FIELD DAY TODAY

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- "Ten years ago the words, `no-till,' were practically unheard of. This year, up to half of the crops planted required little, or no till."

These were recent remarks by Edward C. Varsa, professor of plant and soil science at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, who will be one of seven speakers at the 25th annual Farmer Field Day, to be held Wednesday at the Belleville, Ill. Research Center.

"As tillage changes, and the amount of seed abed preparations is reduced, fertilization practices have required complete overhauls," said Varsa. "Technology is now available that allows producers to apply fertilizers precisely where they are needed most."

No-till, insects and disease, corn weed control, and grain marketing strategies and planting are among items to be discussed at the program today, which starts at 9:30 a.m.

The Belleville Research Center is located across from the south gate of Scott Air Force Base on Route 161.