Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Sandhills Research Station, with its deep, sandy soil, provides a unique opportunity to investigate plant and water relationships, plant nutrient movement and other factors that provide cost and labor efficient ways to produce fruits, vegetables, feed grains, ornamentals and high quality turfgrass. The soils, typical of the Sandhills region, are a good medium for crop research due to drainage and uniformity properties. Research programs at the Sandhills Research Station include plant breeding for new variety development and improvement, cultural management practices of crops, adaptability of crops to local environment and soils as well as the management of weeds, diseases, insects and other agricultural deterrents. Field experiments and research help improve quality and increase the yield of crops suitable for production in the sandhills region. Specific areas of research include small fruits such as peaches, blueberries and brambles; ornamentals specifically butterfly
bush and redbud; turfgrass and field crops.
PARTICIPANTS: The Sandhills Research Station serves as a central location for training events and workshops for Cooperative Extension personnel since the station is strategically located within a 3 county area. Training classes are held for small fruit production and pesticide application and handling. Training courses are conducted in ornamental production for Master Gardener Programs and small fruit production for local producers. Station tours are provided for local schools to provide elementary school students with information on advancements in agriculture and the impacts of research.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for the research stations is the local agriculture community both producers and consumers. The stations provide a "living laboratory" for sharing information.
Impacts
The Research Stations are an integral part of assuring continued growth and diversity in the agriculture. They serve as "living laboratories" for scientists at the land-grant universities to investigate environmental and economic impacts of crop and animal management systems. These field experiments provide valuable data that results in information that can be transferred to producers and consumers. Producer profitability and consumer product safety and satisfaction are the ultimate impact that these facilities can provide. Providing the platform for field research through fiscal and human resource management is an essential component of the research stations. These facilities allow agricultural producers to adopt new management systems without risking capital. Farmers cannot afford to do research, research must afford the farmer the opportunity to remain efficient, effective and profitable. Information is shared with local growers and educators through onsite field
day events that focus on turfgrass, small fruits and peaches.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
The research program at Sandhills Research Station involves many different crops and disciplines. The highlights of research efforts at the station include the development of drought-tolerant soybeans. Our sandy soils provide an ideal environment for this type of research. Much research at the station is focused on development of superior varieties through plant breeding and field evaluation of selections. Plant breeding projects are conducted in soybeans, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and landscape ornamentals. In addition, the station serves as a platform for turfgrass research. Research relative to golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns are all conducted at Sandhills. The station has a long history of research related to peach production. Studies conducted at Sandhills continue to address pest management issues related to peaches.
Impacts
The Research Stations are an integral part of assuring continued growth and diversity in the agriculture. They serve as "living laboratories" for scientists at the land-grant universities to investigate environmental and economic impacts of crop and animal management systems. These field experiments provide valuable data that results in information that can be transferred to producers and consumers. Producer profitability and consumer product safety and satisfaction are the ultimate impact that these facilities can provide. Providing the platform for field research through fiscal and human resource management is an essential component of the research stations. These facilities allow agricultural producers to adopt new management systems without risking capital. Farmers cannot afford to do research, research must afford the farmer the opportunity to remain efficient, effective and profitable.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
na
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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