Corn Trial Results (Holyoke)

Others · Sharon Springs, Ks

Location: Holyoke, CO

Farm Goals

  • Reduce chemical and water inputs; increase corn yield

Trial Setup

  • A split-field design was used to compare the agronomic performance of UpTerra®-treated corn and untreated corn. 
  • Field 8 was used as a control to compare UpTerra-treated fields 10 and 30. All of these fields are similar, consisting of heavier Rago Kuma loam soil types. 
  • Fields 25 and 24 are characterized by lighter soil types and have historically demonstrated high performance. Field 25 was treated with UpTerra water from the first day of the trial, while Field 24 was designated as an untreated control. However, halfway through the season, Field 25 started to outperform Field 24. At that time, the UpTerra treatment was applied to Field 24 to see if treatment could help bridge the yield gap.   
  • Other production practices remained consistent between control and treatment fields. However, in UpTerra-treated Field 10, the grower applied 1000 fewer gallons of nitrogen than in the control field.  
  • Soil moisture sensors were installed at various depths within the profile to compare moisture availability in the control and treated sides of the field. 
  • Industry-standard scouting techniques were implemented throughout the season to monitor early crop development. 
  • Control and treated areas were harvested separately, and machine data captured average yields in each representative area. 

Trial Results

The following results were observed in the UpTerra-treated field: 

  • Yield increases on all UpTerra-treated fields compared to the previous year’s yield:
    • Field 24: 10.4% increase
    • Field 25: 34.4% increase
    • Field 30: 16.9% increase
    • Every UpTerra-treated field achieved record yields compared to historical averages (by over 10+ bu/ac)  
  • More leaf area, bigger ears and larger stalks – with 1,000 gallons less nitrogen applied (Field 10 silage)
  • Deeper soil moisture infiltration and replenishment

Yield Results

Soil Moisture Retention

Agronomy Field Assessments

The treatment and control fields were visited throughout the season to observe crop development. The TerraFlow-treated field showed clear agronomic advantages, including:

  • Greater soil moisture retention
  • Girthier stalks (improved standability)
  • More leaf area and larger ears

Key Trial Takeaways

  • The results indicate that TerraFlow has a positive impact on plant health, corn yield and soil health.
  • Based on field scouting, the TerraFlow-treated crop had better access to soil moisture throughout the season, resulting in less crop stress and stronger plants. Moisture was retained better between irrigation events, which could ultimately reduce irrigation requirements. 
  • Even with less applied nitrogen, the UpTerra-treated crop maintained productivity and produced larger ears, more biomass and girthier stalks.
  • This trial suggests that TerraFlow can help corn growers achieve higher yields and better water use efficiency, improving overall profitability potential. 

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TerraFlow has been proven on over 40,000 acres in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Across crops and geographies, growers see higher yields, improved soil health, better moisture retention and reduced input costs with UpTerra technologies.