This year”s Agronomy Field Day has a new feature – a tillage equipment demonstration – in addition to exhibits and four tours that highlight current crops and soils research. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 5 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison”s Arlington Agricultural Research Station.

Specialists from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and UW Cooperative Extension Service will staff four field tours. Tours will depart from the Public Events Facility at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Speakers on the first tour will focus on soil management and explain how tillage can help manage manure on cropland, compare phosphorus runoff from alfalfa and grass plots, discuss southern Wisconsin soils” need for sulfur, and explain how forages can lower soil potassium levels. The soils tour will only be held in the morning. At 1 p.m., growers will see a demonstration of how different tillage tools affect crop residue and the incorporation of agri-chemicals.

Researchers on the second tour will discuss changes in cropping systems. They will explain how cropping systems affect nitrogen losses and the breakdown of chemicals, as well as yield and yield variability. There also will be discussions of expanding the corn-soybean rotation to include wheat and red clover, as well as establishing prairie areas in agricultural landscapes.

The third tour features weed management considerations. Speakers will discuss the residual activity of different corn herbicides, describe herbicide management for crab grass in corn, explain how fall-seeded rye can save soil and control weeds, and review the factors that determine the success of weeds.

Speakers on the fourth tour will update growers on managing soybean pests. Topics include the advantages of testing for the soybean nematode, chemical and biological control options for managing aphids and leaf beetles, and methods for identifying soybean viruses and understanding their impact.

The cropping system, weed, and soybean tours will be available at all three departure times.

The College”s popular weed and plant doctors will answer questions at the event. Lunch and refreshments also will be available. If it rains the presentations will be made inside the events facility.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and UW Cooperative Extension co-sponsor Agronomy Field Day.

The Arlington Agricultural Research Station is about five miles south of Arlington and 15 miles north of Madison on U.S. Highway 51 in Columbia County. Exit Interstate 90-94 at Wis. Highway 60 or exit U.S. Highway 51 at Badger Road and follow the signs.