Research and Innovation

Research

The Purdue Student Farm serves as a dynamic research hub, hosting diverse research trials in partnership with faculty members from various colleges and schools within Purdue University. The research portfolio spans a wide range of agricultural challenges, including studies on insect pests, nematodes, and weed management, as well as variety trials and the evaluation of cellulose mulch. Innovative research projects include the development of a video-analytics system for assessing hand-hygiene actions in wash-pack environments and a novel methodology using a mobile device LiDAR for non-destructive assessment of plant structural parameters. The farm also supports investigations into organic pesticide efficacy and the compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes. Research findings are actively disseminated through multiple channels, including peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, newsletter articles, technical reports, and poster and oral presentations at local, regional, and national conferences. This research activity supports the work of Ph.D. and M.S. students, demonstrating the farm's vital role in both advancing agricultural knowledge and training future researchers.

published Research Results

Leaf mold compost reduces waste, improves soil and microbial properties, and increases tomato productivity

Useful Farm Management Tools

HortCalculator - An Online Financial Tool For crop and farm-specific enterprise budgets