TEXTBOOK OF AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS

A comprehensive guide in basic statistics for agricultural research

Authors

Dr. Pratheesh P. Gopinath

Dr. Manju Mary Paul

Dr. Adarsh V.S.

Mohammed Hisham M.

Published

February 12, 2024

Welcome

Welcome to the Textbook of Agricultural Statistics – a comprehensive resource thoughtfully crafted by the Department of Agricultural Statistics at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University. This book was created to meet the need for a clear, accessible, and practical guide to statistics tailored for agricultural research.

Statistics is an essential tool in agriculture, enabling researchers and practitioners to uncover patterns, validate results, and make data-driven decisions. However, the subject is often perceived as complex and challenging to master. This textbook is designed to change that perception, offering straightforward explanations and practical guidance to make statistical concepts approachable and applicable.

As John Tukey once said, “The greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see.” We have embraced this philosophy by incorporating clear examples, practical applications, and data visualizations to illustrate concepts and deepen understanding.

While this book is primarily written with undergraduate students in mind, its simplicity and focus on real-world applications make it a valuable resource for a wide audience, including postgraduate students, researchers, and anyone seeking to build a strong foundation in statistics and experimental design.

You will find clear explanations, practical examples, and step-by-step instructions throughout the chapters, all tailored to the unique needs of agricultural studies. Our goal is to ensure that learners at all levels can confidently apply statistical methods to their work and research.

Whether you are new to statistics or looking to revisit the basics with a fresh perspective, we hope this book serves as a supportive companion in your journey to understanding and applying statistical tools effectively in agriculture.

Acknowledgements

This book is the result of collaborative efforts among dedicated teachers and statisticians, but the majority of the reviewing, editing, and refinement has been inspired and shaped by the students.
For two years, this book was made available online on the MeLON (Module for eLearning and Online Notes) platform of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani. During this time, students provided valuable feedback, pointed out areas for improvement, and offered insights that greatly enhanced the quality and clarity of the content. We are sincerely grateful to all the students whose suggestions and input played a key role in the development of this textbook.

We would also like to thank the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, for fostering an environment that encourages learning, growth, and the sharing of ideas.

Note from the Publisher

This textbook is published by PAPAYA, the publication division of Statoberry LLP, which is committed to providing high-quality educational resources for agricultural research. The online version of this book is available for free, in line with our dedication to open access and knowledge sharing. Visit us at PAPAYA.