Crop management and distribution by linear programming method using the Excel software for planning the agricultural production

Abstract

Abstract The need for appropriate crop management/distribution to increase the economic yield of crops is a major challenge for farmers. Linear programming is a mathematical model that solves such problems with great success for the purpose of crop maximization or minimization. In this study the method of linear programming is used in Sperchios river basin to increase crop efficiency and consequently to increase the economic returns of the crops by maximizing crop mass. Several constraints are taken into account, which determines the final result (e.g. fertilization requirements, irrigation, labor, land use). The main objective is to evaluate the distribution of crops in the study area and the use of the historical constraint, a constraint that is being introduced for the first time. Then a comparison is made of the results obtained from the use and non-use of the historical constraint (in combination with the other constraints). The method used is that of linear programming. In particular, by using the software excel uses the solver tool that solves linear problems. Currently, in the Sperchios river basin 26 crops are being cultivated. If the historical constraint is included, the number of crops remain 26. Otherwise, the optimal solution suggests the exploitation of 6 crops. Also, depending on the constraints , the needs for irrigation, fertilization, labor and land use differ. The excel software suggested the optimal solution to obtain the maximum crop yield considering certain constraints. Thus, we conclude that linear programming can be used as a decision support making – a decision support system (DSS) in crop management.