With spring planting on the horizon, now is the time for producers to finalize plans for on-farm comparisons to evaluate seed products and agronomic products or practices. Agronomists with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., advise producers to use the split-planter comparison method as a simple way to attain information they can use to identify what works best and to make better decisions on their farms.

"Growers who utilize precision farming tools such as field mapping and yield monitors can easily collect accurate and meaningful data using the split-planter method to help evaluate their farming practice," says Barry Anderson, a Pioneer technical applications manager, based in Johnston, Iowa. "This information helps growers make informed decisions about selecting the best products for their operation in the future."

The split-planter method is a simple, low-cost technique that requires simply placing a different product in each half of the planter. The ideal situation is if your harvest width is half your planter width. Growers can use the split-planter method to compare two specific agronomic practices, such as starter vs. no starter fertilizer or two different hybrids, varieties or insecticide treatments. Planting the field in a normal pattern results in repeating strips of each hybrid, variety or agronomic treatment.

There are several ways to make comparisons. Here are some of the most common methods used in setting up a split-planter:

• Compare yields from two different fields. This is the least accurate comparison method. Field-to-field variability is significant, even on fields with similar soils and management.
  
   
• Splitting fields in half. Using this method is accurate when comparing the single side-by-side split in the field. Comparing one half of the field to the other half allows for more variability.
  
   
• Side-by-side comparisons. This is an excellent method for comparing performance. Consider splitting the planter with two products and planting several strips with this method. Product performance is measured accurately when this information is combined with other side-by-side information.
  
   
• Planting an entire field with the planter split with two products. "This is the most accurate way to measure hybrid performance across a field in a given season," says Roger Theisen, a Pioneer agronomist based near Johnston, Iowa.

For best results during harvest, the width of the combine header should be exactly one-half the planter width. Grain harvested from each hybrid (or treatment) strip must be identified as a specific "load," "region" or "variety" on the yield monitor. After the combine makes two passes per hybrid strip, producers need to assign the harvest data as coming from Hybrid A (Load 1) or from Hybrid B (Load 2).

"Harvesting a split-planter field with a yield-mapping combine allows farmers to create a split-planter difference map which is on a scale that is meaningful to growers," says Anderson. "This map graphically portrays the two treatments and helps identify which treatment is most effective and offers the greatest economic benefit."

Key tips for accurate results

When using the split-planter method, growers should follow a few simple guidelines for valid results, recommends Anderson.

• Plan how you will identify the products or practices in the field. Carry flags, stakes and a notebook in the planter tractor to record and identify the treatments.
  
   
• During planting, make sure that the seed size, seeding rate and planter adjustments are appropriate to achieve the same stand of each hybrid or variety.
  
   
• Compare corn hybrids that are within five days of relative maturity, three to five percent moisture content and three to five pounds per bushel test weight.
  
   
• Compare soybean varieties with trait packages and maturities that are as similar as possible.
  
   
• When comparing corn borer-resistant hybrids with conventional hybrids, be aware of insect resistance management requirements and establish a sufficient refuge area.
  
   
• Compare seed products with similar herbicide-resistance traits to reduce the chance of crop loss due to spraying mistakes.
  
   
• Adjacent strips should be harvested while traveling in the same direction, particularly in sloping fields.

Seek assistance

For more information about the split-planter comparison method, how to conduct on-farm comparisons or how to process your data, contact your local Pioneer sales representative.

Growers can also work with a local professional crop advisor who has experience setting up and conducting on-farm trials.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world’s leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.