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Factors Influencing Farmer Adoption of Portable Computers for Site-Specific Management: A Case Study for Cotton Production

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2015

Jonathan C. Walton ,
James A. Larson ,
Roland K. Roberts ,
Dayton M. Lambert ,
Burton C. English ,
Sherry L. Larkin ,
Michele C. Marra ,
Steven W. Martin ,
Kenneth W. Paxton  and
Jeanne M. Reeves
Jonathan C. Walton
Affiliation:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
James A. Larson
Affiliation:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Roland K. Roberts
Affiliation:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Dayton M. Lambert
Affiliation:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Burton C. English
Affiliation:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Sherry L. Larkin
Affiliation:
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Michele C. Marra
Affiliation:
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Steven W. Martin
Affiliation:
Mississippi State University, Stoneville, MS
Kenneth W. Paxton
Affiliation:
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Jeanne M. Reeves
Affiliation:
Cotton Incorporated, Cary, NC
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Abstract

Personal digital assistants (PDA) and handheld global positioning systems (GPS) have become increasingly important in cotton production but little is known about their use. This research analyzed the adoption of PDA/handheld GPS devices in cotton production. A younger farmer who used a computer in farm management and had a positive perception of Extension had a greater likelihood of adopting the devices. In addition, farmers who used complementary remote sensing, plant mapping, and grid soil sampling information were more likely to use PDA/handheld GPS devices. Finally, the COTMAN in-field decision support program from Extension also positively impacted adoption.

Keywords

decision supportinformation technologyprecision farming technologyvariable rate technologyD21Q12Q16
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 42 , Issue 2 , May 2010 , pp. 193 - 209
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2010

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