University of Illinois opens 64-acre Alma Mater Plots for long-term crop research

A few miles south of the main quad at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, researchers have begun the Alma Mater Plots, an unprecedented agricultural experiment comprising 64 individually tile‑drained one‑acre (0.4‑hectare) fields. The scale and design make it the largest tile‑drained plot network of its kind in the United States, positioning the university as a hub for large‑scale field research.

Scientists are working closely with regional farmers to determine the specific crops and management practices to be tested, aiming to generate data that directly benefits Illinois and Midwest agriculture. By aligning experimental priorities with growers’ needs, the project seeks to improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience across the Corn Belt, offering a valuable resource for both academic inquiry and practical farming applications.