Response surface methodology for the optimization of an Agricultural production

Abstract

This proposal shows an economic scenario that indicate how to minimize the costs of certain agricultural activities. Therefore, the objective was: to obtain the optimal values of a hypothetical multi-response process of maize production, by means of the Response Surface Methodology, in which three factors: Irrigation, Nitrogen and Plant Density are combined, each with 3 levels and 16 treatments, randomized in three blocks, for a total of 48, according to a Composite Central Design. The optimization of the answers: Production, Nitrogen Efficiency, Irrigation Efficiency and Benefit Cost Ratio was obtained through the Design Expert 10 program in conjunction with a desirability function. Also is presented a polynomial model that represents a quantitative relationship between the answers and the proposed factors. The economic scenario, detailed for one hectare, resulted in: US $ 0, 2 to apply Nitrogen, US $ 3, 2 to supply Irrigation water and US $ 916,9 to produce 6342,2 kg of Maize. With this proposal, an option is established to reduce: the use of water for irrigation, the use of fertilizers and the production costs of maize.