Pierce H. Jones

Agricultural applications of expert systems concepts

Abstract In the last four years there has been considerable interest among agriculture researchers in the concept of expert systems. Although initial enthusiasm was high and many projects were initiated the number of fielded agricultural expert systems remains low. This paper reviews some of the systems that have demonstrated their viability and considers their shared characteristics. The pattern among these viable expert systems involves careful attention to well defined objectives, especially in regard to each projects requirement for knowledge acquisition. The primarily heuristic expert systems focus on very narrow domains, as do the real-time expert controls projects. Other systems leverage the value of their heuristic knowledge by providing increased access to existing models and/or databases. In general the projects reviewed leave little doubt that expert systems concepts can be successfully used to expand the capabilities of specific agricultural software applications.

Analysis of Double-Ring Infiltration Techniques and Development of a Simple Automatic Water Delivery System

Double-ring infiltrometers are routinely used by turfgrass specialists, soil scientists, and other professionals to measure the infiltration rate of field sites. Measurement of infiltration rate is important in proper golf course design development and other scenarios that require estimates of runoff. This study compared several commonly performed double-ring infiltration methods as follows: 30- (inner) and 60-cm (outer) diameter rings with a constant water depth (head), 15- (inner) and 30-cm (outer) diameter rings with a constant head, and 15- (inner) and 30-cm (outer) diameter rings with a falling inner head. In addition, a Mariotte siphon device was fabricated to maintain a constant inner head for the 15-cm diameter rings. The 15- and 30-cm rings with the constant head resulted in significantly higher infiltration rates compared to 30- and 60-cm diameter rings with a constant head and 15- and 30-cm rings with a falling head. This was due to variation in the 30- and 60-cm test inner ring water level that had to be maintained manually and because of the non-constant water level in the 15- and 30-cm falling head test. Thus, we concluded that the constant head 15- and 30-cm double-ring test was adequate to represent the infiltration rate in the sandy soils tested. The Mariotte siphon device made it easy for one person to conduct a test while maintaining a constant inner head under infiltration rates ranging from 22 to 225 mm/h.

Real-time greenhouse monitoring and control with an expert system

Abstract An autonomous dynamic controller that chooses setpoints for the frequency and duration of misting events was developed and tested. The setpoints were chosen by an expert system, MISTING, that was based on the perceived optimal misting strategy of an experienced grower. System software ran on a general-purpose microcomputer (IBM-PC) that was located 0.5 km from the greenhouse. The remote microcomputer communicated via dedicated telephone line with a monitor/controller (CR21X) located in the greenhouse. Sensor data from the greenhouse were provided as facts to MISTING which returned setpoints to the CR21X which, accordingly, regulated misting line solenoids. Knowledge representation of the growers perceived control strategy was straight forward because the domain was narrow and very well defined. Implementation was accomplished using commercial software packages as the primary components in the control software and readily available hardware. The system ran for 30 days with no software failures and successfully followed the growers strategy.

The Impact of Energy Efficient House Construction on Homeownership Costs: A Comparative Study in Gainesville, Florida

The goal of this study was to determine whether the Energy Star home program, as implemented in Gainesville, Florida, is reducing energy use and therefore costs relative to other homes and the extent of the savings. Analysis of Energy Star qualified houses found the savings were appreciable and statistically significant. The indicated energy savings for the average Energy Star household were

A CD-ROM Based Agricultural Information Retrieval System

180 per year, which was capitalized to indicate a value increase of the average housing unit of

An expert database system for ornamental plants

4,500 and the ability to afford a mortgage of

Reduced Impact Development Practices at “Restoration”

2,255 more than in the absence of the energy savings. The financial implications of these savings suggest that affordable housing policy needs to factor in continuing ownership costs in addition to the cost of the structure (the “first cost”) associated with purchasing a home. If the operating costs can be reduced, then the ability of a household to afford homeownership is improved.

Effect of urban soil compaction on infiltration rate

An information retrieval system for agricultural extension was developed using CD-ROM technology as the primary medium for information delivery. Object-oriented database techniques were used to organize the information. Conventional retrieval techniques including hypertext, fulltext searching, and relational databases, and decision support programs such as expert systems were integrated into a complete package for accessing information stored on the CD-ROM. A multimedia user interface was developed to provide a variety of capabilities including computer graphics and high-resolution digitized images. Information for the disk was gathered and entered using extension publications which were tagged using an SGML-based document markup language. The fully operational CD-ROM system has been implemented in all 67 county extension offices in Florida.

SOYBUG: An expert system for soybean insect pest management

Abstract The application of expert database technology to agricultural information retrieval applications is illustrated with a database on ornamental plants. The database, called PALMS, includes text, computer graphics and digitized images. The database is organized using an object-oriented knowledge representation technique and includes an integrated natural language processing capability. The current status and long range potential of the approach is evaluated.

The influence of subdivision design and conservation of open space on carbon storage and sequestration

This paper addresses some of the common environmental issues associated with conventional development, including water supply, water quality, energy, transportation, and open space. It describes an alternative direction that development can take, which can lead to greater resource efficiencies in master planned communities that provide a better quality of life with a reduced environmental impact. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring long‐term adherence to measurable, quantitative goals for energy and water consumption and water quality. Throughout, a case study of the Restoration community in Volusia County, FL is described to illustrate some approaches for establishing performance‐based standards in new master planned residential communities.