Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (DSAC) is a giant outdoor laboratory and is the largest experiment station of it's kind east of the Mississippi River. The Center, operated by the University of Illinois since 1934, is unique because large scale experiments relate directly to commercial agriculture.
The hills of southern Illinois provide a unique setting for agricultural research that serves a region with similar topography and climate in Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana. The University of Illinois owns 580 acres, but manages 4,929 acres within the Shawnee National Forest under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service.
DSAC links the laboratories and classrooms of the University of Illinois at Urbana and the USDA with the farms in southern Illinois. Researchers at DSAC coordinate their programs to meet the needs of area farmers.
Four departments from the University of Illinois conduct research and educational programs at Dixon Springs.
- Animal Scientists conduct beef cattle research focusing on grazing management, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and pest management.
- Agronomists study precision agriculture, crops and soil management, soil fertility, crop production, and pest management. A major emphasis is on no-till and reduced tillage systems.
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences staff conduct research and extension programs in horticultural crop production and system-based land stewardship. The Forest Resource Center offers information and educational programs for land owners, natural resource professionals, teachers, students, and the general public
- Research veterinarians investigate diseases of cattle and hogs.
Special field days are held each year during the summer. A station-wide DSAC Field Day is held every two years. Visitors to the Center are always welcome.