New Software Helps Farmers Determine Crop Growth Stages

USDA has developed new software to help farmers determine the correct time to apply pesticides, fertilizers and water. Phenology Modular Modeling System software allows users to answer questions such as “What is your planting date?” and “How wet was your soil at planting time?” The program uses the information to simulate crop growth stages for the entire growing season, giving farmers an idea of when to feed or spray pesticides. The software, which is continually being expanded, allows farmers to input information on several crops, including corn, wheat and barley. Learn more or download the software.