# On-Farm Trials Design & Creation

## 1 min Tutorial

{% @arcade/embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/A26Ph3BdcYbkzePxVpzO>" flowId="A26Ph3BdcYbkzePxVpzO" %}

Create field trials in GeoPard directly on top of your field and zones map.

Keep each plot georeferenced. Assign one-factor or two-factor treatments. Export one machine-ready layer. Then evaluate results against yield, soil, topography, and as-applied data.

{% hint style="success" %}

### Smart trial placement

GeoPard helps you place trials where results stay clean and unbiased.

It can automatically find suitable trial areas, keep layouts away from field and zone boundaries, and respect buffer spacing so products do not mix between neighboring plots.

You stay in control. Adjust placement, move trials, fine-tune buffers, or delete layouts before execution.

This reduces trial setup time, avoids biased comparisons, and improves the ROI of every on-farm test.
{% endhint %}

### Who it’s for

Farmers, agronomists, dealers, retailers, and researchers who want practical on-farm comparisons in real field conditions.

### Why create trials in GeoPard

GeoPard stores each trial as a spatial field layer, not just a spreadsheet row.

Each plot, strip, or block stays linked to its exact field position. That makes later analysis much more useful.

You can evaluate trial outcomes by:

* **yield performance**
* **soil and management zone characteristics**
* **topography and other variability layers**
* **economic return by treatment**

{% hint style="success" %}
Use this workflow when you want trials that are easy to execute in the field and strong enough to analyze after harvest.
{% endhint %}

### What this module adds

GeoPard supports field trials as a dedicated data layer alongside Zone Maps.

Key capabilities:

* draw trial plots directly on the Zones Map page
* reuse trial locations when creating a new zones map
* visualize trials on the field page when the related zones map is selected
* export trials merged with the zones map into one application-ready file

### What you need before you start

* A field boundary in GeoPard
* A saved Zones Map, or a clear trial area on the field
* Treatments to compare, such as seeding rate, fertilizer rate, hybrid, variety, fungicide, or product dose
* Machine width and travel direction for clean execution

### Trial layouts supported

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Trial Type</th><th>Details</th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Plot Grid (RCBD)</strong></td><td>A classic randomized complete block design for statistically stronger treatment comparisons. GeoPard creates a rectangular grid where each block contains all treatments in randomized order. Best for structured trials where you need cleaner, more publishable results and relatively uniform conditions within each block.</td><td data-object-fit="cover" data-alt="Plot grid rcbd farm trial design"><a href="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2Fe2NDAomS4noMGaJIHtcq%2FRCBD%20-%20Plot%20grids%20trials.png?alt=media&#x26;token=65aa28a0-1e95-4f53-b27c-fd3af02f226c">RCBD - Plot grids trials.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Split-Plot</strong></td><td>A two-factor trial design with a second treatment dimension inside the main plots. Best when you want to test interactions such as the same rates across different hybrids or varieties. This is practical when one factor is harder to change in the field and the second factor needs to repeat consistently inside it.</td><td data-object-fit="cover" data-alt="Split-plot farm trial"><a href="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2F1qXC041hUREOU4VTsM0h%2FGeoPard-Trials-Split-plot-design.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a76f360f-338a-441a-bd1d-14c18620277c">GeoPard-Trials-Split-plot-design.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Zone Strip</strong></td><td>Creates strips inside management zones, following zone boundaries and clipping to fit each zone. Best when you want to compare treatments within specific soil types, productivity zones, or other agronomic zones.</td><td data-object-fit="cover" data-alt="Zone strip farm trial"><a href="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2FLzlQ8T0WSZXIC8cWgIKU%2FScreenshot%202026-03-31%20at%2010.18.15.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c2a8e0e2-1b4b-4941-85d6-54b4dc7ee0d8">Screenshot 2026-03-31 at 10.18.15.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Field Strip</strong></td><td>Creates full-length strips across the entire field, crossing all zone boundaries. This is a practical setup for real farm equipment and easy application, especially for large-scale comparisons under varying field conditions.</td><td data-object-fit="cover" data-alt="Field Strip farm trial"><a href="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2FGPC5bDJYWEwjWBPijeTG%2FField%20Strip-trials-geopard.png?alt=media&#x26;token=96549d34-14ef-430e-b20b-67d54807ffd9">Field Strip-trials-geopard.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Checkerboard</strong></td><td>Creates alternating treatments across a grid pattern, spreading each treatment throughout the trial area. Useful for exploratory trials and for fields with strong spatial variability.</td><td data-object-fit="cover" data-alt="Checkboard farm trial"><a href="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2F1fgbMJ4k6Z4CvWSSYFMe%2FCheckboard-trials-geopard.png?alt=media&#x26;token=eeee1789-bb16-491c-bb63-0358a9fb00d5">Checkboard-trials-geopard.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### When to use split-plot

Use split-plot when you need two treatment dimensions in one trial.

A common example is the same rates tested across different hybrids or varieties.

This helps you measure interaction effects and compare ROI by both factors.

### Which layout should you choose?

* **Plot Grid (RCBD)**: best when you want the strongest treatment comparison.
* **Split-Plot**: best when you want one factor nested inside another, such as the same rates across different hybrids.
* **Zone Strip**: best when you want to compare treatments inside different management zones.
* **Field Strip**: best when you want easy machine execution across the full field.
* **Checkerboard**: best for exploratory trials on fields with strong spatial variability.

### Practical setup recommendations

| Goal                                                        | Best layout          | Practical starting point                                            |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Compare seeding or nitrogen rates with commercial machinery | **Field Strip**      | Match strip width to implement width. Use 4-6 replications.         |
| Compare the same rates across multiple hybrids or varieties | **Split-Plot**       | Put rate in the main dimension. Put hybrid in the second dimension. |
| Compare hybrids, varieties, or products in a uniform area   | **Plot Grid (RCBD)** | Use 3-6 blocks. Keep shuffle on.                                    |
| Compare treatments inside productivity or soil zones        | **Zone Strip**       | Use the same zone map you already trust for agronomy.               |
| Explore strong within-field variability                     | **Checkerboard**     | Use smaller cells and more replications.                            |

### Step-by-step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### 1. Start from the field and zones map

Open the field you want to use.

If needed, create a Zones Map first. Trials are designed on the Zones Map page.

Good base layers for trials:

* management zones
* yield history
* soil data
* topography
* satellite imagery

<figure><img src="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2Fe2NDAomS4noMGaJIHtcq%2FRCBD%20-%20Plot%20grids%20trials.png?alt=media&#x26;token=65aa28a0-1e95-4f53-b27c-fd3af02f226c" alt="RCBD plot grid trial layout on a field in GeoPard"><figcaption><p>Plot-grid trial example created directly on the field map</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 2. Choose the trial layout

Pick the layout that matches your agronomic question and your machinery.

Use **Field Strip** for full-pass real-farm execution.

Use **Plot Grid (RCBD)** when you want tighter control and stronger statistics.

Use **Split-Plot** when you want a second treatment dimension, such as rate × hybrid.

Use **Zone Strip** when treatment response should be compared inside specific management zones.

Use **Checkerboard** for broad exploratory work on variable ground.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 3. Set the geometry

Define the layout so it fits real field operations.

Set:

* **Replications**
* **Angle**
* **Width**
* **Buffer**
* **Blocks** where relevant

Practical defaults:

* match **Width** to machine working width
* match **Angle** to travel direction or AB line
* add **Buffer** where overlap risk exists
* use more **Replications** when field variability is high

<figure><img src="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2FGPC5bDJYWEwjWBPijeTG%2FField%20Strip-trials-geopard.png?alt=media&#x26;token=96549d34-14ef-430e-b20b-67d54807ffd9" alt="Field strip trial layout across the entire field"><figcaption><p>Field strips are practical for real machinery passes</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 4. Define treatments

Enter the rates, products, or treatment values you want to compare.

For split-plot trials, define both factors before you build the layout.

A common setup is the same rate set repeated across several hybrids in the second dimension.

You can:

* add or remove treatments
* edit each treatment value
* color-code treatments
* generate treatment levels around a center rate using **Treatment Difference**
* use **Shuffle Layout** to reduce positional bias

Typical trial factors:

* seeding rate
* nitrogen rate
* fungicide rate
* variety or hybrid
* biological or stabilizer dose
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 5. Review the layout on the map

Check whether strips or plots fit the real field shape.

Make sure turns, headlands, waterways, and obstacles do not break the trial badly.

If needed, adjust width, angle, blocks, or treatment order and regenerate.

<figure><img src="https://3272281156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYICBELdyAXXebKAzfLOR%2Fuploads%2FLzlQ8T0WSZXIC8cWgIKU%2FScreenshot%202026-03-31%20at%2010.18.15.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c2a8e0e2-1b4b-4941-85d6-54b4dc7ee0d8" alt="Zone strip trial layout clipped to management zones"><figcaption><p>Zone strips let you compare treatments inside management zones</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 6. Save and visualize on the field

Save the trial layout.

GeoPard keeps it linked to the related Zones Map. When that Zones Map is selected later, the trial can be visualized on the field page.

This is useful for scouting, explaining the setup to operators, and checking treatment placement before execution.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 7. Export one application-ready layer

Export the trial merged with the Zones Map.

This keeps the agronomic zones and the trial treatments in one output layer, which is practical for prescription workflows and machine execution.

If needed, continue with the export workflows here:

* [Export VRA map In ISOXML Format](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/product-tour-web-app/export-download/export-vra-map-in-isoxml-format)
* [Export Rx Maps to John Deere Operations Center as Files](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/product-tour-web-app/john-deere-operations-center-integration/6.-export-rx-maps-to-john-deere-operations-center-as-files)
* [Export Rx Maps to John Deere Operations Center as Work Plans](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/product-tour-web-app/john-deere-operations-center-integration/8.-export-rx-maps-to-john-deere-operations-center-as-work-plans)
  {% endstep %}
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### Trial design parameters

| Trial Parameter          | Details                                                                                                                                                                         |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Replications**         | Sets how many times the treatment set is repeated. More replications improve comparison quality and reduce the impact of local field variability.                               |
| **Angle**                | Controls the orientation of the trial layout. Use it to align plots or strips with field direction, machine path, or operational preference.                                    |
| **Width**                | Defines the width of each strip or plot in meters. Usually match it to implement working width.                                                                                 |
| **Buffer**               | Adds spacing between neighboring plots or strips. This helps reduce overlap and treatment interference.                                                                         |
| **Blocks**               | Defines the block structure used in layouts such as RCBD. Each block contains the full treatment set and helps account for field variability.                                   |
| **Treatments**           | Defines the treatment rates or values to compare, such as seeding rates, fertilizer rates, or product doses. Treatments can be enabled, edited, color-coded, added, or removed. |
| **Treatment Difference** | Quickly generates treatment levels around a center rate by percentage. Example: a 10% setting creates evenly spaced lower and higher treatment rates around the base value.     |
| **Shuffle Layout**       | Randomizes treatment placement inside the selected design. This helps reduce positional bias and improves comparison strength.                                                  |

### Best practices for better trial quality

* Match strip width to the real machine width.
* Keep strip direction aligned with travel direction whenever possible.
* Use at least **3 replications** for more reliable comparisons.
* Add buffers if overlap or edge effect is likely.
* In split-plot trials, put the harder-to-change field operation in the main dimension.
* Repeat the second factor consistently inside each main plot.
* Avoid placing the whole trial across very different productivity areas unless that is the actual question.
* If variability is high, use blocks, zones, or historical productivity layers to control the comparison better.
* Keep treatment names and rates clear before export.

### Common mistakes to avoid

* Strips that are narrower than the implement can apply accurately
* Too few replications for a highly variable field
* Ignoring headlands and overlap zones
* Mixing factor order in split-plot trials and losing the second-dimension comparison
* Comparing treatments later without checking actual applied rates
* Using noisy, uncleaned yield data for the final conclusion

{% hint style="warning" %}
After harvest, do not rely only on planned treatment rates. Check the actual applied data and clean the yield dataset before drawing conclusions.
{% endhint %}

### After harvest: analyze the trial properly

Creation is the first half.

For strong conclusions, combine the trial layout with cleaned yield, actual applied data, and field variability layers.

Recommended follow-up pages:

* [Yield Calibration & Cleaning](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/agronomy/yield-calibration-and-cleaning)
* [Field Trial Analytics](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/agronomy/field-trial-analytics)
* [Evaluate Accuracy of Fertilizer Application](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/agronomy/evaluate-accuracy-of-fertilizer-application)
* [Evaluate Accuracy of Seeding Application](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/agronomy/evaluate-accuracy-of-seeding-application)

### Related docs

* [Zones Maps and Analytics](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/product-tour-web-app/zones-maps-and-analytics)
* [Field Management Zones (Productivity Zones) Creation Process](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/agronomy/field-management-zones-productivity-zones-creation-process)
* [Variable Rate Fertilizer Maps](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/agronomy/variable-rate-fertilizer-maps)
* [Soil Sampling - Automated Planning](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/product-tour-web-app/soil-sampling-automated-planning)
* [Field Trial Analytics](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/agronomy/field-trial-analytics)

### Changelog

* [**March 2026** — initial release of On-Farm Trial Layouts Design](https://docs.geopard.tech/geopard-tutorials/changelog-and-product-releases/release-notes/release-web-march-2026-field-trials-design-generative-synthetic-yield-maps-farm-view-stats-mcp) with spatial trial layouts, treatment setup, map visualization, and merged export with zones maps.
* **April 2026** — split-plot design added for two-factor trials, such as the same rates across different hybrids.