Rothamsted Research - The Broadbalk experiment
The Broadbalk experiment is considered the longest running field experiment on winter wheat. It was established by John Bennet Lawes in 1843; it compares farmyard manure (FYM) with fertilizers supplying N, P, K, Na and Mg for their effects on the yield of wheat. Knowledge arising from Broadbalk has been invaluable to researchers and has improved our understanding of the effects of different farming practices on crop yield, plant nutrition and soil structure.
Nowadays, this experiment is one of the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded National Capabilities at Rothamsted Research, in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.