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University of Nebraska - Lincoln

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Articles 271 - 300 of 455

Full-Text Articles in Biological Engineering

Fuzzy Modeling Of Skin Permeability Coefficients, Angela K. Pannier, Rhonda M. Brand, David D. Jones Feb 2003

Fuzzy Modeling Of Skin Permeability Coefficients, Angela K. Pannier, Rhonda M. Brand, David D. Jones

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to determine whether a new modeling methodology using fuzzy logic can predict skin permeability coefficients that are given compound descriptors that have been proven to affect percutaneous penetration.
Methods. Three fuzzy inference models were developed using subtractive clustering to define natural structures within the data and assign subsequent rules. The numeric parameters describing the rules were refined through the use of an Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System implemented in MatLab. Each model was evaluated using the entire data set. Then predicted outputs were compared to the published experimental data.
Results. All databases produced …

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The Economic Impacts Of Various Public-Policy Scenarios For Methane Recovery On Dairy Farms, Richard Stowell, Chris G. Henry Jan 2003

The Economic Impacts Of Various Public-Policy Scenarios For Methane Recovery On Dairy Farms, Richard Stowell, Chris G. Henry

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

The feasibility of anaerobic digesters for dairy and swine operations in Nebraska was evaluated using EPA’s Ag Star software program Farmworks 2.0 (1997) and local values for farm energy costs, mainly electricity. Four incentive programs were considered that would subsidize anaerobic digestion. Installation of a digester system is a significant investment that is currently very difficult to justify economically to Nebraska producers based upon consideration of readily quantifiable income and expenses, regardless of farm size. Larger dairy operations looking to invest in this technology would benefit most from a tax credit and/or subsidized electricity sales, policies that relate directly to …

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Application And Performance Of Constructed Wetlands For Runoff From Small Open Lots, C. G. Henry, J. P. Harner Iii, T. D. Strahm, M. A. Reynolds Jan 2003

Application And Performance Of Constructed Wetlands For Runoff From Small Open Lots, C. G. Henry, J. P. Harner Iii, T. D. Strahm, M. A. Reynolds

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Vegetative systems have long been studied and evaluated as alternatives to conventional storage, treatment, and land application systems. This paper discusses the application of vegetative systems, primarily constructed wetlands, as a runoff treatment technology for small livestock operations. The approach used for two small dairies and one beef cattle feedlot is discussed. Cost data for these operations is included as well as nutrient reduction performance results from a three year sampling period for the KS Dairy.

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Molecular Dynamics Of Soy-Protein Isolate Films Plasticized By Water And Glycerol, S.-G. Choi, K. M. Kim, Milford Hanna, Curtis L. Weller, W. L. Kerr Jan 2003

Molecular Dynamics Of Soy-Protein Isolate Films Plasticized By Water And Glycerol, S.-G. Choi, K. M. Kim, Milford Hanna, Curtis L. Weller, W. L. Kerr

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The effects of water and glycerol on the molecular mobility of a soy-protein isolate (SPI)-based film were investigated using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). SPI-films were prepared with different glycerol contents and equilibrated to various levels of water activity (aw). The distributed transverse relaxation of film samples showed 2 distinct components: a solid-like fraction (T2s*) and a liquid-like fraction (T2m*). The peak T2s* values of films with lower glycerol concentration were more sensitive to variation in aw. As aw increased, the change of solid-like to liquid-like fraction was observed in …

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Influence Of Sorghum Wax, Glycerin, And Sorbitol On Physical Properties Of Soy Protein Isolate Films, Ki Myong Kim, David B. Marx, Curtis Weller, Milford Hanna Jan 2003

Influence Of Sorghum Wax, Glycerin, And Sorbitol On Physical Properties Of Soy Protein Isolate Films, Ki Myong Kim, David B. Marx, Curtis Weller, Milford Hanna

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Sorghum wax, sorbitol, glycerin, and soy protein isolate (SPI) composite films were prepared. Effects of sorghum wax, sorbitol, and glycerin concentrations on various films were evaluated using response surface methodology. All independent variables significantly (P < 0.05) affected film water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), total color difference, and total soluble matter (TSM). Increasing the sorghum wax concentration decreased WVP and E. As sorbitol content increased in the composite films, WVP and TS increased. Sorbitol had a critical point of 2–5 g/5 g SPI for low values of TSM. The addition of sorbitol contributed more to the properties of the film than did glycerin.

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Mineralization Of Manure Nutrients, Bahman Eghball, Brian J. Wienhold, John E. Gilley, Roger A. Eigenberg Nov 2002

Mineralization Of Manure Nutrients, Bahman Eghball, Brian J. Wienhold, John E. Gilley, Roger A. Eigenberg

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

In order to apply manure or compost to fulfill the nutrient requirements of a crop, knowledge of the amount of nutrients mineralized following application is needed. Nutrient mineralization from applied manure depends on temperature, soil moisture, soil properties, manure characteristics, and microbial activity. Since these factors cannot be accurately predicted, nutrient mineralization from applied manure can only be approximated. Nitrogen (N) availability from applied manure includes the inorganic N (NO3-N and NH4-N) in manure plus the amount of organic N mineralized following application. Nitrogen mineralization differs for different manure types since the inorganic/organic fraction and quality …

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Residual Effects Of Compost And Fertilizer Applications On Nutrients In Runoff, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball Sep 2002

Residual Effects Of Compost And Fertilizer Applications On Nutrients In Runoff, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The application of compost or fertilizer at rates that exceed crop nutrient requirements can result in phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) accumulation in soil. This study was conducted to determine the influence of soil P and N contents on the concentrations and total amounts of P and N transported in runoff. Composted beef cattle feedlot manure or inorganic fertilizer were added from 1992 to 1995 to a Sharpsburg silty clay loam soil at rates sufficient to meet P or N requirements for corn and incorporated following application. After four years of corn production following the last compost application, P concentration, …

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Survey Of Hydrogen Sulfide Concentrations In Vicinity Of Beef Cattle Feedlots, Richard K. Koelsch, Bryan L. Woodbury, David E. Stenberg, Daniel N. Miller, Dennis D. Schulte Jul 2002

Survey Of Hydrogen Sulfide Concentrations In Vicinity Of Beef Cattle Feedlots, Richard K. Koelsch, Bryan L. Woodbury, David E. Stenberg, Daniel N. Miller, Dennis D. Schulte

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

A field survey of Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS) concentrations in the vicinity of beef cattle feedlots was conducted to compare field observations against current regulatory thresholds. In addition, environmental factors that may contribute to increased TRS emissions were evaluated. It was observed that TRS levels in the vicinity of beef cattle feedlots are not likely to exceed current regulatory thresholds used by mid-western states. It was further noted that concentration of TRS varies with air temperature and time of day. However, wet feedlot surface conditions and wind speed had almost no impact upon observed concentrations.

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Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Treatment Improves Properties Of Cast Films From Soy Protein Isolate, Jong W. Rhim, Aristippos Gennadios, Curtis Weller, Milford Hanna May 2002

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Treatment Improves Properties Of Cast Films From Soy Protein Isolate, Jong W. Rhim, Aristippos Gennadios, Curtis Weller, Milford Hanna

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The manufacture of edible/biodegradable films or coatings can potentially add value to soy protein. This study was conducted to determine the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on selected physical properties of glycerin-plasticized soy protein isolate (SPI) films. Films were cast from heated (70 °C for 20 min), alkaline (pH 10) aqueous solutions of SPI (5 g/100 ml water), glycerin (50% w/w of SPI), and SDS (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40% w/w of SPI). Tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), moisture content (MC), total soluble matter (TSM), water vapor permeability (WVP), and color values (L, a, and …

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Long-Term Manure And Fertilizer Application Effects On Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff, Bahman Eghball, John E. Gilley, David D. Baltensperger, J. M. Blumenthal Feb 2002

Long-Term Manure And Fertilizer Application Effects On Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff, Bahman Eghball, John E. Gilley, David D. Baltensperger, J. M. Blumenthal

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Long–term manure and fertilizer applications to a soil can increase phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) transport in runoff. This study was conducted to determine P and N transport in runoff following long–term (since 1953) manure and fertilizer applications. Duplicate soil samples (32) were collected in 1998 from the top 0.1 m of selected plots of a long–term manure and fertilizer applications field experiment and later placed in 1 m2 soil pans in the laboratory. Manure and fertilizer were mixed with 16 of the soil samples, while no treatment was applied to the other half (long–term residual effect). Simulated rainfall …

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Managing Runoff Following Manure Application, John E. Gilley, L. Mark Risse, Bahman Eghball Jan 2002

Managing Runoff Following Manure Application, John E. Gilley, L. Mark Risse, Bahman Eghball

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Rainfall patterns, soil factors, topography, climate, and land use may all influence runoff. To minimize environmental concerns, excessive runoff should be avoided on areas where manure has been applied. Management practices used to control runoff include contouring, strip cropping, conservation tillage, terraces, and buffer strips. In some cases, secondary containment systems, sedimentation basins, or ponds may be necessary to collect runoff. More than one runoff-control practice may be necessary for protection in areas with high runoff potential. Soil properties, including infiltration, may be improved by manure application. The method, rate and timing of manure application should be considered to reduce …

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A Physically Based Two-Dimensional Infiltration Model For Furrow Irrigation, Christopher J. Skonard, Derrel L. Martin Jan 2002

A Physically Based Two-Dimensional Infiltration Model For Furrow Irrigation, Christopher J. Skonard, Derrel L. Martin

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

A two-dimensional physically based infiltration model was developed for furrow
irrigation. Infiltration was simulated using the Green-Ampt infiltration method. The Green-Ampt infiltration parameters are available from numerous sources, unlike the Kostiakov infiltration parameters. Simulation tests showed the two-dimensional model capable of estimating cumulative infiltration volume within 8% compared to simulated infiltration using the finite element model, Hydrus-2D. Application of the two-dimensional model in a surface irrigation advance model allows irrigation performance parameters to be predicted without extensive soil experiments.

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Heat Curing Of Soy Protein Films At Selected Temperatures And Pressures, Ki Myong Kim, Curtis Weller, Milford Hanna, Aristippos Gennadios Jan 2002

Heat Curing Of Soy Protein Films At Selected Temperatures And Pressures, Ki Myong Kim, Curtis Weller, Milford Hanna, Aristippos Gennadios

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Vacuum and temperature effects on moisture content, water vapor permeability (WVP), color (L, a, b, and DE), tensile strength (TS), elongation (E), and total soluble matter (TSM) of soy protein isolate (SPI) films were examined. SPI films were cured at 60, 72.5, or 85 °C and at 101.3, 81.32, or 61.32 kPa for 24 h. As a result of heat-curing moisture content, WVP, E, and TSM decreased, and total color difference and TS increased. Pressure, individually and interactively with temperature, significantly affected film moisture content, TS, and TSM.

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Manure As Carbon Source For Soil Improvement And Crop Production: Site-Specific Application, Bahman Eghball, Daniel Ginting, Charles A. Shapiro, James S. Schepers, Christopher J. Bauer Jan 2002

Manure As Carbon Source For Soil Improvement And Crop Production: Site-Specific Application, Bahman Eghball, Daniel Ginting, Charles A. Shapiro, James S. Schepers, Christopher J. Bauer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Manure, a renewable resource, is an excellent source of nutrients that can be substituted for synthetic types of fertilizers. The C in manure can enhance the physical and chemical properties of soils, especially infertile soils, as these soils typically contain low levels of organic matter and nutrients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of C and nutrients in manure on soil C dynamics and crop production. The treatments included applications of site-specific manure (SSM), uniform manure (UM), uniform commercial fertilizer, and a no treatment check. Field strips 40 ft (16 corn rows) wide and 2200 ft …

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Impact Of Manure Application On Phosphorus Runoff And Soil Erosion, Daniel T. Walters, C. Gossin, Gregory J. Teichmeier, Galen E. Erickson Jan 2002

Impact Of Manure Application On Phosphorus Runoff And Soil Erosion, Daniel T. Walters, C. Gossin, Gregory J. Teichmeier, Galen E. Erickson

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural land is a serious environmental issue because of the impact of P on freshwater eutrophication (McDowell, et al., 2001). The movement of P from soil to surface water is impacted by P input to soil and manure management practices that impact P transport processes. Twenty-one natural runoff plots were established to monitor the effect of time and method of composted beef feedlot manure application and feed P input on net losses of bio-available P and sediment in surface runoff. Reducing feed P inputs resulted in a 33% reduction in manure P content. Runoff losses of …

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Will Voluntary And Educational Programs Meet Environmental Objectives? Evidence From A Survey Of New York Dairy Farms, Gregory L. Poe, Nelson L. Bills, B. C. Bellows, Patricia Crosscombe, Richard K. Koelsch, Michael J. Kreher, Peter Wright Dec 2001

Will Voluntary And Educational Programs Meet Environmental Objectives? Evidence From A Survey Of New York Dairy Farms, Gregory L. Poe, Nelson L. Bills, B. C. Bellows, Patricia Crosscombe, Richard K. Koelsch, Michael J. Kreher, Peter Wright

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This paper presents the results from a survey of New York dairy farms that links manure management practices and farmer willingness to participate in voluntary environmental programs, focusing on those operations that are not automatically designated as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. A wide divergence is found between actual and recommended manure management practices on individual dairy farms (high), the apparent ability of farms to divert financial resources to environmental practices (mixed), and the willingness to participate in voluntary programs at various annual costs per cow (low). These findings have policy implications for the USDA/USEPA National Strategy for Animal Feeding Operations.

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Nutrients In Runoff Following The Application Of Swine Manure To Interrill Areas, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, B. J. Weinhold, Phillip S. Miller Sep 2001

Nutrients In Runoff Following The Application Of Swine Manure To Interrill Areas, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, B. J. Weinhold, Phillip S. Miller

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The P content of swine manure can be reduced through the addition of feed supplements or the use of selected corn hybrids. This study was conducted to compare interrill runoff losses of P and N from three soils following the application of swine manure obtained from selected diets. The soils used in this investigation included a Hersh sandy loam, Pierre silty clay, and Sharpsburg silt loam. Simulated rainfall was applied during both initial and wet runs to a soil pan on which swine manure produced from low phytate corn (LPC), phytase added to the diet (PHY), or a traditional corn …

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Manure Impacts On Interrill Erosion, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, J. M. Blumenthal, David D. Baltensperger Jan 2001

Manure Impacts On Interrill Erosion, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, J. M. Blumenthal, David D. Baltensperger

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

This study was conducted to measure runoff and erosion from interrill areas as affected by the long-term application of manure and fertilizer to a Tripp sandy loam soil located near Mitchell, Nebraska. Soil that had been removed from the top 0.1 m of the soil profile was placed in a 1 m2 soil pan. Rainfall was then applied to the soil pan during initial and wet simulation events. Total runoff was similar on the manure and no-manure treatments. The long-term application of manure (55 years) at a rate of 27 Mg ha-1 (wet basis) per year did not …

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Tillage And Fallow Effects On Selected Soil Quality Characteristics Of Former Conservation Reserve Program Sites, John E. Gilley, John W. Doran, Bahman Eghball Jan 2001

Tillage And Fallow Effects On Selected Soil Quality Characteristics Of Former Conservation Reserve Program Sites, John E. Gilley, John W. Doran, Bahman Eghball

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Tillage and fallow have been suggested as management options for converting Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) areas to cropland. This study was conducted to measure selected soil quality characteristics of former CRP sites in Mississippi, Nebraska, and South Dakota that were tilled and then left fallow for 21 or 22 months. Soil samples from depth intervals of 0-7.6 cm and 0-30.5 cm were collected for laboratory assessment of the following soil quality indicators: bulk density, EC, pH, total C, organic C, total N, NO3-N, NH4-N, PO4-P, biomass C, biomass N, anaerobic NH4-N, lab …

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Phosphorus Risk Assessment Index Evaluation Using Runoff Measurements, Bahman Eghball, John E. Gilley Jan 2001

Phosphorus Risk Assessment Index Evaluation Using Runoff Measurements, Bahman Eghball, John E. Gilley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

An index to evaluate the phosphorus (P) pollution potential of agricultural fields was proposed by Lemunyon and Gilbert in 1993. Data from three rainfall simulation studies were used to evaluate the relative importance of the variables in the P index. These studies included plots containing sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and corn (Zea mays L.) residues on which chemical fertilizer and composted or noncomposted beef cattle feedlot manure were applied under no-till and disked conditions. The factors of erosion, runoff, soil P level P application source, and method, and rate of P addition …

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Reducing Long-Term Atrazine Runoff From South Central Nebraska, Walter Scott Gorneau, Thomas G. Franti, Brian L. Benham, Steve D. Comfort Jan 2001

Reducing Long-Term Atrazine Runoff From South Central Nebraska, Walter Scott Gorneau, Thomas G. Franti, Brian L. Benham, Steve D. Comfort

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Heavy reliance on chemical weed control in field crops of South Central Nebraska has resulted in the appearance of atrazine at concentrations greater than established drinking water standards. Our objective was to evaluate the best management practices for atrazine runoff for the tillage and herbicide management practices common to the region under study. Field experiments were performed to measure edge–of–field atrazine and water loss from disk–till, ridge–till, and slot plant (no–till) management systems. Results indicated less water runoff from no–till (34% less) and ridge–till (36% less) than from disk–till. Similarly, atrazine loss was also less: 24% less for no–till and …

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Application Of Fuzzy Logic In Automated Cow Status Monitoring, R. M. De Mol, Wayne Woldt Jan 2001

Application Of Fuzzy Logic In Automated Cow Status Monitoring, R. M. De Mol, Wayne Woldt

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Sensors that measure yield, temperature, electrical conductivity of milk, and animal activity can be used for automated cow status monitoring. The occurrence of false-positive alerts, generated by a detection model, creates problems in practice. We used fuzzy logic to classify mastitis and estrus alerts; our objective was to reduce the number of false-positive alerts and not to change the level of detected cases of mastitis and estrus. Inputs for the fuzzy logic model were alerts from the detection model and additional information, such as the reproductive status. The output was a classification, true or false, of each alert. Only alerts …

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Runoff And Soil Loss As Affected By The Application Of Manure, John E. Gilley, L. Mark Risse Nov 2000

Runoff And Soil Loss As Affected By The Application Of Manure, John E. Gilley, L. Mark Risse

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Manure has been used effectively to improve crop production and soil properties because it contains nutrients and organic matter. While it is generally accepted that the improved soil properties associated with manure application lead to changes in runoff and soil erosion, few studies have quantified these impacts. Water quality models used to assess watershed management and estimate total maximum daily load must accurately predict loading rates from fields where manure has been applied. This study was conducted to assemble and summarize information quantifying the effects of manure application on runoff and soil loss resulting from natural precipitation events, and to …

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A Statewide Educational Program To Implement Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Richard K. Koelsch, Charles A. Shapiro, R. Wozniak Sep 2000

A Statewide Educational Program To Implement Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Richard K. Koelsch, Charles A. Shapiro, R. Wozniak

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

EPA and USDA NRSC have stated that the most effective way for animal feeding operations (AFO's) to minimize water quality and public health risks is to develop and implement comprehensive nutrient management plans. In response a proposed CNMP workbook has been designed to serve as an animal operation's environmental operating plan. This project will initiate field testing of the proposed Nebraska CNMP with livestock producers and advisors. It will also assist with development of supporting resources and training for educational and technical advisors.

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Fuzzy Composite Programming To Combine Remote Sensing And Crop Models For Decision Support In Precision Crop Management, David D. Jones, E. M. Barnes Sep 2000

Fuzzy Composite Programming To Combine Remote Sensing And Crop Models For Decision Support In Precision Crop Management, David D. Jones, E. M. Barnes

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Precision crop management is by definition a multi-objective decision-making process that must incorporate a diversity of data, opinion, preference and objective. This paper details an approach to decision making that allows users to express individual or corporate values and preferences; highlights the degree of imprecision associated with each input; highlights the degree of imprecision associated with each alternative; facilitates structuring of the decision process; reduces several levels of complex information into a single chart; allows examination of trade-off between alternatives and interests; and forces examination of inter-relationships between interest. The addition of using remote sensing data provides an efficient method …

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Phototrophic Anaerobic Lagoons As Affected By Copper And Zinc In Swine Diets, John E. Gilley, Daniel P. Spare, Richard K. Koelsch, Dennis D. Schulte, Phillip S. Miller, Anne M. Parkhurst Aug 2000

Phototrophic Anaerobic Lagoons As Affected By Copper And Zinc In Swine Diets, John E. Gilley, Daniel P. Spare, Richard K. Koelsch, Dennis D. Schulte, Phillip S. Miller, Anne M. Parkhurst

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Odor emissions from anaerobic lagoons containing large populations of phototrophic bacteria are usually minimal. This study was conducted to determine whether copper (123 ppm) and zinc (2,310 ppm) in diets fed to weanling pigs for therapeutic purposes affect phototrophic conditions within lagoons. Column reactors containing 47 L of swine lagoon sludge and supernatant were used to represent lagoons. The reactors were placed in an environmental chamber maintained at 24° C. Copper, zinc, and control manure were added to the reactors at a volatile solids loading rate of 128 gvs m–3 da–1 using a hydraulic retention time of …

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Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Runoff And Soil Loss, John E. Gilley, B. Eghball, L. A. Kramer, T. B. Moorman Jan 2000

Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Runoff And Soil Loss, John E. Gilley, B. Eghball, L. A. Kramer, T. B. Moorman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This rainfall simulation study provided information on the effects of 0.72 m (2.4 ft) wide switchgrass hedges located at the bottom of plots on runoff an soil loss under both no-till and tilled conditions. The study area, which had slopes ranging from 8 to 16%, had produced corn for 33 years and the grass hedges had been established for 6 years. Simulated rainfall [64 mm hr-1)] was applied for two hours to plots [3.7 m (12 ft) wide by 10.7 m (35.1 ft) long] with corn residue and to plots where corn residue was removed. The narrow grass …

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Waste Assessment Of Agricultural Chemicals, Petroleum Products And Maintenance Residuals On Farmsteads, Sherman D. Reed, Robert D. Grisso, Wayne E. Woldt, Shirley M. Niemeyer Jan 2000

Waste Assessment Of Agricultural Chemicals, Petroleum Products And Maintenance Residuals On Farmsteads, Sherman D. Reed, Robert D. Grisso, Wayne E. Woldt, Shirley M. Niemeyer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate waste management practices of purchasing, handling, storage, and disposal of agricultural chemicals, petroleum products, and maintenance residuals. One-hundred surveys were returned by agricultural producers from three Nebraska counties selected based on unique environmental and waste management issues. Twenty-four questions concerning agricultural chemicals and 16 questions directed to petroleum products and maintenance residuals are discussed. A follow-up interview with 45 respondents was conducted “on-site” to gain insight into their reported practices, perceptions, and actual practices. Most farmers (66%) tended to purchase pesticides in 3.8 to 10 L (1-2.5 gal) containers and most (79%) …

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Fractional Composition Of Grain Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor) After Wet-Peeling In A Centrifugal Pump, K. R. Lochte-Watson, Curtis L. Weller, Kent M. Eskridge Jan 2000

Fractional Composition Of Grain Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor) After Wet-Peeling In A Centrifugal Pump, K. R. Lochte-Watson, Curtis L. Weller, Kent M. Eskridge

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Use of a centrifugal pump to peel and facilitate separation of grain sorghum kernels into three fractions was investigated. Special emphasis was given to separating fractions to achieve a high concentration of wax in one fraction and a high concentration of starch in another. Trials were conducted to determine the effects of both soak time and recirculation time on wet-peeling. After peeling, three fractions, peeled kernel, bran, and suspended solids, were collected. Together, the bran and suspended solids fractions contained 12.7% of the initial total dry solids, 90% of initial wax, and 8.1% of the initial starch. Peeled kernel fraction …

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Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff Following Manure And Fertilizer Application, B. Eghball, John E. Gilley, L. A. Kramer, T. B. Moorman Jan 2000

Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff Following Manure And Fertilizer Application, B. Eghball, John E. Gilley, L. A. Kramer, T. B. Moorman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Runoff losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from field applied manure can contribute to surface water pollution. Grass hedges may reduce runoff losses of nutrients and sediment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of narrow switchgrass (,i>Panicum virgatum L.) hedges (~0.75 m wide) on the transport of P and N from a field receiving beef cattle feedlot manure under tilled and n-till conditions. This study was conducted on a steep (12% average slope) Monona silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludolls) soil near Treynor, Iowa. The experiment was a split-plot with no-till and …

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