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92nd Annual Report Of The Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

Contents:
Foreword
Administration and Staff
Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station
Research Projects
Experiment Station Publications
Publications of the Staff
Report of Income and Expenditures

Acuta Enews July 1978, Vol. 7, No.7

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

MOUTH OF THE SOUTH

PARTY LINE

POTPOURRI

BITS & PIECES

VIRGINIA VIEW

ACUTA WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS

Wells And Ponds: Water Quality And Supply, Elbert C. Dickey, W.D. Lembke

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

FARM WELLS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY ...................... 1

Study Area Description ................................. 4

Field and laboratory Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Soil and Groundwater Measurements ...................... 10

Well Water Measurements ............................... 15

Summary ............................................ 17

PONDS IN WASHINGTON AND POPE COUNTIES ................. 17

Ponds in Washington County ............................ 17

Ponds and a Lake in Pope County ......................... 25

Summary ............................................ 30

Bibliography ............................................. 31

Appendix ............................................... 34

This bulletin is one of six publications growing out of a four-and …

Acuta Enews June 1978, Vol. 7, No. 6

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

PARTY LINE

BITS & PIECES

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

MORE BITS & PIECES

DATA BITS

MOUTH OF THE SOUTH

VIRGINIA VIEW

POTPOURRI

Agricultural Experiment Station News June 1978

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:
FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
NEW LEADERSHIP - HORTICULTURE AND WRRI
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
GENERAL NOTES
NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION PUBLICATIONS – May 1978
BULLETINS PRINTED

Calculated Yields And Slowing-Down Spectra For Electrons In Liquid Water: Implications For Electron And Photon Rbe, R. N. Hamm, H. A. Wright, Robert Katz, J. E. Turner, R. H. Ritchie

Robert Katz Publications

Detailed Monte Carlo calculations have been carried out of slowing-down spectra and yields for a number of end-points for electrons in liquid water. These investigations were made to study differences in physical effects of different low-LET radiations and implications for RBE. Initial electron energies from 1 keV to 1 MeV were used, and all secondary electrons were followed in the computations until their energies fell below 10 eV. Though there are substantial differences in the slowing-down spectra at energies near and above the K-shell ionization potential of oxygen, the energy spectrum of electrons at lower energies is found to be …

Agricultural Experiment Station News May 1978

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:
FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION PUBLICATIONS – April 1978
BULLETINS PRINTED

Acuta Enews May 1978, Vol. 7, No.5

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

PARTY LINE

BITS & PIECE

S SNOWBOARD CONFERENCE '78

MOUTH OF THE SOUTH

POTPOURRI

VIRGINIA VIEW

GETTING THERE FROM HERE--- AT A DISCOUNT

Movements And Activity Patterns Of The Plains Pocket Gopher (Geomys Bursarius) In Nebraska, Dallas Virchow

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

No abstract provided.

Memo To Pod Members, April 21, 1978, Mary Lynn Crow

Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: Conference Materials

Election of Officers

Adoption of a Mission Statement (attached)

Adoption of Bylaws (enclosed)

Other Decisions and Business

Important Notice!

Report from the Professional Relations and Membership Committee -- Global Impact

Report from the Regional Workshop Committee

Report from the Research Committee

Intellectual Performance As A Function Of Repression And Menstrual Cycle, Paula Englander-Golden, Keith A. Willis, Richard A. Dienstbier

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

Performance on complex (Space Relations and Verbal Reasoning) and simple (Digit Symbol) tests was investigated as a function of Byrne's Repression-Sensitization (RS) dimension, phase of menstrual cycle and premenstrual-menstrual (PM) symptomatology in a group of females not taking oral contraceptives. Two control groups, consisting of males and females taking oral contraceptives, were included. Equivalent tests were given at two sessions two weeks apart. Analysis of the Space Relations Test as a function of menstrual phase and Repression-Sensitization indicated the predicted interaction effect of phase by RS with poorest performance for the menstruating repressor group (p < .02), but the predicted deterioration by the premenstrual repressor group was not observed. Similar analysis for the Verbal Reasoning Test yielded an interaction effect of phase by RS (p < .03) and a main effect for phase (p < .05). As predicted, differences on the Digit Symbol test did not reach significance. Substituting PM symptomatology for RS, a significant effect was obtained only for phase on Verbal Reasoning Test (p < .05). Results were interpreted as indicating a reactive nature of repression, so that during menstruation, repression may interfere particularly with performance on complex tasks. The three subject groups did not differ significantly on any of the three tests; however, trends in the present data corroborated those quoted in the literature.

Reclassification Of The Gray Wolf In The United States And Mexico, With Determination Of Critical Habitat In Michigan And Minnesota

Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery: Annual Reports

The Service issues a final rulemaking which provides for the reclassification of the gray wolf in the United States and Mexico, and for the determination of critical habitat for species of gray wolf in Michigan and Minnesota. The reclassification is considered to accurately express the current status of the gray wolf, based solely on an evaluation of the best available biological data. The special regulations being established in Minnesota are deemed necessary and advisable to provide for the future well-being of the species. Although an increased legal take of wolves committing depredations on domestic animals will be authorized, this take …

Some Problems Concerning The Control Of Bird Damage In Southwestern Nigeria , M. Akande

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The problems of controlling bird damage, especially to crops, may be both social and practical. The practical problems are subject to environmental and ecological factors. The social problems relate to lack of adequate biological knowledge of the pest species, lack of confidence between farmers and researchers, persistent government red tapes, and human feelings. Damage is often as a result of feeding and nesting activities. Control measures include both prevention of contact between birds and crops by erection of barriers, use of chemical repellents and scaring devices, and attempted reduction in numbers of pest species, by shooting and trapping. None of …

"Vexar" Plastic Netting To Reduce Pocket Gopher Depredation Of Conifer Seedlings, Richard M. Anthony, Victor G. Barnes Jr., James Evans

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

In 1976, we began a comprehensive evaluation of "Vexar" seedling protectors as a means of reducing damage to conifer seedlings by pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.). The protectors are cylinders of plastic netting that gradually decompose in sunlight. The evaluation is being conducted on four national forests in three western states. Three conifer species, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa), and Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica var. shastensis), are under study. After two growing seasons, gophers have caused only 5 percent mortality among "Vexar"-enclosed seedlings compared to 20 percent mortality among unprotected …

Rodent Population Control For Public Health And Safety, Allan M. Barnes

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Rodent populations - particularly those that live in close proximity to man - constitute a perennial and often severe threat to man's health as reservoirs and often as direct sources of infection for a wide variety of viral, rickettsial, and bacterial disease producing agents. The following will discuss the place of rodent population reduction for the control of plague, a bacterial disease of rodents transmitted by fleas endemic in the western United States.

The Black-Breasted Lark (Melanocorypha Bimaculata), A Pest Of Sorghum In Butana Region, Gezira Province, Sudan , El Sadwig Awad Beshir

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Attempts were made to investigate and account for some aspects of the present status of the black-breasted lark (Melanocorypha bimaculata) as a pest of sorghum in one of the rain-fed semi-desert areas of the Sudan. Also some observations were conducted to understand the behavior and the feeding habits of the pest in relation to crop damage phenology. Problems encountered in the application of some control techniques were discussed and evaluated in order to suggest sound control strategy.

Improvements In The Use Of 4-Aminopyridine For Protecting Agricultural Crops From Birds, Jerome F. Besser

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

In 1976 and 1977, studies to improve the use of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a chemical frightening agent for protecting crops from blackbird damage, were conducted in sunflower in North Dakota, corn in Ohio, grain sorghum in Kansas, and sprouting rice in Arkansas and Texas. Because of the high vulnerability of sunflower, much of the effort was concentrated in this crop, despite the 1976 federal registration of a 4-aminopyridine product, Avitrol^R FC Corn Chops-99S, in 14 midwestern states. Hand baiting the perimeter of fields appeared effective in protecting sunflowers from damage by three species of blackbirds, but was ineffective in protecting …

Control Of The House Mouse (Mus Musculus L.) In The Netherlands, B.T. Bosman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Rodent control is carried out by local authorities, extermination companies or the owners of infested premises. The control of the house mouse, especially in food-handling establishments, is a problem that has existed for some years. Testing in the laboratory indicates a warfarin resistance although the application of new rodenticides like bromadiolone, calciferol and difenacoum has given good results. A "manual" for the control of suspected warfarin resistant house mice is given.

Establishing Native Forbs To Reduce Black-Tailed Deer Browsing Damage To Douglas-Fir, Dan L. Campbell, James Evans

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Principal methods being used to alleviate browsing damage to Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings by black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) in the Pacific Northwest are animal repellents applied to foliage and plastic mesh cylinders around individual seedlings. As an alternate method, we demonstrated that prompt establishment of highly palatable native forbs reduced summer browsing on planted seedlings to the point that black-tailed deer were no longer a factor limiting Douglas-fir regeneration. We believe that establishing native forbs is a sound ecological approach to deer-reforestation problems; furthermore, it should have wide utility because it integrates forest- and wildlife-management …

Closing Remarks—Eighth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Jerry P. Clark

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

closing remarks

Control Of Ground Squirrels In California Using Anticoagulant Treated Baits, Dell O. Clark

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Anticoagulant treated grain baits have been used to control vertebrate pest depredations in California for over 30 years. The use of anticoagulant treated baits has increased seven (7) times in the past seven (7) years; the majority for the use of ground squirrel, Spermophilus spp., control. Since 1968-69, an average of 1,747,828 net over 5,700,919 gross acres per year has been treated for ground squirrel control.

Current use patterns for ground squirrel control with anticoagulant treated baits include: (1) Repeated spot baitings, and (2) exposure of bait in bait boxes.

Experimental work and many years of operational field use have …

Conference Participants

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

A total of 436 people registered. They came from 37 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 other countries: Canada, Egypt, England, France, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Switzerland, and Venezuela. The international representation contributed greatly to the success of the Conference by providing an exchange of information on an international level.

Toxic Collar For Control Of Sheep-Killing Coyotes: A Progress Report, Guy E. Connolly, Richard E. Griffiths Jr., Peter J. Savarie

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The toxic sheep collar is the most selective method known for killing coyotes that prey on domestic sheep. The concept dates back to the early 1900's, and has been studied at the Denver Wildlife Research Center (DWRC) since 1974. Field tests with sodium cyanide (NaCN) in 1975 were unsuccessful due to repellent properties of the toxicant and to the apparent reluctance of coyotes to attack tethered lambs wearing bulky collars. Coyotes attacked one or more tethered, collared lambs in 7 of the 19 test pastures. In all, 14 collared lambs were attacked. Eight of the collars were punctured but no …

Bird Damage Research At The University Of California, Davis, A. Charles Crabb

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The University of California, Davis, starling research program was broadened in 1976 to encompass agricultural pest birds in general. Under new direction there were a number of applied problems studied. The effects of feeding cattle only between 1600 hours and 0800 hours on cattle weight gain was studied with results indicating slower weight gains and lower meat quality when compared to cattle fed ad lib. Feed component selection by starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was also studied finding that a starling selected diet contains a higher percentage of the high protein components than present in a commercially prepared dairy feed …

World Bird Damage Problems, John W. De Grazio

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

There is a lack of information on bird-caused economic losses on a worldwide basis. Some estimates are available for specific problems in the United States, Canada, and parts of Oceania and Europe, but loss estimates are almost totally lacking in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. To justify development of control programs, it is desirable that reliable data on losses be obtained. Such data are helpful at all levels of decision-making about bird control, from research to implementation.

Bird damage situations throughout the world are similar, involving many of the same crops and genera of birds.

This report summarizes major damage …

A Public Information Program On Predator Damage Control, David S. Decalesta

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

A public information and education program was developed in Oregon to defuse a controversy between environmentalists and livestock growers over management of predator damage control. Emphasis was placed on involving special interest and leadership/influential groups in the program and participa-tion was high. Attempts were made to involve the "general public" but response to solicitation and participation were low. Participating groups thought the program was of high value and expressed the need for additional information. Attitudes and beliefs of the special interest groups were changed little by the program, but constructive communications between the groups increased and the controversy dwindled. A …

Aversive Conditioning Tests Of Black Bears In Beeyards Failed, Michael J. Dorrance, Lawrence D. Roy

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

This study evaluated the effectiveness of emetic compounds (lithium chloride and cupric sulfate) in honey baits as a technique for preventing black bear damage in fenced beeyards. LiCl and CuSO4 in honey baits did not reduce black bear damage at beeyards. Our experience indicates that LiCl is not a suitable emetic for producing taste aversions in free-ranging black bears.

Brodifacoum (Talon™ Rodenticide), A Novel Concept, A.C. Dubock, D.E. Kaukeinen

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Brodifacoum, a new rodenticide, is described. This anticoagulant is shown to be of exceptional potency and capable of controlling resistant rodents as well as several non-commensal species. Results demonstrate that, in contrast to first generation anticoagulants, a bait concentration of only 50 ppm is adequate to give control and in only a single feeding for most species. In common with other anticoagulants, vitamin K₁ is an effective antidote. In contrast with other acute rodenticides, symptoms are delayed and no bait shyness is observed. The results of laboratory and field trials from many parts of the world are summarized and …

Electromagnetic Repellers—Fact Or Fiction?, William D. Fitzwater

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The effectiveness of devices that supposedly repel a large number of invertebrate and vertebrate animals by emitting oscillating electromagnetic impulses is investigated. While scientific support that electromagnetic forces affect biological systems exists, these data are based on animals confined under higher intensity fields than are seemingly produced by commercial units. A number of instances of field use of the devices is discussed. These indicate little objective support for the units.

8th Vertebrate Pest Conference 1978 Frontmatter

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

CONTENTS