Soil suitability is crucial qualitative information for farmers when deciding which crops to grow. In developing countries like India, marginal farmers often emulate the practices of progressive farmers in their villages and cultivate the same crops. However, the soil in their fields may not be suitable for those crops. To achieve optimal yields, it is important to choose hybrid/varieties of crops or consider alternative crops based on soil suitability.
Soil fertility, including the levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash, is crucial qualitative information for site-specific crop management. Farmers should receive recommendations for fertilizer application rates based on the fertility status of their farms/fields and the specific crop they are cultivating. In India, different agro-climatic zones have soils with varying levels of N, P, K, EC, pH, and base saturation.
Mapping and monitoring changes in cropping patterns due to climate change is essential. Even a small change of 1 degree Celsius in temperature and a 5% change in rainfall can significantly impact cropping patterns and lead to reduced yields of important food and fiber crops. The Crop Management Information System provides insights into how cropping patterns are changing in response to climate change.
Impact evaluation and monitoring of irrigation schemes are important aspects of Crop Management Information Systems. In the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, several major, medium, and minor irrigation schemes were studied using satellite images over a period of 7 years after their implementation, with support from the World Bank. The information on crop condition obtained through these studies assists in making informed decisions regarding water release for irrigation in the schemes. The Degree Calculation Method is employed to schedule irrigation for different crops.