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
515-291-0249
Size
273 acres
Owners
Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association
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. 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.
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.