Morrow Plots

One of the earliest innovations at the University of Illinois is the Morrow Plots. Established by the College of Agriculture in 1876, conceived by Manly Miles, and developed by George E. Morrow, the Morrow Plots were created to study the effects of crop rotation and land use practices on the soil’s health and yield. This research went on from the 1870’s and continues today.

Originally containing 10 plots, the Morrow Plots would eventually be restricted to just 3 plots (Plots 3, 4, and 5). The research measured the health and yield of the plots, with plot 3 being planted with corn, plot 4 being planted with corn and oats, and plot 5 being planted with corn, oats, and clover (Sampled Yield Reports from 1888-1926). Also, soil richness would be monitored by having some plots injected with nitrogen fertilizer, and others left alone.

Experiments concluded that with crop rotation and/or fertilized soil, corn yields would be high while also maintaining soil richness. To commemorate the research done in the Morrow Plots, The US Department of the Interior would designate said fields as a registered National Historic Landmark in 1968. Today, the Morrow Plots stand as testament as not only the oldest experiment fields in America, but it also honors the legacy of the university as originally having a strong agricultural focus.