Life Sciences Commons^™

Southwest Research-Extension Center, Field Day 2011

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report of agricultural research from Southwest Research-Extension Center of Kansas State University.

Subsurface Compaction A Guide For Wa Farmers And Consultants, Stephen Davies, Alison Lacey

Bulletins 4000 -

For plants to grow in agricultural soils, roots and emerging shoots must be able to force their way through the soil. In soils of high strength, this growth is physically restricted. High strength soils may be due to natural soil characteristics and conditions or develop as a result of agricultural practices and may be in layers or throughout the soil profile.

In agriculture, high strength soils commonly occur as a result of compaction. Compaction of agricultural soils can be in the surface (often caused by stock trampling or rain drop splatter) or in the subsurface (usually in a layer at …

Calibrating And Operating Manure Spreaders, Process Improvement For Animal Feeding Operations, John Harrison, Rich Koenig, Kerry Goodrich

All Current Publications

This guide outlines simplified methods to calibrate manure spreaders based on determining the load and area covered by the load.

The Economic Importance Of Draught Oxen On Small Farms In Namibia's Eastern Caprivi Region, Andrew B. Conroy, Mogos Yakob Teweldmehidin

Natural Resources & the Environment

The main aim of this study was to analyse and document the value of smallholder farmers’ use of Draught Animal Power (DAP) systems in the Eastern Caprivi Region and to test the economic viability of DAP usage versus using tractors. This study applied Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques (RRA), including a survey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 312 farmers at their farms and data was gathered on the use of and economics related to the draught animal power system. Crop enterprise budgets, project reports, expert opinions and group discussions were analysed. The research found that the use of animal power performs …

The Future Of Southern Agriculture, Gregory Keith Bartley Jr.

Gregory Keith Bartley Jr.

The increasing demand for the supply of energy in the south heavily impacts the allocation of water for use in agriculture. With such a high percentage of the south's freshwater going towards energy production, little can make its way into food, feed, and fiber. Because the need for this exponential energy production in the south is currently greater than its agricultural importance, southern farmers are left to endure heavy irrigation restrictions. The solution to this problem can manifest itself in one of two ways. Southern states can either implement strategies that can reduce plant water consumption without reducing yield, or …

Genetically Modified Canola Trials In 2009, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Research Reports

During 2009, just over 860 hectares of Roundup Ready® canola were grown in Western Australia enabled by an exemption order under the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003. The aim of the trials was to establish whether GM canola could be segregated from non-GM canola along the WA supply chain, and whether GM canola was agronomically viable for WA farming systems. This was the first time genetically modified canola had been grown on a commercial scale in WA - earlier exemptions for smaller trials had been for variety testing and scientific purposes.

Sp721 Sunflower: An Alternative Crop For Tennessee Producers - Production Guidelines And Tennessee Hybrid Trials, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Tennessee producers are interested in crops that can be grown to diversify and/or complement their current cropping systems that include corn, cotton, soybeans and wheat. There is a growing demand for birdseed, and sunflower is an important component of that feed, either as a sole ingredient or in a blend with other seeds such as millet, corn, sesame, sorghum, wheat and oats. Sunflower oil is used for human consumption and is also a suitable feedstock for biodiesel. An increasing demand for biodiesel will increase the demand for oilseed crops such as sunflower. Thus, there may be increased opportunities for some …

Linking Measured Carbon Dioxide Exchange By Sugarcane Crops And Biomass Production, O T Denmead, B.C.T. Macdonald, I. White, David W. Griffith, G Bryant, Travis A. Naylor, Stephen R. Wilson, W J. Wang

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

CARBON TRADING and the growing interest in biofuel production from sugarcane necessitate the ability to measure gains and losses of soil organic C which may occur as a result. Modelling and soil sampling suggest that changes in soil C are likely to be < 1 t C/ha/y. Published accounts indicate that confirming such small changes by traditional soil sampling is error-prone and requires investigations of > 10 years. The paper explores the possibility of calculating soil gains or losses by subtracting the carbon stored in the crop biomass from the carbon gained by the crop through the uptake of carbon dioxide supplied by the atmosphere and processes in the soil. Although uptake and storage very nearly balanced each other in one–year measurements in …

Southwest Research-Extension Center, Field Day 2010

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report of agricultural research from Southwest Research-Extension Center of Kansas State University.

Pb1580 2010 Weed Control Manual For Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

This manual contains the 2010 University of Tennessee weed control recommendations for corn, grain sorghum, cotton, soybeans, burley and dark tobacco, wheat, forage crops, sunflowers and farm ponds. These recommendations are based on results of research and demonstrations conducted by the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Extension Service. Decisions regarding recommendations are made by the University of Tennessee Weed Control Committee and are based on available data at various locations in the state.

This publication contains pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. The recommendations in this publication are provided only as a guide. It is …

W229-Interpreting Mehlich 1 And 3 Soil Test Extractant Results For P And K In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

The Mehlich 1 and 3 soil test extractants are the most widely used in laboratories of the southern United States today. Tennessee began using the Mehlich 1 extractant in December, 1981. Existing soil test calibration data in Tennessee are based on the Mehlich 1 soil test extractant,1,2 which became available in 1953.

Slides: Indian Water Rights, Robert T. Anderson

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Robert T. Anderson, Native American Law Center, University of Washington Law School

19 slides

Legume Cover Crops Are More Beneficial Than Natural Fallows In Minimally Tilled Ugandan Soils, Drake N. Mubiru, Mark S. Coyne

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

It is important to establish the various effects of legume cover crops on soil physicochemical properties because they have been considered for use as improved fallows (with shorter rest periods) to enhance development and maintenance of soil productivity. Our objectives were to assess: (i) aboveground dry matter yields of legume cover crops; and (ii) cover crop effects on weed infestation and soil physicochemical properties in a minimum tillage management system. Trials were conducted for 2 yr at Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute and on farmers’ fields in Mbale and Pallisa districts, eastern Uganda. Th e experiment layout was a Randomized Complete …

Changes In Producer Attitudes Towards Windbreaks In Eastern Nebraska, 1983 To 2009, Kim Tomczak

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract Windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs arranged on the landscape to reduce wind speed. In agricultural landscapes we find them as farmstead windbreaks, livestock windbreaks and field windbreaks. While farmstead and livestock windbreaks are well accepted by the agricultural community, field windbreaks are often viewed differently. A 1982 study of the attitudes of farmers in Eastern Nebraska indicated that many of the producers were around the age of 50 and that they used different types of windbreaks. This study repeated that survey in the same. When compared to data from 1982, farmers today are not educated about the …

W076 Selecting Corn Hybrids For The Field, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Hybrid selection is one of the most important decisions a producer will make. Hybrid traits are introduced through breeding or genetic modification and there are many available options. Certain physical traits fit some field environments better than others or are better suited to specific end uses, such as silage vs. grain. The higher seed cost of specialty traits means growers must balance perceived benefits with the cost of using the newer technology. In addition to yield, producers should consider days to maturity, disease and insect resistance, and sometimes herbicide tolerance when selecting a hybrid to plant.

W215 Organic Certification In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic agriculture as “a production system that is managed by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.” Organic production methods minimize the use of purchased off-farm inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, while maximizing the use of on-farm practices that promote naturally occurring ecological relationships.

W077 Planting Corn For Grain In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Although seed genetics can dictate yield, a poorly planted seed never reaches its yield potential. Favorable weather plays an important role in stand quality, but producers can save money on replant costs by managing factors that can be controlled, such as field selection and planting time, seedbed preparation, seeding rate, planter settings and insect management.

Evaporation And Carbon Dioxide Exchange By Sugar Cane Crops, G Bryant, Travis A. Naylor, Stephen R. Wilson, O T Denmead, David W. Griffith, B.C.T. Macdonald, I. White

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

RECENT developments in water and carbon trading and biofuel production highlight the need to document the water and carbon balances of Australia’s cropping systems including sugarcane. This paper presents the results of studies of evaporation and CO2 exchange throughout the growing seasons of two sugarcane crops, a 1st ratoon crop at Murwillumbah where burnt-cane was practised and a 5th ratoon crop at Mackay where trash blanketing was employed. At both locations, a micrometeorological eddy covariance technique was employed to measure water vapour and CO2 exchange between crop and atmosphere and manual and automatic chambers to measure CO2 emission from the …

Diagnosing Crop And Pasture Problems With Detective Doug, Doug Sawkins

Bulletins 4000 -

There are numerous publications for diagnosing crop and pasture growth problems. Although they are excellent for experienced people, they can be time consuming and possibly misleading for the less experienced.

Many guidebooks assume that the user has already decided that their problem falls into the category covered by their particular guidebook, for example, a disease, pest or herbicide problem.

Guidebooks are often based on plant symptoms. However, in the field, symptoms vary and different problems can have similar symptoms.

This bulletin presents a problem diagnosis method that uses plant symptoms and paddock clues. It can be used to draw up …

Southwest Research-Extension Center, Field Day 2009

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report of agricultural research from Southwest Research-Extension Center of Kansas State University.

Pb378 Forage & Field Crop Seeding Guide For Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

No abstract provided.

Slides: Protecting Biodiversity Through Ecosystem Services, Barton "Buzz" Thompson

Shifting Baselines and New Meridians: Water, Resources, Landscapes, and the Transformation of the American West (Summer Conference, June 4-6)

Presenter: Barton “Buzz” Thompson, Perry L. McCarty Director, Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University Law School

14 slides

Crop Updates 2008 - Farming Systems, John De Majnik, Paul Meibusch, Vince Logan, Louise Barton, Wahid Biswas, Daniel Carter, Nicolyn Short, Jodie Bowling, Glen Riethmuller, James Fisher, Moin Salam, Stephen Davies, Jim Dixon, Dennis Van Gool, Alison Slade, Bob Gilkes, Megan Abrahams, Caroline Peek, Daniel Gardiner, Kari-Lee Falconer, David Hall, Jeromy Lemon, Harvey Jones, Yvette Oliver, Tania Butler, Michael Robertson, Stephen Carr, Chris Gazey, David York, Joel Andrews, Michael Simeoni, G. Peter Mangano, Svetlana Micic, Dave Gartner, Adam Clune, Matthew Morell, Adam Umbers, Angelo Loi, Brad Nutt, Clinton Revell, Geoff Kew, Vivien Vanstone, Ali Bhatti, Ming Pei You, Imma Farre, Bill Bowden, Henry Smolinski, Jane Speijers, John Bruce, David Mccarthy, Gary Lang, David Rees, Rob Grima, John Young, Ross Kingwell, Chris Oldham, Derk Bakker, Ian Foster, David Beard, Wen Chen, Richard Bell, Ross Brennan, Art Diggle, Reg Lunt, Qifu Ma, Zed Rengel, Tim Hilder, Dusty Severtson, Shahajahan Miyan, Sam Clune, Barb Sage, Tenielle Martin, Chris Newman, Neal Dalgliesh, Caroline Peak, Andrew Blake, Megan Ryan, Richard Bennett, Tim Colmer, Daniel Real, Jiyan Pang, Lori Kroiss, Dion Nicol, Tammy Edmonds-Tibbett, Ron Mctaggart, Sean Kelly, Helen Hunter

Crop Updates

This session covers thirty nine papers from different authors:

PLENARY

1. Developments in grain end use, Dr John de Majnik, New Grain Products, GRDC, Mr Paul Meibusch, New Farm Products and Services, GRDC, Mr Vince Logan, New Products Executive Manager, GRDC

PRESENTATIONS

2. Global warming potential of wheat production in Western Australia: A life cycle assessment, Louise Barton1, Wahid Biswas2 and Daniel Carter3, 1School of Earth & Geographical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 2Centre of Excellence in Cleaner Production, Division of Science and Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, 3Department of Agriculture and …

Southwest Research-Extension Center, Field Day 2008

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report of agricultural research from Southwest Research-Extension Center of Kansas State University.

Pb1774 Technical Guide To Crop Tree Release In Hardwood Forests, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Crop tree release (CTR) is a widely applicable silvicultural technique used to enhance the performance of individual trees. It offers flexibility in that it can be applied on small or large properties, and with certain modifications, it can be applied as a precommercial or commercial operation. By favoring the development of selected crop trees within a hardwood stand, the landowner can meet a variety of area-wide management objectives such as wildlife habitat, recreation, timber value, aesthetic beauty and species diversity.

CTR can be applied at various stages of development, including sapling, pole and sawtimber stands, depending on the specific opportunities …

Tree Windbreaks In The Wheatbelt, Robert Sudmeyer, David Bicknell, Neil Coles

Bulletins 4000 -

Windbreaks comprising trees, or tree and shrub combinations, can offer many benefits on wheatbelt farms, particularly for protection of soil, stock, crops and pastures from damaging winds and erosion. Additional benefits include reduced evaporation from farm dams, reduced groundwater recharge, their use as nature conservation corridors and habitats, increased biodiversity including predators of crop and pasture pests, fire control, tree products and improved lifestyle and aesthetics.

In other areas and farming systems such as intensive horticulture, man-made windbreaks may be used, but their higher cost makes them unsuited for broadscale agriculture. Man-made windbreaks can be effective in reducing evaporative losses …

Apples, Usda

All Current Publications

No abstract provided.

W164 Replanting Corn - In A Failed Roundup™ Ready Corn Stand, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

In spring 2007, a widespread freeze occurred that led to the replanting of about 200,000 acres of corn in Tennessee. In most years, replant decisions have to be made on a limited number of acres when corn fields have insufficient stands for optimum yields. Producers are then forced to make a number of decisions quickly, because planting delays, particularly into mid-May, can greatly affect yield potential of the replanted crop.

W127 Common Beneficial Arthropods Found In Field Crops, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

There are hundreds of species of insects and spiders that attack arthropod pests found in cotton, corn, soybean and other field crops. A few common and representative examples are presented herein. With few exceptions, these beneficial arthropods are native and common in the southern United States. The cumulative value of insect predators and parasitoids should not be underestimated, and this publication does not address important diseases that also attack insect and mite pests. Without biological control, many pest populations would routinely reach epidemic levels in field crops. Insecticide applications typically reduce populations of beneficial insects, often resulting in secondary pest …

W129 Bt Cotton, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Bt cotton has been genetically modified by the insertion of one or more genes from a common soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These genes encode for the production of insecticidal proteins, and thus, genetically transformed plants produce one or more toxins as they grow. The genes that have been inserted into cotton produce toxins that are limited in activity almost exclusively to caterpillar pests (Lepidoptera). However, other strains of Bacillus thuringiensis have genes that encode for toxins with insecticidal activity on some beetles (Coleoptera) and flies (Diptera). Some of these genes are being used to control pests in other crops, …