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.
| 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” |
| 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” |
| 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” |
| 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” |
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.
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.
Year 2: 2022 – Barley
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.
