Proving Ground Plots
Trelay has planted test plots with a new plot system this spring. “Proving Ground” is a plot system that uses modified finger planting units to plant and combine yield monitors to harvest. It allows larger “plots” and replicated plots, increasing the validity of the resulting data.

Attached to finger planting units are plastic plates to assure cleanout after each envelope of seed has been planted. Seeds are counted and packaged for each plot entry. Plot design can vary, however an example would be eight rows, 74 feet long planted per hybrid. By using a grower’s planter and Trelay’s modified planter units, we can plant a plot with 100 hybrids in about three hours. By selecting a uniform piece of ground and testing larger areas per hybrid, we can generate data that is more applicable to normal grower conditions. Small amounts of seed can be replicated in more locations to improve hybrid introduction.

Proving Ground data will be included in DIDO, which will add environmental data such as weather statistics, soil info, historical yield perspective and the GPS location. The Proving Ground system was developed with the assistance of other CORE Group and DIDO members.

Each Proving Ground site will be harvested with the grower’s combine, using the yield monitor. Accuracy is maintained by checking harvested weights with weigh pads, verifying the pounds recorded on the combine monitor. Experience within the CORE Group has demonstrated repeatability and statistical accuracy. With the ease of harvest, the data will be timely and revelant to today’s agricultural cropping systems.

Proving Ground — Trelay’s new hybrid testing system.