Statistical Modelling of Agricultural Yield Using A 𝟑^𝟐 Factorial Design in Plateau State

The world faces growing pressure to produce more food due to rising population and crop loses. This study applied a 32 factorial design to model the relationship between area cultivated and input intensity in determining agricultural yield in Plateau state, Nigeria. Yield, expressed in metric tonnes per hectare (MT/ha), was derived as the ratio of total input intensity to area cultivated. The two factors (area and input intensity) each at three levels (low, medium, high), were analysed using a type II two-way ANOVA to test their effects and interaction. The results revealed significant effects of both factors (p<0.05), with the interaction term also statistically significant. The medium area – high input intensity combination produced the highest mean yield, indicating that moderate land size coupled with high input investment optimizes productivity. These results concludes that balanced resource use is crucial for sustainable agricultural yield improvement.

Agricultural yield, Area cultivated, Input Intensity

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