17
September/October 2023
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THE DAVEY BULLETIN
While building and facilities construction continues, research programs
are well underway at the Davey SEED (Science, Employee Education
and Development) Campus.
Scientists at the Davey Institute are conducting several research
programs at the SEED Campus. Their purpose is to gain data and
knowledge through testing and apply that information to improve
techniques and methods used in various Davey service lines.
RESEARCH PROGRAMS TAKE ROOT AT SEED CAMPUS
Right: More than 500 trees have been planted at the Davey SEED Campus for research
purposes. All trees have drip irrigation and can be watered independently. In-ground soil
moisture sensors allow for irrigation management for specific species. All trees were
planted by a crew from the Davey Nursery as bare-root whips so they are all growing in the
same soil native to the site, one example of the many variables controlled for research. The
trees will be used to study a number of factors, including evaluations of plant health care
products, treatment methods, watering levels and their impacts on growth rates and more.
The trees will be monitored for pests and diseases and other environmental conditions.
Left: A weather station
monitors everything from
photosynthetically active
radiation – the portion of the
light spectrum used by plants
for photosynthesis – to soil
moisture and temperature,
relative humidity, air
temperature, wind speed
and direction and precipitation
amounts. Weather data
gathered by the station can
be accessed via mobile app
and will be used in tree and
plant research to determine
how weather patterns – such
as drought conditions – impact
the plants.
Right: Pollinator establishment
method studies underway
are examining how different
planting methods of pollinator-
friendly seed mixes impact
the development of pollinator
habitat. Several seeded plots
measuring 10 feet by 40 feet
were planted in soil with low
disturbance, soil that was
tilled and broadcast seeded,
and soil that was tilled and
This tent-like structure is called an insect malaise
trap and is used to capture and identify different
insects populating the SEED Campus.
Turfgrass research projects are underway,
including seed mix evaluations, lawn care
program methods, and disease ID and treatment.
The Davey Institute maintains a
honeybee hive at the SEED Campus.
drone seeded. These research plots include black-eyed Susan and purple coneflower.
A bumblebee (inset) explores one of the research flowers.
