Skip to main content

Agricultural Research Manager (ARM)

Labii Agricultural Research Manager (ARM) provides agricultural R&D teams with a comprehensive platform to manage the complete lifecycle of field research—from protocol design through data analysis. The application streamlines trial planning, enables statistically sound randomization, supports mobile observation capture from any site, and converts raw field data into actionable insights. By connecting field and laboratory operations, ARM creates a traceable link between every protocol, treatment, sample, and result.

Built on Labii's integrated ecosystem, ARM seamlessly connects with LIMS for sample analysis and Inventory management for tracking seeds, chemicals, equipment, and supplies. This unified approach eliminates data silos, reduces manual data entry, and ensures every decision is backed by complete, auditable records from field to final report.

Whether you're conducting variety trials, testing agrochemicals, evaluating growing practices, or developing new cultivars, ARM gives you the tools to design rigorous experiments, execute them consistently across multiple sites, and derive meaningful conclusions from your research data. Learn more about the Agricultural Research Manager (ARM).

Use Cases​

Crop Variety Evaluation​

  • Design multi-location trials to test new cultivars across diverse environments
  • Track plant performance metrics including yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance
  • Compare varieties under identical management practices and environmental conditions
  • Generate statistical analysis reports for regulatory submissions or seed certification

Agrochemical Efficacy Testing​

  • Plan and execute pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer trials following GLP standards
  • Document application rates, timings, and environmental conditions for each treatment
  • Measure crop response, pest control, and residue data across growth stages
  • Maintain complete audit trails for EPA registration or label expansion studies

Precision Agriculture Research​

  • Coordinate trials testing variable rate application, sensor-guided management, or irrigation strategies
  • Integrate GPS coordinates and spatial data with plot-level observations
  • Analyze treatment effects considering soil variability and microclimate differences
  • Evaluate ROI and sustainability metrics for new farming technologies

Breeding Program Management​

  • Track crosses, selections, and advancement through breeding cycles
  • Record phenotypic data including agronomic traits, quality parameters, and disease scores
  • Manage germplasm inventory and maintain pedigree information
  • Connect field observation data with laboratory analysis results from seed quality or genetic testing

Crop Protection Research​

  • Monitor disease progression, pest populations, and weed pressure under different management strategies
  • Document cultural practices, biological controls, and chemical interventions
  • Correlate environmental data (temperature, humidity, rainfall) with pest or disease incidence
  • Generate efficacy data for product development or integrated pest management recommendations

Soil and Fertility Studies​

  • Design experiments testing fertilizer formulations, application methods, or soil amendments
  • Collect soil samples systematically and track laboratory analysis results
  • Measure crop nutrient uptake, biomass accumulation, and yield response
  • Analyze long-term trends in soil health indicators across multiple growing seasons

Getting Started​

Navigate to Agricultural Research Manager (ARM) from the Labii applications menu or dashboard

Configure your organization's research infrastructure:

  • Define trial sites with location details, soil types, and climate information
  • Create a crop library listing species and varieties used in your research programs
  • Set up a product catalog for seeds, agrochemicals, fertilizers, and other inputs
  • Establish standard observation protocols and data collection templates

Create your first research protocol to define trial objectives, treatments, experimental design, and success metrics

Set up field trial structures by creating plots, assigning treatments, and generating randomized layouts

Begin collecting observations using mobile devices in the field, recording data directly into standardized forms

info

ARM integrates with Labii Inventory to track consumption of seeds, chemicals, and supplies used in trials. Enable this integration in your organization settings to maintain accurate stock levels and cost tracking.

Creating Research Protocols​

Research protocols define the scientific framework for your field trials, including objectives, hypotheses, experimental design, and data collection methods.

From the ARM dashboard, navigate to Protocols and click + Add Protocol

Enter essential protocol information:

  • Protocol title and unique identifier
  • Principal investigator and research team members
  • Trial objectives and research questions
  • Start and end dates for the study period
  • Funding source and budget allocation

Define the experimental design:

  • Select design type (Complete Randomized Design, Randomized Complete Block, Latin Square, Split-Plot, etc.)
  • Specify number of replications or blocks
  • Define plot size and spacing requirements
  • Set randomization constraints or restrictions

List all treatments or varieties to be tested:

  • Treatment name and code
  • Product formulation and application details
  • Rate, timing, and method of application
  • Control treatments or standard comparisons

Create data collection schedules:

  • Observation types (visual ratings, measurements, counts, samples)
  • Timing (growth stages, days after planting, calendar dates)
  • Required equipment or measurement tools
  • Data entry forms and validation rules

Save and activate the protocol to make it available for trial creation

tip

Use protocol templates for recurring trial types (variety trials, herbicide evaluations, etc.) to ensure consistency and save time in future study planning.

Setting Up Trial Sites​

Trial sites represent physical locations where field research is conducted, each with unique environmental and management characteristics.

Navigate to Trial Sites and click + Add Site

Enter site identification and location details:

  • Site name and code
  • GPS coordinates or map location
  • Address and access instructions
  • Site owner or cooperator contact information

Document site characteristics:

  • Soil type, texture, and classification
  • Drainage characteristics and irrigation availability
  • Previous crop history and management practices
  • Known pest or disease pressure
  • Climate zone and typical weather patterns

Upload site maps, photos, or aerial imagery to provide visual reference for plot layout and data interpretation

Configure site-specific settings:

  • Available equipment and facilities
  • Personnel assigned to manage the site
  • Standard operating procedures for the location
  • Safety considerations or access restrictions

Link the site to relevant protocols to indicate where trials will be conducted

Designing Trial Plots and Treatments​

Trial plots are individual experimental units where treatments are applied and observations are recorded. Proper plot design and randomization are critical for statistical validity.

From your trial detail page, navigate to the Plot Layout section and click Generate Plots

Configure plot specifications:

  • Number of plots based on treatments × replications
  • Plot dimensions (length, width, area)
  • Number of rows per plot
  • Row spacing and plant population
  • Border row specifications

Apply randomization according to your experimental design:

  • Select randomization method (complete random, blocked, systematic)
  • Set restrictions (e.g., keep controls in specific positions)
  • Generate random plot assignments
  • Review and regenerate if adjustments are needed

Review the plot layout:

  • Verify treatment distribution across blocks or spatial positions
  • Check for unintended patterns or adjacency issues
  • Confirm plot numbering scheme matches field setup requirements

Export plot maps and treatment assignments:

  • Print field maps for setup crews
  • Generate stake labels with plot numbers and treatments
  • Export to GPS devices for precision plot establishment
  • Share digital layouts with data collection teams

Record plot establishment details:

  • Planting date and equipment used
  • Actual seed rate or planting density achieved
  • Soil conditions and weather at establishment
  • Any deviations from planned protocol
warning

Always verify plot labels in the field match your digital layout before beginning data collection. Misidentified plots compromise the entire trial's validity.

Managing Trial Applications​

Track all inputs applied to trial plots, including pesticides, fertilizers, plant growth regulators, and other agronomic treatments.

Navigate to your trial and select the Applications tab, then click + Record Application

Select the product being applied from your product catalog or add a new product with:

  • Product name and manufacturer
  • Active ingredients and concentration
  • Product type (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, fertilizer, etc.)
  • Safety information and regulatory details

Document application details:

  • Application date and time
  • Plots or treatments receiving the application
  • Rate applied (per unit area)
  • Total volume or quantity used
  • Application method (broadcast spray, banded, in-furrow, foliar, etc.)

Record application conditions:

  • Equipment used (sprayer model, nozzle type, pressure)
  • Weather conditions (temperature, wind speed, humidity, precipitation forecast)
  • Crop growth stage at application
  • Operator name

Track inventory consumption if integrated with Labii Inventory:

  • Link to inventory items for automatic stock deduction
  • Record lot numbers for traceability
  • Calculate remaining inventory after application

Attach supporting documentation:

  • Application logs or calibration records
  • Product labels or safety data sheets
  • Photos of application equipment or technique
info

Accurate application records are essential for GLP compliance, product registration, and interpreting trial results. ARM timestamps all application entries and maintains a complete audit trail.

Recording Field Observations​

Collect data directly from the field using standardized forms, ensuring consistent, high-quality observations across sites and personnel.

Open the ARM mobile interface on your tablet or smartphone and navigate to your active trial

Select the Observations section and choose the observation type:

  • Agronomic measurements (height, canopy cover, stand count)
  • Visual ratings (vigor, disease severity, weed pressure)
  • Developmental staging (emergence, flowering, maturity)
  • Sample collection (plant tissue, soil, pest specimens)
  • Harvest data (yield, moisture, quality parameters)

Select the plot(s) being observed:

  • Scan plot barcode/QR code for quick identification
  • Select from plot list with treatment labels
  • Use map view to visually select plots

Enter observation data using the appropriate input method:

  • Numeric values with units and precision specifications
  • Rating scales with predefined categories and reference images
  • Photos documenting visual symptoms or conditions
  • GPS-tagged sample collection records

Add contextual information:

  • Observer name (auto-populated from login)
  • Date and time (auto-recorded)
  • Weather conditions if relevant
  • Notes about unusual conditions or complications

Sync data to the cloud:

  • Data automatically saves as you enter it
  • Sync when cellular or WiFi connection is available
  • Review offline data queued for upload
  • Resolve any validation warnings or errors
tip

Use ARM's offline mode to collect data in remote field locations without connectivity. All observations are cached locally and automatically sync when you return to coverage.

Analyzing Trial Data and Generating Reports​

Transform raw field observations into statistical analysis and decision-ready reports for stakeholders.

Navigate to your trial's Data Analysis section to view observation summaries:

  • Plot-level data tables organized by observation type
  • Treatment means and variability metrics
  • Visual data quality checks and outlier detection

Prepare data for statistical analysis:

  • Review data completeness across plots and observation dates
  • Flag or correct outliers and data entry errors
  • Transform variables if needed (log, square root, arcsine)
  • Select response variables for analysis

Configure analysis parameters:

  • Choose statistical model appropriate to experimental design (ANOVA, mixed model, etc.)
  • Define fixed effects (treatments) and random effects (blocks, locations)
  • Set significance level and multiple comparison method
  • Include covariates if using ANCOVA

Generate statistical analysis:

  • Run analysis of variance to test treatment effects
  • Calculate least significant differences or confidence intervals
  • Generate treatment means separation using selected method (LSD, Tukey, Duncan, etc.)
  • Review diagnostic plots for model assumptions

Create custom reports:

  • Select report template (summary, detailed analysis, regulatory submission)
  • Include trial metadata, methods, results tables, and figures
  • Add interpretation and conclusions
  • Insert photos, site maps, and supporting documentation

Export and share results:

  • Export to PDF for formal distribution
  • Generate data files for further analysis (CSV, Excel)
  • Share interactive dashboards with collaborators
  • Archive final reports with trial records
info

ARM integrates with R and Python analysis environments for advanced statistical modeling. Export clean datasets with a single click and run custom analysis scripts while maintaining full traceability.

Managing Crops and Products​

Maintain standardized libraries of crops, varieties, and agricultural products used across your research programs.

Crop Management​

Navigate to Crops from the ARM menu and click + Add Crop

Enter crop identification:

  • Common name and scientific name
  • Crop category (cereal, legume, vegetable, fruit, etc.)
  • Growth habit (annual, perennial, determinate, indeterminate)

Define crop characteristics:

  • Typical growth stages and development timeline
  • Environmental requirements (temperature, water, light)
  • Nutrient needs and fertility recommendations
  • Common pests and diseases

Add variety-specific information:

  • Variety name and breeder/source
  • Maturity class and expected days to harvest
  • Key traits (disease resistance, yield potential, quality attributes)
  • Seed availability and catalog information

Product Catalog​

Navigate to Products and click + Add Product to create entries for agrochemicals, fertilizers, and other inputs

Enter product details:

  • Product name and manufacturer
  • Product category (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, fertilizer, adjuvant, etc.)
  • Active ingredients and concentrations
  • Formulation type (liquid, granular, wettable powder, etc.)

Document usage information:

  • Labeled crop uses and target pests/diseases
  • Typical application rates and timings
  • Tank mix compatibility
  • Re-entry interval and pre-harvest interval

Link to inventory if using Labii Inventory Management:

  • Connect to inventory items for stock tracking
  • Enable automatic consumption recording
  • Set reorder points for frequently used products

Advanced Features​

Multi-Location Trial Networks​

Coordinate research across multiple sites to evaluate treatment performance under diverse environments.

Create a trial network by linking multiple trials that share the same protocol but are conducted at different locations

Configure site-specific adaptations:

  • Allow planting date flexibility based on local conditions
  • Adjust plot sizes or replication numbers to fit available space
  • Specify which treatments are included at each location

Aggregate data across locations for combined analysis:

  • Analyze location main effects and treatment × location interactions
  • Generate mega-environment analysis to identify adaptation patterns
  • Create location groupings based on response similarity

Weather Integration​

Automatically import weather data to correlate environmental conditions with trial outcomes.

Connect weather stations or services to your trial sites:

  • Link on-site weather stations via API
  • Subscribe to commercial weather data services
  • Use public weather data from nearby stations

Configure data collection:

  • Select weather parameters (temperature, precipitation, humidity, solar radiation, etc.)
  • Set recording intervals (hourly, daily)
  • Define growing season or data capture period

Analyze weather effects on trial results:

  • Overlay weather data with observation timelines
  • Calculate growing degree days or stress indices
  • Correlate weather patterns with crop performance
  • Generate weather summaries for trial reports

Mobile Data Collection Customization​

Create custom observation forms tailored to specific trial types or organizational standards.

Navigate to Observation Templates and click Create Custom Template

Define data fields:

  • Add measurement types (numeric, text, rating scale, photo, GPS location)
  • Set units and valid ranges for numeric fields
  • Create dropdown lists for categorical data
  • Configure validation rules and required fields

Design form layout:

  • Organize fields into logical sections
  • Add instructions or reference images
  • Set conditional display rules (show certain fields based on previous answers)
  • Configure calculation fields for computed values

Deploy to mobile devices:

  • Sync new templates to field staff devices
  • Test data entry workflow before full deployment
  • Provide training materials for new observation types

Regulatory Compliance and GLP​

ARM supports Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements for regulatory field trials.

info

GLP features include electronic signatures, audit trails, data locking, and SOPs to meet EPA, FDA, and international regulatory standards.

Enable GLP mode in trial settings to activate enhanced compliance features:

  • Electronic signature requirements for critical data points
  • Automated audit trail capture for all data changes
  • Data locking after quality assurance review

Configure quality assurance workflows:

  • Define QA checkpoints and review schedules
  • Assign QA personnel with appropriate permissions
  • Create deviation reporting procedures
  • Set up archival and retention policies

Generate GLP-compliant study reports:

  • Include all required regulatory sections
  • Attach protocol deviations and corrective actions
  • Ensure complete audit trail documentation
  • Apply electronic signatures from study director and QA

Integration with Labii LIMS and Inventory​

Sample Management Integration​

Connect field samples with laboratory analysis workflows.

When collecting samples in the field (plant tissue, soil, pest specimens), record sample collection in ARM:

  • Plot location and treatment
  • Sample type and purpose
  • Collection date, time, and personnel
  • Storage conditions and chain of custody

Generate sample labels with barcodes that link field metadata to laboratory records

Submit samples to Labii LIMS:

  • Samples automatically appear in LIMS queue with field context
  • Laboratory personnel can view trial design and research questions
  • Analysis results automatically link back to plots and treatments

View integrated data:

  • Field observations and lab analysis results side-by-side in ARM
  • Correlate yield with nutrient content, disease presence, or quality parameters
  • Include lab results in statistical analysis and reports

Inventory Consumption Tracking​

Track seed, chemical, and supply usage across trials.

Enable Inventory integration in ARM settings

When recording trial applications or planting, select products from Labii Inventory:

  • Inventory levels automatically update based on quantities used
  • Lot numbers and expiration dates are tracked
  • Cost data flows into trial budget tracking

Generate consumption reports:

  • View total product usage across all trials
  • Analyze per-plot costs for economic analysis
  • Track inventory levels and reorder needs
  • Export purchase history for accounting

Troubleshooting​

Issue: Plot randomization produces unacceptable layout​

Symptoms: Generated plot layout has control treatments clustered together, or treatments are not well-distributed across blocks

Solution:

Review randomization constraints in your protocol experimental design settings to ensure they match your requirements

Click Regenerate Randomization to create a new random layout with a different seed

If problems persist, consider a different experimental design type or add spatial restrictions to the randomization algorithm

Issue: Mobile app not syncing observation data​

Symptoms: Observations entered in the field are not appearing in the web interface, or sync status shows pending uploads

Solution:

Check your mobile device's internet connectivity (WiFi or cellular data)

Navigate to Settings > Sync Status in the mobile app to view pending uploads and any error messages

If sync errors are present, check for:

  • Required fields that were left blank
  • Values outside valid ranges
  • Duplicate observations for the same plot and date

Correct any validation errors and retry sync manually using the Sync Now button

If issues continue, export observations as a backup file and contact support

Issue: Statistical analysis fails or produces unexpected results​

Symptoms: Analysis generates errors, treatment differences are not detected when expected, or model diagnostics show problems

Solution:

Review data completeness—missing plot data can compromise analysis:

  • Check for plots with no observations
  • Verify all replications have data for each treatment
  • Confirm observation dates are consistent across plots

Examine data distributions and outliers:

  • Use data visualization tools to identify extreme values
  • Consider data transformations for skewed distributions
  • Investigate outliers to determine if they represent real effects or errors

Verify analysis model settings:

  • Ensure experimental design specification matches actual trial structure
  • Confirm fixed and random effects are correctly defined
  • Check that blocking factors are properly assigned

If analysis still fails, export data and run analysis in external statistical software (R, SAS, etc.) to isolate the issue

Issue: Cannot access trial data on mobile device​

Symptoms: Mobile app shows empty trial list or specific trials are missing

Solution:

Verify you are logged into the mobile app with the same account credentials as the web interface

Check your user permissions—ensure you have access rights to the project and trials in question

Force a data refresh by pulling down on the trial list or using the Refresh button in app settings

If trials are still not visible, check the trial status—only active trials appear in mobile by default. Enable Show Completed Trials in mobile settings if needed