Field Day provides viable options, alternatives

With an undertone of concern due to the lack of rainfall in the area, a large multitude of farmers and students gathered at the Lind Dryland Research Center for the 98th Annual Lind Field Day on June 12 to hear about the studies conducted at the facility.

Bill Schillinger, director of the station, reported to the crowd during his welcome that while the winter was dry, March and April recorded average precipitation. But even with the spring precipitation, the recording at the station is currently 2.71 inches lower than the long-term average.

The day’s discussions were highlighted by the presentations concerning winter triticale alternative crop and a bioherbicide for downy brome management.

USDA Agricultural Research Service soil scientist Ann Kennedy presented on a bioherbicide she has been working on having approved that would help suppress downy broom cheatgrass, a persistent weed commonly found in the area.

“We make sure it doesn’t inhibit the wheat,” Kennedy explained. “The wheat is not affected, and we make sure we don’t hurt any crop plant.”

Kennedy used test plots for her initial experiments and said in her experience, the majority of land where the bacteria is applied the weed was eliminated. She has been working on approval of the product, and explained she is currently increasing the production phase now.

Kennedy’s research began with the realization of the rapid decline of organic material in the soil, due to air and water erosion. Her work is focused on keeping the soil on the land, she said.

With using the bacteria, Kennedy reported it could help reduce tillage and bring nutrients back to the system by helping microbes grow. The amount of application of the bacteria is minimal, and Kennedy said the application of the product could be at a cost of less than $10 per acre for farmers.

Kennedy explained the organism does a good job of growing during the winter to help stunt the growth of weeds, and should be applied in the fall for the greatest potential result. Cheatgrass is known for growing best in the early spring, she explained.

The study is focused on annual grass weeds, Kennedy said, but the concept of the bacteria is one other researchers can grow on to eliminate other invasive weeds.

Kennedy acknowledged the weeds can gain resistance to the product, but only if the bacteria are applied continuously, which her current research does not prove necessary for the product to be successful.

Kennedy’s goal is to make a return trip to the Lind Field Day in the next few years with the product, and will distribute it to farmers for a trial portion.

In the meantime, Kennedy is continuing her research and pushing forward with approval on the product.

Schillinger presented on alternative crops for farmers to consider in the area.

With an emphasis on winter triticale, Schillinger also provided information regarding the yield and potential long-term benefits of camelina and canola.

Schillinger said for farmers concerned about early seeding, consider planting winter triticale.

“Our research shows it will yield very similarly to barley,” Schillinger reported.

He also added cheatgrass has been less of an issue in the triticale and with a comparable yield, it appears to be a viable option for farmers. The research station is planning on dedicating two five acre plots to winter triticale in the near future. The study can help determine if winter triticale can maintain a high yield in the conditions, and also provide an economic alternative for farmers.

Local farmers are already experimenting with camelina on a smaller scale and Schillinger said locally, the crop is used for meal for cattle, fuel and specialty cooking oil.

Schillinger said initial studies have shown the best planting time is the first week of March, and while it can be planted in the fall, weed growth tends to be thicker.

On a larger level, studies have shown that camelina product is a super aviation fuel, Schillinger added.

Winter canola is another alternative for area farmers, though Schillinger reported some loss was reported this winter in the dry conditions.

While farmers have concerns about the upcoming harvest season due to the lack of rainfall, researchers at the facility said while it is bad for farmers, it is good for breeders.

During those years with drastic changes in rainfall or temperature, it allows the wheat breeders at the facility to see what varieties can withstand the change in climate, and see what varieties are not ideal for the conditions.

While researchers acknowledged the current situation is dismal for area farmers, they spoke of the hope of helping reducing potential yield loss in the future after research is compiled with this year’s data.

Among the presentations for the remainder of the morning were discussions regarding the use of infrared technology to help determine the final yield of the crop; winter, club, and spring wheat breeding; and Russian thistle control in no-till fallow.

For more information about the Lind Field Day and WSU Dryland Research Center, visit http://lindstation.wsu.edu.