Weed Suppression and Biodiversity through Cover Crops and Field Edge Plants
Agronomy Research Farm, Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center - Pennsylvania Furnace, Centre County
Wednesday, June 17
9:00am—4:00pm
$15 PASA Members, $25 all others. Lunch will be provided.
This field day is a collaboration between PASA and Penn State University researchers.
This field day will focus on managing cover crops and field edge plants for weed suppression and biodiversity gains. The morning session will focus on integrating cover crops, cultural controls, and shallow tillage for weed control in grain production systems. Farmers and ag professionals interested in reducing tillage and improving soil quality will learn about cover crops and tools for effective weed management. Come get a first hand look at a cover crop roller and cover crop mulches, a high residue rotary hoe, a high residue inter-row cultivator, and other tools for enhancing weed management in high residue situations.
In the afternoon, farmers, gardeners, and ag professionals will evaluate and gain a better understanding of how crops and field edge vegetation influence pollinators and biological control of insect pests. Learn to assess the effects of different plants in agricultural landscapes, and how to tailor plantings to enhance beneficial ecosystem processes.
Presenters include Penn State University researchers Tara Pisani Gareau and Mary Barbercheck, Dept. of Entomology; Nelson DeBarros, Rich Smith, Dave Mortensen, Bill Curran, Dave Sandy, and Eric Nord Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences as well as Steven Mirsky, USDA-ARS Beltsville.
