EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State University is doing ag research in soil studies that will help both the casual backyard gardener and farmers know what to plant and where.
Newly published research from Michigan State University shows how evaluating historical crop yields across distinct areas of agricultural fields can provide farmers with essential information on soil health characteristics.
Researchers are aiming to reduce the reliance on traditional soil testing by using historical yield data and a novel analysis metric known as yield stability zones, according to MSU. These zones leverage both yield level and stability — the consistency of yield — over time, offering a more nuanced understanding that accounts for small-scale, in-field variability.
Ten commercial corn and soybean fields in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana were used in the study. Management practices varied across fields and were not controlled during the research.
The project was funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture, according to the MSU news release.
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