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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Deconstructing The Art Of Physical Weed Control, Jordan W. Parks May 2023

Deconstructing The Art Of Physical Weed Control, Jordan W. Parks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Farmers adjust physical weed control (PWC) tools to optimize efficacy based on observations of weeds, the crop, and soil conditions. These many variables make PWC research challenging. To study PWC tool settings more closely, we constructed a soil bin with a mobile tool carriage inside of a heated glasshouse. The soil bin was 2 m wide by 12 m long by 1 m high, with a tool carriage that can operate at 0.4 to 19.0 km h-1. Tool angle, spacing, depth, and speed can all be precisely adjusted from the tool carriage and control panel. The goal of …


Influence Of Biochar As A Soil Amendment On Soil Water Content And Wild Blueberry Physiology, Abigayl Novak May 2023

Influence Of Biochar As A Soil Amendment On Soil Water Content And Wild Blueberry Physiology, Abigayl Novak

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Maine wild (or lowbush) blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) continue to face challenges imposed by climate change. Reduced frequency of precipitation and increased drought conditions have negatively impacted this crop since it resides in sandy soils with limited retention of water and nutrients. The wild blueberry plants growing in water- and nutrient-poor sandy soils are likely to have poor resilience to drought, resulting in a decline in berry yield during drought years. Thus, there is an urgent need to find a drought management solution for wild blueberries. Compared with other drought management practices, such as irrigation systems, mulching, and adopting drought-resistant …