Using Organic and Conventional Varietal Tests to Determine Functional Differences Between Systems.

Soybean and wheat variety trials from 2009 to 2015 are analyzed for changes in varietal ranks between systems.  Most varieties perform similarly in both systems, but the occasional varieties that substantially change rank can inform plant breeders and agronomists on how these systems function differently.  For instance, organic systems are known to vary significantly in nutrient cycling, weed control and tillage.  Which of these differences have the largest impact on choosing the right genetics?  Detecting varieties that perform better or worse than expected under organic conditions generates new hypotheses on system function and offers new avenues for increasing yields in organic agriculture.