2000 On-Farm Crop Trial Results

The University of Minnesota Extension Service recently published results of on-farm field cropping trials conducted last year. The published results were funded in part by the Minnesota wheat checkoff, managed by the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council. 

The insight on ideas, methods, and practices of the various on-farm trials should be considered with the caveat that production conditions (including moisture, temperature, and soil type) vary, and caution should be given to generalizing study results. Some of the findings from the on-farm field trials:

Soybean Population Study
Study Purpose: To determine the effects of seeding rate on soybean yield in northern MN.
Cooperator: Richard Magnusson, Roseau, MN
Results: There was little difference in soybean yield at seeding rates between 150,000 to 325,000 seeds per acre.

Roundup Ready Soybean Herbicide Variety Trials
Study purpose: To evaluate conventional and Roundup Ready weed control systems in Roundup Ready soybeans.
Cooperator: Kurt Aakre, Karlstad, MN
Results: Iron chlorosis at one end of the research trial unevenly increased soybean injury and decreased yields. Herbicide performance within various weed control strategies were variable depending on the herbicides in the treatment mixture, with the exception of postemergent applications applied at 2” weed heights. Split applications of herbicides applied at 2” weed heights tended to have more consistent weed control and higher average yields than other strategies.

Effects of Ground Speed in Flaming Weeds in Soybean
Study Purpose: To determine soybean yield, crop damage, and weed control using a flame weeder operated at 2,3,4,6, and 8 m.p.h.
Cooperator: Lynn Brakke, Comstock, MN
Results: Flame weeding significantly reduced grass and broadleaf weed pressure. However, slower ground speeds tended to improve grass weed control, but seemed to have less effect on broadleaf weeds. Despite some leaf burning at slower speeds, plant population was not affected. Speeds greater than 6 m.p.h. resulted in bouncing of flame units, which may reduce weed control. Ground speed had no effect on yield.

Niger Seeding Rate Study
Study  purpose: Niger is a new crop in the region. Farmers have had irregular stands and are not sure about the correct seeding rate. This trial examined seeding rates from extreme low to extreme high rates.
Cooperators: Monte Casavan, Red Lake Falls, MN;
                       Rob and Tim Rynning, Kennedy, MN
Results: The recommended seeding rate of 1.5 lb/acre yielded 270 lbs/acre with a stand of 2.4 plants per square foot. However, 2.0 lb/acre performed better, at 332 lbs/acre yield and a stand of 3.2 plants per square foot.

Postemergence Herbicides on Niger Population, Yield
Study purpose: Investigate herbicide injury on niger population and yield. Niger is an annual plant that is grown for its high-quality oil, extracted from the seed. Niger is also grown for bird food.
Cooperator: Monte Casavan farm, Red Lake Falls, MN
Results: MCPA amine at 0.5 pt/acre resulted in the least amount of crop injury, with 3% stand loss. This is an experimental trial, however, with no products yet cleared for use on niger.

Yield Response To Narrow Row Wheat
Study Purpose: To compare wheat yield and test weight responses when seeded in 3.75” row widths versus 7.5” row widths.
Cooperator: Mike Bruer, Alberta, MN
Results: Row width had no significant effect on wheat yield or grain test weight at 4 locations (Morris, Alberta) over 2 years.

Weed Competition in Narrow Row Wheat
Study Purpose: To compare early and late season broadleaf weed suppression in 3.75” row width to 7.5” row width in wheat. Study conducted near Morris.
Results: Early season weed pressure (at the 3-leaf wheat stage) was significantly reduced in narrow 3.75” rows, but late season weed pressure (just prior to harvest) was not significantly influenced due to row space, either with or without a broadleaf herbicide.

Wheat Seed Treatment Trial
Study purpose: To compare stand, yield, and test weight of seedlots (Pioneer 2375, Verde) when treated with Vitavax Extra or Dividend XL compared with no seed treatment during germination testing.
Cooperator: Raymond Swenson (trials near Oklee, MN 1998-99; Crookston, MN 1999)
Results: The seed treatment had no effect on the initial stand, yield, and test weight. However, the initial stand was significantly greater when the seeding rate was adjusted to untreated seed germination. This difference in initial stand did not translate to a significant difference in yield or test weight. No significant interaction was found between the use of a seed treatment and the seeding rate used. There were no significant differences between Dividend RTU and Vitavax Extra for initial stand, yield, or test weight. Across treatments, Pioneer 2375 yielded on average 50.4 bushels, significantly less than Verde with 53.8 bushels per acre.

Armyworm Control in Wheat
Study purpose: To evaluate armyworm control in wheat from reduced rates of selected insecticides.
Cooperator: Bruce Grundyson, McIntosh, MN
Results: Armyworm control tended to be better at higher insecticide rates, except with Pounce, where both rates (2 oz, 4 oz product/acre) provided excellent control. All insecticides provided adequate armyworm control at the highest evaluated rate except for Malathion. The effect on the wheat crop was not measured.

For more information about the 2000 On-Farm Cropping Trials, contact: Jodi DeJong-Hughes, West Central Research and Outreach Center, State Hwy 329, PO Box 471, Morris, MN 56267, Ph 320-589-1711, email: dejon003@umn.edu