(ND Ag Connection) – By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is partnering with the University of Illinois to advance agricultural practices through on-farm research. This initiative, focusing on the 2025 growing season, offers an excellent opportunity for farmers interested in sustainable agriculture.

This project will concentrate on variable-rate nitrogen applications for corn and hard red spring wheat crops. To qualify, farmers must have fields that have been managed using a no-till system for at least ten years. This method is part of a broader strategy to enhance soil health over time.

Rob Proulx, the NDSU Extension agriculture technology systems specialist, emphasizes the project’s significance as a pilot for the North Dakota On-Farm Research Network (ND-OFRN). The goal is to gather insights that will help expand and refine future research endeavors.

Participants will benefit significantly from joining this research. Not only will they receive financial compensation for implementing the trial, but they will also be reimbursed for any potential losses incurred, such as yield reductions from zero nitrogen rates. This approach ensures that participation is entirely risk-free.

The research requires specific equipment: variable-rate fertilizer applicators, grain combines equipped with calibrated yield monitors, and yield mapping capabilities. These tools are crucial for the precise application of treatments and for gathering accurate data during the study.

Each participating farmer will receive a detailed report at the season’s end. This report will provide insights into the effectiveness of the nitrogen application strategies tested, tailored to their specific farm conditions.

By participating in this study, farmers not only contribute to valuable agricultural research but also gain practical benefits and insights into optimizing their crop production in harmony with soil health principles.