Agricultural Â鶹¹ÙÍø
Another Tool for Soil Management
UAF researchers are conducting studies to understand how biochar — a soil amendment
similar to charcoal
— interacts with Alaska soil to inform farmers how and when to use the amendment to
maximize growing benefits. Â鶹¹ÙÍøers taught foresters, farmers and gardeners around
the state how to make and use biochar in their communities.
Collaborating With Farmers to Improve Alaska Soils
Soil tests conducted by researchers in collaboration with local growers are being
conducted across the state, giving each participant personalized recommendations for
soil management and fertilizer plans. This work will help inform local decision-makers
about potential areas of agriculture in the state and allow for comparison to soils
in other regions.
Grain Trials for a Food Secure State
UAF researchers are trialing almost 300 grain varieties to identify the right varieties
for commercial success. They are using traditional practices and innovative breeding
techniques to develop new malting barley, a wheat cultivar for human consumption,
an improved oat cultivar and other new grain varieties that can give local producers
more options, boost the state economy, increase Alaska’s food independence and provide
healthy, local options for the public.
Specialty Crop Variety Trials Inform Local Producers
In 2024, the UAF Variety Trials Program evaluated more than 120 cultivars of standard
and emergent or specialty crops. This research helps Alaska producers determine which
varieties grow best in unique conditions and identifies new successful varieties as
climate shifts and growing conditions change.
Investigating Local Foods for Local Livestock
A livestock nutritionist has joined researchers at the UAF Agricultural and Forestry
Experiment Station. His work focuses on alternative feeds that are convenient, local
and cost-effective, including capitalizing on waste products from the mariculture
industry, such
as kelp and crab meal. Plans for establishing nutrient requirements for livestock
species like yak and reindeer may increase potential markets for producers.