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Ag Research

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About the Facility 

Located in Lane, 10 miles east of Atoka on Oklahoma State Highway 3, the center lies on the northern most part of the Southern Coastal Plains south of the Ouachita Mountain region. The research station includes 100 acres for cropping with 40 acres used for annual crops, and a 15-acre pond is used for irrigation. Eight acres of the cropland is the only state or federally owned property in Oklahoma that is USDA certified organic. The remaining acreage is used for forage and cattle production.

Research Center Information

History

In 1984, 273 acres were purchased to build the center, which was jointly funded and operated by Oklahoma State University and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service. The Lane Agricultural Center consisted of the Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center operated by OSU and the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory operated by the USDA. 

 

The purpose of the joint venture was to advance the study and promotion of alternative cropping systems in southeastern Oklahoma and adjoining regions. Researchers investigated horticultural crops as replacements for lower-profit agronomic crops. For over two decades, most research efforts focused on vegetable crops.

Past Research 

Most  research efforts were focused on vegetable crops alternative cropping systems that were sustainable with low environmental impact and organic cropping systems. For many years, the primary research emphasis was on cucurbit crops, primarily watermelon but also some cantaloupes, cucumbers and squash. Other crops included tomatoes, southern peas, sweet corn, green beans, peppers, onions, herbs and forage crops grown in rotation with vegetables.

 

In 2013, the USDA transferred the laboratory to OSU with the understanding that their research would focus on agricultural and natural resources. With the USDA's departure, the station increased its diversity of focus to support a wider range of faculty and specialists.

Current Research 

Current research focuses on crops that can be marketed with the Farm-to-School program, crops that can be used for biological fuels and biological disease control programs, crops with nutraceutical values and cover crops used for soil improvement.

 

Other work includes research on insecticides in grain and forage sorghum, cattle supplement and forage management, row crop weed science, food crop production, organic farming, soil fertility, and honeybee care and pollinator management. It is also part of the Integrated Pest Management Program with research on sugarcane aphids, pests in bermudagrass, IPM techniques for vegetable production and leafy greens and control of cutworms in corn.

Meet the Wes Watkins Agricultural Research & Extension Team

James Vaughan

Station Superintendent

Shannon Reece

Mechanic I

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