Strip trials are just as they sound, multiple long strips laid out side-by-side in a field that have different management practices — also called treatments.

The strips are replicated at least five times across the field with a minimum strip length of 500 feet.

The treatment "strips" are created using a grower’s own field equipment to conduct on-farm research in their own fields.

Aerial images are taken several times throughout the year to monitor the trial. In some trials, soil samples are collected to look at soybean cyst nematode (SCN) levels twice a year. For trials with involving disease, selected GPS reference points are scouted twice a year.

After deciding to participate in a strip trial, farmers can work with a member of the Strip Trial team, a specialist from MU Extension, or their crop consultant to plan, layout, and implement a trial in their field.

This extra guidance and assistance helps ensure growers receive a reliable, statistically valid, and unbiased evaluation of a particular practice, method, or idea.

Go to the Trial descriptions page to see the list of trials in progress and the upcoming trials that you can conduct on your farm.