Last call for ISA fall trials

September 4, 2025 | Kriss Nelson

Farmers are under pressure to do more with less. With margins tight from low commodity prices and high input costs, the Iowa Soybean Association's (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) is calling on farmers to join fall trials that test practical, field-ready solutions to boost efficiency and cut costs.

Alex Schaffer, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) research agronomy lead, is making a last call for fall trials.

Pivot Bio

Schaffer has announced a new trial for the 2025 fall and 2026 spring, utilizing Pivot Bio's PROVEN G3 seed treatment.

"This trial is a good example of finding ways to enhance nutrient-use efficiency from the fertilizer we apply and help offset some of the price challenges," says Schaffer.

Ryan Van Roekel, PhD, director of commercial agronomy for Pivot Bio, explains PROVEN G3 is Pivot Bio's third-generation product, built on their patented nitrogen-fixing microbes that feed corn with a daily dose of weatherproof nitrogen on the root. The product also boosts crop growth and health, especially on early root growth, and amplifies nutrient uptake by bringing in more nutrients like iron.

The trial will compare different fall-applied anhydrous ammonia nitrogen rates, including the farmer's chosen rate, that rate plus 20 pounds per acre, the rate minus 20 pounds per acre, and the rate minus 40 pounds per acre.

ISA is seeking 10 participants for the trial. Each will receive a $500 payment for dedicating 40 acres.

"We'll be utilizing variable rate technology to establish a range of nitrogen rates and then testing PROVEN G3 at varying nitrogen scenarios versus the growers' standard nitrogen practices," says Van Roekel. "We hope to fine-tune our product use recommendations and validate our new technology with the Iowa Soybean Association."

More fall trial opportunities

Phosphorus and tillage

This trial will compare the application of Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) or Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), whichever the farmer prefers, in no-till or conventional till, with applications of RhizoSorb in strip-till.

RhizoSorb helps meet the phosphorus requirements of crops by reducing binding to soil, gradually breaking down and releasing phosphorus to plants throughout the season.

"We are looking for 10 participants in this trial," says Schaffer. "It's another opportunity to explore ways to offset rising input costs while improving efficiency."

Residue management in soybeans

This trial will investigate corn residue management using microbes and biostimulants, and the impact of these products on return on investment (ROI). In this trial, farmers will apply BW Fusion Meltdown to corn residue in blocks post-harvest in fields they will plant with soybeans the following year.

"Residue breakdown may aid in improved nutrient availability, better stand counts due to improved planting efficiency and faster fieldwork in the spring," says Schaffer. "The study plans to investigate these potential savings from efficiency gains and weigh them against overall crop performance."

Come spring, Schaffer adds that ISA can work with farmers also to examine the trial using varying planter speeds.

Iowa Nitrogen Initiative

ISA is partnering with Iowa State University to conduct the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative trial, utilizing ISA's network of research and conservation agronomists to help recruit farmers.

Schaffer says there are no restrictions on management practices. The only requirements are yield maps from previous years, a calibrated yield monitor and access to equipment that can apply nitrogen at variable rates across the field.

"The Iowa Soybean Association is helping farmers make the process as easy as possible, helping them understand the prescriptions and other technical support," says Schaffer. "In the end, we hope participation in the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative will deliver a higher return on investment by making decisions that help boost nitrogen efficiency."

Cover Crop Trials

Research is underway to evaluate cover crop management and conservation agronomy practices, including the impact on soil health, organic matter and opportunities for relay cropping.

Connect with ISA for trial participation

Farmers interested in participating in fall trials can learn more at iasoybeans.com/what-we-do/productivity/work-with-us or by contacting Schaffer at aschaffer@iasoybeans.com or 815-274-2998.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

---

Back