Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Hydrologic Properties Of Pervious Concrete, Joe D. Luck, Stephen R. Workman, Stephen F. Higgins, Mark S. Coyne

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Pervious concrete is concrete made by eliminating most or all of the fine aggregate (sand) in the concrete mix, which allows interconnected void spaces to be formed in the hardened product. These interconnected void spaces allow the concrete to transmit water at relatively high rates. The main objective of this project was to conduct research on the potential application of pervious concrete in agricultural settings, specifically for use in animal feed lots, manure storage pads, animal manure and bedding compost facilities, or floor systems in animal buildings. Laboratory tests were conducted on replicated samples of pervious concrete formed from two …

Managing Liquid Dairy Manure, José R. Bicudo

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

One of the primary issues in the dairy production industry is the storage, management, and land application of manure. Producers should plan how and when to apply manure to agricultural land to minimize the risk of water pollution and odor nuisance and maximize nutrient use.

Volumetric Water Pricing, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This document discusses the concept of volumetric pricing for irrigation water, including:

1. The justification for paying volumetrically

2. The challenge of charging volumetrically

3. Characteristics of volumetric charges and influencing factors

4. Examples of irrigation projects with volumetric charges

5. A summary of necessary conditions for volumetric billing

Monitoring And Evaluation (M&E) Of Capacity Development For Irrigation Modernization, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Effective capacity development monitoring and evaluation (M&E) depends first upon targeted capacity development programs, with well-defined and attainable objectives that can be evaluated after completion of the program. This paper focuses on capacity development related to technical issues of irrigation modernization.

ITRC performs diagnostic research on irrigation projects and field irrigation systems in advance of developing targeted capacity development programs. If the capacity development is appropriate, and if it is targeted in both content and to specific audiences, one can expect an eventual improvement in post-capacity-building performance. ITRC has found that the improvements are incremental, and often require substantial changes …

Surface Drip Tape Irrigation Systems As An Alternative To Sdi For Field And Row Crops, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

In recent years, new equipment and techniques developed by farmers and private industry have improved the suitability of surface drip tape as an alternative to subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for field crops and vegetable crops in highly mechanized farming. Retrievable drip tape systems now lack many of the disadvantages of SDI, yet provide the advantages typically expected from drip irrigation. Tape retrieval practices have now reached well beyond the theoretical realm to the point that they dominate drip systems for cauliflower, lettuce, celery, and broccoli on the Central Coast of California. It is expected that drip design and practices will …

Non-Standard Structure Flow Measurement Evaluation Using The Flow Rate Indexing Procedure - Qip, Stuart W. Styles, Bryan Busch, Daniel J. Howes, Marcus Cardenas

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This report details the proper installation and calibration techniques for hydroacoustic meters. The calibration procedure developed as part of this study is called the Flow Rate Indexing Procedure (QIP). The QIP can be competed by a professional technician with a boat-mounted Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP) or a standard current meter. Once the QIP has been used to properly calibrate a hydroacoustic flow meter, the device can then measure and record the flow rate and volume in a channel to within +/- 6% of actual values.

Biomass Energy Data Book, Volume 1, Lynn Wright, Bob Boundy, Bob Perlack, Stacy Davis, Bo Saulsbury

United States Department of Energy: Publications

The Biomass Energy Data Book is a statistical compendium prepared and published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under contract with the Office of Planning, Budget, and Analysis in the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) program of the Department of Energy (DOE). Designed for use as a convenient reference, the book represents an assembly and display of statistics and information that characterize the biomass industry, from the production of biomass feedstocks to their end use.
This is the first edition of the Biomass Energy Data Book and is currently only available online in electronic format. There are five main …

The Doe Consortium For Research On Enhancing Carbon Sequestration In Terrestial Ecosystems: Fy 2007-2011 Five Year Science Plan, U.S. Department Of Energy

United States Department of Energy: Publications

The DOE Consortium for Research on Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in Terrestrial Ecosystems (CSiTE) conducts multi-scale research to acquire basic knowledge for underpinning the implementation of soil carbon (C) sequestration in an environmentally acceptable and economically feasible manner. Research is based on the premise that identifying and understanding the basic mechanisms controlling sequestration across managed and unmanaged ecosystems are fundamental to developing approaches for enhancing C capture and long-term storage. The goal is to discover and characterize links among physical, chemical, and biological processes controlling soil C dynamics and storage at a mechanistic level to facilitate the enhancement of C storage …

Biodiesel Industry – A Statewide Assessment, Loren Isom

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

CONTENTS:
Nebraska Soybean Association
Introduction of the Project Development Te
Objectives
Supporting Events
Summary of the findings
Biodiesel Demand
Biodiesel Market Price
Estimated Biodiesel Production Costs
Competition in the Biodiesel Industry
Biodiesel Feedstock Resources
Best Locations in Nebraska
State Incentives and Public Policy
Biofuel Industry Trends
The Role of Incentives

The Biodiesel Industry: A National Perspective, Leland Tong

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

CONTENTS:
Increasing OEM Support
Inquiries & Sales Up in All Markets
Demand Trends
US Biodiesel Demand
Reasons for Industry Growth
Ranked Importance of Biodiesel Benefits for U.S. Consumers
US Crude Oil, Diesel Fuel and Biodiesel Spot Prices
Biodiesel and Diesel Prices
Biodiesel Blenders Tax Credit
Renewable Fuel Standard
Small Agri Biodiesel Producer Credit
Alt Fuel Refueling Infrastructure Credit
Distribution Locations
Terminal Blending
Production Locations
Industry Plant Size
Plants Under Construction & Expansion
Size of Plants Under Construction & Expansion
Production Capacity by State
Production Capacity Trends
Industry Implications
Soybean oil, Palm Oil and Yellow Grease Prices
USDA Soybean Oil Price …

System And Method For Sensing A Characteristic Of A Fluid And Related Apparatus, Frederick Payne

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

An apparatus for intended use in measuring, sensing, or detecting a characteristic of a fluid, such as a liquid food product, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body having a pocket for positioning adjacent to the opening in a pipe or like structure for receiving a portion of a fluid therein. In one possible use, a first optical medium, such as an optical fiber, transmits light from a source toward a portion of the fluid flow entering the pocket. Light received by one or more optical mediums positioned in backscatter, sidescatter, or transmission configurations relative to the first optical medium …

Biodiesel Related State Incentives, Josh Zahn

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

Contents:

• National Perspective • Discussion of Various Forms of Incentives • Regional Incentives

“Strategically Locating Soybean And Biodiesel Processing Facilities In Nebraska”, Lori Luebbe

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

Is the production of biodiesel feasible in Nebraska? A standard answer depends on the business operating condition. More specifically, a statewide, as opposed to a site specific, study conducted by the Independent Biodiesel Feasibility Group (IBFG) in July 2005 for the Nebraska Soybean Association (NSA) concluded a positive return on equity could be expected. At that time, the return was estimated to be poor for the small scale, 5 million gallons per year (MGPY) scenario analyzed and only modest for the mid, 15 MGPY, and larger scale, 30 MGPY scenarios. For a complete copy of the feasibility study, contact the …

“Strategically Locating Soybean And Biodiesel Processing Facilities In Nebraska”, Lori Luebbe, Milford Hanna, Loren Isom, Robert Weber, Zach Schroeder, Richard Sanne, Mark Harris, Victor Bohuslavsky, Todd Sneller, Brian Wilcox

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

Is the production of biodiesel feasible in Nebraska? A standard answer depends on the business operating condition. More specifically, a statewide, as opposed to a site specific, study conducted by the Independent Biodiesel Feasibility Group (IBFG) in July 2005 for the Nebraska Soybean Association (NSA) concluded a positive return on equity could be expected. At that time, the return was estimated to be poor for the small scale, 5 million gallons per year (MGPY) scenario analyzed and only modest for the mid, 15 MGPY, and larger scale, 30 MGPY scenarios. For a complete copy of the feasibility study, contact the …

Development Of An Electro-Mechanical System To Identify & Map Adverse Soil Compaction Using Gis&Gps, Santosh Pitla, L. G. Wells

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

A stand-alone electro-mechanical system with a 32-inch disc coulter was developed and tested to identify soil compaction in a 1-acre field located at the University of Kentucky Animal Research Center (UKARC). The system was evaluated by making four passes in the square grid cell. With the aid of hydraulic actuation, the coulter oscillated between depths of 100mm (4-in) and 330mm (13-in) as it moved forward and recorded the vertical impedance force given by the soil continuously. Forty standard soil cone penetrometer measurements along the diagonals to a depth of 400mm (16-in) were taken and the average cone indices (MPa) at …

Development And Testing Of A Low-Cost Condensation Detection System, Michael D. Montross, George A. Duncan, Richard S. Gates

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A condensation sensing and control system was designed to detect condensation using a commercially available leaf wetness sensor (LWS). The leaf wetness sensor was a variable resistance grid-type that responded to moisture on the surface. A circuit was developed to compare the LWS voltage output to a user specified reference voltage, and operate a relay for possible switching of a humidity control device (for example a fan and/or heater). The condensation detection system operation was validated in an environmental chamber in the laboratory using a heat exchanger and water bath. Condensate was immediately detected when the plate was cooled below …

The Land Is In Your Hands : A Practical Guide For Owners Of Small Rural Landholdings In Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Wa

Bulletins 4000 -

This Bulletin discusses various aspects of managing a small farm or property in Western Australia, including soil and land care, vegetation and plant control on farm holdings, water resource management, biosecurity, plant, animal and insect pest control and livestock management.

Desulfovibrio Desulfuricans G20 Tetraheme Cytochrome Structure At 1.5 A˚ And Cytochrome Interaction With Metal Complexes, Mrunalini Pattarkine, J J. Tanner, C A. Bottoms, Y H. Lee, Judy D. Wall

Faculty Works

The structure of the type I tetraheme cytochrome c3 from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans G20 was determined to 1.5 A˚ by X-ray crystallography. In addition to the oxidized form, the structure of the molybdate-bound form of the protein was determined from oxidized crystals soaked in sodium molybdate. Only small structural shifts were obtained with metal binding, consistent with the remarkable structural stability of this protein. In vitro experiments with pure cytochrome showed that molybdate could oxidize the reduced cytochrome, although not as rapidly as U(VI) present as uranyl acetate. Alterations in the overall conformation and thermostability of the metal-oxidized protein were investigated …

Evaluation Of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Measurements Of Glucose And Xylose In Biomass Hydrolyzate, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Michael D. Montross

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Measurement of sugars using traditional spectroscopic (UV/Vis) assays or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be time consuming and expensive. Alternative methods for measuring sugars after enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass would be convenient for screening potential biomass feedstocks and pretreatment methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been utilized for measuring composition of various aqueous solutions and is evaluated here as an alternative to UV/Vis and HPLC assays. Solutions of glucose and xylose with concentrations between 0 and 1.5% w/v (total sugar content between 0 and 3.0% w/v) were used to build calibration curves for all three methods. A validation …

Biodiesel Basics, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Michael D. Montross

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel, defined by ASTM International (D6751), consists of longchain fatty acid alkyl esters and is made from renewable vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils, or animal fats. It can be used at full strength, but it is typically blended with petroleum diesel. A blend of 2 percent biodiesel and 98 percent diesel is referred to as B2. Other typical blends include B5, B10, and B20; pure biodiesel is sometimes referred to as B100. Biodiesel is safer for the environment and produces significantly less air pollution compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be produced …

Biodiesel Faq, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Michael D. Montross

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Biodiesel and other alternative fuels continue to gain popularity as petroleum fuel prices rise and we become more concerned about our environment. Introduction of these fuels raises many questions about actually using them in current equipment. The purpose of this factsheet is to address some of the common questions asked by those considering the use of biodiesel in existing diesel equipment.

Risk Of Colon Cancer In Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer Patients As Predicted By Fuzzy Modeling: Influence Of Smoking, Rhonda M. Brand, David D. Jones, Henry T. Lynch, Randall E. Brand, Patrice Watson, Ramesh Ashwathnayaran, Hemant K. Roy

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

AIM: To investigate whether a fuzzy logic model could predict colorectal cancer (CRC) risk engendered by smoking in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) patients.

METHODS: Three hundred and forty HNPCC mismatch repair (MMR) mutation carriers from the Creighton University Hereditary Cancer Institute Registry were selected for modeling. Age-dependent curves were generated to elucidate the joint effects between gene mutation (hMLH1 or hMSH2), gender, and smoking status on the probability of developing CRC.

RESULTS: Smoking significantly increased CRC risk in male hMSH2 mutation carriers (P < 0.05). hMLH1 mutations augmented CRC risk relative to hMSH2 mutation carriers for males (P < 0.05). Males had a significantly higher risk of CRC than females for hMLH1 non smokers (P < 0.05), hMLH1 smokers (P < 0.1) and hMSH2 smokers (P < 0.1). Smoking promoted CRC in a dose-dependent manner in hMSH2 in males (P < 0.05). Females with hMSH2 mutations and both sexes with the hMLH1 groups only demonstrated a smoking effect after an extensive smoking history (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: CRC promotion by smoking in HNPCC patients is dependent on gene mutation, gender and age. …

Simulated Performances Of A Heat Pump System For Energy And Water Conservation In Open And Confined Greenhouse Systems, Ilhami Yildiz, D. P. Stombaugh

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the performances of conventional and heat pump systems for energy and water conservation in open and confined greenhouse systems. Conventional gas furnaces and evaporative cooling, respectively, provided heating and cooling in the conventional system. In the heat pump systems, gas-fired heat pump units provided both heating and cooling. The greenhouse with heat pump units also had an option to be operated as a completely confined system, using one of the heat pump units as a dehumidifier. Average energy consumption in winter was 56.9, 23.5, and 11.3 MJ/day.m² in the conventional, …

Trees And Ice Storms: The Development Of Ice Storm–Resistant Urban Tree Populations (Second Edition), Richard J. Hauer, Jeffrey O. Dawson, Les P. Werner

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Severe ice storms occur every year in the United States and Canada, particularly in the midwestern and eastern regions of the United States. Along with fires and wind, ice storms are a frequent and major natural disturbance factor in eastern deciduous forests. Likewise ice storms are responsible for deaths and injuries of people and cause dramatic damage and tree loss to urban forests. Ice storms annually result in millions of dollars in loss, and potentially billions of dollars in losses for extreme and widespread ice storms. Damage to electric distribution systems, blocked roadways, and property damage from fallen trees and …

Microscopic Reactive Diffusion Of Uranium In The Contaminated Sediments At Hanford, United States, Chongxuan Liu, John M. Zachara, Wassana Yantasee, Paul D. Majors, James Mckinley

United States Department of Energy: Publications

Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses of uranium-contaminated sediments from select locations at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford site have revealed that sorbed uranium (U) often exists as uranyl precipitates associated with intragrain fractures of granitic clasts. The release of U to contacting fluids appears to be controlled by intragrain ion diffusion coupled with the dissolution kinetics of the precipitates that exist in the form of Na-boltwoodite. Here we present a coupled microscopic reactive diffusion model for the contaminated sediment on the basis of experimental measurements of intragrain diffusivity in the granitic lithic fragments and the dissolution kinetics of synthetic …

Dynamic Modeling Of Microclimate And Environmental Control Strategies In A Greenhouse Coupled With A Heat Pump System, Ilhami Yildiz, D. P. Stombaugh

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a dynamic simulation model to be employed in accurate prediction of microclimate in a greenhouse as a function of dynamic environmental factors. The model has options to evaluate the effects of location, time of the year, orientation, single and double polyethylene glazings, conventional and heat pump heating and cooling systems, open and confined greenhouse systems, CO₂ enrichment, variable shading, and the use of night curtains. Conventional gas furnace and evaporative cooling, respectively, provided heating and cooling in the conventional system. In the heat pump systems, gas-fired heat pump units …

Heat Pump Cooling And Greenhouse Microclimates In Open And Confined Greenhouse Systems, Ilhami Yildiz, D. P. Stombaugh

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the performances of conventional and heat pump systems for cooling open and closed loop (confined) greenhouse systems. A dynamic simulation model was developed and validated to predict energy and mass exchanges in a greenhouse as a function of dynamic environmental factors. The model has options to evaluate the effects of location, time of the year, orientation, single and double polyethylene glazings, conventional and heat pump heating and cooling systems, CO₂ enrichment, ventilation, variable shading, and the use of night curtains in open and confined greenhouse environments. Variable shading, ventilation …

Evaluation Of Rice Hulls As A Lignocellulosic Substitute In Wood Plastic Composites, P. Jack Bourne

Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal

Rising raw material costs and shortage of woody materials necessitate alternative sources for lignocellulosic material in wood plastic composites (WPC). This study was conducted to evaluate rice hull (RH), an agricultural residue, as a cellulosic substitute in WPC. Samples were fabricated with approximately 4% zinc stearate, 48% high-density polyethylene obtained from recycled plastics and 48% lignocellulosic material by mass. The composition of the lignocellulosic material was changed from 0 to 100% RH at 20% increments while the remainder was wood flour. The extruded sampled were tested for mechanical properties such as specific gravity, water absorption, linear coefficients of thermal expansion, …

Morphology And Tensile Properties Of Multigraft Copolymers With Regularly Spaced Tri-, Tetra-, And Hexafunctional Junction Points, Yuqing Zhu, Engin Burgaz, Samuel P. Gido, Ulrike Staudinger, Roland Weidisch, David Uhrig, Jimmy W. Mays

United States Department of Energy: Publications

The effect of chain architecture on the morphological and tensile properties of series of multigraft copolymers, with regularly spaced tri-, tetra-, and hexafunctional junction points, was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and tensile testing. The materials were synthesized by coupling difunctional polyisoprene (PI) spacers and living polystyrene (PS) branches, made by anionic polymerization, with chlorosilanes of different functionalities. Since the coupling process is a step-growth polymerization, yielding polydisperse products, fractionation was utilized to separate each material into three fractions (high, middle, and low molecular weight), each of low polydispersity. All three fractions have the same …

Well-Defined Poly(4-Vinylbenzocyclobutene): Synthesis By Living Anionic Polymerization And Characterization, Georgios Sakellariou, Durairaj Baskaran, Nikos Hadjichristidis, Jimmy W. Mays

United States Department of Energy: Publications

Living anionic polymerization of 4-vinylbenzocylobutene was performed in benzene at room temperature using sec-butyllithium as the initiator. Results of the kinetic studies indicated the termination- and transfer-free nature of the polymerization. Homopolymers with predictable molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were produced, excluding the interference of the cyclobutene rings during initiation and propagation. Thermogravimetric analysis of poly(4-vinylbenzocyclobutene) in air showed a small weight gain at ~200 °C, a rapid decomposition at ~455 °C, and a gradual decomposition at ~566 °C. This behavior was attributed to the formation of radicals from the pendent benzocyclobutene functionality through o-quinodimethane intermediates and …