Water Infiltration, Uptake, and Storage

In 2023 we began measuring water use efficiency in all 4 blocks of the Birch Hill trials. We partnered with Crop Intelligence for soil moisture probes and their accumulated data from 15 years of use by growers. H-Start consistently increases root biomass including root branching, fine root hair development, and root tip production to interact with the soil and release exudate.

Research Results – Birch Hills Commercial Demo Field

NW Block (Control)

2023
Water infiltration (July) 10 cm/4”
Total water use 11.9216”
Water driven yield potential 68 bu/ac
Actual yield 75.1 bu/ac
Management response 6.3 bu/ in water
Crop available water (Oct) 1.6”

NE Block

2023
Water infiltration (July) 20 cm/8”
Total water use 11.5796”
Water driven yield potential 66 bu/ac
Actual yield 75.6 bu/ac
Management response 6.5 bu/ in water 
Crop available water (Oct) 3.4”

SW Block

2023
Water infiltration (July) 10 cm/4”
Total water use 10.7552”
Water driven yield potential 61.3 bu/ac
Actual yield 79.9 bu/ac
Management response 7.4 bu/ in water
Crop available water (Oct) 1.2”

SE Block

2023
Water infiltration (July) 30 cm/12”
Total water use 11.0604”
Water driven yield potential 63 bu/ac
Actual yield 80.15 bu/ac
Management response 7.3 bu/ in water
Crop available water (Oct) 2.9”

Key findings:

Key findings compared to the NW control:

Root Biomass with H-Start

The amount of root biomass is impacted by many different factors including growth hormones and nutrient availability.  We’ve measured the impact of H-Start on both. 

Why is root biomass important?

Greater root biomass means more roots to take up water and nutrients, improve soil structure, and contribute to reduced soil compaction and improved permeability.  Fine root hairs have more interaction with the soil particles, and access to soil moisture and nutrients.  Roots also help build soil structure, contribute organic material to the soil, and act as a place for soil bacteria and fungi to live. 

NW Block (Control)

NE Block

SW Block

SE Block

Research Results – Birch Hills Commercial Demo Field

Key findings compared to the NW control:

Year 2: 2022 – Barley

img sg3 how we measure root biomass

How we measure root biomass

H-Start has demonstrated a consistent increase in root biomass across all crops. In fall 2022, three samples were collected in each block using an 8” wide shovel inserted approximately 10 inches deep along the crop row. Each sample collected had at least 8 barley plants.

The plants were soaked in water overnight to allow the soil to become saturated before gently massaging the soil while rinsing under a low pressure spray nozzle. Once all soil was removed, plants were separated and dried to a consistent moisture level before being weighed.