Background

Morrow Plots: A Century of Agricultural Innovation

Explore the Morrow Plots: a National Historic Landmark showcasing over a century of agricultural research and innovation at the University of Illinois.

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The Morrow Plots, located on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, are the oldest experimental agricultural fields in the United States and the second oldest in the world. Established in 1876, these plots demonstrate the long-term effects of different crop rotations and soil treatments, contributing significantly to modern agricultural practices.

A brief summary to Morrow Plots

Local tips

  • Visit during the growing season (spring-fall) to see the crops in action.
  • Take a self-guided tour using the informational plaques to learn about the history and experiments.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby University of Illinois campus.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Morrow Plots are centrally located on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, between the Main Quad and the South Quad. From the Illini Union, walk north along the main quad, past Foellinger Auditorium. The plots will be on your left, just past the Observatory.

  • Public Transport

    The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) provides bus service to the University of Illinois campus. Several bus lines stop near the Illini Union. From the Illini Union, walk north along the main quad, past Foellinger Auditorium. The Morrow Plots will be on your left, just past the Observatory. A one-way trip on MTD is $1.

  • Driving

    From Green Street, turn south onto Goodwin Avenue. The Morrow Plots will be on the East side of Goodwin Avenue, between Gregory Drive and the Observatory. Metered parking is available in the Illini Union parking lot (D10 & D11). Parking is enforced Monday-Saturday from 6am-1am. Check the MobileMeter, ParkMobile, or PayByPhone apps for hourly rates.

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Discover more about Morrow Plots

Established in 1876, the Morrow Plots represent a living laboratory that has shaped agricultural science for over a century. Named after George E. Morrow, the chair of the Agriculture Department, the plots were initially designed to study the long-term impacts of continuous cropping and crop rotation on soil fertility. Originally consisting of ten half-acre plots, the site has evolved over time, with only three plots remaining today. These remaining plots showcase different cropping systems, including continuous corn planting, corn and soybean rotation, and corn, oats, and alfalfa rotation. The experiments conducted here have provided invaluable insights into soil nutrient depletion, the benefits of crop rotation, and the effects of fertilizers. The Morrow Plots' contributions extend beyond academic research. The findings from these experiments have directly influenced farming practices, leading to increased crop yields and sustainable soil management techniques. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968, recognizing its significance in American agricultural history. Visitors can explore the plots and learn about their history through informational plaques, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of agricultural research and innovation.

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