Fuzzy Matrices: an Application in Agriculture

This paper describes a simple (yet powerful) methodology for decision making based on fuzzy sets. In an example to demonstrate the methodology we show how to determine a preferential grain crop for given conditions and grower circumstances. The paper proposes a multi-level fuzzy evaluation function 4, 6] which will totally order a number of crop alternatives. The model can be used to consider various input conditions and allows for the exible treatment of such issues as soil degradation, erosion and pollution. These issues and others are graded subjectively in terms of a membership function and partitioned into a matrix which is crossed with an aggregated weighted index for crop yield. The resulting multi-levelcomprehensive fuzzy evaluation function considers environmental issues , management skills and economic beneets with biophysical suitability and allows us to make recommendations for land usage.