Final Answer:
The design of this experiment is a split-plot design.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a split-plot design, the experimental units are divided into larger blocks or main plots, and within each main plot, subplots or split plots are assigned to different treatments. In this case, the farms represent the main plots, and the plots within each farm represent the split plots.
The researcher is interested in comparing the effect of three different growing methods (treatments) on blueberry yield while controlling for variables like soil condition and location. By assigning 10 plots to each treatment within each farm, the design ensures that the effects of growing methods are assessed independently within each farm, controlling for potential variations in soil and location.
This design allows the researcher to study the impact of growing methods while accounting for the variability across different farms. The split-plot design is suitable when there are constraints in randomizing the treatments across all experimental units due to logistical or practical reasons. The statistical analysis of this design would involve both main plot and subplot factors, providing insights into the overall and specific treatment effects. The use of six different farms further enhances the external validity of the study, making the findings more applicable to a broader range of agricultural settings.
In summary, the split-plot design in this experiment allows for a systematic investigation of the impact of different growing methods on blueberry yield, considering the inherent variability across multiple farms.