The Experimental Error of Field Trials

Abstract

The magnitude of experimental error attaching to one or more field plots is a question of extreme importance in Agricultural Science, because upon its proper recognition depends the degree of confidence which may be attached to the results obtained in field work. A very cursory examination of the results of any set of field trials will serve to show that a pair of plots similarly treated may be expected to yield considerably different results, even when the soil appears to be uniform and the conditions under which the experiment is conducted are carefully designed to reduce errors in weighing and measurement.