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Micro-Plot Research and Demonstration of Forage Nutrienet

Applied Research

Bronc Finch
Little Rock

Abstract

Traditional research requires large areas of land, extensive planning, high amounts of labor, and often specialized equipment, which can reduce producer interest in hosting research trials, reducing the capacity of a research program to conduct statewide research. Additionally, traditional demonstrations are useful for case-specific investigation but reduce the opportunity to identify repeatability needed by researchers. County agents are often stuck in the middle, wanting to further research to improve recommendations but also demonstrate management strategies and recommendations. However, they often don’t have the necessary tools and/or materials to achieve this. Therefore, the development of micro-plot research and demonstration trials may provide the opportunity to conduct replicated statistically sound research that also demonstrates management strategies to producers with limited hindrance to the producer. These micro-plot research trails were tested in the 2024 summer production season to assess the interest of agents and producers in conducting and hosting small research trials. Over the 2024 season, three research objectives and research protocols were developed and made available to extension agents. Materials and tools needed to conduct the research were provided to the participating extension agents, and all fieldwork and data collection was conducted by the county extension agents. Data was collated, analyzed, and interpreted by the state soil fertility specialist, and research reports were returned to agents for outreach purposes. The feedback from the research and demonstration trials showcases interest in continued work by agents and stakeholders alike, and specific objectives increase the awareness among stakeholders about the need for fertilizer management.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Bronc Finch, Johnny Gunsaulis, Amy Simpson, Katrina Wallace, Scott Hayes, Kevin Lawson, Jerry Clemons, Michael Paskewitz, Jerri Dew, Bryce Baldridge, Gerald Hewitt, Adam Willis
  1. Finch, B. Assistant Professor, Extension Soil Fertility, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72204
  2. Gunsaulis, J. CEA - Agriculture/Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72212
  3. Simpson, A. CEA - Agriculture/Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 71923
  4. Wallace, K. CEA - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72364
  5. Hayes, S. CEA - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 71655
  6. Lawson, K. CEA - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72034
  7. Clemons, J. CEA - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72104
  8. Paskewitz, M. CEA - Agriculture/Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72556
  9. Dew, J. CEA - Agriculture/Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 71845
  10. Baldridge, B. CEA - Agriculture/Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72476
  11. Hewitt, G. CEA - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 71957
  12. Willis, A. CEA - Agriculture/Staff, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72641