Location: Alfalfa, OK

Challenges 

• Limited water availability and excessive heat limit yield potential. The hot, dry conditions challenge weed control efforts. 

Farm Goal

• Increase corn yield

Trial Setup

• A TerraFlow^®-treated corn field (117 acres) and an untreated corn field (121 acres) were compared for agronomic performance. Fields had similar topography and soil types.
• Planting populations, seed variety and planting dates remained consistent between control and treatment fields. 
• Fertilizer and irrigation rates were reduced on the treatment fields due to logistical challenges. However, it provided an opportunity to demonstrate TerraFlow’s ability to maintain or improve yield despite input reductions.
  • During the growing season, the water well for the treated field experienced mechanical issues; consequently, the pivot was not operational for 2-3 days while the well was being repaired. This gave the control field an advantage in water application.
  • 10% less fertilizer was applied to the treated field due to logistical challenges. 
• Harvest was delayed by a week due to increased moisture retention on the treated side.
• Industry-standard scouting techniques were implemented throughout the season to monitor early crop development. 
• Fields were harvested separately, and scale tickets captured average yields in each representative field. 

Historical Yield

Before TerraFlow was installed, the control field consistently outperformed the treated field. Following the TerraFlow installation in 2022, the trend reversed, with the treated field outperforming the control field. 

	Treatment Field (Pre-TerraFlow)	Control Field
Bushels per Acre 2021	189	202

Trial Results

The following results were observed in the TerraFlow-treated field, relative to the control:

• 10.8% yield increase
• $101 more revenue per acre
• $617 savings on nitrogen fertilizer

	Bushels Per Acre	Percent Increase
TerraFlow Treatment	197.39	10.8%
Control	177.16

Income Generation

	Bushels per Acre	Income Per Bushel
Treatment	197.39	986.95
Control	177.16	885.95
Increased Value with UpTerra	20.23 bu/ac	$101.00/ac

**Assumption: Income of $5.00 per bushel

Fertilizer Cost Savings

	Pounds of Nitrogen Applied per Bushel	Pounds of Nitrogen Applied per Acre	Cost per Field
Treatment	1.19	234.89	$16,489
Control	1.33	235.62	$17,106
Differences	0.14 Lbs N/bu	0.73 Lbs N/Acre	$ 617

*Assumption: Fertilizer cost of $0.60 / lbs N.

Agronomy Field Assessments 

Both fields were visited weekly to observe crop development. The TerraFlow-treated field showed agronomic advantages throughout the season, as shown below. The treatment field’s higher yield validates the field evaluations of UpTerra agronomists. 

May 9, 2023	Early vigor comparisons between treated and control plants TerraFlow’s agronomic benefits:Greater plant leaf areaIncreased root massImproved early vigor
May 15, 2023	V3-V4 growth stage comparisons between treated and control plants TerraFlow’s agronomic benefits:Increased biomassGreater root massMore vigorous plant growth

Key Trial Takeaways

• The results indicate that TerraFlow has a positive impact on plant health and corn yield.
• Despite using less water and fertilizer, the TerraFlow-treated field outyielded the untreated control field. 
• Based on field scouting, the TerraFlow-treated crop got a stronger start, which had season-long advantages for harnessing more light energy to build yield.
• Improved root health helped the crop extract more moisture and nutrients at critical growth stages, optimizing plant health.
• This trial demonstrates that corn growers who use TerraFlow can reduce irrigation and fertilizer costs while maintaining or improving corn yield. The soil health benefits compound with continued use, delivering more value each season.

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