PULLMAN, Wash. — The latest research on direct seed cropping systems will be featured in the June 27 Field Day at the Palouse Conservation Field Station.
Research on continuous direct seeding cropping systems was initiated on this 200-acre research farm in 1996 and continues to expand as a major research focus. USDA-Agricultural Research Service and Washington State University are sponsoring the field day.
Field day registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. An introduction and overview of research on the station will begin at 8:15 a.m., followed by research tours at 8:30 a.m..
A hosted lunch and program will be begin at noon.
Tour topics include:
- Continuous direct seed systems — what to expect over time, Dave Huggins, ARS soil scientist
- Cross pollination potential from herbicide tolerant wheat to other wheat varieties and jointed goatgrass, Brad Hansen, University of Idaho doctoral plant science student and Donn Thill, UI weed scientist
- Response of glyphosate tolerant wheat to soilborne pathogens under direct seeding, Kim Kidwell, WSU spring wheat breeder
- Understanding and managing Rhizoctonia root rot under direct seeding, Tim Paulitz, ARS plant pathologist
- Status and management of rattail fescue in direct seed systems, Roland Schirman, extension agricultural educator, Dayton, Wash.
- Understanding and managing rodent damage in direct seed systems, Rodney Sayler, WSU wildlife ecologist.
The luncheon program will feature Karl Kupers, Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association president and a Harrington, Wash., direct seed grower. Kupers’ topic is “Building partnerships with farmers, farm organizations and the public on environmental and economic issues — A role for PNDSA.”
Several grower organizations, university and ARS representatives will provide updates on their conservation cropping systems activities.
Credits have been requested for pesticide applicator recertification in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and for Certified Crop Adviser continuing education.
The Palouse Conservation Field Station is located 1.5 miles north of Pullman. From Highway 27, turn west and go half a mile on the Albion Road.
For more information on the Field Day, contact Debbie Marsh at the WSU Crop and Soil Sciences Extension Office, (509) 335-2915, e-mail marshdj@wsu.edu, or visit the PNW Web site at: http://pnwsteep.wsu.edu/comingevents/index.htm.
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