MOOSE JAW, Sask. – The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation has developed two tools to help farmers do their own research.
IHARF research associate Chris Holzapfel said it makes sense for farmers to be able to examine differences in practices or products on a field scale, such as comparing two seeding systems.
However, they may run into difficulty when trying to interpret results.
An IHARF research guide provides information on how to set up and conduct basic experiments, while a data analysis spreadsheet allows farmers to enter results and interpret them.
Read Also
Going beyond “Resistant” on crop seed labels
Variety resistance is getting more specific on crop disease pathogens, but that information must be conveyed in a way that actually helps producers make rotation decisions.
Holzapfel said the first step in on-farm research is to define the question. It should be straightforward and testable. The experiment should also be simple.
The guide provides instructions for using the most common design in research, the randomized complete block, as well as the paired T-test.
“The more reps the greater your ability to detect a difference, if one exists,” Holzapfel said, suggesting at least three or four replications of each treatment.
Farmers should locate their trials in representative areas of their fields and, if possible, of their farm.
Each treatment should be treated exactly the same except for what is being tested.
Hozapfel said IHARF wants to hear from producers who do their own research.
“IHARF is considering expanding its role to more actively participate in on-farm research.”
For more information, visit www.iharf.ca.
