Research grounded in real-world conditions
With access to 3,600 acres of fields, research plots, forests and natural areas, researchers can study agricultural and environmental systems under actual Ohio conditions.
Faculty, staff, students and research partners use this living laboratory to advance crop production, soil health, pest management, precision agriculture and natural resource stewardship. Supported by experienced agricultural operations staff, specialized equipment and diverse production environments, researchers can move projects from controlled studies to field-scale application.
Areas of research
Crop breeding and production
Researchers evaluate crop varieties, production practices and management systems designed to improve yield, quality and resilience. The Wooster land base supports work involving corn, soybeans, wheat, forages, cover crops and specialty crops, as well as certified organic production.
Research may include:
- Crop breeding and variety evaluation
- Organic and alternative production systems
- Nutrient and input management
- Forage and feed production
- Planting and harvest practices
- Regional crop performance trials
Soil health and crop nutrition
Wooster fields provide opportunities to study the relationships among soil, water, nutrients and plant performance. Researchers can examine how management practices affect soil function, crop nutrition, productivity and long-term sustainability.
Research may include:
- Soil fertility and nutrient management
- Soil biology and physical properties
- Crop nutrient uptake
- Soil and water interactions
- Conservation practices
- Long-term soil health
Pest and disease management
Field plots allow researchers to investigate the insects, weeds and diseases that affect Ohio crops and landscapes. Studies help identify practical approaches that protect plant health while supporting responsible input use.
Research may include:
- Weed identification and control
- Insect monitoring and management
- Plant disease diagnosis and prevention
- Integrated pest management
- Crop resistance and resilience
- Evaluation of crop protection practices
Precision and digital agriculture
Researchers can pair working fields and agricultural equipment with precision technologies to study how data, automation and diagnostics can improve agricultural decision-making.
The proximity of the farm shop, land base and Trimble Technology Labs supports research involving:
- Guidance and positioning systems
- Equipment and sensor technology
- Variable-rate applications
- Remote and in-field data collection
- Machinery diagnostics
- Automated agricultural systems
Forestry, wildlife and water resources
The Wooster campus also supports research beyond crop fields. Forested areas, waterways and other natural environments provide opportunities to study resource management and the connections among agriculture, ecosystems and communities.
Research areas may include:
- Forest management
- Wildlife habitat
- Water quality
- Watershed processes
- Conservation practices
- Agricultural and natural resource interactions
Active research and teaching area
Plan a research project
Researchers interested in using Wooster fields, facilities or agricultural operations support should contact the team early in the project-planning process to discuss site requirements, equipment, timing and operational needs.
CFAES Wooster鈥檚 agricultural operations team works with researchers to identify appropriate sites, equipment and operational support for their projects.
Available resources include:
- More than 3,600 acres across the Wooster campus
- Intensive agronomic research plots
- Certified organic acreage
- Crop, forage and specialized field equipment
- Facilities for equipment preparation and project coordination
- Staff experienced in managing research protocols and field operation
Support may include field preparation, planting, plot maintenance, treatment applications, data collection coordination and harvest.