Crop Production

Lee County OPTIMA Fields On-Farm Trial: Robert Walter

1 min read
A group of people posing for a selfie while standing in a corn field.

An illustrated logo of growing plants with the words OPTIMA Fields Alabama Extension below them.Farm Overview

  • Location: Society Hill—Lee County, Alabama
  • Crop: Corn
  • Planting date: April 5, 2025
  • Variety: DKC 68-35
  • Area: 41 acres
  • Row spacing: 20 inches
  • Irrigation: Center pivot
  • Tillage: Strip tillage

Objective

  • Evaluate how integrating variable rate seeding and nitrogen rates can improve corn yield and profitability in north Alabama under center pivot irrigation.

Treatments

This trial evaluates the impact of different seeding rates and various nitrogen application levels on corn yield. The primary goal is to optimize input use by improving nitrogen efficiency, thereby minimizing excessive application. The following table outlines the different seeding rates tested in this trial, as well as the methods used to determine nitrogen rates.

Variable Rate Seeding (Seeds per Acre)Variable Rate Nitrogen (Pounds per Acre)
30,000200
32,000250
34,000300
36,000

Soil Type

A map that shows the soil type for the Walters farm trial.

Field Trial Design

A map that shows the field trial design for the Walters farm.

Activities

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