Challenges

• Salt in irrigation water
• High pH soils

Farm Goals

• Higher yield and biomass

Trial Setup

• A split-field design was used to compare the agronomic performance of UpTerra^®-treated sorghum and untreated sorghum. 
• The treated field received irrigation water treated with UpTerra technology. The control field used standard irrigation water. All other production practices remained consistent between control and treated fields. 
• Control and treated areas were harvested separately, and silage weights were used to measure yield in the respective fields.
• Each field was monitored throughout the growing season to record any developmental differences.
• A paired T-test and Least Significant Difference analysis were performed on this data.

Trial Results Summary

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

• 28.6% silage yield increase
• 100% return on investment
• $159.60 per acre in additional income 

Yield Results

	Tons Per Acre	Percent Increase
UpTerra Treatment	17.95	28.6%
Control	13.96

Based on the harvest data provided by the grower, the UpTerra treatment generated a 28.6% increase in tons per acre of harvested sillage compared to the control field. This resulted in an additional income of $159.60 per acre.

Income Generation

**Assumption: Sorghum price of $40 per ton

	Tons Per Acre	Income Per Acre
Treatment	17.95	718
Control	13.96	558.40
Increased value with UpTerra	3.99 tons/ac	$159.60/ac

Satellite Imagery

The satellite imagery taken during the 2023 growing season shows typical biomass accumulation in both the treatment field and the control field during early-season crop development. The NDVI values of each field are graphed below. The graph shows much earlier plant development in the treated field. Higher NDVI values were maintained until the end of the season, when the control caught up and closed the gap.

Key Trial Takeaways

• The results indicate that UpTerra technology has a positive impact on sorghum silage yield and overall profitability potential. The grower saw a 100% ROI with UpTerra technology in this trial.
• Satellite imagery and NDVI data show that the UpTerra-treated sorghum got a stronger start earlier in the season, giving it an advantage for season-long biomass accumulation. Stronger roots, more vigorous emergence and greater stress resilience supported plant health from planting to harvest.  
• This trial suggests that TerraFlow can help sorghum growers achieve higher yields and profits while mitigating soil and water quality challenges. 

Related Content

Turning Irrigation Water Into Rainwater: Brett Gerk’s Experience With UpTerra

5 Ways to Build Soil Health for Better Plant Nutrient Uptake

Why Your Crops May Be Struggling: It Might Not Be What You Think