Farmer-Led Research

In a Nutshell Two farmers tested Spray strips and No-Spray control strips of cereal rye for fungicide residue. This project was a secondary project within “Fungicide and Plant Growth Regulator Effect on Cereal Rye Production” (Gailans et al., …

In a Nutshell Seeding rates of small grains, like triticale, are important to achieve optimal plant stands, yields and yield quality. Paul Mugge compared two seeding rates of winter triticale. Key Findings The two seeding rates resulted in …

In a Nutshell Fungal diseases and lodging can present challenges to raising small grain crops, like cereal rye, in Iowa. Farmer-cooperators investigated the use of fungicides and plant growth regulators on cereal rye seed crops to determine effects …

In a Nutshell Small grain crops, like oats, are seeing renewed interest by farmers in Iowa. Iowa was once a nationwide leader in oats production, but many farm families have not grown them for a generation or two. …

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 popular grass, legume and brassica species for fall and spring groundcover in …

In a Nutshell Interseeding annuals into pastures increases forage diversity, quality, and quantity. Bruce Carney developed seed mixtures and interseeded them into existing cool season pastures. • Seed mixtures vastly increased pasture diversity. Grazing management to harvest or …

In a Nutshell Compost extract is made by steeping compost in water, then applying the sieved water (with compost extract) as a soil drench with the intention to increase beneficial soil biota, and increased plant health, Brix and …

Summary While there were differences among locations, there were generally no differences in soil health variables between the no-cover and cover crop treatments at individual locations.

Summary Farmers reported that in 49 of 53 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).

In a Nutshell Fifteen farms participated in fruit and vegetable production recordkeeping to date. The purpose of the project was to create Iowa-specific production histories for: producers to have baseline comparisons, the advancement of crop insurance options, and …

In a Nutshell This was an informal trial to compare bell pepper production from seedlings started in soil blocks vs. plug trays. Data were collected from 72 plants in each treatment; peppers were harvested at green and red …