Trial Type
Soil Health (Tillage, Residue Management., Cover Crops), Plant Health (Growth Regulators, Biologicals, etc.)
General Stats
Soil Stats
Methodology
NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) values were collected during the 2022 and 2024 growing seasons, using Landsat data at a resolution of 30 meters. The dates collected were on July 21, 2022 and July 18, 2024. NDVI is a key indicator of plant health and canopy development where higher values suggest better crop performance. The 2022 year was selected since it was the year prior to the implementation of no-till practices, cover crops, and 4-R nutrient management. This field is in a Corn and Soybean rotation.
Results
To ensure accuracy, data were collected at similar growth stages for the same crop, accounting for crop rotation. The difference was calculated by subtracting 2022 NDVI values (pre practice implementation) from 2024 values (post practice implementation) on grid-by-grid basis across the field.
The resulting NDVI difference map highlights areas of both stability and improvement, with approximately 40% of the field showing increased and stable NDVI values (yellow to blue regions). These areas suggest a positive early response to the newly adopted management practices. Other regions with minimal or slightly reduced NDVI values may reflect natural field variability or transitional responses during the first year of implementation.
As this is the first year of implementing these practices, the observed gains are promising. Continued monitoring over future seasons is expected to reveal further improvements in crop health and productivity.
