The statistical analysis of an exploratory trial for methodological decision making

An agropastoral experiment is typically a complex of many components, each of which demands techniques and practices requiring different management and long-term evaluations with many response variables involving soils, crops, pastures, and animals. The statistical analysis of results from a multifactorial, short-term, exploratory (or preliminary) trial, established according to methodological objectives, will help answer important questions on the most efficient use of resources and time during the more advanced research stages. Such an analysis will identify a reduced group of response variables for the crop and pasture, identify and prioritize experimental factors that significantly affect the development and productivity of the crop/pasture association, and determine those factors' optimal levels, which would thus suggest appropriate periods for evaluation.