Agronomy

Contest Description and Rules:

Please direct questions to:

Dr. Dennis Cosgrove
Plant and Earth Science Department
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
dennis.r.cosgrove@uwrf.edu
715-425-3345

Tryston Beyrer (tryston.beyrer@uwrf.edu) or Ryan Eckert (ryan.eckert@uwrf.edu)
Student Co-Chairs

The Agronomy Contest will consist of three parts:

Identification: Identify selected specimens of common weed plants, prohibited and restricted noxious weed seeds, agronomic crop plants and seeds. The identification of weeds will be based on common names as used in Circular 718 of Illinois, "Weeds of North Central States" and "Illustrated Taxonomy Manual of Weed Seeds" by R.J. Delorit.

Written Examination: The emphasis of the exam is on agronomic field crops including:

General plant morphology, elementary physiology, growth, and reproduction.
Crop management including fertility and control of insects, diseases, and weeds.
Harvesting, storage, and quality of crops.
Sprayer, fertilizer spreader, and planter calibration.

Lab Practical: The purpose of the lab practical is to provide experience in the identification of insects, diseases, equipment, fertilizers, and other aspects of crop production. In addition, students will be asked to rank several sets of four samples of grain and/or forage from best to worst. No reasons will be required.

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