On-farm Research Trials Research Articles

A history of community-based initiatives that led to crop improvement and protection in the Canadian prairies

From the early days of agricultural production in the 1800s through to the present day, farmers, agronomists, and other motivated people have worked to improve crop production through pest management and surveillance, selection of crop genotypes and agronomic innovations such as reduced and zero-tillage. These essential contributions also helped raise awareness of the practical problems that farmers have faced, of the potential solutions to those problems, and the problems that remain to be solved. In many cases, farmers have organized their efforts to support research to address agricultural challenges through commodity organizations who actively fund research, raise awareness of science, and encourage participation in activities such as pest monitoring and on-farm research trials. This review highlights some of the important contributions of Canadian community scientists. The future of a biovigilance approach to crop production depends on the continued participation of agricultural community members.

Invited Review: Applications of unsupervised machine learning in livestock behavior: Case studies in recovering unanticipated behavioral patterns from precision livestock farming data streams

The objective of this article is to review fun- damental differences between model-dependent and mod- el-free approaches to data analysis, and to explore the potential advantages of more open-ended machine learn- ing approaches in recovering complex behavioral patterns from precision livestock farming data streams. Case studies using simulated data were de- signed to mimic a real-world scenario. Data from a feeding trial in an organic dairy were reanalyzed using the Live- stock Informatics Toolkit. Case studies using simulated data are used to demonstrate how incomplete information about the management system can prohibit the development of an appropriate model for information compression, allow- ing aggregation bias to mask important behavioral indi- cators of compromised welfare. These hidden behavioral patterns are then recovered using unsupervised machine learning approaches that are able to leverage the intrinsic behavioral codependencies of group-housed animals. This simulated case study is then extended to demonstrate how model-based approaches can also overlook causes of com- promised welfare when the link between environmental factors and behavioral responses is strong but nonlinear, whereas model-free information-theoretic tools can easily recover and characterize such complex dynamics. Finally, in an empirical case study with data from a commercial organic dairy, the Livestock Informatics Toolkit is used to recover from milk parlor metadata complex associations between herd age structure, levels of milk production, and order of milking. Model-free machine learning algorithms provide a more open-ended approach to knowledge discovery that require fewer up-front as- sumptions about the management system. This can yield more comprehensive insights into large precision livestock farming data sets now commonly encountered in on-farm research trials and in applied data auditing scenarios.

Using agricultural metadata: a novel investigation of trends in sowing date in on-farm research trials using the Online Farm Trials database

Background: A growing ability to collect data, together with the development and adoption of the FAIR guiding principles, has increased the amount of data available in many disciplines. This has given rise to an urgent need for robust metadata. Within the Australian grains industry, data from thousands of on-farm research trials (Trial Projects) have been made available via the Online Farm Trials (OFT) website. OFT Trial Project metadata were developed as filters to refine front-end database searches, but could also be used as a dataset to investigate trends in metadata elements. Australian grains crops are being sown earlier, but whether on-farm research trials reflect this change is currently unknown. Methods: We investigated whether OFT Trial Project metadata could be used to detect trends in sowing dates of on-farm crop research trials across Australia, testing the hypothesis that research trials are being sown earlier in line with local farming practices. The investigation included 15 autumn-sown, winter crop species listed in the database, with trial records from 1993 to 2019. Results: Our analyses showed that (i) OFT Trial Project metadata can be used as a dataset to detect trends in sowing date; and (ii) cropping research trials are being sown earlier in Victoria and Western Australia, but no trend exists within the other states. Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings show that OFT Trial Project metadata can be used to detect trends in crop sowing date, suggesting that metadata could also be used to detect trends in other elements such as harvest date. Because OFT is a national database of research trials, further assessment of metadata may uncover important agronomic, cultural or economic trends within or across the Australian cropping regions. New information could then be used to lead practice change and increase productivity within the Australian grains industry.

Using agricultural metadata: a novel investigation of trends in sowing date in on-farm research trials using the Online Farm Trials database

Background: A growing ability to collect data, together with the development and adoption of the FAIR guiding principles, has increased the amount of data available in many disciplines. This has given rise to an urgent need for robust metadata. Within the Australian grains industry, data from thousands of on-farm research trials (Trial Projects) have been made available via the Online Farm Trials (OFT) website. OFT Trial Project metadata were developed as filters to refine front-end database searches, but could also be used as a dataset to investigate trends in metadata elements. Australian grains crops are being sown earlier, but whether on-farm research trials reflect this change is currently unknown. Methods: We investigated whether OFT Trial Project metadata could be used to detect trends in sowing dates of on-farm crop research trials across Australia, testing the hypothesis that research trials are being sown earlier in line with local farming practices. The investigation included 15 autumn-sown, winter crop species listed in the database, with trial records from 1993 to 2019. Results: Our analyses showed that (i) OFT Trial Project metadata can be used as a dataset to detect trends in sowing date; and (ii) cropping research trials are being sown earlier in Victoria and Western Australia, but no trend exists within the other states. Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings show that OFT Trial Project metadata can be used to detect trends in crop sowing date, suggesting that metadata could also be used to detect trends in other elements such as harvest date. Because OFT is a national database of research trials, further assessment of metadata may uncover important agronomic, cultural or economic trends within or across the Australian cropping regions. New information could then be used to lead practice change and increase productivity within the Australian grains industry.

Using agricultural metadata: a novel investigation of trends in sowing date in on-farm research trials using the Online Farm Trials database

Background: A growing ability and interest in the collection of data, together with the development and adoption of the FAIR guiding principles, has increased the amount of data available in many disciplines. This has given rise to an urgent need for robust metadata. Within the Australian grains industry, data from over thousands of on-farm research trials (Trial Projects) have been made available via the Online Farm Trials (OFT) website. OFT Trial Project metadata were developed as filters to refine front-end database searches, but could also be used as a dataset to investigate trends in metadata elements. Australian grains crops are being sown earlier, but whether on-farm research trials reflect this change is currently unknown. Methods: We investigated whether OFT Trial Project metadata could be used to detect trends in sowing dates of on-farm crop research trials across Australia, testing the hypothesis that research trials are being sown earlier in line with local farming practices. The investigation included 15 autumn-sown, winter crop species listed in the database, with trial records from 1993 to 2019. Results: Our analyses showed that (i) OFT Trial Project metadata can be used as a dataset to detect trends in sowing date; and (ii) cropping research trials are being sown earlier in Victoria and Western Australia, but no trend exists within the other states. Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings show that OFT Trial Project metadata can be used to detect trends in crop sowing date, suggesting that metadata could also be used to detect trends in other metadata elements such as harvest date. Because OFT is a national database of research trials, further assessment of metadata may uncover important agronomic, cultural or economic trends within or across the Australian cropping regions. New information could then be used to lead practice change and increase productivity within the Australian grains industry.

On-farm trials identify adaptive management options for rainfed agriculture in West Africa

Rainfed crop production is the primary means of food security and income generation for rural households in semi-arid West Africa, which contains a high level of agro-ecological and socio-economic heterogeneity. Official management recommendations currently focus on the use of purchased certified seed and inorganic fertilizers, but are based primarily on highly controlled on-station trials that do not capture this heterogeneity and complexity of production systems. This study established hundreds of on-farm research trials across Senegal and The Gambia to test the agronomic benefit of multiple integrated practices related to seeds, inorganic fertilizers, and locally available organic amendments. All management practice were found to reliably increase yield across both the heterogeneity of this region and the diversity of the partnering farmers, and multiple integrated practices had greater effect than the currently recommended “best” practice. These alternative practices therefore offer an immediate pragmatic replacement to the existing recommendations and demonstrate the research and extension value of supervised on-farm trials. These findings also suggest that agronomic recommendations should focus on multiple “better” options rather than singular “best” practices, and farmers encouraged to select among these options based on their individual knowledge, circumstances, and preferences.

Farmer-participatory evaluation of mechanized dry direct-seeding technology for rice in northeastern Thailand

ABSTRACTRice technologies that are designed to reduce risks due to climate variations, improve productivity, or overcome labor scarcity are important in tropical Asia. The objective of this study was to evaluate mechanized options for dry direct-seeding of rice in terms of the productivity and production costs in rainfed lowlands. In a series of on-farm research trials over 3 years in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, we compared seeding by seed drills mounted on two-wheel tractors with manual broadcast seeding. Demonstration trials of seed drills and site-specific nutrient management in 2017 with 11 of 26 participating farmers produced 2.50 t ha−1 of grain yield, but unexpected heavy storms forced the other 15 farmers to switch from dry to wet direct-seeding or manual transplanting. The seed drills produced 32% higher grain yield than manual broadcast seeding (3.3 vs. 2.5 t ha−1) in 2014, and 14–24% higher yield (3.3–3.6 vs. 2.9 t ha−1) in 2015. Mechanized seeding enabled seeding rate reduction by 50% in 2014 and by 52–61% in 2015, resulting in lower production costs than with manual seeding. Our results suggest that mechanized dry direct-seeding of rice with improved nutrient management can enhance farmer livelihoods in rainfed environments in northeastern Thailand. This approach can significantly reduce production costs compared with manual transplanting, while maintaining or increasing productivity compared with conventional manual broadcast seeding.Abbreviations: THB: Thai Baht

Assessment of yield and economic losses in agriculture due to weeds in India

Weeds are notorious yield reducers that are, in many situations, economically more harmful than insects, fungi or other crop pests. Assessment of crop yield and economic losses due to weeds in agriculture is an important aspect of study which helps in devising appropriate management strategies against weeds. A study was conducted to estimate the yield and economic losses due to weeds using the data from 1581 On-Farm Research trials conducted by All India Coordinated Research Project on Weed Management between 2003 and 14 in major field crops in different districts of 18 states of India. The study revealed that potential yield losses were high in case of soybean (50–76%) and groundnut (45–71%). Greater variability in potential yield losses were observed among the different locations (states) in case of direct-seeded rice (15–66%) and maize (18–65%). Three factors viz. location (state), crop, and soil type significantly (p < .0001) explained the variability in actual yield losses due to weeds at farmers’ fields. Significant differences were also observed between different locations, crops and soil types. Actual economic losses were high in the case of rice (USD 4420 million) followed by wheat (USD 3376 million) and soybean (USD 1559 million). Thus, total actual economic loss of about USD 11 billion was estimated due to weeds alone in 10 major crops of India viz. groundnut (35.8%), soybean (31.4%), greengram (30.8%), pearlmillet (27.6%), maize (25.3%), sorghum (25.1%), sesame (23.7%), mustard (21.4%), direct-seeded rice (21.4%), wheat (18.6%) and transplanted rice (13.8%).

On-farm trial on the effectiveness of the nitrification inhibitor DMPP indicates no benefits under commercial Australian farming practices

The trend of increasing nitrogen (N) fertilisation in commercial agriculture demands mitigation of negative impacts on the environment, such as emissions of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Laboratory and controlled field experiments have demonstrated that the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) has the potential to effectively mitigate N2O emissions from dairy pasture and crop farming, and may increase yields. Yet, this has not been investigated in on-farm research trials under commercial production conditions. During the winter growing seasons 2014–2016 we performed an on-farm trial on five commercial broad-acre cropping and five dairy farms in North-East Victoria, Australia, to compare the performance of DMPP+urea (treatment) against conventional urea (control) fertiliser in mitigating N2O emissions and increasing crop and pasture yields. Application rate was fixed at the regional industry standard of 46kgNha‐1, yet timing, number of applications and all other management decisions were left to the judgement of the participating farmers. Emissions of N2O were highly variable over time and between farms. We recorded emission spikes of up to 250gN2O-Nha−1d−1, but 90% of measurements ranged between 1.0–62gN2O-Nha−1d−1. Thus, N2O emissions were dominated by peak fluxes and correlated with soil moisture and the time since fertiliser application. However, there was no significant difference between N2O emissions from DMPP-treated and control plots in all three seasons. Similarly, crop and pasture yield did not differ significantly between treatment and control. It is likely that the high N application rate was responsible for the poor performance of DMPP under commercial production conditions. Consequently, simply replacing conventional fertiliser with a DMPP-containing product cannot be recommended. Any commercial application of DMPP will need to be accompanied by changes in fertiliser management, of which reducing the N application rate appears most promising.

Integrated crop management to enhance vegetable productivity and farm income through INM and IPM practices

Vegetable production is an important component of agriculture and also an essential part of a balanced human diet. In recent years, vegetable production has also become an income generating enterprise for those farmers who are located close to markets and road sides. Local varieties and practices are of low productivity, prone to pests and grown without proper fertilizer management resulting in poor yield and poor soil fertility. Modern technologies are often inappropriate for them due to lack of knowledge and training. However, a combination of traditional and appropriate modern technology like INM, IPM and improved variety can reap the good harvest of vegetables and support livelihood and nutritional security of farmers. Considering the importance of vegetable production and to meet the market demand of tomato, chilli and brinjal crop, on-farm research trials (INM and IPM system) were conducted under IIHR-NE component programme during 2013-15 in South Tripura district of India.

Integrated crop, nutrient and pest management for improving tomato, brinjal and chilli productivity in acid soils

Vegetable production is an important component of agriculture and also an essential part of a balanced human diet. In recent years, vegetable production has also become an income generating enterprise for those farmers who are located close to markets and road sides. Local varieties and practices are of low productivity, prone to pests and grown without proper fertilizer management resulting in poor yield and poor soil fertility. Modern technologies are often inappropriate for them due to lack of knowledge and training. However, a combination of traditional and appropriate modern technology like INM, IPM and improved variety can reap the good harvest of vegetables and support livelihood and nutritional security of farmers. Considering the importance of vegetable production and to meet the market demand of tomato, chilli and brinjal, on-farm research trials on INM and IPM system were conducted in acid soils of South Tripura (India).

Conservation tillage for organic agriculture: Evolution toward hybrid systems in the western USA

AbstractOrganic farming has been historically dependent on conventional tillage operations to convert perennial pasture leys to annual crop rotations, incorporate crop residues, compost and cover crops, as well as to mechanically kill existing vegetation. Conventional tillage, however, has long been known to lead to soil degradation and erosion. A recently developed no-till organic production system that uses a roller–crimper technology to mechanically kill cover crops was evaluated in two states in the western United States. In Washington, pumpkins (Cucurbitaspp.) grown in a no-till roller–crimper (NT-RC) system produced yields 80% of conventional tillage, but with fewer weeds. However, in California on-farm research trials in organic cotton (Gossypium barbadenseL.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.), eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.), the no-till system produced virtual crop failure, or yields less than 20% of the standard production method. The major problems associated with rolled cover crops in California included reduced crop seedling emergence, planter impediment with excessive residue, lack of moisture and delay in transplanting of vegetable crops due to continued growth of cover crops, in-season crop competition from cover crop regrowth and impracticability of using cultivators. Further, excessive dry residue during summer in California can present the risk of fire. In both California and Oregon, considerable success has been demonstrated with zone tillage (strip tillage) in conventionally produced field and vegetable crops. In a replicated Oregon trial, the organic strip tillage treatment produced 85% of the broccoli (Brassica oleraceaL.) yield compared to a conventional tillage treatment. Our studies suggest that the zone tillage concept may offer opportunities to overcome many of the agronomic challenges facing no-till.

Investigation of biofertilizers influence on quantity and quality characteristics in Nigella sativa L.

To reduce farmers’ dependency on mineral fertilizers, to increase water use efficiency, and to increase households’ incomes, participatory on-farm research trials to test the beneficial impact of biological fertilizers application on black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) some yield characters were investigated. Our objectives in this study were the interactive effects of biofertilizer application on quality and quantity yields at Iran in 2010. In this respect, the experimental unit had been designed by the achieved treatments in factorial on the basis of completely randomized block design with three replicates. Certain factors including four levels of animal manure (0, 10, 20 and 30 ton/ha respectively) and two levels of azotobacter (non-application and application) were studied. The final statistical analysis indicated that in the 20 ton/ha animal manure and azotobacter application, yield components were significantly higher. Those such as: biological yield, seed yield, essential oil yield, stem dry weight, capsule dry weight, leaf dry weight and plant height were higher in unites by 20 ton/ha animal manure and azotobacter application. The finding may give applicable advice to farmers for management and concern on fertilizer strategy and carefully estimate chemical fertilizer supply by biofertilizer application. Key words: Azotobacter, animal manure, essential oil yield, Nigella sativa L

Alternative Methods of Estimating Forage Height and Sward Capacitance in Pastures Can Be Cross Calibrated

Alternative Methods of Estimating Forage Height and Sward Capacitance in Pastures Can Be Cross Calibrated

A methodology for tracking the “fate” of technological interventions in agriculture

The primary focus of agricultural research and extension in eastern Africa is technology generation and dissemination. Despite prior critiques of the shortcomings of this approach, the consequences of such activities continue to be measured through the number of technologies developed and introduced into the supply chain. At best, impact is assessed by the total numbers of adopters and by the household and system factors influencing adoption. While the diffusion research tradition has made substantive advances in recent decades, attention to what happens to technologies after adaptive, on-farm research trials continues to be limited in practice. While a host of newer approaches designed to correct for past shortcomings in diffusion research is now available, integrative methodologies that capitalize on the strengths of these different traditions are sorely needed. This article presents a more encompassing methodology for tracking the fate of technological interventions, illustrating the potential applications of findings for enhancing the positive impact of agricultural research and extension in the region.

Defoliating Lilac Seedlings in Field Production

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris L) seedlings are commonly grown in many seedling nurseries in Michigan. Typically seedlings are lifted in the fall and stored prior to shipment or stored by the customer. A major problem in field production of lilacs is that seedlings often retain their leaves late in the fall. If the leaves are not removed prior to storage or shipment, the seedlings will mold and deteriorate. Therefore, growers must spend additional labor to remove the leaves, often by hand. The goal of this research was to evaluate chemical alternatives to defoliate lilac seedlings in field nurseries. Two on-farm research trials were conducted in 2001 and 2003 in cooperation with a seedling grower in Saugatuck, MI. In Experiment 1, Florel (1/2 and ¼ dilution) and chelated copper (0.5% and 1% solution) were sprayed by and onto lilac in the seedling bed. Florel and chelated copper effectively reduced leaf area of lilac seedlings. Less than 20% of the initial leaf area remained on the 1% copper and ½ Florel-treated seedlings. The ½ Florel and 1% chelated copper completely defoliated 67% and 40% of the seedlings, respectively, whereas only 17% on the control seedlings lost all their leaves prior to lifting. Both levels of Florel and the 1% copper treatment reduced growth of seedlings after planting. In experiment 2, we applied chelated copper treatments at varying rates (0.25% and 0.5%) and times (1 application and 2 applications) using the cooperators' spray equipment. Repeated applications of chelated copper were more effective in reducing seedling leaf area than a single application at both concentrations tested.

Alternative cropping strategies for assured and efficient crop production in upland rainfed rice areas of eastern India based on rainfall analysis

The productivity of rice in rainfed upland soils of eastern India is very low (<1 t/ha) and unstable because of erratic monsoon, moisture deficit during dry spells, light textured with less fertile soils and several biological constraints (weeds, pests and diseases). Keeping the urgent need of augmenting the productivity of vast rainfed upland rice ecosystem of eastern India (4.3 million ha), crop diversification technology was generated through on-farm research trials in representative upland rice soils of eastern India after analyzing agro-climatic (rainfall variability, probability and onset of effective monsoon) and edaphic (soil water retention properties) constraints and prospects. Based on rainfall analysis, direct seeded, low water requiring, rice substituted alternative upland crops namely maize, groundnut, pigeonpea, greengram and blackgram (sole or intercropping) was sown in light textured upland rice soils on 24th meteorological weeks (11–17 June) in 3 years 2000–2002 with two to three summer ploughings during pre-monsoon shower (May). Study revealed that in deficit rainfall years (2000 and 2002), when rice yield was affected adversely in light textured upland, higher rice equivalent yield and rain water use efficiency were obtained from groundnut+pigeonpea intercropping followed by sole groundnut and sole pigeonpea. Study also revealed that productivity of rice substituted crops in the same upland did not fluctuate much between rainfall excess (2001) and rainfall deficit years (2002 and 2000). Double cropping in rainfed upland rice soils was also explored through maize–horsegram/sesamum rotation with increased productivity and rainwater use efficiency. The crop diversification technology was found to be very effective for drought mitigation.

Acceptable dry land moisture conservation practices for western agroclimate sub zone of Tamil Nadu

Eight field experiments (one on station trial, seven on-farm research trials) were conducted both during North east monsoon and South west monsoon of 1998 and 1999 in sorghum, groundnut, sunflower and maize in alfisol drylands of western agro climate subzone. The results revealed that sorghum responded well for the moisture conservation practice 'basin listing", when it was sown during South west monsoon 1998 at Research Station, Bhavanisagar. Similarly in the same season of 1999 under farmers condition, in situ moisture conservation practice namely contour sowing, followed by ridging three weeks later was the best for dry land groundnut crops. Of the two crops sown during North east monsoon 1999 tieing alternate furrows with mulching of locally available material seemed to be the best soil moisture conservation methods for the dryland maize crops. In the same season sunflower responded highly when the moisture conservation practices namely sowing in contour followed by ridging three weeks later was adopted. The result further indicated that in situ moisture conservation practices to be adopted varied with seasonal rainfall and within season it varied between crops indicating the need of the development of location specific technology.

The Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission: a Framework for Implementing IPM

The Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission Crush District 11 was created by referendum during the summer of 1991. The commission conducts extensive on-farm research trials and demonstration projects in cooperation with the University of California, the California State University system and local growers. The results have been disseminated through a series of regular grower meetings, seminars and an IPM newsletter sponsored by the commission and widespread coverage in the agriculture and general media. Several pest management practices which could reduce pesticide inputs have been promoted by the commission's IPM Program, and others are being further validated or are being researched for applicability to growers in the area. The research falls into two distinct categories. The first category of research is evaluation of the efficacy of recommended practices and includes economic analysis and the collection of biological data to evaluate performance from the perspectives of vineyard ecology, input use, and profitability. Intensive study of 10 growers over 2 years showed a highly variable level of adoption. The yield response to pest control inputs showed increasing returns up to the level of inputs of $375 per hectare after which returns leveled off. The second category of research is the development of alternative practices through on-farm controlled trials. The results of 3 on-farm trials are reported. A cover crop trial showed a reduction of pests in 1995 but no difference in 1994 between the cover cropped and bare soil blocks. Yellow sticky bands significantly reduced the number of leafhoppers in a trial vineyard, but was not as effective as pesticide treatments. The comparison of four alternative weed management techniques demonstrated that the use of an in-row cultivator is more effective than preemergent herbicides or mulch placed along the vine row in controlling weeds. A visual sprayer was shown to reduce the use of contact herbicide. The on-farm approach to all of the research and the ‘in your own backyard’ nature of the meetings has created the sense of ownership for the growers that has been instrumental in achieving grower support. The public nature of the information provided by the commission and grower members to all winegrape producers implies a recognition among members of their interdependence and the long-term benefits of reducing pesticide use as a group. The recognition of interdependency is crucial for any group trying to form an IPM district.

Farmer initiated on-farm research

AbstractPractical Farmers of Iowa was founded in 1985 to help farmers generate and share information on environmentally sound farming methods. Its on-farm research trials allow farmers to do statistically valid comparisons of competing techniques, such as different weed control methods. However, sustainable agriculture means more than providing farmers with adequate information about appropriate techniques. It also requires policies that reward farmers for adopting sustainable methods and that support rural community well-being.