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Fairbanks Field Day

Download the pdf version of the map, schedule and program

 

Program

Jakir Hasan: Small Grain Breeding and Research

Researchers are breeding high-yielding barley, wheat, oats, and canola varieties for the Alaskan farms. The nursery consists of approximately 2100 10-foot plots of barley. The variety trials compare varieties of barley, wheat, oats and canola. The top-performing lines from the variety trials will be distributed to Alaskan farmers for cultivation on their farms.

 

Gino Graziano: Revegetating After Bird Vetch Management

Herbicides vary in 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. 

 

Gino Graziano: Herbicide Persistence in Soils

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

 

Glenna Gannon: Vegetable Variety Trials 

The varietal trials program determines which vegetable and edible perennial cultivars grow best in various regions of Alaska. Researchers evaluate crops known to do well in Alaska and crops formerly considered marginal for a colder climate, such as hot peppers, artichokes and sweet corn. Varieties are selected based on those that have been successfully grown previously, have not been evaluated before, or are “new to market.” Researchers also evaluate cultivars bred to have qualities that make them potentially good candidates for Alaska’s growing conditions (i.e., cold-tolerant, shorter days-to-maturity, bolt-resistant, etc.).

 

Nathan Simms & 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 oilseed 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. 

 

Nathan Simms & Mingchu Zhang: Legume & Grass Forage Study & Winter Pea Stud

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. 

 

Caley Gasch: Oilseed Trials 

This project evaluates different varieties of camelina, canola, flax, and sunflower for their potential for crop production as oilseeds in Alaska.

 

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.

 

Meriam Karlsson & Eric Cook: Greenhouse & Controlled Environment Production 

Studies are underway to evaluate possibilities for extending the growing season using greenhouses and controlled environments. LEDs now provide many options for supplemental lighting. Timing, amount and the quality (or type) of light are evaluated for efficient production of leafy greens, tomatoes, bell peppers and other food crops throughout the year. 

 

Lacey Higham: Georgeson Botanical Garden Tours

Go on a guided tour of the botanical gardens. Visit the research garden, food garden, native plant garden, children’s garden, perennial display gardens and hedge maze. Learn about the gardens' mission, designed plant communities, how we set up insulated raised beds, and student projects in the garden and see our giant cabbages.

 

Rachael Christensen: Livestock Nutrition Introductory Workshop (1 pm - 2 pm)

This introductory workshop will provide information on forage nutrition for raising livestock valuable to homestead, backyard, and commercial producers. We will introduce livestock forage nutrition and the importance of raising or purchasing high-quality forages to reduce feed costs. We will discuss an overview of a farm-level livestock nutrition program with training on how to determine feed quality, take samples of forages, and balance rations with available feedstuffs. Read more about this workshop here. 

 

Schedule

 

Map