Approach and decision support system based on crop yield response and agronomic efficiency

Over and imbalanced fertilization by farmers driven by pursuing high yield results in low fertilizer use efficiency, and therefore influences sustainable utilization of farmland. Thus, develop a new tool to better nutrient management and fertilization which is best suitable for Chinas agriculture is quite urgent. A new approach based on crop yield responses and agronomic efficiency addresses all such concerns. The principles of nutrient management and fertilizer recommendation was based on improved SSNM and QUEFTS model guided nutrient management, and integrated consideration of balanced fertilization of all plant nutrients. The nutrient management principles were developed to consolidate the complex and knowledge intensive information into simple deliverable computer software named Nutrient Expert enabling local advisors rapidly implements this technology to ensure cost-effectively field specific guidelines for fertilizer recommendations. The software only requires information that can be easily provided by farmers or local expert. The user will get a package guideline on fertilizer management (and more, such as recommended plant density, attainable yield, the right application time suitable for his local condition) that are tailored to his location and locally-available fertilizer sources after answering a set of simple questions.Multiple-site field validation across larger area demonstrated that the easily grasped new approach based on crop yield responses and agronomic efficiency helps in strategizing appropriate management of nutrients leading to better yield and profits, nutrient use efficiency improvement and environmental protection.