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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Research has demonstrated that maintaining vegetation on crop fields during the off-season through cover cropping has benefits for farmers and soil. Cover crops hold soil in place, preventing erosion and the concomitant loss of phosphorus (Villamil et al. …
Cover crops are normally planted without the intention of a direct harvest. Rather, they are planted for the multiple benefits they provide to the farmer and the environment. These include: Soil quality improvements by protecting soil from erosion …
A number of corn hybrids have been developed to have elevated nutrient content. Four high-protein or high-lysine non-GMO corn hybrids were selected for testing: Master’s Choice 535, GEI 101, Channel 213, and eMerge 600. Yield, test weight, protein …
In a Nutshell One of the biggest pest problems in organic production of egg plant is flea beetles. In this study, two farms tested the effectiveness of kaolin clay and row covers. The treatments were not significantly different …
In a Nutshell Over time, grazing management is expected to improve forage quality, mass, and diversity. Thirty-one acres of perennial pasture in Cherokee County IA were transitioned from continuous to rotational stocking in 2010. Field characteristics were monitored …
In a Nutshell Accurate estimates of fly populations help producers evaluate the level of stress cattle are experiencing. Accurate estimates are also needed to evaluate the efficacy of fly control methods. We compare measurements across farms and fly …
In a Nutshell Interest in pasture-raised livestock has risen in part because of health benefits to the animals and to the consumer. Raising poultry on pasture allows the birds to express natural behaviors, exercise, and increase intake of …
In a Nutshell Hogs were fed one of two rations to determine if an alternative ration could reduce input costs while maintaining acceptable growth rates and carcass quality. Thirty hogs from each group were selected for evaluation of …
In a Nutshell Energy use in agriculture varies across cropping systems. This project explores the differences in energy use between two practical Midwest cropping systems. Diverse cropping systems, those with three or more crops, use a fraction of …
Abstract Corn (Zea mays) is a major crop across the Midwestern U.S. Yields have been steadily increasing in Iowa from an average of 48.5 bu/ ac in 1950 to an average of 171 bu/ac in 2011 (USDA NASS). …
Abstract Soil quality indicators were compared in different farming systems at eight “pods” of neighboring farms around Iowa. Samples were collected for three years and analyzed for organic matter, total carbon and nitrogen content, bulk density, stable aggregate …
Abstract Cover Crops are an important addition to any farming system to improve soil quality and decrease soil erosion or nutrient loss. Farmers are concerned that a winter rye cover crop could negatively impact their cash crop yields. …
