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UW-Madison researchers use the 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. Additionally, 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. These type of environmental protection studies are one of the main focuses of the research performed at the O.J. Noer Facility. |
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From an educational standpoint, the Noer plays an important role as well. Classes in horticulture, soil science, entomology, and plant pathology often meet at the facility. Additionally, members of turf-related industries-like irrigation, seed and turf equipment-hold seminars at the 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 (TDL), the University's only single commodity based laboratory. |
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Each summer the Noer Facility cooperates with the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association in putting on a field day where researchers present their latest findings. The event gives visitors a chance to try out new equipment and discuss new products with manufacturers who supply the turfgrass industry. |
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Wisconsin's turfgrass industry is rapidly expanding. The O.J. Noer Facility is also growing with the addition of 20,000 sq. ft. putting green in 1999 and nearly an acre of fairway in 2000. The Facility is also currently working to develop an additional 10 acres of research space just east of the current land. You can be assured that the turfgrass researchers at the UW and the O.J. Noer Facility will be there to answer the important questions of the future for the turfgrass industry. |
