June 22, 2026
Three-Month Follow-Up on Microclimate Test Results
Approximately three months after the experiment began, we photographed the former plastic-covered area and the surrounding pasture. The treated area still showed substantially denser grass establishment than the adjacent uncovered ground
After removing the plastic, we treated the test area the same as the surrounding pasture. On June 22, approximately three months after the experiment began, we returned to photograph the former covered area and the adjacent ground.
Grass establishment remained visibly denser in the area that had been covered during the first 19 days. The boundary of the former plastic-covered area was still apparent in the pasture.
By this time, much of the oat growth had matured, produced seed, and begun drying. The KY-31 establishment in the former covered area remained visibly stronger than in the nearby uncovered ground.
The temporary plastic treatment was the known intentional difference during the germination period. The trial did not separately measure changes in soil moisture, soil temperature, humidity, evaporation, airflow, or light.
Observations
The establishment advantage created during the 19-day plastic treatment remained clearly visible approximately three months after the experiment began.
Current result: Under the conditions of this small trial, temporary clear plastic substantially improved visible KY-31 germination and early grass establishment compared with the adjacent uncovered area. The evidence does not establish how well the method will work with other seeds, seasons, temperatures, soil types, or treatment durations.
Actions Taken
Photographed and recorded video of the former covered area and the surrounding pasture. No additional treatment was applied.
Next Step
This experiment is complete. Future trials using different seeds, treatment sizes, and seasonal conditions will be documented as separate experiments.