Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Impacts Of Inorganic And Organic Fertilizer On Crop Performance Under A Microirrigation-Plastic Mulch Regime, Niyi S. Omidire, Raymon Shange, Victor Khan, Russell Bean, Jewel Bean

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

This study was conducted at S & B Farm located in Eufaula, AL in 2014. The treatments were Inorganic fertilizer/“Farmer’s Mix” (NPK 13:13:13 + ammonium nitrate mixed in 3:1 ratio); Inorganic fertilizer/“Farmer’s Mix” (NPK 13:13:13 + ammonium nitrate mixed in 3:1 ratio + Bio-grow) plus microbe mix; and Organic Fertilizer – Mighty Grow (4-3-4) with a microbe mix. All fertilizers were applied prior to mulch application after which the following crops squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) were directly seeded in a complete randomized …

Influence Of Ph And Bulk Density On Carbon Dioxide Efflux In Three Urban Wetland Types, Christopher Chappell, Andra Johnson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand soil carbon dioxide (CO₂) efflux of three different urban wetlands and how pH and bulk density relate to soil CO₂ efflux of each wetland. The three wetlands were bottomland, upland, and shrub/scrub. The study was conducted over a twenty week period using the Li-Cor 8100 “closed chamber” method to measure soil CO₂ efflux. The findings show that the bottomland wetland efflux was significantly higher than the shrub/scrub and upland wetland. The pH of shrub/scrub was significantly higher than the upland. The bulk density of the bottomland was …

Scaling Up Fruit And Vegetable Production: Is Machinery Sharing A Possibility?, Georgeanne M. Artz, Linda Naeve

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Interest in local food is growing among consumers and small-scale farmers, as evidenced by the significant increase in the number of farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture arrangements, and food hubs, in the last ten years. To meet the demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables, many small-scale farmers are considering scaling up their production. However, to remain profitable they need to balance production with increased labor costs and the need for specialized machinery. A study conducted in Iowa worked with five groups of farmers who shared different pieces of machinery. With help from the researchers, they developed sharing agreements and …

South Africa's Agricultural Sector Twenty Years After Democracy (1994 To 2013), Jan C. Greyling, Nick Vink, Edward Mabaya

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

South Africa’s agricultural sector has undergone substantial policy reform since the dawn of democracy in 1994. Now, twenty years later, it is an opportune time to look back at this period to review key successes and failures. This article revisits South Africa’s context and policy at the start of this period, the reforms that followed, and evaluates the transformational effect (or lack thereof) on the sector. For this purpose, the article pulls from both qualitative sources and descriptive statistics to provide both a historical context and current perspective. The analysis shows that redistributive land reform and smallholder support programs …

Assessing Small And Medium-Sized Farmers' Willingness To Produce Alternative Biofuel Feedstocks, Andra Johnson, Charles Butler

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The study assessed the willingness of small and medium-sized farmers to produce alternative biofuel crops in Louisiana and Mississippi. Data were collected from a random sample of 304 participants. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents were males, African Americans, over 50 years, part-time farmers, and a third earned less than $1,000 per year from farming. Most of the respondents (75%) indicated an interest in alternative fuel development, and 72% do not use alternative fuels in their operations. Also, a majority of respondents (83%) indicated that they would like to learn more about opportunities for alternative fuel …

Plenary Presentation On George Washington Carver At The Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, 2014, Kenneth M. Quinn

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Nexus 2014/15: Carver 150th, Cooperative Extension 100th, And 1890 Land Grant 125th Birth Year Anniversaries, Walter A. Hill

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

George Washington Carver And The Ancient Egyptian Connection, Jon Adkins

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Characteristics And Practices Of Selected Alabama Small Livestock Producers: A Focus On Economics And Marketing, Jannette R. Bartlett, Nii O. Tackie, Mst Nusrat Jahan, Akua Adu-Gyamfi

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The study examined the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, focusing on economics and marketing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 small producers from several South Central Alabama counties, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic characteristics reflected a higher proportion of part-time farmers; a higher proportion with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education; and a higher proportion with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority had been farming more than thirty years, and most had small herds. Also, very few made profits; many sold animals live …

The Real Cost Of Going Clean: The Potential Impact Of South Africa's 2016 Carbon Tax On Agricultural Production, Andrew Partridge, Leanne Cloete-Beets, Vanessa Barends

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Screening Of Olive Cultivars For Tolerance To Fusicladium Oleagineum In South Africa, Zakhele Cyril Msimango

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

This study evaluated commercial olive cultivars for resistance to olive leaf spot (OLS). A growth chamber trial was undertaken with one temperature treatment (16°C) applied during inoculation while a relative humidity (RH) of above 80% was maintained. Plants were kept for 48 hours at 99% RH after inoculation and then moved to shade netted area for disease development at a temperature of 25±5°C. The results were used for categorizing the eight olive cultivars evaluated in this study according to their OLS susceptibility. ‘Frantoio’ was categorized as most tolerant; ‘Nandi’ and ‘Leccino’ were found to be moderately tolerant, and ‘Nocellara …

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Factors Associated With Belief In Conspiracies About Hiv/Aids Among Hiv-Positive African-American Patients, Andrew A. Zekeri, Youssouf Diabate

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with belief in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS among HIV-Positive African American patients. Survey data were collected from 256 African American patients living with HIV/AIDS attending two HIV clinics in Montgomery and Dothan, Alabama. The study used multiple regression analysis to examine how sociodemographic factors contribute to belief in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS. Education and age were significantly related to belief in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS among men and women. Beliefs in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS may be a barrier to HIV prevention among African Americans. Public health officials should work toward obtaining the …

Impact Of Using Different Stocking Rates Of Goats Under Pine Plantation On Plant Species Occurrence And Animal Productivity, Anthony S. Kumi, India Howard, Ronald C. Smith, Nar Gurung, Alphonso Elliott

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of using different stocking rates of goats under pine plantation on plant species occurrence and animal productivity. It was conducted on an 11 year-old loblolly pine plantation site in Epes, Alabama from July to October 2011. Thirty-six Kiko crossbred male goat kids of 4 to 5 months of age were assigned to different stocking rates, namely, low (4 goats/acre), medium (8 goats/acre), and high (12 goats/acre) with three replications each. Forage composition, animal daily gain (ADG) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were monitored. Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) was the most dominant grass …

The Biological Consequences Of Kaolin Geophagia, Deloris Alexander, Desire Richardson, Lakisha Odom, Kara Cromwell, Dejuana Grant, Micoya Myers, Eddy Cadet, Hamid Mahama, Vijaya Rangari, Ralphenia Pace, Ramble Ankumah, Kokoasse Kpomblekou-A, Curtis Fluker

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Kaolin geophagia is associated with the relief of gastrointestinal distress, but it may also cause adverse health effects on the body. This study was designed to: assess kaolin composition; test if 129SvEv mice would consume kaolin and determine the consequences of consumption; and assess rotational stress modulation of consumption. Thirteen kaolin samples were purchased from Alabama and Georgia stores. Chemical and physical properties were characterized for each sample using a Munsell chart, pH meter, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Visible Near-InfraRed Spectra, and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry. Kaolin was then given to mice as food supplements and …

Heir Property In The African American Community: From Promised Lands To Problem Lands, Roy W. Copeland

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

African American landowners have been reluctant to take advantage of intergenerational succession laws which provide for an orderly transfer of property from one generation to the next. This reluctance has led to a prevalence of heir property. Heir property is created when a person dies intestate. Heir property has created an impediment to wealth accumulation and has contributed to African American land loss in America. Partition actions are a byproduct of heir property which has operated to accelerate the loss of real property in the African American community. The Uniform Partition of Heir Property Act provides for procedural safeguards …

An Assessment Of Microlending Programs In The Alabama Black Belt Region, Md Z. Mutaleb, Ntam R. Baharanyi, Nii O. Tackie, Robert Zabawa

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of selected socioeconomic factors on microlending in the Alabama Black Belt. It used logistic regression to identify the link between borrower socioeconomic characteristics and loan repayment rate from existing and previous microloan programs. It was hypothesized that borrower gender, age, level of education, household income, and credit score has a major impact on loan repayment. The results of study indicated that only credit score had a statistically significant effect on loan repayment. This finding underscores the importance of credit score and credit repair management in existing microloan programs, given …

Comparing The Effects Of Conventional And Pastured Poultry Production Systems On The Stress Levels Of Broilers, Kristina M. Liles, Jannette R. Bartlett, Ronique C. Beckford

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure stress levels in broilers raised on a pasture production system (PPS) and a conventional production system (CPS) by evaluating lymphoid organ weights, white blood cell profiles (WBCP), total white blood cell counts (TWBC), and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (HLR). Broilers were brooded indoors for 3 weeks then divided into 2 groups; one placed on pasture while the other remained indoors. Blood was collected at weeks 3, 5, and 7 via brachial venipuncture. After 49 days, birds were slaughtered and lymphoid organs harvested. Results showed no differences between treatments for lymphoid organs, …

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Assessing Alabama Consumer Attitudes And Beliefs About Locally Or Regionally Produced Livestock And Products, Nii O. Tackie, Jannette R. Bartlett, Akua Adu-Gyamfi

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Local and regional food production has gained increased interest of consumers in recent years. The study, therefore, focused on assessing consumer attitudes and beliefs on local or regional livestock products. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 432 participants from South Central Alabama, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. A majority of respondents thought using chemicals and additives in locally or regionally produced beef or goat meat was a serious hazard. Therefore, many were willing to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Also, most agreed or strongly agreed with statements on …

The Effects Of Phytochemical Tannin-Containing Diets On Animal Performance And Internal Parasite Control In Meat Goats, Chassity Wright

College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The Effects of Phytochemical Tannin-Containing Diets on Animal Performance and Internal Parasite Control in Meat Goats

By

Chassity Wright

Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) resistance has been reported against almost all chemical anthelmintics available for its control. H. contortus has a remarkable ability to develop resistance and threatens the viability of the goat industry in many regions of the world. Consequently, there is an urgent need to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying anthelmintic resistance and to discover new alternative methods of chemical and non-chemical control. With chemical anthemintics failing, this has led to the evaluation of plants as a natural …

Assessing The Educational Program Needs Of Small And Limited Resource Meat Goat Producers, Francisca Quarcoo

College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

ASSESSING THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM NEEDS OF

SMALL AND LIMITED RESOURCE MEAT GOAT PRODUCERS

by

Francisca A. Quarcoo

The purpose of this study was to assess the preferred educational program needs of small meat goat producers. The specific objectives were to (1) determine if current educational programs by the Caprine Research and Education Unit and/or the Cooperative Extension Program, Tuskegee University, reflect the actual needs of meat goat producers, (2) measure adoption and impact of past educational efforts by the Caprine Research and Education Unit and/or the Cooperative Extension Program, (3) determine the desired presentation or delivery format for future …

Genetic Diversity Of Miscanthus In The Us Naturalized Populations Based On Molecular Marker, Suma Basak

College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Miscanthus is a fast growing bioenergy grass, tolerant of adverse conditions and has high biomass production, and is increasingly attractive as a potential source of cellulosic ethanol. An understanding of genetic variation in naturalized populations of Miscanthus in the US may help in selecting appropriate parents for breeding superior cultivars that are adapted in the wide-ranging and changing environments. The molecular marker analysis of Miscanthus is an important tool towards the genetic improvement program of this bioenergy grass. As sugarcane is closely related to Miscanthus, we employed its DNA markers as probes to explore genetic diversity within and among …