Re: [compost_tea] Re: Just a thought . . .

From: David Anderson <squtch_at_gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:55:23 -0800
On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 16:59:41 -0500, Perry Clutts <addy_at_arczip.com> wrote:
> since I read it)... We, in Ohio, have done quite a bit fo research with this
> method. One very helpful one was with corn vareity testing with over a dozen
> farmers acrss the state. The thing is... all the farmers must use the
> same/similar guidlines and still need the replecation on the farm level...

Actually, they do not need to use the same guidelines. or even
document what they do to make the observations worthwhile.

Documenting variables only reduces the sample size required to come to
notice trends.

The observations have intrinsic value. Methodical testing practices
and documentation adds to the value.
 
> I think in the case of observation, the most important thing is to document
> the variables because it may only work the same way under those same
> situations.

No. The observation itself is the most important thing. Documenting
the variables is only a value add.

What you need to do is understand the limitations of the data you
have. And that quantity can make up for quality.

A rumor starts in Podunk, Iowa that adding 3 seagull feathers to each
corn sead planted will improve your crop, and 20 farmers try it. Every
corn stalk on every one of those 20 farms grows to 20 feet, and has a
full ear on every leaf.  All the other farmers have 10 foot stalks
with 2 ears per plant yet they use the same variety of corn. No one
pays any attention to anything else anyone does, and none of the
variables are documented.

Is there value in the observation that there just might be something
to the seagull feathers? Are there going to be a lot of Iowa farmer
planning their winter vacations to the beach the next year?

Yeah, it is a ridiculous over-simplification, but basing decisions on
personal observations is what farmers and gardeners do on a daily
basis. And they will put more stock into what they have witnessed with
their own eyes than what is published in a peer review journal.

General observation has its place in science. You just need to know
how to value it.

Dave

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Received on Mon Feb 14 2005 - 18:24:09 EST

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