LONDON, Ohio – The Ohio Land Improvement Contractors Association (OLICA) will be returning to Ohio State University's Farm Science Review.
The organization, an affiliate of the Land Improvement Contractors of America, will showcase the latest in cutting edge field drainage technology, combining improved production practices with conservation water management.
The group, which strives to protect land and water resources, will be designing and installing drainage structures on 50 acres of the Molly Caren Agricultural Center during Farm Science Review, Sept. 21-23. Show participants will have the opportunity to see the installation process of the drainage structures, how they work and the opportunities that exist to improve water quality while potentially making crop production more profitable.
The installation of the drainage structures will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily just north of I-70 in the field demonstration area.
"Our ultimate goal with the drainage is to be able to get a return on our investment. We can measure this through increased yield," said Matt Sullivan, Farm Science Review assistant manager. "Through this system, we also want to be able to reduce soil erosion, as well as improve water quality."
Sullivan said the Molly Caren Agricultural Center serves as a model for drainage technology and its incorporation into the site's comprehensive water management plan.
"As for conservation management, we want to provide an avenue for people to gather the best information possible to assist in making decisions based on sound design and sound science," said Sullivan. "If a raindrop hits the Farm Science Review we want to know what happens to that raindrop. Does it go to the stream, or does it get used by the crop? And is it carrying nutrients with it? This is not just a time to put in drainage and say, ‘Hey, we've done something great.' It's a time for us to look for ways to improve conservation and water quality."
Other partners of the project include Ohio State University Extension, Ohio State Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Agricultural Research Service, Madison County Engineers, Madison Soil and Water Conservation District, and Trimble Navigation.
Farm Science Review is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and learn the latest in agricultural research, conservation, family and nutrition, and gardening and landscape.
Farm Science Review pre-show tickets are now on sale for $5 at all OSU Extension county offices. Tickets will also be available at local agribusinesses. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21-22 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23.
For more information, log on to http://fsr.osu.edu. For the latest news and updates, follow Farm Science Review on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/OhioStateFSR), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FarmScienceReview), and Ning (http://fsrosu.ning.com).