In many regions, cotton crops are maturing; some are approaching or receiving their first defoliation, while others are ready to be picked or have been picked. Meanwhile, in the northwest of the continent, crops are approaching first flower.
Being able to predict yield potential in crops from first flower through to the cutout stage of development can assist with strategic management decisions. Furthermore, as crops undergo end of season assessments and defoliation, insights into yield potential become increasingly important.
To gain insights into yield potential, you may be familiar with BARRY, a yield prediction model developed in collaboration with CSIRO that harnesses the power of machine learning algorithms that leverage the extensive CSD agronomic database to provide crop managers with predictions of potential yield at key points of a crops development.
BARRY analyses a wide range of factors including climate variables, variety, region, and production type etc (based on the selected snapshot), in turn delivering potential yield predictions at crucial growth stages such as:
- First flower
- Cut-out
- End of season (post first defoliation)
The value of BARRY is not just its predictive ability, but its ability to empower crop managers with data-driven insights in enhancing decision making at critical development stages, to intervene proactively if a crop is underperforming and enabling adjustment of strategies in real-time. Armed with these insights managers have another layer of information to optimise inputs and resources based upon individual field yield potential throughout the season.
BARRY can be accessed as a standalone model with easy-to-use sliders and value input cells (Image 1). Inputs vary based upon the snapshot of choice, each easily selected from the relevant snapshot dropdown menu.
Image 1: Crop Parameter Slider feature. Slide back and forth for desired crop metric.
Once crop parameters are populated the yield estimate output can be viewed at the base of the sliders, alternatively the data can be exported as a csv or text file using the appropriate tab in the crop snapshot window (Image 2).
Image 2 contains data from an end of season assessment from a 2023 crop in the Macquire Valley. Variety was Sicot 748B3F and achieved a harvest yield of 10.43 bales/ha.
Image 2: Crop snapshot summary
BARRY offers great insight; however, we acknowledge it still requires field data entry which may be difficult to obtain. For example, a relative average boll lint weight in field is challenging, we will continue to work with CSIRO to explore alternatives.
BARRY can be accessed via https://tools.csd.net.au/barry/ alternatively CottonTracka will automatically provide a BARRY yield prediction when associated modules are completed.
Your insights drive innovation! Help us to tailor the suite of digital tools to meet your needs by sharing your feedback @ feedback@csd.net.au.