algorithms to assess sustainability and optimize fertilizer use, allowing for autonomous evaluation without control plots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional control plots are used to evaluate input efficacy, then sampling error and bias are introduced, but the evaluation process becomes more complex and less autonomous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the control plot element from the evaluation system, replacing it with agro-pedoclimatic references obtained through meta-modeling. This eliminates the need for untreated control plots while maintaining evaluation accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces agro-pedoclimatic references as an intermediary between the treated plots and the baseline for comparison. These references, derived from meta-modeling of geolocated data, serve as a virtual control that eliminates sampling errors while simplifying the evaluation architecture.
2Reliability
If subjective concepts like organic agriculture labels are used to assess sustainability, then the assessment becomes qualitative and indicative, but loses objectivity and plot-level applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms sustainability assessment from qualitative labels to quantitative parameters by comparing actual yields against agro-pedoclimatic references. This enables objective, numerically-based sustainability evaluation at the individual plot level, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sustainability assessment from broad regional averages to individual plot-level evaluation. By using plot-specific agro-pedoclimatic references, the system enables customized, objective assessment for each field rather than applying generic regional standards.
3Area of stationary object
If regional yield averages are used as sustainability benchmarks, then geographical encompassing is achieved, but plot-level applicability and precision are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating site-specific agro-pedoclimatic references for each plot based on its unique geographical and pedoclimatic characteristics. This ensures that sustainability assessment is both geographically relevant and precisely tailored to individual plot conditions, resolving the contradiction between area coverage and measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Agronomic method for evaluating, benchmarking and improving the sustainability of current cropping practices.