Co-ordinated Experiments

Robust on-farm experiments

The most powerful route to knowing whether a product or practice works on a given farm is to test it side by side against standard practice.

Care is needed as underlying spatial variation in fields is large, so comparisons need to be fair.

Replication is powerful, both of comparisons within a field, but also across farms.

With Data Farming we've developed the ARC on-farm trials tool to make it easy to set-up in-field comparisons, using satellite imagery to see past spatial variations and monitor treatment differences in real time to a line.

Yield mapping on the combine gives the opportunity for statistical analysis of thousands of datapoints - ADAS Agronomics quantifies confidence in a treatment comparison.

We connect with multiple organisations, software and services around the world that support robust on-farm experiments.

Siting & designing trials

The ARC connects with extensive farmer networks, including BOFIN and Innovative Farmers.

A range of resources, experts and tools can help achieve optimal placement and design of farm trials, assessing underlying spatial variation and balancing treatments, practicality and replication.

The ARC Farm Trials Tool makes it easy to place, record, monitor and share your farm on trials.

Partners across the globe allow us to test products and technologies anywhere, including Intent Farm Trials Network, Laconik, DIFM & Farmtest.

Monitoring trials

The ARC Farm Trials Tool uses satellite imagery to monitor trials with minimal effort. For finer detail and guaranteed acquisition, UAV imagery and services like Hiphen or AerialPlot can provide high-resolution crop metrics at key stages.

In-season measurements can add real value — especially when taken using simple, paired comparisons. Our experts can help design practical protocols and advise on the use of crop and soil sensors.

We also work with a network of partners to support local measurements and are exploring digital tools — like QuickTrials and a new BOFIN app — to make data collection and sharing easier for all.

Analyse for confidence

Well-designed trials allow for statistical analysis to assess whether observed effects are real or due to underlying variation. Where replication is possible, standard ANOVA methods can be applied. Tools like ADAS Agronomics use high-resolution yield data to increase precision even with minimal replication.

We collaborate with global leaders in on-farm trial analysis — including groups at Guelph, Cornell, Nebraska, Ohio State, CSIRO, and the Iowa Soybean Association — to develop and use both practical and advanced approaches.

By combining data across trials series, we can increase statistical power and generate insights with precision equal to or greater than traditional plot trials (Roques et al 2022)

ARC Farm Trials tool

Our free on-farm trials tool is now available for use by anyone - just register with Data Farming at https://arc.datafarming.com

Quickly and easily create a project and select any field anywhere
- draw boundary or upload shp file
Instantly access 7 years of past satellite NDVI imagery to assess the spatial variation in your field
Easily draft trial plots by splitting field or drawing polygons
Add treatments, colour code and assign to plots.
Label and edit your plots
Monitor your trial with near real time satellite imagery
Easily share your project and trial with collaborators

We can help you add past and current trials to the platform - just email daniel@arcagsci.com

Your data is secure on the platform, no one in ARC can see it unless you explicitly share your trial or project personally.

Use the ARC Farm Trials Tool

OFE Community

A global movement has developed around On-Farm Experimentation described by Lacoste et al (2022) in Nature Food. The Global On-Farm Experimentation Network (GOFEN) has organised two international conferences with proceedings available from OFE2021 and OFE2023.

Resources are available from Farmers DataLab and on FarmPEP here

Participatory Research approaches include the Tricot system where farmers compare three varieties (or products or practices) and data is collated and analysed to find what works best in local conditions. CGIAR supports the 1000Farms initiative with ClimMob software and has so far worked with over 12000 farmers mostly in Africa.

The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) is a big supporter of OFE approaches in Africa

Explore more

How can ARC help?

We encompass the world's leading experts in on-farm experimentation

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1. Designing Effective On-Farm Trials

We assist in creating simple, yet scientifically sound experimental designs that account for field variability, ensuring that comparisons between practices or products yield meaningful results.

2. Utilizing Technology for Monitoring

By employing tools like satellite imagery and precision agriculture technologies, we enable real-time monitoring of experiments, allowing for timely adjustments and accurate data collection.

3. Analyzing and Interpreting Results

Our team supports the analysis of experimental data, helping to interpret findings in the context of your specific farming system, and translating results into practical recommendations.

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