Principal Investigator:

Abstract:

This project was designed to 1. increase the educational value of 30 long term plots established in 1990 on the Fayette Co. Farm to compare the economics of three tillage methods and three crop rotations utilizing three input levels, and 2. establish and conduct a Southern Ohio Crop Diagnostic Field Day utilizing these 30 plots. More specific goals included: 1. to provide agriculture clientele hands on experience in crop pest detection and management via a series of field days highlighted by a special June 23 diagnostic field day, 2. compare economic and yield results of high, standard, and low input plots emphasizing evaluation between cultural/mechanical pest control measures versus chemical control, 3. to correlate the use of infra-red photography to actual crop problems, and 4. to provide data to farm managers to aid in those decisions that yield the most optimum combination of economics, yield, and environmental quality.

The major activity conducted in regards to this project was a Southern Ohio Crop Diagnostic Field Day held June 23, 1993 with 150 farmers and agribusiness personnel attending. Sessions included:

1. Corn Growth and Development - Using corn demonstration plots planted at 2 week intervals, Dr. Peter Thomison discussed corn growth characteristics and regrowth potential.

2. Herbicide Performance Properties and Injury Diagnosis - Dr. Mark Loux, Extension Weed Specialist, explained how different classes of herbicides prevent weed growth. A plot was planted including 14 rows each 200 ft. long consisting of 4 crops and 10 weeds. Twenty different herbicides were then sprayed across all 14 rows to demonstrate effectiveness and control properties.

3. Forage Production and Pest Control - Dr. Mark Sulc, Extension Forage Specialist, discussed the latest in forage production with emphasis on alfalfa. A discussion of insects was a major part of this session.

4. The Effect of Soil Compaction on Plant Growth - Dr. Randall Wood demonstrated soil compaction over various tillage methods using different axle loads and tire arrangements.

5. Crop Insect I.D. and Control - Dr. Hal Willson lead this session on the identification of field crop insects and the practical, economical control of harmful insects including chemical and non-chemical control measures.

6. New Sprayer and Application Technology - Mr. Kirby Kretchner, Agricultural Specialist for the Spraying Systems Co., demonstrated new developments and sprayer technology designed to improve pest control. Sprayer calibration was also emphasized.

7. Prescription Farming Technology Update - Mr. David Slater from RDI Technologies in DeKalb, Illinois presented the latest in prescription farming technologies including the use of on-board combine computers and yield monitors, global positioning system satellites, field gridding, and infrared photography and its role as a crop diagnostic tool.

The following day a diagnostic workshop was conducted for Ohio and Indiana Countrymark personnel focusing on many of the same topics as those listed above. Forty-four attended this field day. On August 26 the Southwestern Ohio Corn Growers also held their field day at this site with 550 attending. The plots were used to discuss a number of crop problems encountered during the growing season along with IPM practices. The site was also used for many informal teaching activities during the year including a visit by a group of farmers from Pennsylvania. In addition, 125 aerial infrared photographs were taken of the plots and farm fields around the county. These were used to diagnose crop problems.

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