Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Exercise When Transitioning From Free Choice Tall Fescue (Lolium Arundinaceum) Grass Diet In Late Summer To Free Choice Tall Fescue Hay Diet In Late Fall On Plasma Fructosamine Concentrations, Insulin Levels, Body Weight, And Body Condition Scores Of Stock Horse Mares And Gelding, Riley Brown

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Equine exercise may influence a horse’s metabolic and physiological functions. Studies can help to prove this linkage, and to better understand the nutritional requirements of the horse. The parameters that are being evaluated are plasma-fructosamine concentrations, insulin levels, body weight (lbs.), and body condition score (BCS) as a measurement of obesity. Eight horses used in this study were split into two groups; Worked horses were exercised three times a week while the unworked horses were not exercised. All eight horses were fed an ad libitum diet of tall fescue grass and hay for 127 days.

Forage samples were collected to …

Effects Of Solid Matrix One-Step Planting Practice On Cool Season Turfgrass Germination In Unfavorable Conditions, Ben Duncan

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The transition zone in the United States is a difficult area to grow and establish turfgrasses. To establish or repair damaged turfgrass areas, seed priming is an often-used practice. Turfgrass companies and researchers are expanding the practice of solid matrix priming to the practice of one step planting. These products contain seed, fertilizers, and often some type of inert matter and/or mulch. This study took place in Bowling Green, KY and Knoxville, TN during the same period to investigate the effects of using these one step planting products compared to standard cool season turfgrass seeding practices. Two Pennington and two …

Effects Of Bacillus Mycoides Supplement In A Reduced Frequency Fungicide Program On Chambourcin Grapevines (Vitis Vinifera L.), Ryan Alan Mairs

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Fungal diseases pose significant challenges for grapevine producers in Kentucky due to the region’s abundant moisture and relative humidity. Methods to reduce fungicide application frequency would prove both economically and temporally valuable to producers. A field experiment was established in Bowling Green, KY in 2017 to investigate Bacillus mycoides isolate J (LifeGard) as a supplement to a fungicide program for systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Three fungicide treatment regimens were implemented consisting of a program modelled from the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide (2017) and an identical program supplemented with 140 g ha-1 LifeGard per application (both applied on 14 day …

Influence Of Transplanter Modification And Previous Crop On The Production Of No-Till Dark Tobacco, William Frazier Penick

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Dark tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) has historically been produced using
conventional tillage practices. Soil is cultivated multiple times throughout a growing season leading to an increased incidence of soil erosion. No-till systems have been growing in popularity with the advent of new technology that has enabled the practice to be performed effectively and efficiently. With the recent expansion of no-till practices throughout the agricultural community, many crops have had success in producing comparable yields while reducing input costs and saving soil resources. For this experiment, a traditional tobacco transplanter was modified for use in a no-till environment. All modifications were …

Economic Impacts Of Drought On Kentucky Corn, Hay, And Soybeans, Kortney E. Craft

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Understanding climatic impacts is important if we are to comprehend the relationship between climate and society. Weather phenomena can have environmental, economical, and social impacts. Drought is the natural hazard that affects people the most. It is also the most complex and least understood. There is no one universally accepted definition for drought which makes its examination difficult. Droughts’ duration is also difficult to determine because it has no clearly defined onset and end. Also, drought varies both geographically and temporally making uniform drought monitoring difficult. Since drought is difficult to monitor and access, drought impacts are often poorly documented. …

Asexual Propagation Of Four Cultivars Of Vaccinium Corymbosum And Weed Management In An Established Orchard Of Vaccinium Corymbosum 'Bluejay' (Highbush Blueberry) In South Central Kentucky, Kyle Daniel

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In response to the changing economy of Kentucky tobacco, producers are seeking an economically viable alternative that can be produced on a similarly small acreage. Blueberries are an emerging crop that satisfy the needs of these producers and are popular with consumers for their flavor and health benefits. In addition to selling the berries, local producers are experiencing much success selling blueberry plants to homeowners and other producers. However, the protocol for propagating specific cultivars under local environmental conditions is unknown. Rooting percentages for producers has been extremely variable. A two year study conducted at Western Kentucky University investigated asexual …

Influence Of Poultry Litter On Dark Tobacco Growth And Soil Nutrient Availability, Jason Simmons

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Due to the relatively high value of dark tobacco compared with fertilizer costs, nitrogen is recommended at levels as high as 338 kg ha"1. Such rates of inorganic fertilizers increase the osmotic pressure of the soil solution and soil acidity, often causing reduced stands, Mn toxicity, Mo and Ca deficiencies, and reduced yield and quality of the cured leaf (Sims et al., 1984). Poultry litter utilized as a nutrient source is an inexpensive alternative to this dilemma due to its relatively neutral or alkaline composition. However, due the amount of chloride present in poultry litter, the University of Kentucky advises …

Efficacy Of Herbicide Combination On Burley And Dark-Air Cured Tobacco, Joanna Coles

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The efficacy of herbicide combination on burley and dark air-cured tobacco Nictotiana tabacum were tested in field research plots in the summer of 2000 at Western Kentucky University's Agricultural Research and Education Complex. The randomized complete block design contained six treatments replicated three times in each of the two experiments (burley and dark air-cured tobacco). Transplants (cv. 'TN 97' and cv. 'KY 160') were established on June 2, 2000 in a conventionally tilled Pembroke silt loam soil with a pH of 6.5 and organic matter content of 12 g/kg. Herbicide treatments were applied on June 1, 2000 with a CO2 …

Comparison Of Nutrient Concentration In Four Fertility Treatments After Poultry Litter Application To Orchardgrass And Sorghum-Sundangrass Hayfield Soils, Amanda Canty

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Field experiments were established in 2001 at the Agricultural Research and Education Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky to evaluate soil fertility values before and after poultry litter application to orchardgrass and sorghum-sudangrass hayfields. A randomized complete block design was utilized with each treatment being replicated four times. Orchardgrass plots consisted of sixteen 7.6 m rows, 91 m in length and separated by alleys 4.6 m in width. Sorghum-sudangrass plots consisted of sixteen 7.6 m rows, 60.96 m in length and separated by alleys 4.6 m in width. Four separate fertility treatments were utilized: inorganic fertilizer (I), poultry litter applied to …

Evaluation Of The Persistence Of Grazing Alfalfa Varieties, Maria Stiles

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The use of alfalfa (Medicago scitiva L.) for grazing is becoming more common. Alfalfa is the most widely planted legume, and is one of the most nutritional forage crops available. It is proposed that alfalfa was cultivated 4000 to 5000 years ago and produces the most protein per acre of any forage crop. Live weight gains for beef cattle grazing alfalfa average 230 to 360 kg ha-1. There is no cheaper way to harvest and utilize alfalfa than for the animal to harvest it directly. Most of the commercially available alfalfa varieties, however, were developed for hay production and thus …

Efficacy Of Sucker Control Method And Effect Of Topping Height On Axillary Bud Growth In Dark Fire-Cured Tobacco, Leslie Thompson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The removal of terminal buds (topping) and sucker control are two practices that have an impact on yield and quality of dark tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Topping breaks apical dominance and encourages the growth of axillary buds (suckers). Following topping, growth regulator chemicals known as suckercides are commonly used to prevent axillary bud growth. Research has demonstrated that topping time, height, and sucker control method influence the quality and yield of the final product. Delaying topping past a critical developmental stage has been shown to reduce leaf yield. Topping height varies among geographical regions with most dark tobacco producers topping …

Efficacy Of Soybean Herbicides On Annual Morninglory, Dawn Oveson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Field experiments were established in 2000 and 2001 at the Agricultural Research and Education Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky to evaluate herbicide efficacy on annual morningglory (Ipomoea spp.) species and other weeds. A randomized complete block design was utilized in each study with each treatment being replicated three times. Plots consisted of four 76 cm rows, 9.1 m in length. The two center rows of each plot were treated, with the outside rows of each plot serving as a weedy check. Crop response, weed control, and grain yield data were collected. Four different experiments were conducted. Two experiments utilized treatments …

A Comparative Study Of Composted Organic Wastes And Ibdu Fertilizer In Nitrogen Utilization By Bentgrass Cultivars, David Mathews

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This research project that was conducted to provide evidence that composted organic waste materials do provide comparable nitrogen absorption efficiency in relation to an organic slow release fertilizer. Western's compost facility supplied the two different organic wastes, which had been composted for 1 year. The materials used were composted urban leaf litter, sawdust/manure mixture at a 50/50 ratio by volume and an organic fertilizer IBDU. These materials were applied to one cultivars of (Agrostis capillaries) and three cultivars of (A. palustris) at the rate of .S^/IOOO**2 in the months of April, June, and September. The plots were sampled one month …

Molecular Characterization Of Citrus Tristeza Virus Isolates In Commercial Citrus Grown In Belize, Harry Sabal

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Isolates of Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) in Belize may be causing inverse stem pitting, stunting, and slow decline on sweet and sour orange rootstock combination on field trees. One isolate on Cleopatra mandarin rootstock expressed no field symptoms but may be a possible source of a detrimental isolate to more susceptible citrus rootstock combinations. Field plants and field source inoculated indicator plants were used in this study. The first objective was to determine whether field trees of sweet Valencia orange trees that expressed symptoms of CTV would test positive to a polyclonal (mild and severe symptoms) and a monoclonal (severe …

"Bound Together . . . By Blood And Soul": Donald Davidson's Strategic Retreat Into The Myth Of Life In The Old South, Carol Pigg

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Donald Davidson has often been called stubborn because of his refusal to let go of the Southern past and in his insistence that his writings be based on and in the regional concerns that he saw as fundamental to all Southern literature. In many ways, Davidson's loyalty to the Agrarian and Fugitive causes, which are best defined in these groups interest in keeping the South's history alive and maintaining an agrarian lifestyle, is his greatest contribution to the Southern and American literary canon. Despite this fact, though, Davidson is now, as he was during his lifetime, ignored because of the …

Efficacy, Phytotoxicity, And Cover Crop Response Of Herbicide Combinations In Dark Fire Cured Tobacco, Tracy Kelley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Field studies were established during the summer of 1999 at the Agricultural Research and Education Complex of Western Kentucky University to evaluate efficacy, phytotoxicity, and cover crop response of herbicide combinations in dark fire cured tobacco. A randomized complete block design was used with nine treatments replicated three times. Hydroponic tobacco transplants (c.v. 'TND950') were established on May 20,1999 in a conventionally tilled system on a Pembroke silt loam (Mollic Palleudalf) with a pH of 5.8 and an organic matter content of 1.2%. The transplants were established at a population of approximately 10,278 plants/ha. Herbicide treatments were applied on May …

An Economic Study Of The Relative Profitability Of Alfalfa Production And Marketing Practices, David Claycomb

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The seasonality of the price of alfalfa hay in Kentucky was studied as well as the potential cost or profitability of storage of this hay. Economic comparison of alfalfa hay production to other farm enterprises was carried out. In addition, an estimate of the value of two qualities of alfalfa hay was calculated based on 1991 prices. The analysis of 41 years of marketing data demonstrated significant differences (P<.01) in price with seasonal lows in June/July and a steady increase in price to a high in March. In general (based on $100 per ton hay and 12% interest) the alfalfa hay producer could lose from $5 to $10 storing hay and selling at a later date. There were some specific conditions where he might have realized a return to storage of $0.16 to $1.48 per ton. A further evaluation of average (KY Feeder) and good (KY Pride) quality hays indicated that current prices of $70-$75 and $100 per ton respectively were the prices where a dairyman would be able to include this hay in the cow's total diet. Even with problems of quality and quantity of alfalfa hay, the economic returns to the production of alfalfa hay were favorable when compared to other crops in Kentucky with the additional benefit of alfalfa being a crop that can result in reduced soil erosion from sloping land. Returns above variable costs can be from $120 to $400 per acre depending upon yield and sale price. However, an understanding of seasonality of price as well as storage costs need to be considered by alfalfa hay producers to assure realizing the above returns.

Oats As A Companion Crop For Alfalfa: Establishment Methods, Shannon Hurley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Companion crops are commomly seeded with alfalfa in the spring as an establishment method. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the performance of seedling Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in terms of yield when grown with spring oats (Avena sativa) as a companion crop and to evaluate the amount of weed control in the alfalfa companion crop seeding, under various management practices. Six establishment treatments were imposed: (1) solo-seeded alfalfa raised according to standard procedures recommended for Kentucky, (2) solo-seeded alfalfa with a herbicide treatment, (3) alfalfa seeded with an oat companion crop and treated with a herbicide, (4) …

Effects Of Soybean Cultivars And Planting Dates On Biomass Production, Aslam Tawhid

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a valuable source of edible food and organic nitrogen. Soybean cultivar development and cultural practices have been directed toward seed production rather than forage or green manure production. Recent environmental concerns have resulted in renewed interest in the use of organic matter in agriculture. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the effects of cultivar maturity differences and planting dates on biomass production of soybean. The research was conducted on the Western Kentucky University Farm in 1993. The experimental design was a split-split-plot with four replications. The three planting dates (June 2, …

The Effects Of Within-Row Spacings & Cultivars On The Yield Of Bush Snap Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.), Timothy Hafner

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effects of within-row spacings and cultivars on the yield of bush snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were studied in two experiments. In each experiment, two cultivars and four within-row spacings (8, 15, 23 and 30 cm) were arranged in a split-plot with four replications. Spacing treatments were the whole plots and cultivars were the split plots. In 1988, the two cultivars were 'Blue Lake 274' and 'White Half Runner'. In 1989, the cultivars were 'Blue Lake 274' and 'Kentucky Wonder 125'. All rows were spaced 91 cm apart. Pods were harvested and oven dried. The data were subjected …

The Effect Of Phosphorous Placement & Rate On Phosphorus Uptake, & Growth & Yield Of Tomatoes, Christopher Thompson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research was undertaken in the summer of 1989 to determine the effect of phosphorus placement on the yield and quality of field grown tomatoes Lycopersicon esculentum. A subsequent study was undertaken in the winter of 1989 to determine the effect of phosphorus rate and placement on the early growth and phosphorus uptake of young tomatoes in the greenhouse.

The purpose of this study was to attempt to find the most efficient placement and rate of supplemental phosphorus when growing tomatoes. It has been shown that placing phosphorus in a concentrated zone in contact with plant roots results in more …

A Comparison Of Chemical Composition & Fermentation Patterns Of Alternative Silages To Whole Plant Corn Silage, Susan Fox

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A comparison of the relationship of fermentation to chemical composition was made for forages which were wilted and ensiled at 35 to 45 percent dry matter. Trial I consisted of three forages ensiled in October, 1981: interseeded soybeans and grain sorghum. whole plant corn with added anhydrous ammonia, and whole plant corn with shelled corn added at a rate of 150 kg/t of fresh forage. Trial II consisted of two forages ensiled in 1982: interseeded soybeans and pearlmillet, and wheat. Temperatures of fermentation were collected, and chemical composition during the first 25 days of fermentation analyzed.

Production data were also …

The Effects Of Spacings & Cultivars On Biological Yields, Yields, Component Of Yield & Harvest Index Of Green Bush Snap Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.), Widodo

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effects of cultivars and plant spacings on biological yield, seed yield, seeds per pod, average seed weight, and harvest index of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were studied in 1987 and 1988. Two cultivars, 'Blue Lake 27' and 'Kentucky Wonder 125' and four plant spacings -- 7, 14, 21, and 28 cm, constituted eight treatments that were arranged in a split-plot with four replications. Each experimental unit or hill consisted of five plants -- four in the corners and one in the center of a square. Spacings treatment were established by varying the distance between the center plant …

Effect Of Phosphorus Placement Methods On The Yield & Quality Of Tomatoes, Timothy Hambrick

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research was undertaken in the summer and fall of 1988 to determine the effect of phosphorus placed below, below and to the side, banded and incorporated, and broadcast on the yield and quality of tomatoes.

The results of the field study were not statistically significant due to high levels of available soil phosphorus. However, there were trends toward higher total yields, higher yield of number one grade tomatoes, and higher tissue phosphorus levels when phosphorus was placed in a concentrated zone or band as contrasted with the more popular broadcast method.

The effect of phosphorus placement in the greenhouse was …

Evaluation Of Fomesafen For Broadleaf Weed Control, In Soybeans (Glycine Max), Ricardo A. Jimenez

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The lack of effective broadleaf weed control represents one of the major factors having detrimental effects on growth and yield of soybeans. Broadleaf weeds are a serious threat to soybean growers in the southeastern United States. A broad range of herbicides is being used in an effort to control broadleaf weeds in soybeans, and research is still being conducted to find new herbicides that can best work for this purpose. This study involved the use of one these herbicides. It was fomesafen, 5-[2-chloro-4-trifluromethyl) phenoxy]-N-(methyl-sulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzamide, which controls a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds in soybeans.

The experiment was conducted in the …

Response Of Three Cultivars Of Bell Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) To Mulching & Irrigation, Cesar Gonzalez

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effect of black polyethylene mulching and drip irrigation on the yield and quality of three cultivars of bell pepper was studied during the 1987 growing season. This study was conducted on a Pembroke silt loam soil on the Western Kentucky University Farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The experimental design was a split-plot arranged in randomized complete blocks in four replications with treatment as the main plot and cultivars as the sub-plot.

'California Wonder,' 'Lady Bell F₁ Hybrid: and' Keystone Resistant Giant' cultivars of bell pepper were established in the field during the last week of May. The cultivars …

Evaluation Of Three Coverings For The Overwintering Of Container Grown Herbaceous Perennials In Kentucky, Richard Beckort

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate three coverings for overwintering twelve varieties of container grown herbaceous perennials under Kentucky conditions. The twelve perennial varieties were started from seed in the spring and had been moved to one gallon containers by fall. In the first week of December, three blocks of containers were covered with one of the following: one layer of 4 mil, milky copolymer; one layer of quarter inch microfoam and one layer of milky copolymer; a sandwich of two layers of milky copolymer with 6 inches of wheat straw between them; the remaining block was left …

The Effect Of Tillage Methods & Row-Widths On Selected Growth Characteristics & Yield Of Soybeans, G. Tom Sandifer Jr.

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The effect of three tillage methods confounded with three row widths on root length and depth, seed density, seeds per pod, pods per plant and yield of Glycine max was studied during the 1984 growing season. The study was conducted on class 1, Pembroke soil located in south Warren County, Kentucky. A barley crop was removed from the area just prior to the experimental plantings. A John Deere conservation tillage, plateless planter was used in all experimental treatments except the drilled plots. Plant populations were adjusted to conform to standard recommendations for drill (7 inch row widths), 15-inch row widths, …

Evaluation Of S-734 And Bas 9052 For Control Of Johnsongrass (Sorghum Halepense) In Soybeans (Glycine Max), Julio Beingolea Ochoa

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Johnsongrass is one of the more limiting factors in soybean production and is the most serious weed problem in the Southeastern United States. Actually, different herbicides are used in johnsongrass control, and still there are new herbicides which are being tested. Two experimental herbicides for johnsongrass control in soybeans are BAS 9052 and S-734.

The experiments were conducted in 1980 and 1981 with the objective to evaluate the effectiveness of S-734 alone and in combination with mefluidide and BAS 9052, BAS 9052 applied early or late postemergence, trifluralin, alachlor, and fluchloralin for seedling and rhizome johnsongrass control.

In both areas …

Evaluation Of Bas 9052 & Bas 9021 For Control Of Johnsongrass (Sorghum Halpense) In Soybeans (Glycine Max), Sheryl Rogers

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The lack of adequate weed control is one of the major problems encountered in soybean production. Johnsongrass presents one of the most serious weed control problems in the Southeastern United States. numerous herbicides are used in an effort to control johnsongrass, and research is still being conducted to find new herbicides for this purpose. Two of these herbicides are BAS 9021 [6,6-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo- 3[1-[2-(propenyloxy)amino]butylidene]-cyclohexane] and BAS 9052 [2-(n-ethoxybutyrimidoyl)-5-(2-ethylthiopropy1)-3- hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one].

In 1978, johnsongrass control with BAS 9021 at 1.1 and 1.7 kg/ha in sim-le early postemergence or late postemergence applications, or in each of two split applications, was evaluated using the herbicide …