Related Experiment Videos
Hand-held computer program for field-capture and analysis of herbage yield and composition data using a modified
1CSIRO, Division of Wildlife and Rangelands Research, Central Australian Laboratory, Alice Springs, Northern Territory.
Summary
A BASIC program for portable computers aids in collecting, checking, and analyzing field plant yield estimates. This software enhances data accuracy and offers flexible output options for agricultural research.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Computer Science
- Data Analysis
Background:
- Accurate plant yield estimation is crucial for agricultural research and crop management.
- Field data collection requires robust and portable tools for efficiency and reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a BASIC program for collecting, checking, and analyzing field plant yield estimates.
- To introduce a portable computing solution for in-field data management.
Main Methods:
- Development of a BASIC program for the Sharp PC1500A hand-held computer.
- Implementation of the modified dry-weight-rank method and comparative yield estimates for data collection.
- Software design focused on trapping incorrect data entry to ensure data integrity.
Main Results:
- The program enables efficient data collection, checking, and analysis in a field environment.
- Features include data validation, printing, display, storage on cassette tape, and computer transfer.
- The software is adaptable to other Sharp PC models and similar portable computers.
Conclusions:
- The developed BASIC program offers a practical and reliable tool for field plant yield estimation.
- The portable computing approach enhances data accuracy and accessibility for agricultural studies.
- The program's adaptability ensures its utility across various portable computing platforms.