Visual observations showed the roots did indeed grow to reach the deeper nutrients. The roots were also bigger and outnumbered those in the surface broadcast plots. Dennis is not alone. In this age of information overload, farmers are finding there's no place like home to gather valuable data to make cropping decisions on their farms.
Results reflect local variables, such as weather, that can dramatically affect plot information.
And farmers can factor in soil type, drainage, field history, equipment and management skills. Credibility Test Dennis also places a high value on objectiveness. Objectivity is a driving force for many growers who conduct trials, agrees Phil Rzewnicki, Ohio State University Extension on-farm research coordinator. In addition, farmers are more likely to adopt university findings that are proven successful in on-farm trials, he adds. OSU hired Rzewnicki to work with farmers in conducting demonstrations and applied research.