Crops Research
The current field crop research at the Spooner Research Station is diversified. Crop research is performed not only on the Station's sandy loam soils, but also on off-station silt loam soil. Off-station research is used to provide information to the many growers using similar soils in northwest Wisconsin. In 2006, some acres are beginning to be organically managed for future organic crop research.
Current research crops include alfalfa, corn, soybeans, forage grasses, kura clover, wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Previously, the potential of specialty crops such as canola, lupines, spearmint, and matua has been researched.
Research topics include: variety evaluation, planting date and plant population effects on yield and quality, forage seeding rates and mixture, potato disease control, fertilizer rates & products, soil pH effects and weed control methods.
In 1999, the Station undertook new research in fast-growing hybrid poplar trees. These trees grew to over 6” in diameter and 50’ tall. They were harvested in 2010.
If you would like information on testing your farm soils, please visit the webpage of the University of Wisconsin Soil Testing Laboratories for complete information and instructions for submitting your farm soil for analysis.
Crop Links