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Matanuska Field Day

Download pdf version of the map, schedule and program

 

Program

Gino Graziano: Revegetating After Bird Vetch Management

Herbicides vary in their soil persistence, and this project studies how three different herbicides used to manage bird vetch impact the plants planted afterward. To simulate restoring roadsides or other often disturbed areas, yarrow, goldenrod and wild potato were planted to see how they grew and inform on long-term impacts of herbicide use on bird vetch. 

 

Bob VanVeldhuizen: Alaska Agronomic Crop Seed Study

Agronomists have bred, developed, and selected agronomic crops such as barley, wheat, oats, rye, Polish canola and dwarf oilseed sunflowers specifically for their yields and quality for production in Alaska and northern environments. These crops are used as animal feed and for human consumption. Seeds for important crops are planted and maintained yearly to have fresh, high-quality seed stock on hand for potential distribution to the public. These seed increase plots are a part of the yearly agronomic variety trial studies.

 

Bob VanVeldhuizen & Mingchu Zhang: Small Grain Trials & Cover Crop Efficacy

Small grain trials work to select a spring wheat variety for Alaska’s climate, choose a feed barley cultivar for malting purposes, and finalize a Polish canola variety to be used as an oil seed crop and a rotational crop. The cover crop project evaluates two cover crop mixtures (alfalfa and slender wheatgrass, and clover and perennial ryegrass) for their rotational schedule (two years and four years), biomass production, hay quality, and impact on soil nitrogen and soil health indicators. 

 

Bob VanVeldhuizen & Mingchu Zhang: Legume/Grass Forage Study & Winter Pea/Winter Rye Variety Trials

To determine the optimal species used as forage and cover crops for Alaska's Interior and Coastal areas, researchers planted four grass species, two legume species and combinations of the two. Plants are seeded in the fall and the spring and evaluated for insect damage. The winter pea studies test four winter peas with and without companion crops for their suitability in Alaska. This study is part of a national network of cover crops.  

 

Dorothy O Donnell & Jakir Hasan: Small Grain Breeding and Research

Researchers are breeding high-yielding barley, wheat, oats, and canola varieties for Alaskan farms. They are examining characteristics such as crop adaptability, cold tolerance and disease resistance. The top-performing lines from the variety trial will be distributed to Alaskan farmers for cultivation on their farms.

 

Gino Graziano: Herbicide Persistence in Soils

This project assesses three different herbicides with varying persistence in soils to certify a weed-free straw product and rotate to crop species that are sensitive to herbicides. After herbicide treatment, plots were evaluated for herbicide in the soil and plants for their herbicide tolerance during four years of growing barley, peas and potatoes.

 

Darren McAvoy & Caley Gasch: Biochar Soil Application Trial

Biochar, a charcoal-like substance made by burning plant matter, is intended as a soil amendment and is useful for reducing hazardous fuels and storing carbon. This project evaluates how soil responds to applications of locally produced biochar and measures a variety of soil nutrient, carbon and water-holding properties.

 

Mingchu Zhang: Peony Fertilization

Peony nutrient uptake was studied by taking samples of peony tissues and soil around the state. Using a nutrient mass balance approach (the difference between the amount of nutrients being added and the amount of nutrients found in the plant), researchers could determine the peony nutrient status and recommend a peony fertilizer.

 

Caley Gasch: Crop Residue Management Study

This project evaluates whether cover crops can help break down small grain residue (straw) left in the field after harvest. The excess straw protects soil in the off-season but can interfere with subsequent crops and keep the soil cool and wet. To determine how much of the residue breaks down in a growing season, we compare plots with different residue loads and with or without a mixed-species cover crop and measure soil temperature and water content, carbon and nitrogen pools, and microbial activity.

 

Caley Gasch: Cover Crop Study

This project aims to evaluate which species and mixes of cover crops will grow in Alaska’s climate while providing benefits to soil health and crop production. To do so, we monitor growth during the season and measure a long list of soil properties in the fall. This is an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) collaboration.

 

Josh Smith: Hazelnut Trial & the Future Crops Initiative

The Future Crops Initiative evaluates hybrid hazelnut varieties developed in North Dakota to test their hardiness in Alaska’s growing conditions. This project selects and crosses superior hazelnut plants, working to provide Alaskans with a successful cultivar that can be used in human and livestock food products and examines its potential for use in alley cropping systems.

 

Theresa Isaac: Community and Healing Garden

The Community Garden and Garden to Heal Program provides community members with opportunities for hands-on practical gardening experience by providing garden plots with initial tilling, water, basic garden tools, educational classes, CES publications, and expertise that includes garden planning, planting tips, soil health and pest management.

 

Schedule

 

Map