Current Trial Opportunities
The Iowa Soybean Association's (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) invites farmers to participate in upcoming trials. Farmer data collected as part of these opportunities will remain confidential.
Available Trials
Click on the available trials below to learn more.
| Precision Seeded Cover Crops ahead of Corn |
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This RCFI project will look at precision seeding methods of a legume cover crop away from the planted corn rows to determine if there is a nitrogen benefit from the terminated legume to the corn while overcoming the early season slow emergence and vigor of the corn plant which is typically seen with solid seeded cover crops.
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| Iowa Nitrogen Initiative w/ ISU |
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Iowa State University is working with RCFI to develop a public-private partnership to improve nitrogen rate recommendations for corn in Iowa.
The goal is collect hundreds of locations of 5 rate Nitrogen trials implemented via variable rate technology to improve the MRTN tool as well as support various crop modeling and predictive models to improve farm profitability and nitrogen use efficiency.
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| Conservation Cropping Systems Demonstration |
Because soil erosion and nutrient loss are a persistent threat to the resiliency & sustainability of farming in Iowa, efforts are needed to integrate conservation crop production systems into more traditional farming operations.
With this project, RCFI is hoping to learn the benefits of conservation cropping systems as well as how to drive successful adoption across Iowa.
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| Improved Cropping System |
RCFI is leading an effort with support from ISU and Iowa Corn to explore the potential benefits of stacking multiple best management practices compared to standard practices in Iowa.
Split-application nitrogen management, specific cover crop species, reduced tillage and delayed cover crop termination have all shown improved profitability or increased sustainability individually. We believe, that when utilized together, this system can provide a more profitable AND a more sustainable program for the production of soybeans and corn in Iowa.
Join us to become 1 of 25 farmers that will drive Iowa ag forward.
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| Residue Management Effect on Soybeans |
Can corn residue removal increase the vigor and profitability of the following soybean crop?
RCFI is partnering with a local, autonomous planter developer to to explore multiple planting dates combined with residue removal to understand if this practice can earn you money from the residue and increase the profitability of the following soybeans.
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| Relay Intercropping with Soybeans |
How much value can a cover crop bring to your farm?
RCFI is exploring the practice of relay intercropping cereal grains with soybeans. This practice has the potential to increase cover crop acres in Iowa while adding increased revenue to the farm.
ISA needs your help in developing the handbook on best management practices of relay intercropping cereal grains and soybeans.
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Complete the trial opportunities form below
If you have a question, please reach out to Kristen Dearden, engagement and outreach coordinator, at kdearden@iasoybeans.com.