Making healthy decisions for your soil can improve soil function in the long-term, but many farmers don’t have the data from those fields to make the most informed decisions possible. Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) is inviting farmers who are invested in soil health practices- like cover crops, no-till, diversified crop rotation, and more- to participate in two on-farm research trials and gather that data. Stefan Gailans, PFI’s senior research manager, said the results of these studies will help farmers make the best decisions to improve their operations.
Gailans said one of the studies will involve corn farmers testing out reduced nitrogen rates in randomized, replicated strips.
The second study is new and aims to find out if cover crops provide earlier field access or greater access over a season. Gailans said they’ve been hearing this observation from farmers, and they want to put that idea to the test.
Enrollment for both trials is open now and will close April 10th. Gailans said farmers can easily apply on the PFI website.
To be eligible, participants must have been using soil health practices for at least five years. All farmers who sign up will receive a one-time payment for taking part. Again, full details and application forms can be found at https://practicalfarmers.org/programs/farmer-led-research/open-calls-for-on-farm-research-cooperators/.
