Fertilizers Information and Recommendations Manager (FIRM) is a computer software designed and developed as a tool for routine advisory purposes which considers the modern needs of agronomists and extension specialists.

This is a decision support system for appropriate use of nutrients, fertilizers and other amendment material in agriculture. This is a menu based, user-friendly software, primarily useful to extension workers, advisory personnel, agronomists, soil scientists and progressive farmers.

FIRM is equipped with three components viz., Information Manager, Recommendations Manager and Application Manager.

Information Manager: This has all the information on various fertilizers, amendment materials, compatibility of mixing fertilizers and agronomic prescriptions (official nutrient recommendations for various crops) for various crops of four south Indian states viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, a provision has been made to include nutrient prescriptions for other states/regions thus, the user has the choice to modify or update the data of several crops from time to time, as changes takes place in official recommendations.

Recommendations Manager: This is an environment that is equipped with all mathematical models and functions related to soil test based nutrient recommendations, fertilizer calculations, optimization functions and conversion factors for nutrients, yields, area, volume, mass etc. Care has been taken to make these complex mathematical models and functions simple and user friendly.

Application Manager: This has all the information related to methods of fertilizer applications on farmland and some other practical tips.

It is also has a facility to generate reports in a text format for either storing as a file or for taking printouts.

Thus, FIRM could be a handy tool for those working in Krishi Vignan Kendras (KVKs), Soil testing labs, Fertilizer industry extension centers, Fertilizer dealer outlets, Agri-clinics and Farmer Training Centers. This is also useful for those who are involved in extension, education, advisory and consultancy services in agriculture. Version 1.1 is available for distribution and the next version is at development stage.


For more information and request for supply of free software, please contact:

Dr. T. Nagendra Rao
Deputy Director
E-Mail: tnrao@ppi-ppi.org

or

Dr. K. N. Tiwari
Director
E-mail : kntiwari@ppi-ppic.org

or

Dr. Kaushik Majumdar
Deputy Director
E-mail : kmajumdar@ppi-ppic.org