Field 300 was designed for studies of plant root adaptations for low soil phosphorus availability.
In 2004, we converted a 25-yr pasture to a 3 acre research facility containing six blocks of high and low phosphorus (P) split-plots in Hagerstown silt loam soil. The low P plots do not receive P fertilizer and have available soil P levels between 7 - 10 ppm. High P plots are fertilized to maintain high P levels. Each split-plot is 80' long x 65' wide (0.12 acre/0.05 ha) giving a total plot area of 1.44 acre or 0.55 ha. The 195' x 690' facility, is enclosed by 8' high deer fencing. Irrigation is provided either by drip or overhead irrigation.
A visiting scholar is demonstrating the injection of rubidium, an isotope tracer, to 30 cm depth in order to understand the influence of root traits on uptake.
