The LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station spring field day has been set for May 18 at the station in Franklinton.

The morning program will focus on soil fertility and pasture compaction and renovation, according to Mike McCormick, resident coordinator at the station.

“There has been considerable concern over declining productivity of pastures in the region,” McCormick said. “We also have noticed considerable compaction of soils here on the station.”

Demonstrations of several types of pasture renovators and fertilizer spreaders will give farmers some choices to consider.

The morning session will begin at 9:30 and feature the following presentations:

– Whole-farm nutrient management, by Vinicius Moreira, LSU AgCenter nutrient management specialist.

– Fertilizing pastures and hayfields, with Ed Twidwell, LSU AgCenter forage specialist.

– Organic versus conventional fertilizer research, with Kun Jun Han, LSU AgCenter agronomist.

– Soil compaction issues, with J. Stevens, LSU AgCenter soils specialist.

– Soil compaction characteristics before and after renovation, by Ronnie Bardwell, LSU AgCenter area dairy specialist.

Following the morning presentations, lunch will be served from noon until 1 p.m. Afternoon equipment demonstrations will be from 1 until 2:30 p.m.

The LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station is located on Hwy. 16 West in Franklinton. For additional information contact the station at 985-839-2322.

Johnny Morgan