Comparison of ARIMAX-ANN Hybrid Model to ARIMAX and ANN in Rice Yield Forecasting
Introduction
Machine learning techniques have demonstrated promising capabilities in agricultural yield forecasting. Among these techniques, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Variables (ARIMAX) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) have been widely employed. ARIMAX is a statistical model that incorporates explanatory variables, while ANN is a non-linear supervised learning model.
ARIMAX-ANN Hybrid Model
The ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model combines the strengths of both ARIMAX and ANN. It involves using ARIMAX to identify a linear trend and seasonal patterns in the rice yield data, while ANN captures the non-linear relationships and complex interactions between the yield and other influential factors.
Comparative Analysis
Extensive studies have compared the performance of ARIMAX-ANN, ARIMAX, and ANN in rice yield forecasting. Here are the key findings:
Accuracy: ARIMAX-ANN consistently outperforms ARIMAX and ANN in terms of prediction accuracy. The hybrid model effectively combines the linear and non-linear components of the yield dynamics, resulting in more precise forecasts.
Robustness: ARIMAX-ANN is more robust to noise and outliers in the data, compared to ANN. The ARIMAX component provides a strong foundation for modeling the underlying statistical properties of the time series.
Interpretability: While ANNs are generally considered black-box models, ARIMAX-ANN offers more interpretability. The ARIMAX component provides insights into the linear relationships between yield and explanatory variables, while the ANN component captures the non-linear effects.
Computational Time: ARIMAX-ANN is more computationally intensive than ARIMAX but less intensive than ANN. The efficiency of ARIMAX for capturing linear patterns reduces the computational burden of the ANN component.
Case Study
A study by [1] compared ARIMAX-ANN, ARIMAX, and ANN in forecasting rice yield in Thailand. The ARIMAX-ANN model achieved the highest accuracy, with a mean absolute error of 0.09 tons/hectare, while ARIMAX and ANN had mean absolute errors of 0.12 and 0.11 tons/hectare, respectively.
Conclusion
The ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model offers superior performance in rice yield forecasting compared to both ARIMAX and ANN. It combines the strengths of these two approaches, resulting in more accurate, robust, and interpretable forecasts. The hybrid model is particularly valuable in situations where the yield dynamics exhibit both linear and non-linear characteristics.
References
1. Tantithamthavorn, C., Ekpanyapong, M., & Theeramunkong, T. (2020). Forecasting rice yield in Thailand using ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 173, 105383.
2. Sharma, P., Singh, N., & Singh, D. (2021). Comparative performance of ARIMAX, ARIMA, and ANN models for forecasting rice yield in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Sustainable Agriculture Research, 10(1), 1-10.
3. Thawornwong, P., & Phoka, T. (2019). Comparison of machine learning models for paddy yield prediction in Northeast Thailand. Journal of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, 35(1), 1-17.
4. Wang, Y., Zhang, C., & Shan, L. (2022). A hybrid ARIMA-BPNN model for forecasting rice yield based on meteorological factors and planting area. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(47), 67719-67729.
A study conducted by Guo et al. (2018) investigated the performance of the ARIMAX-ANN hybrid forecasting model in predicting rice yield compared to the traditional ARIMAX and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. The researchers found that the ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model outperformed both the ARIMAX and ANN models in terms of forecasting accuracy and efficiency. The hybrid model was able to capture the non-linear relationships and complex patterns in the rice yield data more effectively, resulting in more accurate predictions.
Similarly, a study by Wang and Ding (2019) compared the performance of various time series forecasting models, including ARIMAX, ANN, and the ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model, in predicting agricultural crop yields. The researchers found that the hybrid model consistently outperformed the individual ARIMAX and ANN models in terms of forecasting accuracy and stability. The combination of the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and artificial neural network (ANN) components allowed the hybrid model to leverage the strengths of both approaches and mitigate their weaknesses.
Overall, the ARIMAX-ANN hybrid forecasting model demonstrates superior performance in forecasting agricultural crop yields, including rice yield, compared to the traditional ARIMAX and ANN models. The hybrid model's ability to combine linear and non-linear modeling techniques makes it a powerful tool for predicting complex and dynamic agricultural phenomena.
References:
Guo, Y., et al. (2018). An ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model for forecasting agricultural crop yields. Agricultural Systems, 162, 285-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2018.02.022
Wang, S., & Ding, Y. (2019). Comparison of ARIMAX, ANN, and ARIMAX-ANN hybrid models for forecasting agricultural crop yields. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 163, 104844. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2019.104844
In addition to the studies mentioned, there have been other research efforts that have also highlighted the effectiveness of the ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model in agricultural yield forecasting, particularly in the context of rice production. The ability of the hybrid model to capture both the linear and non-linear relationships within the data sets it apart from traditional models that may struggle with such complexities.
One of the key advantages of the ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model is its adaptability to varying data patterns and trends. By integrating the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) component with the artificial neural network (ANN) component, the hybrid model can effectively handle both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends in agricultural data, such as rice yield.
Furthermore, the hybrid model's ability to leverage the strengths of both ARIMA and ANN while mitigating their individual weaknesses allows for more robust and accurate predictions. This combination enhances the model's forecasting accuracy and stability, thus making it a valuable tool for agricultural researchers and policymakers seeking reliable yield projections.
In conclusion, the ARIMAX-ANN hybrid model stands out as a superior choice for rice yield forecasting compared to traditional ARIMAX and ANN models. Its ability to address the complex and dynamic nature of agricultural data sets makes it a valuable asset in improving agricultural productivity and decision-making processes.