University of Georgia research on the use of irrigation in high-value Georgia crops, like cotton, peanuts, soybeans and corn, will be at the center of the annual field day at C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP) in Camilla, Georgia, on Thursday, July 27. The event is set to begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m.
UGA Cooperative Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait, entomologist Mike Toews, soils and fertility specialist Glen Harris, irrigation specialist Wes Porter, cotton physiologist John Snider and precision agriculture specialist George Vellidis will speak about their respective research projects at SIRP.
“We have projects that focus on irrigation and the efficiency of the crops with the water they do use. Those research studies really focus on helping farmers know how to irrigate better,” said Calvin Perry, superintendent of SIRP, who will give a presentation on a corn irrigation research study. “We also have researchers who use the irrigation system to deliver chemical applications. Dr. Mike Toews uses insecticides while Dr. Bob Kemerait focuses on the distribution of fungicides.”
Toews’ and Kemerait’s work with chemigation, or the application of chemicals through an irrigation system, spans the last three years.
Field day guest speakers will include Sam Pardue, dean and director of UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Gary Black, Georgia commissioner of agriculture.
Those interested in attending the field day should RSVP by Friday, July 21, by calling (229) 522-3623 or emailing sirp@uga.edu.