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Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering
Influence Of Corn Stover Harvest On Soil Quality Assessments At Multiple Locations Across The U.S., Diane E. Stott, Virginia L. Jin, Thomas F. Ducey, Douglas L. Karlen, Gary E. Varvel, Jane M. F. Johnson, John M. Baker, Shannon L. Osborne, Jeff M. Novak, Paul R. Adler, Greg W. Roth, Stuart J. Birrell
Influence Of Corn Stover Harvest On Soil Quality Assessments At Multiple Locations Across The U.S., Diane E. Stott, Virginia L. Jin, Thomas F. Ducey, Douglas L. Karlen, Gary E. Varvel, Jane M. F. Johnson, John M. Baker, Shannon L. Osborne, Jeff M. Novak, Paul R. Adler, Greg W. Roth, Stuart J. Birrell
Douglas L Karlen
Corn (Zea mays L.) stover has been identified as a biofuel feedstock due to its abundance and a perception that the residues are unused trash material. However, corn stover and other plant residues play a role in maintaining soil quality (health) and enhancing productivity, thus use of this abundant material as feedstock must be balanced with the need to protect the vital soil resource. Plant residues provide physical protection against erosion by wind and water, contribute to soil structure, nutrient cycling, and help sustain the soil microbiota. Replicated plots were established on productive soils at several locations (IA, IN, MN, …
Evaluation Of A Mechanical System For Reconstructing Soil On Surface Mined Land, John P. Fulton, Larry G. Wells
Evaluation Of A Mechanical System For Reconstructing Soil On Surface Mined Land, John P. Fulton, Larry G. Wells
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications
The existence of excessive soil compaction has hindered the surface mining industry from returning land to pre−mining productivity after reclamation, especially on prime farmland soils. Heavy earthmoving equipment used during reclamation tends to generate root−limiting bulk densities that adversely affect plant growth thereby decreasing yields. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a mechanism, called the ‘Soil Regenerator,’ which reconstructs soil media at minimum bulk density during surface mine reclamation. The prototype soil forming mechanism was mounted on the front of a conventional bulldozer. Soil was placed in long narrow windrows by a scraper or bulldozer. As the …
Evaluation Of Gamma Ray Attenuation For Measuring Soil Bulk Density Part I. Laboratory Investigation, Xiwen Luo, Larry G. Wells
Evaluation Of Gamma Ray Attenuation For Measuring Soil Bulk Density Part I. Laboratory Investigation, Xiwen Luo, Larry G. Wells
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications
Gamma ray attenuation was evaluated as a means of determining soil bulk density. Experiments were conducted using clay, silt, and sandy loam soils wherein samples were compacted to uniform densities at various moisture contents. We determined the attenuation characteristics of dry soil to be independent of soil texture while being significantly different from that of water. Comparison of gamma density measurements with known soil sample densities indicated that the gamma gauge provided reliable measurement of soil bulk density, provided that the effect of soil moisture on attenuation was accounted for and the manufacturer-prescribed calibration procedure was followed daily. Further, we …
Evaluation Of Gamma Ray Attenuation For Measuring Soil Bulk Density Part Ii. Field Investigation, Larry G. Wells, Xiwen Luo
Evaluation Of Gamma Ray Attenuation For Measuring Soil Bulk Density Part Ii. Field Investigation, Larry G. Wells, Xiwen Luo
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications
A field investigation was conducted at sites near Lexington and Central City, Kentucky, to evaluate the use of gamma ray attenuation for measuring soil bulk density. Experiments were conducted whereby the gamma gauge was calibrated by various means and compared with volumetric cores collected from the field soils. Calibration by the manufacturer’s recommended procedure was determined to be as accurate as more rigorous laboratory calibration or calibration via regression of soil bulk density data, provided that the effect of soil water on gamma attenuation is correctly considered. We also developed a linear regression equation to correct for the occurrence of …
The Response Of Various Soil Strength Indices To Changing Water Content And Bulk Density, Larry G. Wells, O. Treesuwan
The Response Of Various Soil Strength Indices To Changing Water Content And Bulk Density, Larry G. Wells, O. Treesuwan
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications
Various soil strength parameters were measured in the laboratory using a bevameter and a recording soil cone penetrometer. Measurements were made at various levels of soil bulk density and water content. Results were discussed in terms of similar published analyses. Two dissimilar methods of predicting vehicular tractive performance were compared and evaluated in terms of potential utility with respect to prediction of soil trafficability.