Corn Silage Variety Test Plots (2020)
Twelve corn varieties were compared. The comparisons included plant populations (plant density) per acre versus yield, corn varieties versus yield and moisture content at harvest. The trial was arranged in a complete block design with three replications of each variety planted. Each variety replication equaled 0.48 acres and it was replicated 3 times, for a total study area of 17.28. acres.
Soybean Production in Nevada (2017-2028)
(2 year project) The first year a comprehensive educational program was developed to provide information and assistance in growing soybeans in the local area. An informal curriculum was developed, presented and evaluated for this program. The objective of this program was to educate producers on the recommended best management practice for growing soybeans in Northern Nevada.
County educator Steve Foster developed and presented an all-day program on the following topics; Introduction to Soybean Production, Soils/fertility for Soybean Production, Soybean Physiology and Growth Stages, Variety/Maturity Group Selection, Soybean Production Best Management Practices, Soybean Enterprise Budgets and Economics, Soybean Diseases/Insect Control, Soybean Weed Management and Relay Intercropping Systems with Wheat.
For the first year, Foster designed and managed a non-gmo soybean test plot with collaboration with a local producer. The plots consisted of three different soybean varieties, with three different maturity ratings, replicated 4 times. A field day was held prior to harvest to illustrate to regional producers the results of the test plots.
For the second year, Foster designed and managed a non-gmo soybean test plot with collaboration with a local producer. The plots consisted of two different soybean varieties, with similar maturity ratings, and replicated 4 times.
Russian Knapweed Control Study (2015)
In 2013, Foster submitted and received a grant from the Humboldt Watershed Cooperative Weed Management Area to study Russian knapweed control methods. The trial compared mechanical control (mowing), traditional chemical control (2-4,D) and newly released chemical control (Milestone, Opensight) methods for control efficacy and economics of control. In addition, the seeding of Hycrest Crested Wheatgrass (2013) and Forage Kochia (2014) studied the suppression of weeds and re-establishment of the non-irrigated test plots. Weeds were monitored during 2015, to determine efficacy and economics of each control method.
Corn Production Trial (2012)
A comprehensive educational/research program was developed to provide information and assistance in growing corn in the local area. An informal curriculum and an on-farm research study was developed, presented and evaluated for this program. The objective of this program was to educate producers on the recommended best management practice for growing corn in Northern Nevada. In addition, provide applied research to determine the best varieties and relative maturities to optimize yields and profitability.
In April, Foster developed and presented a two day program on the following topics; Introduction to corn production, Soils/fertility for corn production, Corn growth stages, Corn production best management practices, Corn silage/earlage best management practices and Factors that affect corn yields.
In May, in cooperation with a local producer, corn test plots were planted with 11 different corn varieties and seven different relative maturities.
In November, corn test plots were harvested to determine significant differences in yield and moisture content as related to relative maturity days and varieties.
In December, Foster developed and presented an educational program on the results of the test plots and demonstrate the potential profitability of producing corn as a rotational crop to be integrated in local producer’s alfalfa enterprise production systems.
