Knowledge-based spatial decision support systems: An assessment of environmental adaptability of crops

The development of knowledge-based decision support systems for environmental planning requires the management of complex geospatial information, the integration of expert judgment with decision models, and the dynamic visualization of geographic terrain. This paper describes the design and implementation of a knowledge-based interactive spatial decision support system for identifying the adaptability of crops at a given agro-ecological zone. The system (Eco-SDSS) illustrates the integration of an expert database ECOCROP 1, developed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to offer a flexible interface to identify tolerant plant species for a defined use and descriptions. The use of such tools offers increasing efficiency for potential extension and research in crop management and land use planning.