Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm

Location

Crawfordsville, Washington County

Directions: Go 1.75 miles south and 2 miles east of Crawfordsville on the Washington/Louisa county-line road.

Southeast Research Farm
3115 Louisa-Washington Road
Crawfordsville, IA 52621

Size

198 acres

Owner

Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association

Association President

Peter Shaff
3881 280th Street
Camanche, IA 52730

History

The association purchased the farm in 1987.

Superintendent

Kevin Van Dee
(319) 658-2353 office and FAX

Agro-Climatic Zone

Southeast Iowa

Soils

Land is flat to slightly sloping. Predominant soils are:

Nira:
2-9 percent slope, moderately well-drained, occurs on side slopes

Taintor:
0-2 percent slope, poorly drained, occurs on broad upland flats

Mahaska:
1-3 percent slope, somewhat poorly drained, occurs on ridges and uplands

Research

Crops. Researchers study corn, soybeans and small grains (wheat and oats). Other studies focus on tillage methods, pest management, fertilizer placement, herbicide carryover and water quality.

Soils. Researchers study soil fertility and soil management systems. Agronomists study nutrient requirements of area crops and apply nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and lime to observe crop yield response to the nutrients. In addition, researchers evaluate the effectiveness of tile drainage systems.

Other studies. The Iowa Nut Growers Association has established a demonstration site on the farm and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service is evaluating native grasses at the site.