This fillable template introduces the value of adequate water infiltration for crop production and walks through the steps to carry out a research trial.
It provides tips on:
- Deciding what to test
- Finding the best location for test plots
- Laying out test plots
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Interpreting results
The template includes a case study of a producer who tested the effect of forage radish mixed with an annual forage crop of triticale, oats and peas. The goal was to improve water infiltration under dryland conditions.
This resource is part of a series of Grab & Go research templates: see also using mulches and testing new crops. They were developed to support farmers in Kootenay & Boundary but can be applied across BC.
An ACARN webinar shares more information about the overall project.
For more details about conducting research trials, view the guide to on-farm demonstration research.
In a ‘Indicators of Soil Health’ webinar, soil researchers and a forage producer discussed why soil water infiltration is a good indicator of an agricultural soil’s physical properties and how to measure progress over time:
In a ‘How to design your own on-farm research’ workshop, Dr. Catherine Tarasoff walked producers through potential research ideas and shared templates to help guide the work:
