Researchers working together to better understand the value of diversity in crop rotations

Research from long-term trials at the Ontario Crops Research Centre in Ridgetown shows that diversifying corn-soy rotations to include wheat can have a significant impact on corn and soybean yields, increasing yields of the two crops between six and 17 bushels per acre.

But when it comes to diversity, U of G researcher Dr. Dave Hooker thinks there’s more to the story and researchers need to learn more to help farmers improve their cropping systems.

Hooker notes that the Ridgetown trials, ongoing since 1995, as well as trials from the Ontario Crops Research Centre site in Elora, will be part of more than 20 long-term rotation research sites participating in the DRIVES research group, intiatied in the U.S. to pool data from long-term trials across North America.

Read the full article on RealAgriculture.com: Researchers working together to better understand the value of diversity in crop rotations

Using findings from the long-term rotation plot trials at the Ontario Crops Research Centre sites in Elora and Ridgetown, the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance and Soils at Guelph highlighted the importance of crop rotation and how it affects various on-farm outcomes including crop yield, resilience during dry years, nitrogen use efficiency and soil health. See the series of key findings infographics to help crop advisors and farmers make on-farm decisions to remain competitive and sustainable.