| WELCOME TO THE OJ NOER TURFGRASS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FACILITY |
What gets studied at the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research and Education Facility touches the lives - or rather the feet - of virtually everyone in the state. Wisconsin has an estimated 300,000 acres of turfgrass, covering yards, parks, roadsides, golf courses, athletic fields and sod farms. In acreage, it's the state's fifth biggest crop. Wisconsin's turfgrass is the base of a nearly one-billion-dollar-a-year industry that employs more than 30,000 people.
Researchers use the Noer facility to compare different turfgrass varieties, mowing practices, equipment and strategies for fertilizer, irrigation and pest management. The station is also used to evaluate prairie and ornamental grasses. Environmental protection is another important research goal. Researchers use the Noer facility to evaluate cultural practices and turfgrass varieties that require less use of pesticides and fertilizer while still maintaining quality landscapes.
The Noer facility also plays an important educatonal role. Classes in horticulture, soils, entomology and plant pathology often meet at the facility. Professionals from turf related industries - like irrigation, seed and turf equipment - hold seminars at Noer. Many homeowners call to get unbiased, expert answers to turf related questions. The O.J. Noer Facility is also the home of the Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab, the University's only single commodity based laboratory. Every summer the Noer facility cooperates with the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association in putting on a field day where researchers present their latest findings. In addition to providing an opportunity for visitors to meet with the researchers, this event also gives visitors a chance to try out new equipment and discuss new prodcts with manufacturers who supply the turfgrass industry.
Wisconsin's need for good turfgrass research is expanding rapidly. The college's smallest research station is ready to give big help. |
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