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Evaluation Of Forage Nutritive Value And Dry Matter Yield Of Stockpiled Tall Fescue Across Plant Hardiness Zones 7 And 8, Malerie Elizabeth Fancher

Masters Theses

Pastures in Tennessee comprise mainly tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.], a cool-season perennial grass. Tennessee producers feed hay for an average of 143 days per year, there is interest in utilizing stockpiling to extend the grazing season. Although this practice has been proven to reduce hay needs (Freeman et al., 2019), it is vital to maintain up-to-date recommendations using data from across the southeastern US to inform nutritional management decisions. The objective of this study is to determine the nutritive value and dry matter yield of stockpiled tall fescue across plant hardiness zones 7 and 8. Fourteen farms …

Increasing Productivity And Biodiversity Of Tall Fescue Swards By Intercropping Cool And Warm-Season Forage Species, Michael Dereck Corbin

Doctoral Dissertations

Mixed pastures are known to produce greater biomass yields and higher nutritive value than monocultures. Intercropping biologically N fixating legumes, along with the use of intercropping warm-season annual grasses, such as crabgrass [Digitaria ciliaris Retz.], provides the potential to aid tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] productivity. To determine the benefits of intercropping species into tall fescue forage systems in the Southeastern U.S., two studies were developed. The first study consisted of 9 tall fescue paddocks, in which 3 paddocks contained red clover (Trifolium pratense L. [TRC]) mixed with tall fescue, 3 paddocks contained sunn …

Two Essays On International Beef And Poultry Consumer Demand, Bhishma Raj Dahal

Masters Theses

This study examines meat preferences in China and Rwanda. In China, we analyzed the factors associated with frequent beef purchasing decisions. Using a survey of 560 consumers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, we found that nearly 50% of respondents purchased beef at least 2-3 times a week. Those who purchased specific cuts of beef from wet markets and supermarkets and considered the country of origin and growth hormone-free products important were likely to buy beef more often. The frequency of consumption was also higher for younger respondents with higher wages and those who prioritized price and premium quality. Our findings …

Analyzing Youth Engagement And Gender Roles In The Groundnut Value Chain In Uganda Using The Photovoice Research Methodology, Annie Faye Carter

Masters Theses

In regions of East Africa, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is cultivated as a common cash crop in areas of food insecurity and agricultural-dependent communities. Groundnut, also known as peanut, is a legume with a variety of important uses. This crop is especially popular with small-scale farmers and youth, who seek to harvest a crop which is affordable. As an expected 440 million young people enter the global labor market by 2030, those living in rural areas are at a disadvantage when searching for job opportunities. In Africa, this rural-urban divide has impacted the economic sector and the activities …

An Analysis Of Dairy Farm Financial Efficiency And Price Expectations In Seedstock Bull Markets, Seth H. Ingram

Masters Theses

The first thesis chapter employs two single-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) models under varying returns to scale assumptions to provide technical efficiency estimates for 26 dairy farms in Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina participating in the UT Dairy Gauge program. These analyses reveal how efficiently farms utilize inputs (cows, feed, labor, forage) to generate farm income relative to other sample farms. Under the assumption of constant returns to scale (CRS) 7 farms are estimated to be technically efficient, while 13 farms display comparative efficiency under an assumption of variable returns to scale (VRS). No …

Food Insecurity And The Value Of Best If Used By Dates, Lun Luo

Masters Theses

Food insecurity affected 10.2% of United States households in 2021. While food pantries offer free food to households in need, prior research suggests that stigma may prevent households from utilizing this valuable resource. The purpose of this study is to investigate a potential additional barrier to food pantry used posed by the near-to best if used by dates (BUBD) commonly found on foods donated to foodbanks. If food pantry users perceive this food to be less valuable, even though it is still safe for consumption, they may not be willing to accept the food even when it is free. Data …

Impact Of Cover Crop Species Diversity On Soil Nutrient Availability And Crop Productivity, Amanda Kramer

Masters Theses

Cover crops provide multiple environmental benefits that improve both soil and water quality; however, farmers only utilize them on approximately 5% of harvested U.S. cropland. Low adoption rates are attributed to yield impact concerns, seed and planting costs, and lack of advocacy. This study, which began in October 2019, assessed the effects of nitrogen rate and cover crop diversity on weed biomass, soil coverage, in-situ residue decomposition, soil nitrogen and phosphorus availability, and cash crop yield to better understand the costs and benefits of cover crop adoption at two locations in Tennessee (Milan and Spring Hill). Treatments were replicated 4 …

Corn (Zea Mays L.) Production In Living Mulch Systems, Grazing Potential, And Economic Viability, Marcia Peireira Quinby

Doctoral Dissertations

Living mulch (LM) is a practice in which forages are grown simultaneously with the main crop, serving as a living cover throughout the growing season. The LM systems were developed to alleviate concerns of soil depletion and finding ways to reduce tillage negative effects on soil productivity. In addition, when legumes are use can decrease the reliance on N fertilizer. The use of corn in LM have been previously studied due to the crop being a large commodity in the U.S.; In addition, the ability to graze the LM after corn production can increase the land use efficiency. To determine …

Optimal Stocker Production Strategies For Spring And Fall Calving Cow Herds, Cora Beth Key

Masters Theses

This thesis consists of two chapters discussing the economics of raising stocker beef cattle in the southeast United States. The objective of the first chapter is to estimate supplemental feed cost for spring-calving cows, spring-born stockers, cows calving in the fall, and fall-born stockers, while considering the seasonality of forage production and nutritional needs. The chapter explores ways producers can lower their feed costs and demonstrates the importance of managing hay expenses for cattle producers to control cost. The objective of chapter two is to determine the profit-maximizing stocker period in an integrated cow-calf and stocker operation with both fall- …

Efficacy Of Sequential Estrus Synchronization And Timed Artificial Insemination In Beef Cattle Beginning 19 Days After An Initial Timed Artificial Insemination, Courtnie Carter Bridges

Masters Theses

A breeding program utilizing single fixed-timed artificial insemination (AI) was compared to a resynchronization program for a second fixed-timed AI. Angus and Angus cross primiparous and multiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatment regimens; either single TAI (CON; n=468) or two sequential TAI (RS; n=473). The main objectives were assessing pregnancy rates and analyzing fetal age to estimate calving distribution rates between the two treatment groups. The 7-day CO-synch + CIDR protocol was utilized in both treatment groups to synchronize estrus for TAI-1 at 60h - 66h post- Prostaglandin injection (PGf2α). Animals in the RS treatment groups …

Poa Annua: An Annual Species?, Devon E. Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations

Poa annua L. is ranked the most troublesome turfgrass weed but can also be a highly desirable turfgrass species. As the Latin name annua implies, the species is thought to persist via an annual life cycle; yet there are many reports in literature of P. annua persisting perennially. Considering that P. annua senescence patterns do not align with other true annual species such as Triticum spp. and Zea mays L., we hypothesized that P. annua presents itself similarly to other perennial, cool-season, turfgrass species that are subject to a confluence of environmental factors in summer that can cause mortality. …

Impact Of Far-Red Light Supplementation On Yield And Growth Of Cannabis Sativa, Thomas Benjamin Carter

Masters Theses

Far-red light(700-780nm) induces shade avoidance response in many different species of plants. The shade avoidance response triggers a number of changes in the plant such as cell expansion and stem elongation. This cell expansion has shown to increase yields in leafy greens and increase flower set in tomatoes. Despite there being a void in the literature for Cannabis sativa, far-red lights are often advertised to provide several benefits. This study will evaluate the effects of far-red light supplementation on the yield and height of Cannabis sativa. Five cannabis clones were grown under white (410-730nm) light emitting diodes (LED’s) at …

Assessing The Impact Of Parental Involvement On The Scaling Of Agricultural Technologies From School Garden To Home Farm Through Experiential Learning, Gracie Pekarcik

Masters Theses

Cambodia is a predominantly rural nation with a heavy dependence on agriculture, particularly smallholder rice farming systems. While several sustainable agricultural technologies have been successfully piloted on research stations or with small numbers of early adopters, questions remain on how to extend these technologies to large numbers of resource-poor smallholders. The Scaling Suitable Sustainable Technologies Project (S3-Cambodia) seeks to examine pathways for scaling sustainable intensification (SI) technologies to smallholder farmers. One of the identified pathways to scaling SI is through the education system. Cambodian youth serve as an entry point to extend target technologies to farm families through experiential learning …

Assessing Global Meat Trade & Local Infrastructure Upgrades, Mary Lynn Marks

Masters Theses

This thesis is a combination of two distinct chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on human pandemics impacts on global meat trade. An increase in future mass global pandemics is expected as zoonotic diseases, globalization, and trade escalate. These pandemics affect nearly every industrial sector, with animal protein no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be the largest, most expansive, and unprecedented pandemic in a century. Labor shortages and supply chain defragmentation are only a portion the production process affected. Studies have analyzed species specific disease events’ effects on animal trade, such as those caused by the African Swine Fever amongst Chinese …

A Disaggregated Analysis Of Beef Import Demand In Japan, Christina D. Greer

Masters Theses

Japan is an important partner for the U.S. beef industry and a major beef importing country. In 2020, Japan was the world’s third-largest importer of beef products (USDA, 2021). Although the Japanese beef market has been studied, research on the importance of product characteristics in determining import demand has been limited. The goal of this research is to provide a detailed analysis of how U.S. beef products compete in the Japanese market relative to other exporting countries based on prices, product form (chilled versus frozen), and product characteristics (boneless versus bone-in).

This study will focus on three key factors affecting …

The Factors Influencing The Leader’S Perceptions Of Success Of Dairy Cooperatives: The Case Of Cumbal Nariño’S Dairy Associations, Omar Efren Aza Fuelantala

Masters Theses

During the last few decades, Colombia’s dairy sector has been affected by economic, social, and political conditions, not only endangering it but also putting at risk the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry. To mitigate these conditions, the dairy farmers have joined cooperatives, which enabled them to gain some strategic advantages and reduce the adverse effects of the economic, political, and social conditions. This study evaluates the influence of economic, financial, membership, management and operational characteristics on the presidents’ perceptions of success of the dairy associations in Cumbal-Nariño. To accomplish this objective, we surveyed the presidents of dairy associations in …

Pollinator Community Homogenization And Pollination Services In Agroecosystems, Devon S. Eldridge .

Masters Theses

Pollination, or the transfer of pollen to plant stigmas, is an essential part of plant reproduction. The term “pollination system” refers to the floral phenotype and pollinator of a given plant. Although angiosperms exhibit a variety of different pollination systems, most rely partially or completely on animals, particularly insects, to vector their pollen. In agricultural systems, understanding the pollination system of the crop species is necessary to produce an economically valuable yield. Moreover, agricultural management may affect pollination systems by altering the abundance, diversity, or function of the pollinator community. In natural ecosystems, there is a great diversity of pollinating …

Impacts Of Soil Management On Microbial Assemblages Involved In Nitrogen Transformations In Agroecosystems In Tennessee, Usa, Jialin Hu

Doctoral Dissertations

Nutrient reduction, particularly with respect to nitrogen (N) losses, is an important goal for sustainably managed agroecosystems. Soil N-cycling microbial populations that modulate these processes are affected by agricultural management regimes. This research focused on the controls and dynamics of the major N-cycling microbial populations in high-input cotton field under agricultural management regimes and low-input native C₄ forage grass systems under pasture management practices to determine the effects of management regimes on in situ seasonal dynamics of the functional microbes responsible for N fixation, nitrification, and denitrification processes. Molecular microbial ecology methods were combined with soil physicochemical properties and …

Risk Management Potential Of Supplemental Irrigation For Cotton In A Sub-Humid Climate Under Climate Change, Wen Liu

Masters Theses

Adoption of supplemental irrigation to reduce cotton yield losses is a potential risk management strategy for farmers given increasingly frequent drought periods due to climate change. However, cotton farmers in the rolling landscape areas of the lower Mississippi River Basin (MRB) are concerned about whether an investment in supplemental irrigation is economically feasible. This study determined the impacts of the effects of risk exposure on optimal irrigation strategies for cotton production under climate change in West Tennessee. A crop simulation model was calibrated and validated using measured data from cotton irrigation experiments at Jackson, TN over three years (2006–2008). Simulated …

Financial Feasibility And Factors That Lead To Profitability For Small-Scale Farmers In Rwanda., Saheed Adeniyi Orimadegun

Masters Theses

This study will analyze small-scale poultry farming in the Musanze district of Rwanda. Poultry farming offers a source of protein and economic subsistence for households in this region but studies suggest that the smallholder farmers need training for effective production of broiler for these purposes. To this end, a project - Feed the Future Tworore Inkoko, Twunguke (TI) - funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the African Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) Foundation, and led by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) and Zamura Feeds Ltd., was initiated to help the smallholder broiler farmers …

Supplementing East Tennessee Landscapes For Pollinators With Native Perennials, Amani Khalil

Masters Theses

Tennessee, home to the Great Smoky Mountains, is a biodiversity hotspot for many plant and animal species, yet it receives relatively few conservation dollars (Jenkins et al., 2015). As a biodiversity hotspot, this region may be home to many endemic species, but little is known about the abundance or diversity of insect pollinators. In order to both estimate pollinator communities in East Tennessee and pollinator forage preferences for native Tennessee plants, we established four plots, comprised of three plant families across five common land use types. Over two field seasons we collected nearly 7,300 insect specimens with a total sampling …

Characterization And Management Of Glyphosate-Resistant Junglerice, Clay M. Perkins

Doctoral Dissertations

Junglerice has become a major weed in Tennessee and across the mid-south. Glyphosate resistance and dicamba antagonism has resulted in the reported control failures and rise in prevalence. Junglerice was the most prevalent weed escape in cotton and soybean fields across Tennessee from 2018 to 2020. In all, 13% of the junglerice accessions could no longer be effectively controlled with glyphosate. Due to poor in-crop control, it has been recommended to start clean when trying to control junglerice and other grasses. Therefore, research was conducted to determine the best burndown methods utilizing dicamba, glufosinate, or paraquat. A sequential application of …

Identifying Drought Tolerance Traits In Tennessee Soybean Genotypes: Recovery From Severe Water Deficit Stress, Samuel W. Purdom

Masters Theses

Ninety-four percent of U.S. grown soybeans are produced under rainfed conditions with intermittent droughts occurring late in the season during reproductive growth stages. Due to the temporary nature of drought, the ability of a crop to survive and recover effectively from water deficit stress is important for ensuring yield stability. In 2019 and 2020, two greenhouse experiments and two field studies were conducted to screen eleven soybean genotypes for transpiration response and recovery from water deficit stress and high vapor pressure deficit (VPD). In the first greenhouse study, soybean plants were grown in pots sealed to prevent evaporation and plants …

How To Feed Brazil, Anna Katherine Brawner

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Defining Bee Pollinator Community Composition In Tennessee Soybean, Andrew L. Lawson

Masters Theses

Two planting dates of various soybean varieties were planted in Jackson and Knoxville, TN during 2018 and 2019 with the overall intent of surveying the diversity bee (Hymenoptera) genera in these agroecosystems and also to assess the potential for using late maturing soybean as a food resource for bees during the dearth of floral resources that often occurs during the fall. We also investigated how manipulating planting dates and soybean variety selection affected the occurrence of insect pests that occurred in the soybean.

Both active (netting) and passive (bee bowls and blue-vane traps) sampling were used to collect the bees, …

Phytophthora Capsici In Tennessee: Fungicide Resistance, Population Genetics And Cultural Control, Timothy Brent Siegenthaler

Masters Theses

Phytophthora capsici, a plant pathogenic oomycete, is the causal agent of the vegetable disease Phytophthora blight of pepper and cucurbits. Since the identification of P. capsici in 1922, a significant amount of research has been conducted to understand its biology and disease management. Despite this, little research had been conducted on this species in the state of Tennessee. Three studies were done from 2018 to 2020, focusing on fungicide resistance, population genetics, and testing management strategies in the field. In 2018 and 2019 a total of 248 isolate of P. capsici were collected from five counties in Tennessee. These isolates …

Forage Species Selection For Transitional Organic Production In The Southeastern United States, Jonathan Kubesch

Masters Theses

Despite the vast production markets for forage and organic products nationally, so far limited work has been done to develop organic forages specifically for Middle Tennessee or the mid-South in general. The present organic research field focuses on vegetable and grain production; however, forage production offers an easier transition for producers moving into certified organic agriculture. The present study seeks to evaluate several forage blends for optimizing forage production under low-input transitional organic conditions. Ideally a forage system could be tailored to the beef cattle operations of Middle Tennessee, the dominant forage consumption market in this region of the mid-South. …

Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis Of A Ril Soybean Population To Determine Chromosomal Regions Governing Seed Protein, Oil, And Linolenic Acid Content, Ronald E. Moore

Masters Theses

180 RILs (recombinant inbred lines) segregating for protein, oil, and fatty acids were produced from a cross between TN12-4098 and TN13-4303. These lines were grown across three locations spread horizontally across Tennessee: Research Education Center at Milan (RECM), Highland Rim Research and Education Center (HRREC), and East Tennessee Research and Education Center (ETREC) in 2018 and 2019. 21 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) spanning 7 chromosomes were found using WinQTLCart2.5.

Efficiency Studies Of The Us Transportation Sector, A. Latif Patwary, Edward Yu, Burton English, David Hughes, Seong-Hoon Cho

Masters Theses

Transportation builds the economy by moving people and goods. The transportation systems and their networks are growing very rapidly to smoothen the overall traffic flow. It also has resulted in increased energy use, traffic congestion, pollutions, and land-use change. US airports play an important role in the nation’s economic growth. The deregulation process of US aviation in 1978 has led airlines and airports to be more dynamic and competitive through economies of scale and rapid adaption to technological changes. However, in recent years, many airports lack dedicated infrastructure investment. They are experiencing outdated facilities and crowded terminals. They are operating …

Pizza And Poutine: Examining Long-Term Impacts Of The U.S.-Canada Dairy Dispute, Caroline Rogers

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.