Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Earth News, V25, Fall 2001, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- News from the Department Head
--- Earth Science Staff Activities
--- Earth Science Majors
--- 2001 Earth Science Graduates
--- Student Research Presentations
--- Student Internships
--- STORM: Science center for Teaching, Outreach, and Research on Meteorology
--- Studies in the Geology of Iowa for Teachers
--- Earth Science Student Assistants
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Gamma Sigma Chapter
--- Gifts to the Department of Earth Science
--- 2001-2002 Scholarship and Award Recipients
--- 2001 Spring Trip Summary
--- Earth Science Seminar Series
--- Rapa Nui Expedition - March 2000
--- Alumni Profile - Larry J. …

Organic Vegetables : A Guide To Production, Steven Mccoy

Bulletins 4000 -

There appears to be considerable opportunity for the development of organic vegetable production in Western Australia for either fresh or processed product. While a number of growers are successfully producing relatively small quantities of organic vegetables for both domestic and export markets, few large scale commercial growers have sought to capitalise on this opportunity.

Consumer interest in organically grown vegetables has increased rapidly in recent years due largely to concerns relating to food safety, health and the environment. For more information on markets for organic vegetables refer to AGWEST publication “Market Prospects – Organic Carrots and other Vegetables”.

African Black Beetle In Vineyards, Diana Fisher, Stewart Learmonth

Bulletins 4000 -

The African black beetle, Heteronychus arator, is an important pest of horticultural crops, ornamentals and pastures in Western Australia. They also attack lawns and are commonly referred to as the black lawn beetle. This beetle was first recorded in Australia during the 1920s and originates from southern Africa where it is a major establishment pest of maize.

Organic Grapes And Wine : A Guide To Production, Gerry Parlevliet, Steven Mccoy

Bulletins 4000 -

The tastebuds, health concerns and environmental conscience of affluent consumers are demanding more organically grown food than producers worldwide can supply. Growing consumer concerns about the effects of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilisers on human health and the environment have boosted world trade in organic products by a rate of about 20-30 per cent a year for the past 10 years. World trade was estimated to be worth $US 21.6 billion in 2000 and is expected to reach US$100 billion by the year 2006.

The Australian market for organic products alone is valued at $200-$250 million - with exports estimated …

Tb178: Methods For Evaluating Carbon Fractions In Forest Soils: A Review, Jennifer L. Evans, Ivan J. Fernandez, Lindsey E. Rustad, Stephen A. Norton

Technical Bulletins

This publication was developed as part of an effort to evaluate the existing methodologies for determining carbon fractions in soils that might be applied to the question of forest soil C sequestration. A great deal of research has been done on this topic although often focused on agronomic soils. Forest land managers will be increasingly interested in identifying methods to monitor and to evaluate the effects of forest practices on soil C reserves. As well researchers are interested in this and the logical linkages to N cycling. Ultimately practical methods that can be widely utilized will be needed; these may …

Profitable Canola Production In The Great Southern And Lakes District, Paul Carmody, Ashley Herbert

Bulletins 4000 -

The Canola industry has rapidly grown with a 10 fold increase in area sown in Western Australia over the four years from 1996-99.

The driving force behind this increase in area can be attributed to the successful adoption of weed control technology in Triazine Tolerant Canola.

By knowing the model of the limiting factors, which are usually; weed control, fertiliser practices, blackleg management, variety selection, seeding dates, seeding depths, insect control and swathing, we can make the right decisions and achieve the targeted profit.

To produce yield to potential, all factors need to be optimised, otherwise yields will be decreased …

Western Australia Soil Acidity Research And Development Update 2001 : Time To Lime, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

This book for 2001 again summarises the work being carried out by staff of The Integrated Soil Acidity Research, Development and Extension projects in Western Australia. These projects are based at Agriculture Western Australia, The University of Western Australia and CSIRO.

Several articles in this book are an indication that the current round of funding for this work is drawing to a close in June 2002. The articles reflect our increasing understanding of not only the effects of soil acidity but also the time required for current practices of surface applied lime to ameliorate acidity in both the surface and …

Agmaps Land Profiler Cd-Rom. Shires Of Waroona, Harvey And Dardanup, Dennis Van Gool, Peter J. Tille, Ian Kininmonth, Philip M. Goulding, Maryse Louise

Agmaps

This CD-ROM contains land resource maps and land management information for the shires of Waroona, Harvey and Dardanup. It was produced by the Department of Agriculture Western Australia. Also included on the CD is technical information which may now be out of date.

Soilguide (Soil Guide) : A Handbook For Understanding And Managing Agricultural Soils, Geoff Allan Moore

Bulletins 4000 -

This handbook integrates the current knowledge of soils in south-western Australia in a user-friendly form. It describes how to assess which soil properties influence production and land degradation in the agricultural area and summarises management options to remedy or minimise soil limitations. The potential for growing a large range of crops and pastures can be assessed. In particular, the links between soil morphology, soil properties, management and agronomy are emphasised. The manual is designed for use at the paddock scale or for site assessment, but it can also be used at a catchment or regional scale. It is specifically designed …

Agmaps Land Manager Cd-Rom For Dumbleyung, Kim Brooksbank, Dennis Van Gool, Werner Runge, Ian Kininmonth

Agmaps

This CD-ROM contains land resource maps and land management information relevant to the Dumbleyung area. It was produced by the Department of Agriculture as part of a Natural Heritage Trust project. Also included on the CD is a lot of technical information which may now be out of date.

South West Hydrological Information Package : Understanding And Managing Hydrological Issues On Agricultural Land In The South West Of Western Australia, Peter J. Tille, T W. Mathwin, Richard J. George Dr

Bulletins 4000 -

This manual reviews current knowledge of the hydrological issues that affect, or are affected by, agriculture in the catchments of the south west of Western Australia.

Soil Factors Influencing Eutrophication. In Soilguide. A Handbook For Understanding And Managing Agricultural Soils. (Ed. Geoff Moore), David Weaver, Robert Summers

Bulletins 4000 -

Eutrophication is essentially the nutrient enrichment of waterways leading to algal growth. It must be controlled to maintain sustainable agricultural systems and the main mechanisms of control are stabilising catchment processes and reducing nutrient output.

Eutrophication can be defined as 'the nutrient enrichment of waters which results in the stimulation of an array of symptomatic changes, among which increased production of algae and macrophytes, deterioration of water quality and other symptomatic changes, are found to be undesirable and interfere with water uses' (OECD 1982). The word eutrophic is a Greek word that means 'well fed'. The food referred to is …

Economic Impacts Of Salinity On Townsite Infrastructure, Rural Towns Management Committee, Department Of Agriculture.

Bulletins 4000 -

The study looked at six case study towns: Katanning, Brookton, Corrigin, Cranbrook, Merriden and Morawa. Recommendations are mde for each town to manage salinity issues.