This fillable template introduces the value using mulches to reduce water use and adapt to hotter and drier conditions 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 producers who tested the effect of hay mulch on drip-irrigated cherry trees, with the goals of improving soil moisture and reducing water loss.
This resource is part of a series of Grab & Go research templates: see also testing new crops and improving soil health. They were developed to support farmers in Kootenay & Boundary but can be applied across BC. A webinar shares more information about the project.
For more details about conducting research trials, view the guide to on-farm demonstration research.
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:
