Farmers and contractors can get in-depth training in the design and installation of subsurface drainage systems at a three-day workshop, Feb. 18-20, at the Ramada Conference Center in St. Joseph.

Drainage and sub irrigation systems have boosted corn and soybean yields on test plots at the University of Missouri Greenley Research Center, says MU research agronomist Kelly Nelson, who will discuss his research at the workshop.

Rising commodity prices, persistent rainfall during the 2008 planting season and greater availability and affordability of specialized installation equipment - such as laser- and GPS-guided tile plows - have many Missouri farmers and contractors taking a serious look at drainage and sub irrigation systems.

“The workshop focuses on the design of drainage water management systems,” Nelson says. Workshop participants will work in teams to design a drainage system for a particular site.

“Kelly proved you can use tile drain on claypan soil,” said Eddie Hoff, a Cooper County farmer who installed a drainage system on chronically wet bottomland in 2005. Hoff will be discussing his experience at the workshop.

Other presenters include contractors, tile manufacturers and engineers from NRCS. Nelson’s presentation will cover recent research on how water management affects yields under different soybean and corn varieties, and under enhanced-efficiency fertilizers such as polymer-coated urea.

Workshop sponsors are the Missouri Land Improvement Contractors Association, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and MU Extension. It will take place at the Ramada Conference Center, 4016 Frederick Blvd., St. Joseph. Registration is $249 ($199 for MLICA members) before Feb. 6. Registrations postmarked after Feb. 6 cost an additional $50.

FYI

Contact MLICA executive director Deborah Dickens at 573-634-3001 or go to www.mlica                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .org.

Source: MU Extension Cooperative Media Group