Farmer-Led Research
Research reports are written by Practical Farmers staff to ensure consistency and quality, and are available to view or download for free.
The Latest Research from PFI
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In a Nutshell Seeding cover crops earlier in the fall can translate to greater fall and spring biomass and may present the opportunity for more diverse cover crop species selection. Early maturing varieties of corn (104105-day) and soybean …
In a Nutshell Cereal rye, oats and other small grains grass species have been proven as effective cover crops in corn-soybean systems in Iowa. Cooperators screened grass, legume and brassica species for fall and spring groundcover in hand-seeded plots …
In a Nutshell If cover crops can successfully be established when interseeded into corn in June, this may permit farmers to use existing equipment (rather than high-clearance machines or airplanes); may permit the use of more diverse cover …
In a Nutshell 12 fruit and vegetable farms provided a profit-loss statement and simple balance sheet for 2014. Four of the 12 are meeting their personal expectations for profitability. Seven of the participating farms also provided data for …
In a Nutshell Green manure cover crops best fit into extended and diversified crop rotations between the small grain and corn phases of the rotation. Farmer-cooperator Wade Dooley compared corn following two green manure strategies: a red clover …
Summary The highboy seeding technique allows for an early seeding date that resulted in additional cover crop growth when compared to the drilled treatment that followed corn and soybean harvest. When comparing biomass of cover crop mixtures, the …
Summary Farmers reported that in 55 of 59 site-years, properly managed cover crops had little to no negative effect on corn and soybean yield (and actually increased soybean yield in 7 site-years and corn yield in 2 site-years).
In a Nutshell Two farmers planted strips of flowering herbs – anise hyssop, borage, and lemon basil – with cash crops on their farms. Pollinators in prairie strips were also observed. Farmers evaluated characteristics of the herbs and …
In a Nutshell Goats are becoming a popular method of controlling unwanted vegetation and invasive species, such as honeysuckle and multiflora rose. Timber stands and savannahs need some sort of disturbance to keep invasive species from spreading in …
In a Nutshell Six farmers compared three broccoli varieties, Belstar, Gypsy and Imperial, to determine which produces better during summer months (harvest July – Sept.) in Iowa. Key Findings Imperial had the highest yields at four of six …
In a Nutshell Wild bird populations can thrive in properly managed working landscapes. Cattle activity changes grassland structure; creating areas with short and tall vegetation, which provides habitat that is less available in conservation areas. Rotationally grazed pastures …
In a Nutshell Three farmers provided enterprise budgets for cucumber production in 2016. Cucumbers were grown in a heated greenhouse (Ann Franzenburg), an unheated high tunnel (Emma Johnson), and an open field (Jan Libbey). Franzenburg, Johnson, and Libbey …
