Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm

Location

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

(319) 658-2353

Size

273 acres

Owner

Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association

Many farms study alternative crops. A field of flax, to produce high value flax seed for human health benefits, is grown for research purposes.

History

The association purchased the main farm in 1987. An adjacent tract was acquired in 2002.

Soils

Land is flat to slightly sloping. Predominant soils:

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

Otley:
2 - 18 percent slope, very deep, moderately well-drained, occurs on side slopes

Research and Demonstration

Crops. Researchers study corn, soybeans and small grains (wheat and oats). Other studies focus on tillage methods, pest management, fertilizer and manure management and alternative cropping systems.

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

An extension specialist discusses soybean diseases during a field day at the research farm.

Other studies. The Iowa Nut Growers Association has established a demonstration site on the farm and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is evaluating native grasses at the site. A research vineyard also is on the farm.