Comparison of Field-Scale Vs. Small-Plot Research Trials Over the Last 25 Years.

We have conducted field scale-studies in conjunction with concurrent small plot studies in NY since 1986. We typically conduct economic analyses on our field-scale studies rather than small-plot research because of its more realistic setting. We have found much greater precision for yield data in our field-scale vs. small plot tillage research, including corn tillage studies (J. Prod. Agric. 5: 111-117 vs. Soil Tillage Res. 18: 295-310); tillage by rotation studies (corn, soybean, and wheat, J. Prod. Agric. 11: 447-451 vs. Agron. J. 92: 485-493); row spacing by N studies in corn silage (Agron. J. 94:321-325 vs. Agron. J. 93: 597-602); and soybean seed treatment studies (Agron. J. 100:1662-1665 vs. in preparation, respectively). On the other hand, we find less precision in sampling for grain moisture in field-scale studies, which can impact the economic analyses when grain drying costs are included. Overall, we find that in our extension activities, field-scale research has a much greater impact on both the farmer and practitioner audience.