PULLMAN, Wash. — Research on best management practices and genetics to improve no-till spring cropping systems in the Northwest crop- fallow region will be showcased June 4 at the Ralston Project Field Day south of Ritzville.
Research on the Ralston Project is conducted in an 11-inch annual rainfall zone. Fourteen scientists from nine disciplines, four agencies and a 12-member grower advisory group work in cooperation with several agricultural industry companies.
Current research involves seven cropping systems. Field day topics and speakers are:
- New Crop Sequences and other Management Strategies for Weed and Disease Control, Frank Young, USDA-Agricultural Research Service agronomist.
- Spring Wheat Breeding Update on Hessian Fly Resistance, Enhanced Protein and other Innovations, Kimberly Kidwell, Washington State University spring wheat breeder.
- New Insights into Rhizoctonia Root Rot and other Root Diseases, Richard Smiley, Oregon State University plant pathologist.
- Tillage and Cropping System Impacts on Soil Water Storage and Carbon Sequestration, William Schillinger, WSU dryland research agronomist; and Jeff Smith, USDA-ARS soil scientist.
- Insights and Strategies for Nutrient Management, William Pan, WSU soil scientist.
- Chemical and Cultural Management Strategies for Russian Thistle, Joe Yenish, WSU extension weed scientist.
- Ralston Project Economic Overview, Douglas Young, WSU agricultural economist.
The Field Day will begin 9 a.m. and end with a no-host lunch.
The research site is located off Highway 261 about 13 miles south of Ritzville, or 10 miles north of Washtucna and then 3 miles west on Providence Road.
Credits have been requested for pesticide applicator recertification in Washington and Oregon, and for Certified Crop Advisers.
For more information on the program and to reserve a catered lunch, contact Cindy Warriner at the WSU Cooperative Extension office in Ritzville, 509-659-3214, fax 659-3206, e-mail: warriner@wsu.edu.
– 30 –