The experiment began in 2014 by Dr. Nele Verhulst and was located in the experiment station of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) at Metepec, in the state of Mexico in Mexico. The experiment is designed to evaluate the effects of the three components of conservation agriculture (rotation, tillage and soil cover) on maize and triticale yields in the high rainfall climate of the Valley of Toluca, which lies at 2600 m above sea level and is characterized by small scale commercial maize production.

Producer relevance

The experiment represents grain production systems. Most producers in the area would employ the simplest crop rotation (control). The most complex crop rotation represents an aspirational treatment that most farmers in the area would not employ.

Expected benefits

Experimental treatments were selected to evaluate if conservation agriculture is a viable option for the region. 

Local stressors

The expected climate change-related stressors in the area are high rainfall, high altitude, and early frost.