While plant genetics has been considered the key factor in improving
crop yields, the new IANR analysis which studied data for 3,000
irrigated fields in three Nebraska regions over a 15-year period,
revealed thatclimateand field management, rather thangenetics, had a far
greater influence on increased crop productivity.

IANR researchers found that the 15-year climate trend for the Nebraska
cornfields included in the study accounted for 48% of the yield gain,
while 39% stemmed from agronomic practices, including increased seeding
rates and nutrient inputs and a shift toward corn-soybean rotations
rather than continuous corn. Genetic factors accounted for only 13% of
yield gains.

Nebraska study finds climate, field management hold keys to increased
crop yields | Nebraska Today | University of Nebraskaâ??Lincoln (unl.edu)
[news.unl.edu]