2021 Plot2Farm trials
By Jeremy Boychyn (M.Sc)(P.Ag), Agronomy Research Extension Specialist
Small plot research is vital to advancing farmer agronomic knowledge. However, on-farm research trials can add context to how particular management practices may impact crop quality and yield on your farm.
To learn more about Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions' currently funded research projects check out these links for wheat and barley.
Over the 2020 growing season, the commissions launched the on-farm research project, ‘Plot2Farm’. The aim of Plot2Farm is to bring agronomic management research to the farm gate. Based on previous small plot research, the commissions develop farm-ready research protocols that producers can implement on-farm with the assistance of an agronomist.
Through this program, producers can test agronomic questions specific to their farm using varieties and management under the environmental conditions seen on their farm. The protocol for each trial is developed with the goal of generating results that farmers can use for future decisions. Additionally, producers involved in Plot2Farm will develop a knowledge framework to better understand how on-farm trials are implemented.
In 2020, the launch season of Plot2Farm, two trials were implemented to test the concept. One in Carstairs and one in Olds. Despite some hiccups, the first season was deemed a success. Results from the 2020 trials can be found here.
For the 2021 season, the commissions expanded Plot2Farm to include seven trials across six farms. The trials were split between wheat and barley. Four wheat trials and three barley trials were implemented.
Below is a list of the 2021 trials as well as a link to each Plot2Farm protocol.
Protocols:
Figure 1: Plot2Farm barley seeding rate trial (B001) in Carstairs, AB. Left side of image contains target plants stand of 22 plants per square foot. Right side of image contains target plants stand of 33 plants per square foot.
Figure 2: Plot2Farm wheat row spacing trial (W006) in Innisfail, Alberta. Left side of image contains 15” rows. Right side of image contains 7.5” rows.
Figure 3: Plot2Farm Moddus plant growth regulator trial being applied on AAC Synergy malting barley (B002).
Figure 4: Halfway through seeding Plot2Farm trials with 0, 25 and 50% ESN fertilizer blends at the time of planting AAC Penhold CPSR wheat (W006). Photo shows implementation of replications and randomizations of Plot2Farm trials which is critical for successful on-farm research.
Figure 5: Loading ESN/urea fertilizer for seeding Plot2Farm treatments with 0, 25 and 50% ESN fertilizer blends at the time of planting AAC Penhold CPSR wheat (W006).
If you are interested in being a part of the Plot2Farm project in the 2022 season, please reach out to Jeremy Boychyn.