1. In-field Experiment

2. Objective Depends on the research question you chose
Something to the effect of:
Determine the effects of organic vs. conventional management practices on ______.
Yield
Nitrogen loss
Microbial community
Organic Carbon
Loss of N in soil water runoff
Soil moisture

3. Treatments
Management Systems (2) (future we will expand to no-till and tilled too)
Organic: Addition of composted steer manure and fish fertilizer
Conventional: Addition of a NPK slow release fertilizer
Crops to be planted (4)
Corn
Spring wheat (only in year 1, later winter wheat)
Spring cover crop
Legume
Depending on what research questions are posed
Variable fertilizer rate (low, medium, high)
Variable water content (low, medium, high)
Replications (4)

4. Plot Design Replicate 1 Replicate 3 Replicate4 Replicate 2
CONTROL (NO Manure or fertilizer)
Organic
Corn
Wheat
greencover
Soybean
Greencover
Conventional

5. Background Tilled week of February 21, 2019
Roundup applied (must wait one week before planting to ensure no problems with seed.)
Plot size: 4 m by 9 m?
Organic Fertilizer: Composted steer manure and fish emulsion
Builds organic matter, mix of both C and N, builds tilth and water holding capacity
Conventional Fertilizer: Osmocote ® , NPK.
Slow release fertilizer.
Provides nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus for plant growth.
Chemical fertilizer (man made).

6. Tasks to accomplish Measure out each plot.
Add appropriate amount of fertilizer and rake in.
Plant seeds.
Label each plot.
Weed plots as needed.
Apply fish emulsion as needed.
From here on out we will start to spend half of Tuesday in the field monitoring the crop.

7. Food for thought
Going to the field daily, builds a knowledge of the crop, the soil and the field. It also allows one to observe changes, see life and learn.