By Andi Anderson
The University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign is celebrating a major milestone as the Morrow Plots, the oldest continuously running agricultural research field in the United States, complete 150 years of operation.
Established in the 1870s, these historic fields have remained a central part of the campus for generations and continue to influence modern farming practices across the nation.
The Morrow Plots, located near the south quad, are recognized as the oldest ongoing agricultural experiment in North America and the second oldest in the world. Their preservation reflects the university’s long‑standing commitment to agricultural science and research excellence.
Throughout their history, the plots have provided valuable insights into soil health, crop productivity, and sustainable farming techniques.
Highlighting their significance, Germán Bollero, dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, stated, “The Morrow Plots are a huge part of our story in the College of ACES. They’re a direct example of how we live out our land-grant mission, providing evidence-based recommendations that serve the public. We’re so excited to celebrate 150 years of agricultural research and outreach that the Morrow Plots represent.”
When the plots were first created, farming largely depended on experience and intuition rather than scientific evidence. Over decades, experiments at the Morrow Plots demonstrated the power of practices such as crop rotation and careful fertilizer use.
These findings helped farmers improve soil conditions, increase crop yields, and achieve greater profitability on their farms.
A key moment in sharing this research came with the establishment of University of Illinois Extension in 1914. Through outreach programs, discoveries from the Morrow Plots were made accessible to farmers throughout Illinois and beyond, helping shape agricultural methods across the United States.
Reflecting on the legacy of long‑term research, Adam Davis, head of the Department of Crop Sciences, noted, “None of this would have been possible without the foresight of early campus leaders, who saw the value of long-term, practical research. This perspective allowed researchers to understand how farming practices shape soil, crops, and ecosystems over decades, not just seasons. Together, these insights continue to inform strategies that sustain productivity while protecting natural resources.”
As the Morrow Plots reach their 150‑year mark, they remain a symbol of innovation, scientific inquiry, and the enduring impact of agricultural research on society.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig
Categories: Illinois, General