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Location, location, location – this credo rings true for more than real estate. Turfgrass researchers understand the importance of being in the right place at the right time, and regional differences make all the difference in turf testing.
This is why Clayton, N.C., is such a sweet spot – for testing, inventing and demonstrating active ingredients on turf varieties. The transitional region provides Bayer Environmental Science with the best of both cool- and warm-season turf worlds. Scientists at the Clayton Technical Center can cultivate Bermudagrass and Kentucky bluegrass, as well as Zoysiagrass and other fine and tall fescues.
“The value of Clayton lies in its abilty to screen a wide range of weeds, establish permanent plots for varietal tolerance, plus conduct extensive research studies,” said Don Myers, product development manager – herbicides, in a summary of the facility’s research value.
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Bayer Environmental Science opened the Clayton center’s doors this Wednesday and Thursday, offering a look at the latest product research and development, turf testing and innovative trials being conducted at the center.
The 280-acre property includes 10 interconnected greenhouses – 40 percent of the area is open turf land. Clayton Technical Center initiatives include:
Field tests:
Greenhouses:
Laboratories:
Show & Tell:
The site has been under Bayer ownership for nearly a year – it belonged to Aventis prior to Bayer’s acquisition of the company, and before that Rohne-Poulenc used the area as its U.S. field research headquarters. Since then, Bayer has developed the land to meet its product testing demands. The site features a 2-hole golf course and a place to conduct sales and technical training, and to host global and national team meetings. Product performance testing and soil degradation testing also take place on the site.
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Nick Hamon, director, development and technical services, stressed the importance of the Clayton Technical Center to Bayer Environmental Science’s product innovation and development efforts. Sites like Clayton area instrumental in finding innovative solutions existing active ingredients might offer for new markets. “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” he recited. The facility demonstrates Bayer’s commitment to the environmental science business and also provides a place for training, equipment testing and confidential testing, he said.
Myers pointed out that this is especially important in today’s competitive market. “A dedicated research farm also allows the company to control the release of research results to the public and to maintain the confidentiality that a company needs to compete in today’s market,” he said.
The author is a Contributing Editor to Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at khampshire@lawnandlandscape.com.