The research station consists of 550 acres of cultivated, dryland research fields
Canola water use production function research. The alternative oilseeds canola, fits well in both dryland and irrigated systems on farms in the Central Great Plains Region. The oil has one of better oil profiles of any edible oilseed grown in the United States
Rainfall Run-on and Run-off greatly affects final production potential in semi-arid dryland production systems. We have measured yield differences that are as great as 500% due to field elevation differences that may be related directly back to this hydrologic reality.
Harvested no-till dryland corn fields make a great feeding ground for the occasional wild turkey at the Central Great Plains Research Station
Skip-row or wide row planting of no-till dryland corn is a drought mitigation strategy developed By researchers at the Central Great Plains Research Station.
The system reduces the risk of crop failure and in drought years can result in 6 to 11 more bushels of grain per acre.
In this wheat field we can observe the lack of uniformity in N management from manure applications that were poorly done. The dark green spots in the field are where manure was adequate and the lighter
green spots indicate the crop could have used a bit more manure.
Dr. Francisco Calderon ARS Soil Scientist bringing us all up to date on soil variability in the Precision Farming Project
Dr. Vigil ARS Research Leader/Soil Scientist discussing N rates by soil type for the Precision farming project
“Loaded up for the Tour”…… Farmers/Stakeholders sharing ideas with each other about ARS research in route to the field plots
Farmers/Stakeholders listening and then interacting with Dave Poss (ARS support Scientist) on ARS research with cool season forages and Hybrid Rye.
Farmers and stakeholders enjoying lunch and visiting about Dryland Farming and ARS Research after touring the research plots
Mission
The mission of the Central Plains Resource Management Unit is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of agriculture by development of integrated cropping systems and technologies for maximum utilization of soil and water resources. Emphasisis on efficient use of plant nutrients, pesticides, and water and soil conservation/preservation.