This fillable template introduces the value of testing new crops to adapt to climate change 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 two varieties of the drought-tolerant species sorghum-sudangrass, seeded at two different rates under dryland conditions. The producer’s goal was to extend fall grazing on dryland pasture.
This resource is part of a series of Grab & Go research templates: see also using mulches and improving soil health. 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 ‘Seeding Rates’ webinar, producers who have experimented with seeding rates using the research template discussed what strategies they suggest to measure success and get the seeding rate right for your farm:
In a follow-up workshop, ‘How to design your own on-farm research’, Dr. Catherine Tarasoff walked producers through potential research ideas and shared templates to help guide the work:
