Network Design

Plots at Waseca.

Phase I

In Phase I of the LTARN, research is conducted across a relatively small, uniform parcel of land at each site. The goal is to understand processes at a large scale, i.e. system-to-system, site-to-site.

A series of six cropping system models, including both annual to perennial crop sequences, are established at all network nodes in a large-plot replicated design. Crop system models range from simple two-crop rotations to more complex perennial-based cropping systems. At each site, crops are grown in four main plots, each 24 m x 24 m with eight 6 m x 6 m sub-plots assigned to specific experiments within each main plot.

Model Proposed Cropping System  
2-crop rotation Corn/soybean rotation 2 phases x 4 reps = 8 plots
3-crop rotation Corn/soybean/wheat rotation 3 phases x 4 reps = 12 plots
Annual/perennial Corn/corn/alfalfa/alfalfa/alfalfa 3 phases x 4 reps = 12 plots
Continuous living cover Silage corn fb pennycress/soybean 1 phase x 4 reps = 4 plots
Cover crops Corn/soybean + cover crops 2 phases x 4 reps = 8 plots
Perennial living cover Grass-based polyculture 1 phase x 4 reps = 4 plots

 

Phase II

In phase II, the goal is to understand processes at a smaller scale, i.e. at the field scale, where variability in terrain and other landscape characteristics become an important factor. In this phase, we will identify representative fields at each site that are typical of local soil and terrain features in the area. This allows us to improve scalability and extrapolation based on an understanding of processes affected by water, incoming solar radiation, soil movement, etc. at the macro- and field-scales. A field site is being established in 2015 at the SROC in Waseca as a model for other nodes in the network.