Simulated Time to Estimated First Flower - STEFF
Developed by CSD, the STEFF algorithm and climate analysis model offers guidance to growers and agronomists in predicting first flower dates. The algorithm that drives STEFF is powered by the CSD Ambassador Network dataset, made possible due to the vast network of growers who have co-operated with this initiative which in turn benefits the whole of industry. The algorithm and climate functions that drive STEFF have been developed by CSD and are now available for use by the whole of industry.
STEFF is web-based and operates on any internet-connected device.
HOW STEFF ASSISTS GROWERS AND AGRONOMISTS
In brief: STEFF complements field observations to assist with management decisions and scheduling of operations leading up to first flower and importantly, the first irrigation. First irrigation timing is critical to ensure the crop is set up to generate strong growth during the flowering period, when most yield potential is determined. For more information on the timing of the first irrigation, click here.
The details: The aim of the model is to assist with defining the time of first flower. This should complement field observations with the aim to assist with management decisions and scheduling of operations leading up to first flower. CSD envisage that STEFF will be used to assist growers to complement the decision making process leading up to first flower and importantly, the first irrigation. First irrigation timing is critical to ensure the crop is set up to generate strong growth during the flowering period, when most yield potential is determined. Click here for more information on timing of first irrigation. STEFF can be queried at any time via any device with an internet connection. It is simple to operate, only requiring the user to select the nearest location and the date of seed imbibition – often this is the day of planting if the seed was planted into moisture, or the day of watering up. The tool will then return an estimated date of first flower.
USAGE TIPS
In brief: Operating STEFF is simple; users simply start typing the name of the nearest BOM SILO location and select the date of seed imbibition from the pop-up calendar, click ‘estimate first flower date’ for an estimated first flower date to populate.
As cotton growth and development is heavily influenced by temperature, particularly leading up to the flowering period, it is recommended not to run STEFF too early in the crop’s development. For example, running STEFF a week out from seed imbibition is likely to offer a less accurate estimate. CSD recommends waiting approximately 30 days before using STEFF and weekly from then on, this allows the model to reconcile against current climatic conditions.
Please note that models have limitations, therefore external factors such as climate extremes, diseases, pests, or herbicides may affect precision, as STEFF operates under standard growth patterns.
In detail: As an experimental tool utilised in a crop where growth and development is heavily influenced by temperature, particularly leading up to the flowering period, it is important not to run the tool too early in the crop’s development. Accordingly, it is very important for users to understand that with the passage of time, the tool’s accuracy should increase.
For example, running the STEFF model a week out from imbibition is likely to offer a less accurate estimate. CSD recommends waiting approximately 30 days before using STEFF, after which time the accuracy should improve.
As with any model, STEFF has limitations and its accuracy will be affected by external influences (disease, insect attack, herbicide damage etc.) that impact the growth and development of the crop. The STEFF model has been designed under typical growth patterns, and changes to these circumstances may lead to inaccurate estimates.