Crops Research

The current field crop research at the Spooner Research Station is diversified. Crop research is performed not only on the Station's sandy loam soils, but also on off-station silt loam soil. Off-station research is used to provide information to the many growers using similar soils in northwest Wisconsin. In 2006, some acres are beginning to be organically managed for future organic crop research.

Current research crops include alfalfa, corn, soybeans, forage grasses, potatoes, kura clover, wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Previously, the potential of specialty crops such as canola, lupines, spearmint, and matua has been researched. In 1999, the Station undertook new research in fast-growing hybrid poplar trees.

Research topics include: variety evaluation, planting date and plant population effects on yield and quality, forage seeding rates and mixture, potato disease control, fertilizer rates & products, soil pH effects and weed control methods.

In 1999, the Station undertook new research in fast-growing hybrid poplar trees. These trees are over 6” in diameter and 50’ tall. They are projected to harvest around the year 2010.

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