Feb 17, 2016

Michigan State University Agriculture Innovations Day set for Aug. 24

Michigan State University (MSU) will host its first Agriculture Innovations: Focus on Soils on Aug. 24, at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

The educational field day will deliver information on soil health topics ranging from nutrient management and soil quality to compaction and tile technology.

Farmers will have the opportunity to hear from science-based, experts and see the results of various techniques on both crop growth and soil quality. They will also learn about the soil testing and plant diagnostics resources offered by MSU.

In addition, attendees will hear from MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon over lunch.

The event will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and wrap up around 4 p.m. The event is free and includes lunch. Throughout the day, farmers will have the opportunity to participate in eight sessions focused on:

• Nutrient management
  • How technology can enhance decision making about nitrogen usage and rates.
  • A comprehensive look at phosphorus management and the related economics and environmental factors.
• Soil quality
  • Techniques to improve soil quality, including the architecture of cover crops, extended rotations and interseeding.
• Compaction
  • The effects of soil structure, controlled traffic and various tillage methods.
  • Comparison of tires versus tracks and the pros and cons of each in relation to soil compaction.
  • Reducing soil compaction through contact pressure and adjustments in pounds per square inch (psi).
• Tile technology
  • An in-depth look at the mobility of nutrients from the soil to tile lines.
  • New tile options to help limit nutrient movement and soil loss.

In addition, MSU recruiters will be on hand to provide students with information about all of the degrees available through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

MSU Agriculture Innovations is slated to become an annual event that will focus on in-depth education on a single topic. The event will rotate to various locations throughout the state.