Location: Sharon Springs, KS

Challenge 

• Limited water availability limits grain sorghum productivity.

Farm Goals

• Reduce input and water costs
• Increase grain sorghum yield

Trial Results

The following results were observed in the UpTerra-treated field, relative to the control. 

• 1% yield increase 
• 8-9% increase in soil moisture

Trial Setup

• A split-field design was used to compare UpTerra-treated milo and untreated milo for agronomic performance. 
• TerraFlow^® devices were installed directly in the irrigation system to enhance water use across the treated side of the field. The units use a patented process that organizes and enhances irrigation water via simultaneous vortexing and frequency transmission, aimed at improving soil infiltration and plant hydration.
• TerraNet^® frequency transmitters were deployed to deliver targeted signals designed to support soil and plant health. These frequencies, transmitted via the irrigation system, were intended to stimulate biological processes such as nutrient uptake, microbial activity and plant resilience throughout the growing season. 
• Fertilizer rates, planting dates, irrigation schedules and harvest dates remained consistent between control and treatment fields. 
• Soil moisture sensors were installed at various depths to monitor moisture availability in both the control and treated sides of the field. Seasonal moisture data were analyzed to evaluate plant and soil responses to different water conditions, including a comparison of the percentage of available moisture at each depth.
• Each side of the field was harvested separately, and scale tickets were used to compare yields.
• Statistical analyses were conducted on all applicable data, including a paired T-test and Least Significant Difference analysis.

Yield Results

Based on the machine data, the UpTerra treatment yielded 1% more bushels per acre of harvested sorghum grain compared to the control portion of the field, despite receiving significantly more hail damage than the control field.

	Bushels Per Acre	Percent Change
UpTerra Treatment	107	1%
Control	106

Water Holding Capacity Results

Soil samples were collected from both treatment and control plots in the early season and at the end of the season. Three key metrics were used to evaluate water retention in the soil:

Grams of Water per Gram of Soil (g H₂O per g Soil)

• Early Season: Treatment held 0.16 g/g, compared to 0.15 g/g in the control — a 6.67% increase.
• End of Season: Treatment held 0.26 g/g, compared to 0.24 g/g in the control — an 8.33% increase.

This metric reflects the soil’s water retention at the microscopic level — how much water each gram of soil can hold. A higher value suggests improved soil structure, organic matter or microbial activity. The treatment showed consistently higher moisture retention capacity. While both soils improved, the treated soil improved the most.

Inches of Water per Inch of Soil (Inch H₂O)

• Early Season: Treatment = 0.21″, Control = 0.20″ — a 5.00% increase.
• End of Season: Treatment = 0.34″, Control = 0.31″ — a 9.68% increase.

This value indicates how much water is available per vertical inch of soil. It accounts for both soil texture and structure. The increase in the treatment suggests better water availability to plants, especially deeper into the growing season when water stress is more likely.

Total Inches of Water in Profile (Inch H₂O per Soil Depth)

• Early Season: Treatment = 1.67″, Control = 1.60″ — a 4.37% increase.
• End of Season: Treatment = 2.72″, Control = 2.49″ — a 9.24% increase.

This is a volumetric measure of the total water held in the sampled soil depth. It’s the most practical indicator of how much moisture is accessible for crop use. The increased water storage in the treated soil at season’s end indicates enhanced water retention capacity, which could reduce irrigation needs and buffer against dry periods.

Across all metrics and both sampling periods, the treatment plot consistently showed higher water holding capacity than the control. These improvements became more pronounced by the end of the season, indicating that the treatment may enhance the soil’s ability to retain water over time. This could translate to improved plant resilience, reduced irrigation demand and potentially higher yields under moisture-limited conditions.

Soil Moisture Retention

Moisture probe data revealed that water infiltration was more prominent on the treated half of the field.  Moisture infiltrated more easily, and the retention was significantly higher at multiple depths, resulting in improved water efficiency throughout the season.

The table below illustrates that the treated portion of the field was, in most cases, able to maintain more than 10% higher moisture availability in the top 10 inches of soil. This is significant because most root activity occurs in this region. Higher moisture availability occurred throughout the soil profile for the remainder of the season. 

% Increase in Moisture Availability in UpTerra-treated Soil
Soil Depth	August	September	October
2″	11.54	14.14	13.86
6″	10.71	7.95	8.22
10″	21.79	15.87	15.13
14″	7.45	5.56	5.51
18″	7.20	5.95	5.86
22″	6.09	5.48	5.31
26″	9.63	9.86	10.02
30″	1.35	1.20	1.23
34″	12.29	11.85	11.69

Agronomy Field Assessments

UpTerra agronomists collected field observations throughout the growing season to compare the plant health of treated and control crops. The treated field showed:

• Greater moisture retention
• Denser root masses
• Improved plant development

Jul 13, 2023	Root dig comparisons between treated and control plants show increased root mass.
Jul 13, 2023	Plant development comparisons show greater leaf area and taller plant height on treated plants (left) when compared to control plants (right).

Key Trial Takeaways

• The trial results indicate that the UpTerra treatment has a positive impact on milo plant health, soil moisture distribution and stress resilience. Despite more significant hail damage, the treated crop slightly outyielded the control. 
• This trial suggests that UpTerra technologies can help milo growers manage water more efficiently, reduce irrigation costs and optimize plant health during times of environmental stress. 

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