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Matanuska Field Day

Thursday, July 30, 2-6 p.m 

Matanuska Experimental Farm

 

Program

Registration and refreshments

Collect your map and program and return after the presentations for refreshments and another chance to talk with the researchers.

Using Nematodes to Manage Root Maggots Gino Graziano

Several nematode species are now permitted for purchase in Alaska for use as biocontrol agents. One species, Steinernema feltiae, preys on root maggots, a pest that feeds on the roots of various crops, including onions, cabbages and radishes.  Learn about the research on the effectiveness of these nematodes as biocontrol agents and how often they need to be applied.

Small Grain Breeding Research Jakir Hasan

Learn about the progress toward developing improved wheat, barley and oat varieties adapted to Alaska’s climates. Through field testing, breeding and selection, researchers are identifying high-yielding, early-maturing and resilient small grain lines. This work supports local food and feed production, crop diversification and long-term agricultural sustainability in northern environments.

Properties of Local Soils Megan Andersen

Changes in land use alter soil morphology and permafrost dynamics. Evidence of these changes is preserved within soil profiles. See a soil profile and learn why understanding the world underground is so important.

Mitigating an Herbicide's Impact with Wood Charcoal Brant Woodruff

Herbicides are useful in managing weeds in crops or stopping the spread of invasive species. Sometimes, however, herbicides can last too long in soils. Learn more about biochar, a wood charcoal-like product, which can remove herbicides from soil and allow plants to grow.

The Future Crops Initiative Josh Smith

Learn about the potential of developing new fruit and nut plants for Alaska growers. The Future Crops Initiative tests new crops, such as hazelnuts, to improve subarctic food security.

Feeds and Feeding of Livestock in Alaska Jim Vinyard

Raising livestock in Alaska comes with the unique challenge of limited access to local feed. Learn about research that aims to identify new feed ingredients that can be grown and harvested here in Alaska, such as seaweed, salmon meal, crab meal and novel forages.

Using Kelp as a Soil Amendment Erin Oliver

Kelp has the potential to be used as a soil amendment to boost soil health and crop productivity in Alaska. Learn how researchers are testing out a variety of kelp amendment rates and types to best determine how to use kelp in agricultural soil. Check out the zucchini, green beans, lettuce and beets that are growing as test crops this year.

A Plant Community for Alaska Chelsea San Roman

Learn about work establishing a mixed plant community via direct seeding that requires minimal labor, uses native or locally sourced seeds or plants, is attractive and benefits the ecosystem. Researchers are investigating three treatments of a custom seed mix to determine the most effective methods for establishing this plant community.

Schedule

 

 

Map