The use of time-series models and methods in the analysis of agricultural field trials

Although many spatial methods for analysing field trials have been proposed, most are for a one-dimensional layout, and most prescribe a single model for all data. In this paper it is suggested that the data analytic tools of time series analysis should be more widely used. Many of the problems of two-dimensional modelling can be overcome by using separable processes. This subclass of lattice processes can often be reasonably used, and has several advantages, including rapid fitting and simple extensions of many techniques developed and successfully used in time series. Some examples are given.