Action Research: A Pilot Program

Action research goes a step farther than the traditional on- farm demonstration, an Extension trademark. It recognizes farmers as capable researchers and innovators, not solely as cooperators, and incorporates their suggestions, observations, and conclusions into recommended management decisions. Action research also expands the knowledge base, while providing practical information to local producers for immediate use on their farms. In 1990, Kansas State Extension professionals devised such an action research strategy to establish no-till alfalfa after wheat as a possible alternative farm practice in Kansas.

Alfalfa produces one of the highest gross incomes per acre in Kansas. But stand establishment of this important forage crop has long been a major obstacle to production. After wheat harvest in June, growers traditionally prepare for August alfalfa planting by plowing and then disking or harrowing the soil. This requires numerous time-consuming trips over the field, which may run up the tillage costs to $30 per acre. Summer seedbed preparation also robs the soil of valuable moisture at a crucial point when drought conditions often prevail and can increase the chances for soil erosion. After many years of failures in establishing alfalfa stands and lacking significant Experiment Station research on alfalfa planting, Extension professionals implemented action research on no-till alfalfa.

In the first year, two producers cooperated with the Extension professionals to compare no-till alfalfa in undisturbed wheat stubble to alfalfa planted in a tilled seedbed. The number of producers participating in the program has increased each year since. To date, 14 producers have planted 17 action research plots.

The cooperating farmers had access to a no-till drill and the help of an Extension assistant, made possible by extramural grant funds and seed donated by private firms. Given the freedom to make many of the management decisions, some growers in the second year (1991) burned the wheat stubble before planting no- till alfalfa. In 1992, some producers chose baling instead of burning as the way to deal with the wheat straw. Each producer determined plot size, which has ranged from 1 to 40 acres.

A survey of the 14 producer-participants indicated an overwhelming acceptance of no-till alfalfa and showed they were interested in promoting this new farming practice in their communities. Providing the no-till drill was a better incentive to participate than providing the seed. In addition, the Extension professionals were able to make the following observations about the pilot program:

1. Plant stand establishment and yields of no-till alfalfa after wheat are equal to those of conventionally planted alfalfa.

2. No-till alfalfa after wheat saves time and tillage costs and reduces soil moisture loss and soil erosion, but it also requires a producer to plan a year ahead for soil fertility and weed control.

3. Action research allows for effective data-gathering, while transferring the knowledge to producers for immediate use.

4. Producer ownership (the freedom to share in decision making) is central to the success of such a cooperative venture.

5. Innovative producers will build on an idea to fit it into their own operations, which makes them good partners in action research.

The Extension specialists and county agents who planned and moved the program forward will continue to examine the future of no-till alfalfa in rotation with wheat and perhaps other crops. They're also making available for educational purposes a videotape and publication on no-till alfalfa. In addition to the experience gained working with producers, they're better understanding no-till alfalfa after wheat from results of formal research that also began in 1990 at a Kansas experiment field.