October 3, 2025 | Pamela Smith writing for Progressive Farmer
A 1-acre field of Flanagan silt loam located in the heart of the University of Illinois’ Champaign-Urbana campus is proof research can have a long arm.
Since 1876, the Morrow Plots have continuously provided insights on soil health, crop rotation and other aspects of agricultural productivity. The oldest agricultural experiment field in the United States and the second oldest in the world, the plot was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark in 1968.
So hallowed is the ground that legend has it the adjoining undergraduate library was built beneath ground to avoid casting a shadow on the crops. While some say that’s a myth, a song dedicated to the plot includes this cautioning reprise: “You can’t throw shade on the corn.”
HISTORY CLASS
Several historic field experiments continue to serve as a rich resource for scientists by providing archived samples and ongoing data collection on soil, crops and related cropping-system outcomes. England’s Rothamsted Research (Harpenden, Hertfordshire) site dates from 1843 and is considered the oldest continuing agricultural field experiment in the world, which served as the inspiration for the Morrow Plots.