OARDC Northwest Agricultural Research Station

History
The Northwest Agricultural Research Station was established in 1951, when OARDC acquired 247 acres near Hoytville in southwestern Wood County. Part of an ancient lakebed, this region's soils pose production challenges due to their high clay content and extremely flat topography. Ohio State scientists continue to assist area farmers with their unique soil and production issues, helping them boost profitability and environmental stewardship.

Scientists carry out research at the Northwest Station to study the culture of the major agronomic crops grown in this region corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and oats. The station's research program is designed to study crop production problems and educate its clientele on new methods and techniques to improve profitability and environmental stewardship.
Nutrient Management
The efficient use of resources is critical in all aspects of field-crop production. Multiple studies at the Northwest Station focus on effective management of crop fertility inputs. Current projects examine both the input level needed to achieve maximum yield and the level that allows for maximum economic return. Other research studies are designed to compare various nutrient sources, both organic and inorganic, along with a variety of application timings.
Conservation Tillage
Because of their high clay content, northwest Ohio's soils do not lend themselves to no-till production, a practice widely used elsewhere in the state. Instead, scientists concentrate here on reduced tillage, which has long been utilized in American agriculture and contributes to production efficiency and soil quality. The Station has been a pioneer in the study of varying levels of tillage, with long-term plots examining tillage and rotation variables since 1964. These plots have served as a resource for countless scientists in Ohio and around the world studying soil carbon sequestration.
Pest Management
Studies related to both insect and disease management are an important part of the Northwest Station's research program. Flat, high-clay soils drain slowly, providing and optimum breeding ground for soil-borne diseases. As a result, management of these diseases is vital to profitable crop production in northwest Ohio. Researchers continue to examine treatment and management alternatives through resistant varieties, seed treatments, and fungicide applications; they also work to identify new disease strains that develop over time. Research involving insect management continues to evolve to include seed treatments, crops with genetically modified traits, and other control measures.
The Northwest Station Advisory Committee serves as a forum for discussion of current and future research needs for farmers in the northwest region. The committee is composed of local farmers, agribusiness professionals and OSU Extension agents who address agricultural concerns and plan future studies.