J. Phil Campbell Sr. Natural Resource
Conservation Center
Transition Report
University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
September 2012
Foreword
The transition of the J. Phil Campbell Sr. (JPC) Natural Resource Conservation Center from
USDA-ARS to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
(CAES) took a major step forward on 14 August 2012, when an updated 5-year revocable
permit took effect between USDA and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
that allows the CAES to operate the facility as a Research and Education Center (REC) and
conduct a wide range of research, instruction, and extension activities at the facility. To support
the transition, a broad-based Faculty Advisory Committee was convened and developed this
Transition Plan in a series of meetings between May and August 2012. The purpose of this
exercise was to provide guidance to CAES faculty, JPC-REC staff, and the Office of the CAES
Associate Dean for Research with regard to facilitating the changeover and optimizing land use
for research, teaching, and extension activities of the CAES, while at the same time preserving
the scientific legacy of the facility. This Report focuses specifically on land use and outdoor
research infrastructure; recommendations regarding office and laboratory space will be
developed separately at a later date.
The JPC-REC Faculty Advisory Committee drafting this report was composed of the following
members:
Matthew Chappell
Dory Franklin
Julia Gaskin
Dennis Hancock
Nicholas Hill
Jeff Mullen
David Radcliffe
Harald Scherm
Lawton Stewart
CAES Research Horticulture
Crop and Soil Sciences
Crop and Soil Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator
Crop and Soil Sciences
Crop and Soil Sciences
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Crop and Soil Sciences
Plant Pathology, Assistant Dean for Research (Chair)
Animal and Dairy Science
1 September 2012 2
1. Infrastructure Warranting Special Consideration
1.1 Cropped P watersheds (P1 through P4)
These sites have been used for integrated watershed research since the 1970s, and some of
the historical hardcopy data records have been transferred to the CAES for curating. During the
past few years the P watersheds have not been involved in active research projects, but
baseline hydrological data collection has continued under conservation-cropping. With the
withdrawal of USDA-ARS from the JPC Natural Resource Conservation Center, sensors and
data loggers have been removed, but the basic infrastructure (flumes and weirs) is still
functional. The P watersheds are not only of great historical significance, but also constitute an
important physical resource for future grant applications as well as outreach and teaching
activities.
• P1: located in the North Unit, draws visitors from around the world as one of the best
visual and data-supported examples for the benefits of conservation-cropping on
reducing erosion and improving soil quality and productivity. Thus, P1 is a unique
outreach and teaching tool. This watershed should be re-instrumented to continue
baseline data collection to maintain the long-term data record. It should be managed as
a single unit for the foreseeable future using conservation-cropping practices (unless
prescribed otherwise by experimental protocols of future research studies involving the
watersheds).
• P3 and P4: paired watersheds located side-by-side in the heart of the West Unit. These
sites should be “mothballed” by maintaining them under conservation-cropping over the
medium term (next 5 years). This will provide an opportunity for CAES scientists and
their collaborators to develop grant proposals and research, outreach, or teaching
projects involving this infrastructure. The watersheds could be re-instrumented with grant
funding. If no active projects develop during the next 5 years, consideration could be
given toward abandoning P3 and P4 as watershed sites.
• P2: partner watershed to P1 but located on the East Unit on a 90-acre tract that will be
retained by USDA-ARS. A 5-year permit should be sought from USDA to maintain P2
under conservation-cropping practices, to serve as a potential watershed pair with P1 for
grant applications and research projects. If no active projects involving P2 develop
during this 5-year period, no new permit should be sought.
1.2 Paddocks on Dawson field
Located on the East Unit and consisting of 14 fenced paddocks, each of which has its own
watershed for runoff measurement and collection. This unique research infrastructure should be
maintained for perennial grazing system research. Fencing and animal facilities will require
updating in the near future, which could be accomplished with MRR funds. External funding
should be sought for pasture renovation (uniformity) and re-instrumentation of the watersheds.
1.3 Water quality plots
Set of 12 plots on the West Unit, each of which is tile-drained at 90 cm depth to collect leachate
and equipped with a flume to measure surface runoff. Plots are ca. 30 m × 10 m in size and
surrounded by plastic borders. This infrastructure is currently not used in active research
CAES Research 1 September 2012 3
projects, but should be maintained as a potential resource over the medium term (~5 years) by
equalizing soil nutrients and applying uniform tillage, cropping, and weed control practices. If no
active projects develop in the intermediate term, consideration could be given toward
abandoning the watershed plots.
1.4 Organic transition field
One-hectare (2.3-acre) field in the heart of the West Unit that has been transitioned to organic
production but has not yet been officially certified as being organic. This site has already been
included in grant proposals to study organic grain production. The CAES should seek organic
certification for the field as soon as possible and maintain it under organic practices. A small
triangular area (1.3 acres), located between the Organic field and P4, has been managed
organically since 2009 and should also be transitioned and certified. If the demand for organic
land at the JPC-REC facility increases, consideration should be given toward transitioning one
of the neighboring plots (e.g., P4 or part of WUCS) to organic production.
1.5 Paddocks on East Unit
Set of six contiguous paddocks of app. 5.5 acres each (with the possibility of subdividing into 18
individual 1.8-acre fenced paddocks) on the East Unit. These paddocks represent an important
infrastructure for research on annual grazing systems in that they allow for the number of
replications necessary to collect statistically sound data in research with grazing animals.
1.6 Rainfall simulation plots
A set of 48 paired rainfall simulation (runoff) plots (each 0.75 × 2 m in size, surrounded by
galvanized steel borders and equipped with stainless steel flumes) is located on the South Unit.
The plots are on Cecil sandy loam soil and have slopes of 2 to 5%. They have been established
with a grant received by UGA in which USDA-ARS was a subcontractor. The site has a varied
mineralogy, with the surrounding soils being Mecklenburg, Pacolet, Lloyd, and Rion; thus, there
exists the opportunity for expanding or moving the rainfall simulation plots to these different soils
if needed. The plots have been used most recently in an EPA project about 2 years ago to
monitor microbial transport and infiltration. Presence of the plots does not provide a major
impediment to hay production in this section of the South Unit. Thus, the plots should be
maintained as a potential resource over the medium term (~5 years). If no active projects
develop during that period, consideration could be given toward abandoning these plots.
2. Suggestions for Use of the Four Main Units at the JPC-REC
2.1 South Unit (252 acres, 55 arable)
The South Unit is located about 10 miles from the JPC-REC headquarters, making it the most
remote of the four units. Over 160 acres are currently in permanent forest and should remain so
owing to steep slopes and severe erosion potential. The remainder of the land is in permanent
pasture and is currently being used for hay production. This site also houses the rainfall
simulation plots mentioned above (see 1.6). About 55 acres adjoining Colham Ferry Rd. may be
arable, but the lack of a critical mass for field plot work and remote location may not warrant
CAES Research 1 September 2012 4
conversion of the land out of pasture. Thus, the South Unit may be best used for hay production
and for studies involving wildlife-agriculture interactions. Furthermore, the Unit’s relative
isolation may make it suitable as an interim location for higher-risk cattle, e.g., those whose
vaccination status may be uncertain at the time of acquisition.
2.2 North Unit (315 acres, 53 arable)
This is the largest of the JPC-REC units, but much of its land has slopes >6% and is severely
eroded, making it most suitable for permanent pasture. The P1 watershed (6.8 acres, see 1.1
above) should be preserved for watershed and conservation cropping research and
demonstration, leaving only a relatively small amount of arable land north of Hog Mountain Rd.
for conversion to field plots, e.g., for expansion of the Horticulture Farm. A swath of relatively
level land along Daniells Bridge Rd. may be suitable for field plots. In general, however, the
North Unit may be best managed as a single entity for grazing system and watershed research.
Two somewhat isolated sections could accommodate alternative uses. Wellbrook 2 (21.3 acres)
on the northeastern end of the Unit is located less than 1 mile from the Horticulture Farm,
contains a 3.6-acre pond that could be used for irrigation, and may be suitable for field plot work
that does not require frequent movement of heavy equipment, e.g., perennial ornamentals.
Darby (11.6 acres) on the northwestern end is suitable for growing annual crops. However, the
site is surrounded by residential homes, creating concerns regarding pesticide drift and
vandalism. This field could be used for cash crop production, or for educational and
demonstration purposes, e.g., as a community farming incubator as part of a Beginning Farmers
and Ranchers Development program.
2.3 East Unit (254 acres, 48 arable)
The land on the East Unit is most suitable for cattle and grazing research and education, either
due to topography or because of existing infrastructure at the site (Dawson field, replicated
paddocks, and existing animal holding facilities). A swath to the south of Hog Mountain Rd.,
consisting of EUAP1 (4.9 acres), EUAP2 (3.2 acres), and a 3-acre portion of EU7, may be
suitable for expansion of the Horticulture Farm. However, proximity to the road and an existing
residence (pesticide drift concerns) would preclude efficient use of the land for high-intensity
horticultural crops. The pastures near the station headquarter buildings may be suitable for
multi-species grazing studies.
2.4 West Unit (249 acres, 105 arable)
The West Unit is the smallest of the four units in terms of total acreage, but has the largest
acreage of land that is arable and would be suited for plot work based on an assessment of
slope and erosion level (105 acres). As such, it is likely that there will be a large demand for the
land on the West Unit. However, irrigation is a limiting factor, especially west of Burr Harris Rd.
where the existing 2.4-acre Vaughn Pond would be difficult to redevelop as a source of irrigation
water given extensive sedimentation. Thus, the land on the west side of the road appears most
suitable for dryland or limited-irrigation farming. The arable land on the eastern side of Burr
Harris Rd. (ca. 78 acres) is set up for pond irrigation, but additional wells may be needed at
strategic locations to ensure a sufficient water supply.
CAES Research 1 September 2012 5
Given limited land and water resources, it is recommended that projects related to teaching or
sustainable agriculture research and demonstration receive priority for use of the arable land at
the West Unit. Specifically, the block of plots comprised of WUCH1, WUC1, WUC2, and WUC3
could be allocated to teaching, whereas WUC4, the Water Quality plots, P3, P4, the Organic
plot, WUC5, and WUCH2 could be allocated to research and demonstration, at least initially.
Actual allocation of land and resources over time among research, demonstration, and teaching
needs to be reflective of faculty demand and efficiency in utilization, however.
3. Cross-Cutting Issues
3.1 Teaching
Given its close proximity to the Athens campus, along with the presence of unique resources
and infrastructure as discussed above, the JPC-REC offers unprecedented opportunities for
hands-on learning as part of field trips, demonstrations, and student research projects. A wide
range of subjects could be taught effectively at the facility, including cattle and pasture
management, agronomy and crop science, agricultural resource management and
conservation, soil and water science, nutrient management, and agriculture-wildlife interactions,
among others. The following needs should be considered in order to maximize the effectiveness
of the JPC-REC for the instructional mission of the CAES:
• Dedication of some of the arable land on the West Unit to teaching.
• Need for farm equipment suitable for planting smaller-scale field plots for a range of
crops (e.g., to compare tillage practices, planting row width, or cultivars, among others).
Some of this equipment could be loaned from the old Plant Sciences Farm (PSC), or
perhaps transferred from the old PSC following its transition to the new location.
• Dedication of laboratory space in the JPC-REC headquarters to teaching, e.g., for
sample preprocessing.
• Class access to the conference rooms and restrooms at the JPC-REC headquarters
• Need for additional passenger vans to transport students efficiently and safely to the
JPC-REC.
3.2. Expansion of the Horticulture Farm
Land demand at the 90-acre Durham Horticulture Farm on Hog Mountain Rd. has increased
significantly during the past 5 years. Acreage expansion has been most notable for vegetables,
organic production, and the ornamental breeding programs. Additional demand exists for land
suitable for the production of vegetables (requiring areas that are relatively level and equipped
with irrigation), peaches (requiring areas that have been out of orchard crops for at least a
decade, ideally longer), ornamentals, and pecans.
Given the close proximity between the Horticulture Farm and the JPC-REC, it seems logical to
consider expansion of the horticultural acreage into the JPC-REC, especially into sections of the
North or East Units that are contiguous with the Horticulture Farm. There exist, however,
CAES Research 1 September 2012 6
challenges associated with topography, water supply, pest management1, and safety concerns
associated with the movement of equipment across the busy Hog Mountain Rd.
East Unit:
Early plans called for allocating a 17.1-acre portion at the northeastern edge of the East Unit
(consisting of plots EUAP1, EUAP2, and EU7) to the Horticulture Farm. However, only about 10
to 11 acres of this section are arable based on topography and soil quality. The land actually
usable for research or demonstration plots is even smaller, given the need for borders (spray
drift) along Hog Mountain Rd. and to an existing private residence. The area is not sufficiently
level for plasticulture vegetable production, and too small for establishing a peach research
orchard. Highly intensive fruit or vegetable production also would not be compatible with the
revocable permit for JPC-REC, which places significant (but not insurmountable) restrictions on
pesticide use. Thus, this section may be most useful for horticultural enterprises that require a
relatively low input of water and pesticides, such as the ornamental or pecan breeding
programs.
North Unit:
Most of the acreage in the North Unit is suitable only for permanent pasture, but there is a swath
of relatively level land along Hog Mountain Rd. and Daniells Bridge Rd. that is arable. As
discussed previously, P1, directly across from the Horticulture farm, should remain in watershed
and conservation tillage research. NU13, adjacent to P1 and also located on Hog Mountain Rd.,
is too small (2.9 acres) and does not provide the critical mass needed to establish field plots.
The front portions of NU9 through NU11, facing Daniells Bridge Rd., could provide 10 to 12
acres of arable land, but this area suffers the same drawbacks related to water supply and the
requirement for pesticide drift borders along the road as discussed for the East Unit.
The greatest potential may exist for Wellbrook 2 (21.3 acres) on the northeastern end of the
North Unit. This field is relatively isolated yet located less than 1 mile from the Horticulture
Farm, contains a 3.6-acre pond that could be used for irrigation, and may be suitable for field
plot work that does not require frequent movement of heavy equipment, e.g., perennial
ornamentals.
Overall, there is no easy solution to meeting the increased demand for land at the Horticulture
Farm. Owing to irrigation water constraints and restrictions on pesticide use at JPC-REC, as
well as logistical considerations (transport of farm equipment and labor across public streets), it
would seem advisable to continue to locate management- and labor-intensive crops at the core
of the Horticulture Farm; less management-intensive crops could be accommodated in sections
of the East or North Units as discussed above.
1
The revocable permit mandates that “any application of pesticides shall be vetted through the South Atlantic Area Safety, Health and Environmental Management.” CAES Research 1 September 2012 7
3.3 Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program
The Secretary of Agriculture has encouraged the use of the four USDA-ARS research locations
that were closed in 2012 for establishing Beginning Farmers Programs. The JPC-REC is ideally
suited for developing and conducting such programs. The facility is located in an area where
small farms are viable due to the proximity of large population centers and markets; the
prevalence of small farms translates into a large demand for beginning farmers training. With its
unique infrastructure the JPC-REC is well-positioned to host trainings on integrated livestock
production and pasture management, multispecies grazing, conservation cropping, and organic
production, all of which are of considerable interest to many beginning farmers. In addition, the
proximity to the Horticulture Farm provides excellent opportunities for training in the production
of fruits and vegetables. As discussed in section 2.2, Darby field could be developed into a
community farming incubator. The two conference rooms at the JPC-REC main building and the
availability of parking complement the outdoor laboratories for training exercises. Laboratory
space could be used for hands-on work, and office space to host interns or apprentices. CAES
has a robust network of non-governmental and academic partners with a history and interest in
beginning farmers training; inasmuch as possible, therefore, educational programs and
demonstrations conducted at JPC-REC should consider the special needs and interests of
beginning farmers.
CAES Research 1 September 2012 8
APPENDIX
North Unit
CAES Research 1 September 2012 9
East Unit
CAES Research 1 September 2012 10
West Unit
CAES Research 1 September 2012 11
South Unit
CAES Research 1 September 2012 12