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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota State University Oakes Irrigation Research Site will hold its annual field day on July 31 about 4.5 miles south of Oakes on the west side of North Dakota Highway 1.

Visitors will be able to observe and discuss variety trial research in corn, soybeans, small grains, onions, dry edible beans and potatoes.

Energy beet hybrid trials at Oakes and other locations in the state will be discussed. The Green Vision Group, Heartland Renewable Energy and NDSU are cooperating in a multifaceted project to develop energy beet production for biofuel use in North Dakota.

Juan Osorno, NDSU dry bean breeder, will discuss dry bean varieties and production. Susie Thompson, NDSU potato breeder, will address irrigated potato variety studies.

Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, high-value crops specialist, will show research work on starter fertilizer in potatoes and ongoing weed control studies in onions.

Joel Ransom, NDSU Extension Service agronomist, will present past and ongoing research on corn row width. Visitors will be able to view a comparison between corn planted with an air drill and row crop planter.

There has been significant interest in active light canopy sensors that allow immediate turnaround of the nitrogen status in crops. The tour will include an in-field demonstration of how multispectral meters can be used to determine nitrogen sufficiency in potatoes, corn and hard red spring wheat. Refreshments and rolls will be served starting at 9 a.m., with the tour beginning at 9:30.