KBS Study Reveals Crop Growth Differences Through Seasonal Photo Timeline

By Andi Anderson

The Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (KBS LTAR) team has introduced a new photo timeline that provides a visual record of crop development throughout the 2025 growing season. The resource compares two different farming systems being studied in the Aspirational Cropping Systems Experiment (ACSE) and helps researchers, farmers, and the public better understand how various agricultural practices influence crop growth.

The photo timeline was created in response to requests from researchers and stakeholders who wanted a visual reference for crops as they developed in the field. The images allow viewers to observe changes in crops over time while also supporting ongoing research related to soil health, biodiversity, soil erosion, and other environmental factors.

The ACSE project compares two distinct crop production systems. One system, known as Business as Usual (BAU), reflects common farming practices used throughout the region. This approach typically includes a corn-soybean rotation, conventional tillage, uniform input application, and no use of cover crops.

The second system, called Aspirational (ASP), is designed to maximize ecosystem services while maintaining agricultural productivity. This system includes a diverse crop rotation, continuous no-till management, cover crops, integrated pest management practices, precision input use, and prairie strips.

By comparing these systems side by side, researchers can better evaluate how different management strategies affect crop performance and environmental outcomes. The monthly photographs also provide valuable insight into how crops respond to seasonal changes and varying field conditions.

The visual resource serves several important purposes. It helps scientists explain research findings, supports educational outreach efforts, and allows farmers to compare research plots with conditions in their own fields throughout the growing season. The timeline also helps illustrate the appearance and development of crops at different stages of growth.

A notable example from the timeline shows a comparison of the ASP and BAU corn systems during July 2025, highlighting visible differences between the two management approaches.

The photo collection, titled "Fields in Contrast: A Visual Journey of the KBS LTAR," is available as a public resource on the KBS LTAR website. Researchers, educators, agricultural professionals, and interested community members can explore the images to gain a better understanding of modern cropping systems and sustainable agricultural practices.

The photos can also be downloaded and used for educational and research purposes when proper credit is given to “KBS LTAR, Aerin Braunohler.” Through this initiative, KBS LTAR continues to promote agricultural research, transparency, and public understanding of farming systems and their long-term impacts on the environment.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nicexray