Biological Engineering Commons^™

Residual Effects Of Manure And Compost Applications On Corn Production And Soil Properties, Bahman Eghball, Daniel Ginting, John E. Gilley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Residual effects of manure or compost application on crop production and soil properties can last for several years. This study was conducted to evaluate residual effects of annual or biennial applications of N- and P-based composted and non-composted beef cattle (Bos Taurus) feedlot manure, chemical fertilizer, and no-treatment check on corn (Zea mays L.) production and soil properties. Manure and compost were applied from 1992 to 1995, and the residual effects were determined from 1997 to 1999. Residual effects of N- and P-based manure and compost applications on corn grain yield and N uptake lasted for at …

Changes In Composition And Thermal Transition Temperatures Of Grain Sorghum Wax During Storage, Keum Taek Hwang, Curtis L. Weller, Susan L. Cuppett, Milford Hanna

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) wax is composed mainly of aldehydes, alcohols, and acids. Aldehydes, comprising about one-half of the wax, are readily converted to acids in presence of air. In this study, whole sorghum wax and an aldehyde fraction from sorghum wax were subjected to oxidative conditions. Changes in the major components and thermal transition temperatures were determined using HPLC and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), respectively. The aldehyde fraction was oxidized markedly to acids over 4 months in storage at room temperature. Acid content, in the fraction, was initially 5–7% and increased to 42–51% after 135 days in …

Controlled Release Systems For Dna Delivery, Angela K. Pannier, Lonnie D Shea

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Adapting controlled release technologies to the delivery of DNA has the potential to overcome extracellular barriers that limit gene therapy. Controlled release systems can enhance gene delivery and increase the extent and duration of transgene expression relative to more traditional delivery methods (e.g., injection). These systems typically deliver vectors locally, which can avoid distribution to distant tissues, decrease toxicity to nontarget cells, and reduce the immune response to the vector. Delivery vehicles for controlled release are fabricated from natural and synthetic polymers, which function either by releasing the vector into the local tissue environment or by maintaining the vector at …

Development Of An Instrumented Deep−Tillage Implement For Sensing Of Soil Mechanical Resistance, Viacheslav I. Adamchuk, Andrey V. Skotnikov, Justin D. Speichinger, Michael F. Kocher

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Variable−depth tillage has the potential for economic and environmental benefits to modern crop production. Varying tillage depth according to local soil conditions prevents the waste of energy and preserves soil ecology. A prototype instrumentation system was developed based on a conventional implement for deep tillage. It was equipped with two load cells and two sets of strain gauges for sensing the load applied to the implement during tillage. Two linear pressure distribution models (full and redundant) were used to describe the change of soil mechanical resistance with depth. These models were then used to compare estimates of soil mechanical resistance …

Predicting Tractor Fuel Consumption, Robert D. Grisso, Michael F. Kocher, David H. Vaughan

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Reports from the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL) show improved fuel efficiency during the past 20 years. A 4.8% decrease in average annual specific volumetric fuel consumption for the data used in the ASAE Standards was shown. Using fuel consumption and power data from the NTTL reports, new equations for fuel consumption were established that predict fuel consumption for diesel engines during full and partial loads and under conditions when engine speeds are reduced from full throttle.

Field Efficiency Determination Using Traffic Pattern Indices, Robert D. Grisso, Michael F. Kocher, Viacheslav I. Adamchuk, Paul J. Jasa, Mark A. Schroeder

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Field efficiency is an important criterion for determining field capacity during field operations and, indirectly, for making important machinery management decisions. Geographic location data gathered with a yield monitor during harvest and a data logger during planting were used to provide time−motion studies of equipment and operator productivity. This study used these spatial and temporal data to quantify field performance of a combine and a planter. Seven Nebraska fields were used to compare results from soybean and corn production systems. Fields that were relatively flat with straight rows were contrasted with contoured fields with slopes of 3% to 5%. Two …

Measurement And Analyses Of Growth And Stress Parameters Of Viburnum Odoratissimum (Ker-Gawl) Grown In A Multi-Pot Box System, Suat Irmak, Dorota Z. Haman, Ayse Kilic, James W. Jones, Kenneth L. Campbell, Thomas L. Crisman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Two colors (white and black) of a recently introduced irrigation-plant production system [multi-pot box system (MPBS)] for container-grown nurseries were researched and results were compared with those obtained from the sprinkler-irrigated conventional (control) system (CS). Experiments were carried out in summer and fall of 2001 in Gainesville, Fla. Plant growth [growth index (GI), growth rate (GR), and dry matter] and stress parameters[stomatal resistance (r_s), crop water stress index (CWSI), plant water potential (PWP), and substrate temperature (ST)] were measured and analyzed for Viburnum odoratissimum (Ker-gawl). In both seasons, plants grown in the white MPBS has significantly higher GI …

Development Of Standard Methods To Estimate Manure Production And Nutrient Characteristics From Dairy Cattle, T. Nennich, J. H. Harrison, D. Meyer, W. P. Weiss, A. J. Heinrichs, R. L. Kincaid, W. J. Powers, Richard K. Koelsch, P. E. Wright

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

Total collection data from many universities were pooled for statistical analyses to evaluate existing data from dairy animals and determine if one or more modifications were needed for Standard Table D384.1. Many of these studies were carried out to evaluate nutritional characteristics associated with different diets. The data collected were sufficient to evaluate total manure, total and volatile solids, and N excretion values. Some experiments had sufficient number of samples analyzed to evaluate P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, S, and micro-elements. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if a single column value was appropriate and define the regression equations …

Proposed Beef Cattle Manure Excretion And Characteristics Standard For Asae, Galen E. Erickson, B. Auvermann, R. A. Eigenberg, L. W. Greene, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Richard K. Koelsch

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

A committee was formed consisting of both animal scientists and agricultural engineers to evaluate and update current ASAE standards. An intake minus retention model was developed to estimate nutrient excretion. This approach allows users (producers, engineers, etc.) to develop site specific information based on known variables such as protein or phosphorus content of diets and cattle performance. This approach illustrates the importance of nutrition on nutrient excretion in livestock operations. Our focus is for feedlot cattle and updates excretion of dry matter (DM or total solids), organic matter (OM or volatile solids), N, P, Ca, K, Na, Mg, S, Cu, …

Use Of Computer Spreadsheets And Paper-Based Workbooks To Teach Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Charles A. Shapiro, R. L. Deloughery, Richard K. Koelsch, M. J. Kucera, Charles S. Wortmann

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

The objective of this program was to provide producers and ag advisors the skills needed to apply for and maintain the non-engineering components of a Nebraska permit to operate a livestock waste control facility. This includes a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). Eighty six producers and advisors participated in an intensive three-session hands-on class with a total of nine contact hours at four sites in eastern Nebraska in the spring of 2002. The workshop included lecture and participant use of spreadsheet tools to assist with performing the necessary calculations. With an average of 68 % responses per session, 58% rated …

Use Of Computer Spreadsheets And Paper-Based Workbooks To Teach Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Charles A. Shapiro, R. L. Deloughery, Richard K. Koelsch, M. K. Kucera, Charles S. Wortmann

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The objective of this program was to provide producers and ag advisors the skills needed to apply for and maintain the non-engineering components of a Nebraska permit to operate a livestock waste control facility. This includes a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). Eighty six producers and advisors participated in an intensive three-session hands-on class with a total of nine contact hours at four sites in eastern Nebraska in the spring of 2002. The workshop included lecture and participant use of spreadsheet tools to assist with performing the necessary calculations. With an average of 68 % responses per session, 58% rated …

Fact Sheet #2: Do I Need A Npdes Permit For My Livestock Or Poultry Operation, Richard K. Koelsch

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

New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules that took effect April 14, 2003 indicate that animal feeding operations (AFOs) can be defined as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the EPA or a designated state permitting authority. The likelihood of an AFO being classified as a CAFO will depend, in large part, on whether that operation is considered to be large, medium, or small.

Phosphorus Management, Bahman Eghball, J.F. Shanahan, Gary E. Varvel, John E. Gilley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Soils with high levels of P can contribute to excess P in runoff and subsequently pollute the surface water. Excess P in the soil can be removed from the system by harvesting crops. The objectives of this study were to evaluate corn (Zea mays L.) P removal effects on soil P reduction, and to evaluate various corn hybrids and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties for differences in grain P concentration and P removal. Soil with varying P levels as a result of annual or biennial beef cattle (Bos Taurus) feedlot manure or compost application was …

Characteristics Of Phototrophic And Non-Phototrophic Lagoons For Swine Manure, Tongtong Chen, Dennis D. Schulte, Richard K. Koelsch, Anne M. Parkhurst

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Odors are a major result of inadequately sized and mismanaged anaerobic lagoons. However, purple or pink colored lagoons, indicating the presence of phototrophic purple bacteria, are less likely to be an odor nuisance than are non–purple lagoons. Eight swine lagoons were studied to quantify critical parameters thought to allow purple lagoons to be a more reliable odor control alternative. Bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a), which indirectly measures the abundance of phototrophic bacteria, was greater in purple lagoons than in non–purple lagoons (P = 0.01). Oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) was less negative for purple lagoons than for non–purple lagoons in both spring …

Local Applications Of The National Livestock And Poultry Environmental Stewardship Curriculum, Diane Huntrods, Richard K. Koelsch, Frank Humenik

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

This paper introduces the LPES curriculum project, summarizing the curriculum development process, the final curriculum materials, and the outreach activities. Following an overview of the LPES Curriculum Impact Survey, the authors will present representative examples of uses and modifications made of the LPES curriculum as it is used with targeted audiences. This model for utilizing national expertise to address state and local educational needs may have benefit in other extension education programs as land grant university resources decrease. The paper concludes with a discussion of lessons learned from this national extension education curriculum development effort.

Short-Term Water Use Dynamics In Drainage Lysimeters, Musa V. Dlamini

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Turfgrass water use (seasonal turfET) and crop coefficients were determined and a mathematical soil-water balance model for non-weighing drainage lysimetcrs, which simulates the occurrence (timing and amount) of drainage, was developed. Pairs of non-weighing drainage lysimeters were used to determine crop coefficients for turfgrass in four locations in the state of Utah: Logan Golf and Country Club, Murray Golf Course, Brigham Young University (Spanish Fork) Experiment Farm, and Sunbrook Golf Course (St. George).

Daily weather data including air temperature, relative humidity, average wind travel, total solar radiation, precipitation, and average soil temperature were collected with an electronic weather station at …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 (a_w). The distributed transverse relaxation of film samples showed 2 distinct components: a solid-like fraction (T_2s*) and a liquid-like fraction (T_2m*). The peak T_2s* values of films with lower glycerol concentration were more sensitive to variation in aw. As a_w increased, the change of solid-like to liquid-like fraction was observed in …

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.

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 …

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, …

Ua3/9/5 Complex For Engineering & Biological Sciences Groundbreaking, Wku President's Office

WKU Administration Documents

Remarks delivered by WKU president Gary Ransdell at the groundbreaking of the Complex for Engineering & Biological Sciences.

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.

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 …

Evapotranspiration Using A Satellite-Based Surface Energy Balance With Standardized Ground Control, Ricardo Trezza

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study evaluated the potential of using the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) as a means for estimating evapotranspiration (ET) for local and regional scales in Southern Idaho. The original SEBAL model was refined during this study to provide better estimation of ET in agricultural areas and to make more reliable estimates of ET from other surfaces as well, including mountainous terrain. The modified version of SEBAL used in this study, termed as SEBAL_ID (lD stands for Idaho) includes standardization of the two SEBAL "anchor" pixels, the use of a water balance …

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 …

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 …

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.