Plot2Farm on-farm trials for 2023 season

Now in its fourth year, Plot2Farm is continuing its on-farm research trials. This year, we're conducting a variety of trials, including variety comparisons, variable rate PGR applications, and more. In addition, we're examining the effects of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) through four dedicated trials. This initiative is in response to ongoing discussions about the application of these products and what that may mean at the farm scale. As the trials progress and results are compiled, we'll be updating the plot2farm.com website. For a look at our past trial results, you can view the data from last season here: 2022 Plot2Farm results.

Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) impact on yield and quality – Wheat and durum

We are conducting trials in four locations across the province to study the impact of enhanced efficiency fertilizer (EEF) on crop yield and quality. EEF are fertilizers that are treated or manufactured to minimize nitrogen loss via volatilization, denitrification, and leaching. They achieve this by slowing down the transformation of the urea source into forms that can be lost to the environment. By reducing nitrogen loss, these fertilizers theoretically increase N availability for plant growth, thereby potentially boosting yield. The trials will test different ratios of EEF nitrogen sources: 0 per cent, 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent, and 100 per cent.

Increasing seeding rates - Wheat

This trial will test the effect of increasing seeding rates of spring wheat on yield and quality. Seeding rates included in the trial are 25, 30, and 35 viable seeds per square foot. The variety for this trial is AAC Brandon.

Plant growth regulator (PGR) impact on lodging, yield and quality – Wheat, barley, and durum

This trial will explore the impact of the PGR, Manipulator, on wheat yield, quality and lodging. Manipulator will be applied to wheat at the single application label rate. The variety for this trial is CDC Landmark VB.

A second PGR trial will assess the impact of the PGR, Manipulator, on durum yield, quality and lodging. Manipulator will be applied to durum at the single application label rate. The variety for this trial is AAC Stronghold.

A third PGR trial is occurring in Olds, Alberta in collaboration with the Olds College Centre for Innovation. Working with the team at Olds, two fields will receive variable rate (on or off) PGR application based on risk zones developed through satellite imagery. Variable rate (on or off) will be compared to flat rate PGR and no PGR on AAC Synergy barley.

New Variety Comparison – Wheat

This trial, occurring in Blackie Alberta, will compare a standard variety for this specific farm to two new varieties. The varieties include CDC Go (standard), AAC Hockley, and CDC Landmark.

Increasing nitrogen rates impact on yield and quality - Barley

This trial, occurring in Carstairs Alberta, will investigate the effects of increasing nitrogen rates on barley yield and quality. Treatments include:

i) N application rate as per soil test recommendations

ii) N application rate as per soil test recommendations + 20 pounds of additional N

iii) N application rate as per soil test recommendations + 40 pounds of additional N

All N will be applied at seeding. All N will be applied in the same form.