The goal of research is two fold. In basic science research we investigate topics that may not have applications in farming operations. These topics may seem esoteric to farmers. However, the knowledge gained may lead to practical application in the future. An example of basic science research at the Delta Center is Dr. Stevens's project to understand the mechanism by which soybean plants tolerate flooded soil conditions. The lessons learned here may be applied many years down the road. In applied research the goal is to evaluate products or practices that producers may be asked to use in the near future. This type of research helps producers to compare options. An example of applied research is Dr Shannon's screening of soybean varieties for flood tolerance. The results of this study allow producers to select soybean varieties suitable for condition on their farm. Ideally both types of research work together, basic science adds to our knowledge base, this knowledge is then applied in a practical way.

Most of my research at the Delta Center has been applied research, where different fertilizer programs are directly compared. The goal is to determine which program produces the highest yields. There are many variable factors in crop production. In research one factor at a time is investigated. The other variables are held constant. In a fertility experiment the other production practices (tillage, pest control & irrigation) would be the same for the entire trial.

An example of applied research would be my Phosphorus (P) trials for rice production. For this trial a location that tested low for soil P was selected. The goal was to determine the rate of P fertilizer that would maximize rice yields. Four rates of P were chosen 0, 25, 50 and 100 lbs P/a all as Triple Super Phosphate. The rates were chosen to give a range of P, the highest rate being above what a soil test would recommend. Each rate was assigned a number and referred to as a treatment: Treatment # 1 = untreated check, Treatment # 2 = 25 lb/a, Treatment #3 = 50lb/a... To ensure valid statistical comparisons of the results, four replications of each treatment were used. Next a plot map was produced; with each treatment # randomly assigned to a plot #. Wooden plot stakes were prepared with the plot# and treatment # to aid in relocating the plots during the growing season. The area of each plot was 10 X 25". The amount of fertilizer for each plot was calculated and weighed into bags. The field was measured into plots and the designated with the wooden stakes. Each of these were then applied by hand to the designated plots and incorporated with tillage. Rice was then planted and uniformly grown using the standard practices for SE Missouri. At the end of the season each plot was harvested. A plot combine was used to harvest the middle portion of each plot. The resulting grain was weighed and yields were calculated on a per acre basis. The yield of each plot was then statistically compared. One comparison used is average yield. Some times a single plot that yields lower or higher, for what ever reason, than the others may bias the results. For a more reliable picture a method called Least Statistical Difference (lsd) is used. In this method a confidence interval is selected and the (lsd) is calculated. A confidence interval of 95 means that if the average yield difference between two treatments is greater than the lsd we can expect the same results 95% of the time. In my research I found that 95% of the time P will increase yields but that 95% of the time 50 lb was as good as 100 lb for increasing rice yields.

2006 Field Day Report