The use of computer-based decision support systems in horticulture.

Abstract

Abstract The horticulture industry is highly dependent on the weather, which affects not only crop yields, but also maturity times, nutrient supply and the onset of pest and disease problems. The ready availability of computers has led to the development of computer-based Decision Support Systems (DSS) for horticulture. DSS are systems designed to help users make more effective decisions by providing the information in a way which actively supports the decision process. Many horticultural DSS use weather data as a major input and for these, the frequency of data collection and the level of recording accuracy required depend on the process modelled. Potential sources of weather data range from weather stations run as part of national networks to automatic weather stations recording climatic conditions within individual crops. Computer-based DSS and their output are distributed to users in several ways. Some DSS can be run directly on the web or downloaded from the web. However, managed services are popular with growers because they are often accompanied by an interpretation from an expert. Output may be distributed by fax, email, the Internet or mobile phone. The uptake of DSS has, in general, been slower than might have been expected at the outset and can be attributed, at least in part, to the failure of scientists to understand and identify the 'market' sufficiently. Barriers to uptake include the gap between the processing power and capability of users' hardware and that expected by the software, and access to, and the cost of, up-to-date data, particularly weather data. There is also a perceived threat to the livelihood of agronomists and consultants. However, they are likely to be the main users of DSS rather than growers.