Agricultural Research Manager (ARM)
Unified workspace to plan field trials, apply statistical randomization, capture observations, and generate decision-ready reports for agricultural R&D teams.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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