Predicting maize yield with a multilayer perceptron (MLP) model using multivariate field data

This study presents the findings of a multi-year maize field trial conducted on experimental plots between 2017 and 2019, focusing on the application of machine learning techniques to enhance yield prediction accuracy. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network was employed to model the effects of agronomic treatments, environmental variation, and compositional traits. Six distinct modeling scenarios were developed to explore different combinations of input variables, with the grain yield of maize serving as the sole output parameter. These scenarios range from treatment-only models to those incorporating detailed quality and compositional data. The primary objective was to evaluate how well MLP models can capture the complex, nonlinear relationships influencing yield under varying conditions. The findings provide valuable insight into the role of machine learning in supporting decision-making for sustainable crop production, especially under diverse technological and environmental settings. The approach demonstrated here offers a foundation for more adaptable, data-driven strategies in agronomic optimization.