Continue experiment on "Performance of Hybrid Poplar under Agroforestry Conditions in Western Colorado." Collect growth data through the end of 2005 growing season (Calvin Pearson).
Continue research project on an alternative source for natural rubber (Calvin Pearson).
Continue experiment to evaluate turf varieties/species for improved water-use efficiency (Calvin Pearson).
Evaluate six hop varieties in small field plots to determine the potential for hop production in western Colorado (Ron Godin).
Native Seed Production
A study that began Spring 2004 will investigate the feasibility of growing native plant seeds to assist local branches of three federal and state agencies in re-vegetation efforts on the Uncompaghre Plateau. This study will also examine the soil fertility and organic matter enhancement possibilities of using native plant production in a crop rotation sequence and its economic viability (Ron Godin).
Ornamental Plant Production
Continue an evaluation of several irrigation systems under three production systems: retractable roof greenhouse - flat and peak, and an open field production system (Matt Rogoyski).
Determine performance of various types of media and native plant species grown in a retractable roof house (Calvin Pearson).
Develop and evaluate an integrated, above- ground Pot-In-Pot nursery production system (Matt Rogoyski).
Participate in the multi-site evaluation of the Plant Select material trial via trial planting at WCRC Orchard Mesa; Determine performance of various herbicides for production of container-grown Plant Select® ornamentals (Matt Rogoyski).
Pest Management
Identify causes of disease or insect problems encountered in the research projects on new and alternative crops and cropping systems and identify or develop control options or strategies for these pests (Harold Larsen and Rick Zimmerman).
