Boots on the Ground: On-Farm Research Protocol
This on-farm research protocol was initiated in 2019 with funding from the North Central Soybean Research Program. In 2019, across the Midwest, the 'improved' soybean management system resulted on-average in a 5 bu/acre increase in yield and $51/acre in additional profit. For the full 2019 report click here.
The goal of this on-farm research project is to compare yield and profitability of two soybean systems:
- Improved System:
- Plant soybean the end of April or early May
- 130,000 seeds/acre seeding rate
- Spray foliar fungicide + foliar insecticide at the R3 growth stage
- Standard System:
- Plant three weeks later than the improved system
- 160,000 seeds/acre seeding rate
- NO foliar fungicide + foliar insecticide application
We are targeting specific areas of Ohio:
Field Layout:
- Three replications of treatments (total of six strips)
- Width of strip will depend on sprayer and combine width (want a "clean" combine pass through the center of each strip)
- Length of strips- At least 300 ft
Responsibilities:
Ohio State University:
- Provide trial layout
- Collect in-season measurements (soil fertility analysis, stand count, and canopy cover)
- Provide foliar fungicide and insecticide (if needed)
Farmer:
- Plant and spray treatments
- Provide yield data (as digitial yield files or weigh wagon)
All data will be kept confidential.