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Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center

ID

AREC-81NP (AREC-279NP)

Authors as Published

EASTERN SHORE

Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Photo of Keren Duerksen standing in the middle of a field
Keren Duerksen, a graduate research assistant, works to develop nitrogen and sulfur recommendations for oilseed soybean and edamame for Virginia Farmers

Graduate student research at the Eastern Shore AREC greatly impacts our stakeholders, growers and industry on a local, national, and global level. Currently, students are working on eliminating foodborne human pathogens in packinghouses, conversion of chicken litter ash into comparable phosphorus fertilizer sources, and decreasing weed pressure using new, innovative modes of action. 

Students participate in monthly seminars, guide AREC tours, and assist in all outreach activities. They work hand in hand with faculty, staff, fellow students and hourly employees in all aspects of their research. These interactions ensure that students are prepared to become the next generation of teachers, researchers and innovators.

Photo of James Warren

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the ability to help growers, industry, and academia across all disciplines in every aspect of field research here at the AREC.”

 JAMES WARREN
AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIST SR.

Photo of Justin Colson

 “It is important for growers to be able to diversify our crops and edamame has the potential to be an alternative in our farming systems. I’m pleased that the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center is doing research which will help make edamame a viable crop.”

JUSTIN COLSON
C&E FARMS, OPERATIONS & SALES

EASTERN SHORE AREC AT A GLANCE

DISCIPLINES

  • Soils & Nutrient Management
  • Weed Management Technologies
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Horticultural Cropping Systems
  • Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention
  • Vegetable Disease Epidemiology

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for assessing plant health & weed management
  • Fertilizer source and application technologies
  • Molecular Identification of Plant & Human Pathogens
  • Advanced pollinator habitats

FACILITIES

  • 220-acre farm
  • 7500 sq. ft. Modern Equipment Building
  • 2700 sq. ft. Renovated Greenhouse
  • 3 Biosafety Level 2 Laboratories
  • Onsite Student Housing

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Packers
  • Potato, Vegetable, Corn, Small Grains and Soybean Associations
  • Agricultural Fertilizer, Technology, and Chemical Companies
  • Virginia Master Gardeners
  • USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services
  • Soil & Water Conservation Districts

ABOUT THE EASTERN SHORE AREC

Established in 1956, the Eastern Shore AREC grows more than 25 agricultural crops annually for research and Extension studies. To ensure that the Eastern Shore remains a leader in commercial agriculture production, it is essential that new, state-of-the-art applied research is conducted that is relevant to local large and small-scale farming operations.

A COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

The ARECs are a network of 11 centers strategically located throughout the state that emphasize close working relationships between Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the industries the work with. The mission of the system is to engage in innovative, leading-edge research to discover new scientific knowledge and create and disseminate science-based applications that ensure the wise use of agricultural, natural, and community resources while enhancing quality of life.

Virginia map with a network of 11 center and indicating the location of the Eastern Shore AREC

PARTNER WITH US

33446 Research Drive, Painter, VA 23420
(757)807-6586
www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/eastern-shore
 Eastern Shore AREC

logo of Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station
Logo of VCE

Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law

Publication Date

October 5, 2022