Biological Engineering Commons^™

Definitions Of Tillage Systems For Corn, J. C. Siemens, Elbert C. Dickey, E. D. Threadgill

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

If "tillage" is defined as the mechanical manipulation of soil, it follows, then, that a "tillage system" would be the sequence of soil-manipulation operations performed in producing a crop. Today, however, such a definition is recognized as inadequate. We know, for instance, that the management of non-harvested plant tissue (i.e., residue) affects both crop production and soil erosion, and that field operations in which the soil is not tilled have a marked influence on soil condition.

Therefore, in this publication, a tillage system is the sequence of all operations involved in producing the crop, including soil manipulation, harvesting, chopping or …

Management Of Feedlot Runoff Control Systems, Elbert C. Dickey, Gerald R. Bodman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

During recent years, most open feedlot operators have found it desirable and, in some cases, necessary to install runoff control facilities. Even though the primary purpose of feedlot runoff control systems is the prevention of water pollution, many producers have found that good management of these systems also offers limited economic benefits in the form of fertilizer nutrients and supplemental irrigation water. Well managed runoff control systems also reduce weeds, odors, insects and muddy areas at or near feedlot edges. The runoff control system that has proved most satisfactory for all areas of the country is one consisting of clean …