Digital Commons Network^™

Carbon Storage And Sequestration Under Different Stocking Rates In A Eurasian Desert Steppe In China, G. D. Han, C. P. Gao, C. W. Han, Q. Wu, A. M. Zhu, Z. W. Gao, Y. Y. Dou

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The research on carbon source/sink of terrestrial ecosystem is an important part of global climate change. Under the sustainable grazing management, the carbon storage in grassland ecosystem will increase, which promotes the carbon sequestration in the grassland area. In order to understand the carbon sequestration in grazing system of desert steppe, a sheep grazing experiment for completely random block design was conducted in desert steppe. There were 4 stocking rates and 3 replications in this experiment. The effects of annual precipitation and stocking rate on the carbon sequestration of desert steppe were compared. The stocking rate treatments were as follows: …

Enclosure Rather Than Topography Enhances The Soil Ecological Stoichiometry In Typical Steppe On The Loess Plateau, China, Zhaoxia Guo, Fujiang Hou, Jiao Ning

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grassland is one of the largest terrestrial ecosystems in the world, a large part of which is distributed in varied topography. And grazing and enclosure are the main ways to use this part. Grazing changes the soil structure through feeding, trampling and excreta return, thus affects the soil nutrients. The aspect mainly affects soil temperature and moisture by affecting solar radiation. The slope affects soil nutrients by affecting surface runoff. Water and temperature are the main factors affecting soil nutrients. We carried out to explore the effect of enclosure years and topography on soil ecological stoichiometry. The results showed that: …

Activity Budget And Foraging Patterns Of Nubian Giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis Camelopardalis) In Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, Consolata G. Gitau, J. S. Mbau, R. K. Ngugi, A. B. Muneza, E. Ngumbi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

How animals decide to spend their time has a key impact on their survival and reproduction. These behavioral decisions are shaped by ecological and environmental factors, such as seasonal changes. Foraging patterns show how an animal chooses to forage in its environment as influenced by resource availability, competition, and predation risk. Giraffe activity budget has been investigated in populations across Africa and found to be influenced by body size, diet composition, and sex. The activity budget and foraging patterns of Nubian giraffes vary considerably between ecosystems. The Nubian giraffe, a subspecies of the Northern giraffe species (Giraffa Camelopardalis) …

Ecosystem Services Provided By Overseeding Aeschynomene Into Bahiagrass Pastures In South Florida, J. Garzon, João M. B. Vendramini, Maria L. S. Silveira, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., H. L. Liao, Lynn E. Sollenberger, H. M. S. Da Silva, V. C. Gomes, H. M. R. Oliveira, A. Erhunmwunse

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Aeschynomene (Aeschynomene americana L.) is a warm-season annual legume commonly overseeded into warm-season perennial grass pastures in tropical and subtropical regions. Although aeschynomene usually increases forage production and nutritive value, there is limited information about the ecosystem services provided by this legume. The objective of these studies was to evaluate the effects of overseeding aeschynomene into bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) pastures on nutrient dynamics and microbial N-cycling gene abundances. The studies were conducted in Ona, FL, from April to March 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Treatments were the split-plot arrangement of two forage systems treatments (overseeding aeschynomene into bahiagrass or …

Evaluation Of Restoration Of Damaged Ecosystems On Soil Nematode Communities And Their Functions In The Desert Steppe Open-Pit Mining Area Of Inner Mongolia, Zhiwei W. Gao, G. D. Han, G. G. Zhang

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In view of the general lack of analysis of the ecological restoration effects of underground soil in the desert grassland ecological restoration projects in Inner Mongolia, this study selected the most representative open-pit quarries, open-pit iron mines and open-pit coal mines in the desert steppe. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, nematode community composition, diversity, and function were analyzed to determine the response of nematodes to different ecological restoration methods in damaged areas of coal mines. In open-pit coal mines, for slope rehabilitation, vegetation blanket restoration exhibited more favorable effects than those exhibited by vegetation bag restoration and natural restoration. For rehabilitation …

Surface-Soil Aggregation And Organic C And N Fractions Under Paired Grassland And Cropland Sites In The Southeastern Usa, Alan J. Franzluebbers, S. Van Vliet, M. H. Poore

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands are expected to deliver ecosystem services by sequestering soil organic C, improving soil health and water quality, and minimizing soil erosion. Data to support these ecosystem services from contemporary managed grasslands are relatively scant, and so on-farm measurements would help bolster assessment across more diverse environmental settings. This study was conducted to compare soil properties from paired landuse of croplands and grasslands in a diversity of Major Land Resource Areas – the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Blackland Prairie of the southeastern USA. Four separate pastures on three collaborating farms were sampled at depth of 0-10 cm. Four samples from …

Forage Response And Economic Benefits To Weed Management In Grasslands, E. S. Flynn, S. Ingram, B. B. Sleugh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A common question among managers of grazing operations is “At what level of weed pressure does it become economical to apply herbicides on pastures?” Unfortunately, there isn’t just one answer to this question as production goals and practices differ between operations and even within an operation over time. Regardless, the real question being ask is if weed control will increase profit per acre.

There are three basic avenues that may be taken to improve profit per acre through weed control. The first is to increase the carrying capacity of the grazing operation by controlling weeds and replacing them with desirable …

Evaluation Of Herbicides For Saltcedar Control In Southwest Kansas, W. H. Fick

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Saltcedar is an invasive species along some of the major rivers and tributaries in Kansas. The objective of this study is to determine control of saltcedar in southwestern Kansas using herbicides applied to individual trees as cut-stump, basal, and foliar treatments. Cut-stump treatments were applied in 2004-2010 during the months of April or May. Basal applications with 10% triclopyr in diesel were applied between 2007-2021 during the months of August through early October. Foliar treatments were applied during 2008-2021 using 467 L/ha spray volumes during August through early October. Chi square analysis at P < 0.05 was used to compare treatments. In initial studies, imazapyr (Arsenal) at 10% v/v in water, triclopyr (Remedy) at 10% v/v in diesel, and undiluted triclopyr (Pathfinder II) provided 80- 100% control of saltcedar, and were more effective than triclopyr + 2,4-D (Crossbow) applied as a 4% v/v solution in diesel (60% control). During 2008-2010, 10% imazapyr, 50% glyphosate, glyphosate + imazapyr (0.5% + 0.5%), triclopyr at 10 or 25%, and a mixture of triclopyr + fluroxypyr (PastureGard) at 25% all provided greater than 91% control of saltcedar. Basal bark control using 10% v/v triclopyr in diesel averaged 72% control. Foliar applications with 0.5 or 1% imazapyr and 0.5% + 1% imazapyr + glyphosate all provided greater than 84% control of saltcedar treated in 2008-2011. Imazapic (Plateau) at 1% was first compared with 1% imazapyr during 2014-2016 with both treatments providing about 80% control. During 2017-2021, 1% imazapyr (82% control), 1% imazapic (79% control), and 0.5% + 0.5% imazapyr + glyphosate (92% control) were all more effective than a combination of aminopyralid (Milestone) + triclopyr applied at 239 g/L + 359 g/L (42% control). Herbicides can be applied as cutstump, basal bark, or foliar treatments for the control of saltcedar.

Effect Of Litter Addition On Amino Acid Content And Composition In Alpine Meadow Soil, Yanli L. Feng, X. Y. Li, W. Z. Zong, J. Wang

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Litter plays an important role in plant-soil nutrient cycling. However, the response of soil amino acid pools to litter input is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of litter addition on the content and composition of soil amino acids in an alpine meadow soil. Soil was amended with litter of its dominant species, Kobresia graminifolia, and incubated for four weeks. Our results show that litter addition significantly increased the exchangeable amino acid content and protease activity in the soil. These results are crucial for understanding the amino acid cycling in soil.

Germination And Seedlings Heterotrophic Growth Of Cocksfoot (Dactylis Glomerata L.) In Response To Temperature, Abraham Escobar-Gutiérrez, L. Q. Ahmed

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the context of climate change, grasslands are considered, similar to forest, as an important sink for atmospheric CO₂. However, environmental change seems to go faster than species adaptation to survive on site. Germination and heterotrophic growth are key phases for plant, and consequently, communities’ establishment and structure. They are under genetic control and affected by temperature. The objective of this study was to analyze the intra-specific variability of six accessions of Dactylis glomerata in their responses to eight constant temperatures (5 to 40˚C) during germination and initial heterotrophic growth. The novelty of this work comes from the …

Detection Of Endophyte Mycotoxins By Service Laboratories: Providing Answers For Safe Feed, J. Honneffer, M. Sulyok, V. Milojevic, A. Holman, Jennifer Duringer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

. A global network of service laboratories exists to test livestock feed materials (typically grass hay and pellets) for ergovaline, ergot alkaloids and lolitrem B to ensure ‘safe feeds’ are being given to livestock. These compounds are mycotoxins produced by endophytic fungi that naturally reside in feed material. They have been purposely bred into grass species, as they enhance the plant’s survival from drought and insect predation. Unfortunately, ergovaline and other ergot alkaloids also cause vasoconstrictive effects and reproductive difficulties in livestock, resulting in a $1 million annual loss in production for the cattle industry in the USA alone. Lolitrem …

L-Grassf: A New Model For Simulating The Genetic Environment Interactions On The Reproductive Phenology Of Grasses, S. Rouet, Jean Louis Durand, D. Combes, A. Escobar Gutiérrez, D. Leclercq, R. Barillot

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Predicting the reproductive phenology in perennial grasses is a major concern because it determines the quantity and quality of forage. It varies a lot depending on site, year and cultivar. Projections of future climates suggest significant changes in seasonal temperature pattern, with new combinations of temperature and photoperiod, whose consequences on the floral induction of perennial grasses are unknown. L-GrassF is a new Functional Structural Plant Model simulating genetic variability of the phenology of perennial ryegrass in order to better understand the perenniality of grasslands and better anticipate the effects of climate change. L-GrassF stems from a previous model (L-Grass) …

Sustainable Intensification Of Livestock Systems Using Forage Legumes In The Anthropocene, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., D. M. Jaramillo, E. R. S. Santos, L. Garcia, L. M. D. Queiroz, K. R. Trumpp

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Sustainable intensification of livestock systems implies greater efficiency in resource utilization resulting in greater output of products and other ecosystem services per unit of resource input. Strategies to improve resource use efficiency include diversification of plant and ruminant species with complementary resource use. Forages that have root systems with contrasting architecture and exploring different soil layers with complementary use of resource acquisition (e.g., nutrients, water) could enhance primary productivity. Belowground interactions with soil microbiota (e.g., mycorrhizae) is key to enhance resource utilization. Forages with complementary canopy characteristics that helps enhancing light interception and utilization could also lead to greater resource …

Grazing Cover Crops For Soil Health In An Integrated Crop-Livestock System, Forrest E. Davis, J. Brett Rushing

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

. Optimizing soil health requires building an environment that creates conditions which allow for best function of the chemical, biological, and physical properties of the soil to thrive as an organism and an ecosystem. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) use a systems approach to provide improvements to soil health parameters. In the fall of 2021, a randomized complete block study was conducted at the Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station (CPBES) in Newton, Mississippi and at the Prairie Research Unit (PRU) in Prairie, Mississippi to observe the soil health effects of grazing cereal rye cover crops in a soybean production system. Three …

Short-Term Soil Organic Matter And Carbon Responses To Contrasting Grazing Intensities In Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems, Erick R. Da Silva Santos, Jose C. B. Dubeux, B. G. C. Homem, Cheryl L. Mackowiak, Lynn E. Sollenberger, D. Wright

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Combining integrated crop-livestock systems under no-till management may improve soil organic matter (SOM) build up and improve soil C sequestration. Grazing cover crops appears as a possibility to combine crops and livestock in a farm system. Further SOM and soil C increase can be achieved by adding perennial grasses into crop rotations. However, the effect of grazing intensity in such systems are not fully understood. This 2-yr study investigated short-term effects of cropping system [winter cover crops-summer cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and winter cover crops-summer bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) rotations], grazing intensity (no grazing, heavy, moderate, and light …

Productive Grasslands – The Role Of Adapted Species To Increase Ecosystems Resilience, M. B. Chiavegato, A. F. Mammana, C. Y. Rodriguez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Producers are interested in diversifying grazing systems with native warm-season grasses. Climate variations may result in extreme weather events. For instance, recent studies show strong evidence pointing to an increasing frequency of flooding in the central US, due to changes in both seasonal rainfall and temperature across this region. In a constantly changing climate, adapted species play a crucial role in increasing ecosystems resilience and resistance to extreme weather events. Native grasses may be well adapted to the future changes on climatic conditions, with wide ecological amplitude and resistance under different conditions. Use of adapted warm season grasses, associated with …

Adjusting Ley Grassland Duration In Crop Rotations To Reconcile Food Production And Soil Carbon Stocks, Abad Chabbi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Introduction of grasslands into cropping systems represents a strategy to ensure food production while reducing soil carbon losses. Yet, mixed crop and grassland management systems need to be evaluated in terms of achieving balanced food production and soil carbon (C) sustainability. The objectives of the study are: 1) to explore the impact of grassland duration on C input and soil C changes in agricultural systems; and 2) to test the variation in C input and soil C changes between rotations using grassland fertilized at high or low Nitrogen (N) application rates and their impacts on productivity. Field data regarding C …

Weed Management Affects Pasture Productivity And Livestock Performance - Tropical Perspective, Joao B. Cason, B. Sleugh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Weed competition in pastures has a great impact on livestock productivity, as, in addition to competing with forage, it interferes with animal grazing. Without question, weeds can compete with forage for water, space, light and nutrients. Weeds reduce the feed value of forage, decrease pasture carrying capacity, and can be toxic or unpalatable to livestock. For most weeds in pasture, the root system is robust, which contributes to the survival of these plants, affecting the development of the pasture. Due to the large number of seeds, they usually produce, they are very easily dispersed. In addition, when there are weeds …

Eragrostis Curvula Effects On Above And Below-Ground Plant Species Richness And Diversity, Jed Brown, A. Merchant, L. Ingram

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Monitoring and managing the soil seed bank is fundamental to land management as it constitutes the future generations of invasive plant communities. Invasive plants have traits that result in high recruitment through increased seed generation, short seed dormancy and phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, invasive plants with growth forms that inhibit the growth and recruitment of other species can lead to monocultures and associated reduction in above-ground biodiversity, potentially negatively impacting the soil seed bank diversity and ecosystem functions and services. Eragrostis curvula is one such species that has many of these invasive traits, including high propagule generation, and can exclude plant …

The Importance Of Forage Legume Epigenetics In The Anthropocene, J. Brady, J. P. Muir, A. Falk

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

As climates change and economic as well as ecological pressures to produce more ruminant product on less land in the Anthropocene increase, the importance of using cutting-edge methods for forage legume improvement grows. The immediate return rate and turnaround on investment is likely greater for multi-species incorporation into grasslands but focusing on intraspecific variability and diversity could also contribute. The role of forage legumes in cultivated pasture and rangeland biodiversity as well as stability depends on genetics as well as management. Their epigenetics, however, may become increasingly important as climatic extremes and ecological pressures grow due to human-induced factors. Unfortunately, …

Identification And Characteristics Of Phosphate-Solubilizing Endophytic Bacteria From Root Nodules Of Lespedeza Daurica, K. Y. Yang, C. Huang, P. Gao, Y. P. Liang, Y. P. Han, X. Zhao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Endophytic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from root nodules could promote stress resistance, nodulation and nitrogen fixation. In this study, nodule endophytic bacteria of Lespedeza daurica were isolated by plate streaking, the bacteria with phosphate-solubilizing abilities were selected and the phosphate-solubilizing abilities were determined. The results showed that 88 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated and among which 11 strains possessed phosphate-solubilizing abilities. The organic phosphorus solubility of TG41, TG43, TG47 and TG68 were 0.73~0.86 μg·mL^-1 ; the inorganic phosphorus solubility of TG47 and TG68 were 72.97 and 1.29 μg·mL^-1 , respectively. The four strains were identified as effective phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. TG41 …

Rangeland Health Status And Condition Two Different Yet Complementary Concepts: National Reserve Pampa Galeras Barbara D´Achille Case, R. Zárate, E. R. Flores

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pampa Galeras Barbara D´Achille National Reserve has an extension of 21,030 hectares constituted mainly by puna rangeland and has played a key role in the recovery of the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) population from extinction. This reserve is divided into two zones, known as the Rigid zone with a total area of 6,500 ha, and the Buffer zone of 14,530 ha. The present study aimed to implement an Ecological Response Unit system (ERU) to create an evaluation and monitoring system of rangeland health and condition, that could serve as a model for the rest of the Protected National Areas …

Assessing The Usefulness Of Senna Obtusifolia, An Invasive Plant Species In West Africa Rangelands, A. Zaré, O. Ouédraogo, A. Linstädter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Senna obtusifolia is a less appreciated plant species. Its invasion has led to the disappearance of several herbaceous species of interest in West Africa rangelands. As adaptation strategy, people use it to substitute for those that have disappeared. This study aimed to assess the importance of this species for animal and local ethnic groups according to two contrast climate zones in Burkina Faso. Ethnobotanic survey mixed with direct observations on the field were conducted. Three hundred (300) people from height (8) ethnic groups were interviewed. The survey technique was semi-structured interviews using a previously tested semi-structured questionnaire. At the early …

Responses Of Plant Functional Diversity To Long-Term Warming And Nitrogen Addition In A Desert Steppe, Y. Zhu, L. Tian, H. Y. Ren, G. D. Han

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Plant functional traits are closely related to ecosystem functions, and can indicate changes in ecosystem functions. Plant functional diversity is an important component of biodiversity, which can more accurately predict the changes of ecosystem functions or processes than species diversity, and is the main determinant of ecosystem functions or processes. In order to study the impact of global climate change factors (i.e., warming and nitrogen deposition) on the plant functional diversity in a desert steppe, we conducted a long-term warming and nitrogen addition experiment in northern China for 15 years (2006 - 2020). In 2020, we measured the plant height, …

Evaluating Herbicides For The Control Of Multiflora Rose And Autumn Olive In Eastern Ohio, C. Zoller, D. Kreager, T. G. Wiseman, C. Martin, A. Essman, C. Gelley, C. Little, M. Loux

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Invasive plants cause billions of dollars annually in damage, displace desirable plants, and reduce available land area for livestock grazing. Multiflora rose and autumn olive are two such species prevalent across the Eastern United States. Originally introduced for livestock containment and erosion control, these plants have become widespread, resulting in reduced animal grazing. The Eastern Agricultural Research Station (EARS) is located in Southeast Ohio and is owned by The Ohio State University. Much of the more than 2,000 acres has a history of surface mining and was reclaimed with the planting of multiflora rose and autumn olive. These plants have …

Feasibility Study Of An Equine-Assisted Learning Intervention For Children With Disabilities, Laura Hopson, Joy O'Neal, Rebecca Bailey, Jaycee Dugard, Kristen Mcgraw, Candace Hanenberg, Debbie Anderson, Blair Mckissock, Amy Traylor, Christianna Parker, Connor Samples

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Interest in equine-assisted learning (EAL) has grown rapidly among behavioral health professionals. The available research on the effects of EAL are limited, sparse, and mostly exploratory in nature. In this feasibility study, we evaluated the effectiveness of an EAL intervention, the Just Ask Yourself to Care (JAYC) program, for youth with disabilities. The eight-week JAYC curriculum is psycho-educational, strength-based, and resiliency-focused. We hypothesized that participation in the JAYC program would lead to improvement in social skills, empathy, and self-confidence.

Children with disabilities (n = 25) at two sites participated in a feasibility study of implementation and evaluation procedures. Before and …

Dyadic Coping In The Transition To Parenthood, Sierra Gray

Family Perspectives

The Transition to Parenthood (TTP) is a common transition point for couples that is often associated with declines in relationship satisfaction. There are many changes that take place during this transition that can lead to a variety of stresses such as psychological distress, sexual distress, as well as increases in conflict. Parents likely experience these stressors together, and therefore should implement dyadic coping processes. With partner support and responsiveness, parents can counter damaging psychological outcomes. As partners incorporate empathy and communicate effectively throughout the TTP, they can prevent and improve sexual outcomes. Since partner conflict is very common during this …

Association Of The Abcb1 Gene Polymorphism And Infertility In Azoospermia Males In Iraqi Kurdish Population, Muhsin Jamil Abdulwahid

Polytechnic Journal

The P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a product of the ABCB1 gene (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1) or MDR: multiple drug resistance 1 gene is expressed in various parts of the human body, like testis. The ABCB1 gene has several single nucleotide polymorphisms in its exons and introns that have been discovered. This study used DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to discover and characterize nucleotide variations in exons 27 of the ABCB1 gene in seven infertile and three normally fertile individuals. In this study, a set of primers were designed using the NCBI primer designing tool to amplify 394bp …

The Student Movement Volume 108 Issue 9: Perfect Landing: Acrofest Comes To Andrews University, Savannah Tyler, Grace No, Lexie Dunham, Madison Vath, Amelia Stefanescu, Nate Miller, Andrew Francis, Anna Rybachek, Katie Davis, Charisse Lapuebla, Ruben Colón, Alyssa Caruthers, Caitlin Adap, Nicole Compton-Gray, Ian Freeman

The Student Movement v. 108 (2023-2024)

HUMANS

Blessings Outnumbering The Autumn Leaves, Savannah Tyler

The James White Library Archives, Grace No

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!, Lexie Dunham

Art: Reclaiming the Narrative, Madison Vath

A Trip to Detroit Through Nandi Comer's Eyes, Ameilia Stefanescu

NEWS

Taking Flight at Acrofest, Nate Miller

Andrews Celebrates Veterans, Andrew Francis

Instruments of His Peace in a Broken World, Anna Rybachek

IDEAS

Are Aliens Real?, Katie Davis

Stay Vaccinated for the Sassy Man Epidemic, Charisse Lapuebla

The Thanksgiving Debate, Ruben Colón

PULSE

Artificial Intelligence: Are We Playing God?, Alyssa Caruthers

How Mission Work Impacts the Missionary: Advice for SMs, …

The Fierce Green Fire: Vol. 14 Issue 9, Wofford College Environmental Studies Program

The Fierce Green Fire

No abstract provided.