ISA seeking farmer participation in cover crop, crop nutrition research trials

June 5, 2025 | Aaron Putze, APR

With summer’s unofficial arrival, the 2025 crop year is officially underway. Coinciding with June’s arrival are several farmer-focused research opportunities offered by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA).

“This year and next are gearing up to be great years for farmers to take advantage of research opportunities that fit their interests,” says Alex Litvin, research and agronomy lead for ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation.

The benefits of cover crop use continue to be an area of focus for RCFI. Research trials include exploring the use of cover crops for nutrient mitigation, the effects of multi-species cover crop blends, and relaying them within a cash crop.

Maximizing returns

On the nutrition front, the RCFI research team is executing projects for nitrogen, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, and residue management for nutrient availability.

“The goal is improving input recommendations to maximize returns at harvest,” Litvin says.

The RCFI team is also furthering its reach into technology applications by exploring computer recommendations on management practices, smart vision weed scouting, robotic herbicide weed management, and complex drone pest/disease trials.

“ISA has been working diligently to develop a research program that provides relevant information by diving deep into the topics investigated,” says Litvin. “Our focus is on how newer farming practices and/or technology can create decision tools that economically improve farming operations and to increase in the breadth of topics researched.”

Farmers are encouraged to participate in research trials to be implemented this fall or next spring and summer.

“Depending on the topic, we hope to offer opportunities for everyone interested,” says Litvin.

For additional information, contact Litvin at the RCFI team at agronomy@iasoybeans.com.

Crop, soil conditions

The call for farmer participation in research trials coincides with near completion of soybean plantings and solid crop progress and soil moisture ratings.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s crop progress report released Monday pegged 92% of the state’s expected soybean crop was planted, just over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 60 percent 8 days ahead of 2024 and 4 days ahead of normal.

Soybean conditions rated 16% excellent, 64% good, and 17 fair. Just 3% of the crop was rated poor-very poor.

In his department’s weekly report, Sec. Mike Naig said recent rains have aided topsoil moisture levels across the Hawkeye State, with just 4% rated very short and 15% short, leaving 81% adequate to surplus.

Subsoil moisture was rated 5% very short, 23% short, 67% adequate and 5% surplus.

Written by Aaron Putze.

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