Interactive Web-based Data Visualization and Analysis Tool for Synthetizing on-farm Research Networks Data

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Data Science
• Statistical Modeling

Background:

• On-farm research networks facilitate testing agricultural management practices under local conditions.
• Accumulating historical trial data necessitates efficient analysis and summarization for effective decision-making.
• Current methods of presenting trial results to farmers are suboptimal for widespread dissemination and strategic planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and launch an interactive web tool, ISOFAST, for on-farm research networks.
• To simplify the interpretation of multi-site and multi-year trial summaries for farmers and agronomists.
• To enhance result communication and decision-making processes within agricultural research networks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized R Shiny to create an interactive web application for data analysis and visualization.
• Employed a random-effects model to synthesize treatment differences at individual trial and network levels.
• Integrated user-friendly features for exploring trial summaries, accessing model outputs, and performing economic analyses.

Main Results:

• ISOFAST provides simultaneous reporting of trial results for the same management practice, simplifying interpretation.
• The tool generates new knowledge by synthesizing data across multiple sites and years.
• Facilitates informed agronomic management decisions through accessible data exploration and economic analysis.

Conclusions:

• ISOFAST represents a novel and effective solution for communicating on-farm trial results.
• The interactive tool empowers farmers and agronomists with data-driven insights for improved agricultural practices.
• The development of ISOFAST offers a customizable model for other on-farm research networks seeking enhanced data visualization and decision support.