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2007 test plots

December 1, 2007

Ag Test Results

Crop yield results from the 2007 field variety trials conducted by the Dordt College Agriculture Department, Sioux Center, were released Nov. 19.

The field trials were conducted by agriculture majors in Dordt’s Field Crop Production and Management class, under the supervision of Dr. Ron Vos, professor of agriculture at Dordt College. Students who participated in the field sized-comparison study were Joseph Buhlig, Norborne, MO; Chris Garris, Branchville, NJ; Andrew Herdegen,Glencoe, MN; Dereck Klaassen, Ellsworth, MN; Chris Kramer, Thamesville, ON; and David Prins, Lacombe, AB. They were assisted by Mike Schouten of the Dordt Agriculture Stewardship Center.

Vos said the big surprise this year was the excellent yield, despite a six week period of no rain early in the growing season. Twenty-five crop varieties from 12 companies were included in the yield trials. Participating companies were Asgrow, Ag Venture, Atlas, Croplan, Golden Harvest, Pioneer, Midwest Seed Genetics, Mycogen, Northrup King, Schillenger, Stine, and Viking.

Six different trials were conducted on Dordt College Ag Stewardship fields located north of Sioux Center, as well as on the south end of Dordt’s 115-acre campus. In the Dordt trials, seed varieties were planted in strips of one or two equipment-widths completely across the field. Because these narrow strips lie close to one another, field variability between treatment strips is minimized. The treatments are replicated at least four times in the field to overcome chance field differences. In addition, the order of the varieties in each block is chosen at random, avoiding a source of unconscious bias.

“To ensure accuracy and credibility of our data, we used on-farm sized comparison analysis,” said Dr. Vos. Replication, randomization and field sized strips ensure the results will be valid and applicable to farmers’ field situations. The students also used a handy “yardstick” called the “least significant difference” (LSD). If the difference between two varieties is greater than the LSD, then the difference is considered significant.

“We hope that by providing our data to farmers, they will have a valuable tool in deciding their seed choices for next year,” said Dr. Vos. He added his thanks to all those who in one way or another participated in the field trial. Results from this year’s trials are available at the Agriculture Department’s website along with results from 2005 and 2006.

Field Trial 1: Soybean Cyst Nematode
For this trial, recent introductions of similar varieties both resistant and non-resistant to soybean cyst nematode, were planted to compare crop yields. This plot was planted May 12 and harvested Oct. 3, with a population rate of 163,350 seeds/acre. Yield LSD (.05%): 2.0. Trial average: 63 bushels/acre, with an average moisture content of 11.7 percent.

Variety SCN Resistant Moisture % Yield Bu/A
Asgrow 2403 No 11.7 64.3
Asgrow 2406 Yes 11.6 63.7
Atlas 5B220RR No 11.9 63.6
Atlas 5N232RR Yes 11.7 61.1
Pioneer 92M32 No 11.8 63.7
Pioneer 92M33 Yes 12.2 61.6

*This plot was done in cooperation with Iowa State University Northwest Iowa Experimental Association On-Farm Research Project. Based on soil samples drawn by ISU, it was concluded that there was no SCN pressure in the plot.

Field Trial 2: Vistive Soybeans
As Americans try to reduce unhealthy trans fats from their diets, soybean seed companies have responded with seed varieties low in linolenic acid content. These low-lin soybeans produce oil with a longer shelf life, which means no need for hydrogenation (and resulting trans fat) by food manufacturers. Yields in this plot appear similar to area yields reported from conventional soybeans. This field trial was planted May 11, harvested Oct. 4, at a population rate of 163,350 seeds/acre. Yield LSD (.05%): 3.4. Trial average: 54.6 bushels/acre yield, with an average moisture content of 11.6 percent.

Variety Moisture % Yield Bu/A
Ag Venture 27V9
 11.7 56.3
Asgrow 2422 11.4 53.6
Midwest 2590 11.7 52.2
Midwest 2790 11.7 55.9

Field Trial 3: Liberty Link Corn Yields
This trial compared varieties of genetically modified corn and the effect of Liberty herbicide on the yield. The corn plot was planted May 1, harvested Oct. 17, and seeded at a population rate of 31,100 seeds/acre. Yield LSD (.05%): 12.6. Trial average: 195.1 bushels/acre, with an average moisture content of 16.1 percent.

Variety Moisture % Yield Bu/A
Golden Harvest H7625
 15.7 201.2
Mycogen 2D557 15.6 189.0
Pioneer 35Y61 16.0 194.5
Schillenger 602 15.9 195.2
Stine 9662 17.3 195.9

Field Trial 4: Organic Soybeans
This trial was plannted May 17 and harvested September 26, and seeded at a population rate of 163,350 seeds/acre. Yield LSD (.05%): 0.7. Trial average: 60.1 bushels/acre, with an average moisture content of 14.2 percent.

Variety Moisture % Yield Bu/A
IA 1008
 14.1 59.2
IA 2053 14.3 61.3
Viking 2022 14.1 60.0

Field Trial 5: Corn Rootworm Trial
This trial was conducted in a field where the presence of Western and Northern variant corn rootworm beetles had been documented. The Western beetle was not previous believed to be present in Northwest Iowa. This plot was planted May 1, harvested Oct. 17, and seeded at a population rate of 31,100 seeds/acre. Yield LSD (.05%): 8.4. Trial average: 176.3 bushels/acre, with an average moisture content of 16.5 percent.

Variety (all Croplan)
 Moisture % Yield Bu/A
579HX/LL with Force insecticide
 16.6 171.5
579HX/LL no insecticide 16.3 175.5
579HXT 16.7 168.7
591 TS 16.3 189.6

Field Trial 6: Highly Fermentable Corn
This trial was conducted with hybrids that are considered to be well suited for ethanol production. This plot was planted May 2, harvested October 29, and seeded at a rate of 31,100 seeds/acre. Yield LSD (.05%): 18.4. Trial average: 172.8 bushels/acre, with an average moisture content of 15.4 percent.

Variety Moisture % Yield Bu/A
Golden Harvest H8061
 15.6 174.8
LG 2533 15.6 167.0
NK N48-B1 14.6 164.7
Pioneer 36H54 15.6 184.7
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