Chambana Sun

Following a 175-year tradition, the University of Illinois planted its summer crops of alfalfa, corn and soybeans. 

Research performed in the oldest experimental crop field in the world illustrates the importance of crop rotation. It also illustrates the effects of different types of fertilizers as well as how nutrients are depleted from the soil.

“At present, we are allowed to go ahead with field experiments, as long as social distancing can be maintained,” Allen Parrish, who oversees the UI’s South Farms, told the News Gazette. “Some of our measurements cannot be undertaken with social distancing, so those have to be canceled.”

Parrish said The Morrow Plots will not be affected by the coronavirus.

“If we don’t get planted in the spring, we lose an entire year of research, and that’s not good for anyone,” Parrish said.

The farmers said the weather this year has been favorable for growing.

Stephen Long is the director of the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency project. His team researches how gene editing can influence the efficiency of photosynthesis. About 10 students from Oxford University assist with the project every year.

“This year, the Oxford students cannot travel and some of our own are electing to stay with their families, so we will likely be short-handed,” Long told the News Gazette. “We will have some field trials, but at a considerably reduced level. At present, we are allowed to go ahead with field experiments, as long as social distancing can be maintained. Some of our measurements cannot be undertaken with social distancing, so those have to be canceled.”

The University of Illinois has new projects in the works, such as a $3.2 million dollar greenhouse that is scheduled to open in August.