Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Pesticide Application And Handling Technology: Installing A Sprayer Tank Rinse Circuit, G. A. Watkins, Samuel G. Mcneill, S. A. Shearer

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Proper tank rinsing techniques for agricultural sprayers are very important in order to protect against cross-contamination in subsequent loads and to ensure safe disposal of any excess chemicals and rinsate (rinse water). Spray tanks and other sprayer components should be cleaned after each use. In most situations, sprayer rinsate will have to be sprayed out in the field - either onto a reserved strip, or by over-spraying in the treated area (subject to the terms of the product label).

Pesticide Application And Handling Technology: Proper Disposal Of Empty Pesticide Containers, G. A. Watkins, Samuel G. Mcneill, S. A. Shearer

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Recycling has become more and more popular as our awareness of environmental concerns grow. These environmental concerns have led to increased participation in recycling efforts among today's farmers. Many farmers throughout Kentucky are now able to recycle their empty plastic pesticide containers (Five gallon or less) due to a statewide Rinse and Return program. Recycling of empty containers provides a safe means of disposal for applicators, reduces landfill space, and protects our valuable water resources.

Notes On Wiring Greenhouses For Tobacco Float Plants, Doug Overhults

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Following are some guidelines for electrical wiring in greenhouses that are being constructed to grow tobacco transplants. A greenhouse is distinctly different from a residence; different wiring practices should be used. This material closely follows the National Electrical Code (NEC) but is not intended to be a complete installation guide. The purpose is to provide some basic suggestions for planning a safe electrical system. Additional details can be found in the "Farm Buildings Wiring Handbook" (MWPS-28) available from the UK Ag. Engineering Plan Service.

Monte Carlo Calculation Of Effective Diffusivities In Two- And Three-Dimensional Heterogeneous Materials Of Variable Structure, Mark R. Riley, Fernando J. Muzzio, Helen M. Buettner, Sebastian C. Reyes

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A Monte Carlo technique that simulates tracer diffusion in multiphase materials of arbitrary complexity has been developed. Effective diffusivities are calculated for structures consisting of either overlapping or nonoverlapping inclusions with diffusivity D_c, distributed in a continuous phase with diffusivity D₀>D_c. Two-dimensional simulations for various values of D₀/D_c generate normalized diffusivities that correspond closely to their three-dimensional counterparts; they nearly collapse to a common curve when a simple scaling relation is applied.

Hycrest Crested Wheatgrass Accelerates The Degradation Of Pentachlorophenol In Soil, A. Ferro, Ronald C. Sims, B. Bugbee

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

We investigated the effects of vegetation on the fate of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in soil using a novel high-flow sealed test system. Pentachlorophenol has been widely used as a wood preservative, and this highly toxic biocide contaminates soil and ground water at many sites. Although plants are known to accelerate the rates of degradation of certain soil contaminants, this approach has not been thoroughly investigated for PCP. The fate of [14C]PCP, added to soil at a concentration of 100 mg/kg, was compared in three unplanted and three planted systems. The plant used was Hycrest, a perennial, drought-tolerant cultivar of crested wheatgrass …

Modeling Of Algal Productivity And Diel Oxygen Profiles In The Partitioned Aquaculture System, Caye M. Drapcho

All Dissertations

Fish production in pond culture systems is often limited by the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. Algal biomass and productivity, which greatly impact the DO concentration, are difficult to control in traditional pond systems. The Partitioned Aquaculture System (PAS) was designed to increase fish production by managing algal productivity and DO through control of algal cell retention time, water depth, and mixing. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine impact of culture conditions on algal productivity, 2) develop a model of algal productivity and diel DO levels, and 3) to predict the maximum fish production attainable with the PAS. …

Tillage And Cropping Practice Effects On Furrow Irrigation: Hydraulics And Macroporosity, Martin John Norton

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Furrow irrigation efficiency and performance is greatly influenced by advance time, infiltration and roughness. An experiment was conducted to determine tillage system and cropping system effects on those three variables. Four tillage systems, disk (D), chisel and disk (C), ridge till (RT), and slot plant (SP) were the treatments. They had been continuous for 17 years on a Hasting's silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Udic Argistoll) soil. Subtreatments were a corn/soybean rotation (CS) and a continuous corn (CC) cropping system since 1984. A complete block split plot design was used. We measured inflow rate, advance time, runoff, and furrow geometry …

Gis Utilization For Analysis Of District Drainage Water Recycling, Charles M. Burt, Robert E. Walker

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

An ARC-INFO GIS system was used to identify physical drainage facilities in a 32,000 ha area of the San Joaquin Valley of California. Once the drainage facilities and linkages were established, it was possible to characterize the strategies used by various irrigation districts to control drainage outflows to the San Joaquin River. The motivation behind the study was the reduction of salt and selenium flows, via agricultural drainage, into the River.

Irrigation-Canal - Simulation Model Usage, Charles M. Burt, Gregory Gartrell

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Unsteady canal-simulation model usage requires serious investments of time and personnel. The reasons for deciding to invest in a model, as well as reasons not to invest, are discussed. For most cases, it is better to invest in the improvement of an existing model than the writing of a new model. Many excellent models are available, although very few can be considered user-friendly for the average design engineer. Unsteady flow-simulation models are not recommended for real-time control, but are key tools for the study of various control scenarios. Canal models can simulate an actual canal, but the user must input …

Cal Poly Model Canal, John B. Parrish, Iii, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The Cal Poly Model Canal, located at the Water Delivery Facility. Irrigation Training and Research Center, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif., was built to accommodate the study and promotion of automated downstream control. Being a large, fully functional scale model of a canal, it was used to collect data for use by the Irrigation Canal System Hydraulic Modeling Task Committee of the ASCE Irrigation and Drainage Division. The data was used by Task Committee members to help evaluate numerical models for simulation of unsteady free-surface flow. The Model Canal and the collected data are discussed. This paper …

A Technical Approach To Groundwater Contamination Problems, Jacqueline C. Burton, Catherine Leser, Candace M. Rose

United States Department of Energy: Publications

Argonne National Laboratory has been performing technical investigations at sites in Nebraska and Kansas that have identified groundwater contamination by carbon tetrachloride. This comprehensive program will ultimately provide the affected communities with safe drinking water. The first step in the program is to evaluate the available data and identify sites that will require an Alternate Water Supply Study (AWSS). The objective of the AWSS is to identify options for providing a safe drinking water supply to all users, in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The AWSS consists of an engineering and cost evaluation followed by implementation of the …

Two-Tier Partially Enclosed Air-Cure Tobacco Barn, George A. Duncan

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

With the rising costs, scarcity of materials, and greater construction requirements for regular tobacco barns, the concept of a lower cost but functionally sound tobacco curing facility with partial or no sidewall closure has been developed into a blueprint plan shown in Figure 1. The plan can be built and used now with partial sidewalls and enclosed more completely later if desired.

The Honor Society Of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter History, Diamond Jubilee 1918-1993, Charles H. Adams

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Bylaws and Other Documents

GAMMA SIGMA DELTA is a faculty governed society that selects its members from junior and senior students, graduate students, faculty, and alumni for the promotion and recognition of high achievement. While Gamma Sigma Delta is an honor society of agriculture, it may elect members from related fields such as biology, botany, chemistry, economics, entomology, forestry, home economics, plant pathology, sociology, statistics, veterinary medicine, or zoology when the work of the individuals is related to agriculture. Officers, committee chairpersons, and others leading the chapter are faculty or alumni.

EARLY INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

GAMMA SIGMA DELTA INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS FROM THE NEBRASKA CHAPTER

THE …

Irrigation Methods For Drainage Reduction Subsurface Drip Vs. Furrow Irrigation, J.. D. Oster, R. B. Smith, C. Phene, A. Fulton, S. W. Styles, T. Fernandes

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Transport Of Co2+ In A Physically And Chemically Heterogeneous Porous Medium, Mark L. Brusseau, John M. Zachara

United States Department of Energy: Publications

The fate of radionuclides in the subsurface is of critical importance to the planning, siting, and evaluation of repositories for radioactive wastes. Mathematical models are an integral component of this process. An accurate understanding of radionuclide transport is required to successfully formulate and use these models. It is well-known that the subsurface is both physically and chemically heterogeneous. Recent research has shown that the resultant spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity and of sorption capacity can significantly affect solute transport in the subsurface. The impact of hydraulic conductivity variability and sorption capacity variability on the transport of radionuclides is, therefore, of …

Industrial Agricultural Products Center Review 1993

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

Significant progress has been made toward the goals of the Center. Activities have centered on the identification of opportunities in terms of new industrial uses of agricultural commodities. Assistance has been provided to UNL faculty to procure funding research in the respective areas. In other cases, specific faculty positions have been identified. Subsequent hirings have built a strong group of faculty affiliates.

The main emphasis in the Center has been research on developing new processes and products. A fairly comprehensive list of projects funded and the faculty involved are listed in a subsequent section. Two strategic planning sessions have been …

Grain Suffocation Hazards, Larry R. Piercy

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Grain and feed storage systems are a common sight on Kentucky farms and usually present no particular hazard for the user. However, flowing grain or grain that is caked or spoiled can pose a serious threat of entrapment and suffocation. To protect yourself and your family, you need to become familiar with this potential hazard.

Generation And Legal Regulation Of Odors Form Animal Manures, J. L. Taraba, R. M. Williams

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

The present trend of animal and dairy product producers is toward total confinement facilities and larger animal herds. Generally the rewards to the producer for these practices are higher economic returns which result from higher feeding efficiencies and better quality products. However, total confinement is not without problems that were previously not present or were minimal in nature when animals were maintained in fields. Confinement facilities have a greater impact on environmental quality of both water and air. Presently, one of the major problems facing animal and dairy product producers is odor production. The greatest number of complaints concerning environmental …

Laws And Regulation Impacting Livestock Wastes In Kentucky, J. L. Taraba, R. M. Williams

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

In recent years, the number of laws and regulations prescribing the rules for everyday life seem to be ever more complex and pervasive. Changing farming methods, expansion of the urban community and increasing public environmental concerns have increased the agricultural producer's need to think more seriously about his method of livestock waste disposal. Laws, regulations, practices, standards and ordinances range from the obvious (solid waste management) to the not so obvious (protection of endangered species). The public has protection from the farmers (discharge permits) and the farmer has protection from the public (Right to Farm laws). The following is an …

Solid Livestock Waste Regulatory Requirements, J. L. Taraba, W. D. Thom, Anthony J. Pescatore, R. M. Williams

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Proper management and utilization of livestock waste can be a significant contribution to the economic well being of a livestock enterprise, since the wastes have considerable economic value if properly utilized. When returned to the soil as fertilize or soil conditioner, the value as a nutrient source has been will established. More recently, processed livestock wastes have been utilized as a high protein feed additives. Livestock waste should be considered a resource to be utilized rather than a disposal problem.

Kentucky State Agencies With Water Responsibilities, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

On the following pages are a list of Kentucky state government agencies that have responsibilities and programs that relate to water in the areas of quality, health, supply, financing, flood control, recreation and tourism. For local programs on water, one of these agencies might be able to supply material, personnel or other programming information that would aid of your local extension water issue goals.

Rio Mimbres Acequia Systems: An Oral History, Neal W. Ackerly

Books

This volume contains transcripts of interviews with various residents collected during the 1993 field phase of the survey of acequia systems in the Mimbres Valley. As noted in Volume 1, additional interviews were conducted with other residents, but were not recorded. Accordingly, no transcript of these interview sessions cannot be included here.

The individuals interviewed, as well as the abbreviated names appearing in these transcripts, included John VonTress (JVT, age 57), Regis McSherry (RM, age 67), Sam Grijalva (age 73), Charles Disert (age 84), and Horace Bounds (HB, age 90). Vesta McSherry, appearing as VM in transcripts, provided additional information …

Method Of Predicting Cut-Time Of Milk Coagulum In Cheese-Making Process, Frederick A. Payne, Clair L. Hicks

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

An apparatus for predicting milk coagulum cut-time in a cheese making process includes a light source, a sensor or detector for sensing diffuse reflectance of light from said milk and a controller for analyzing the diffuse reflectance and accurately predicting the cut-time to significantly enhance overall yield. More specifically, the apparatus includes an optical probe which may be suspended over the milk or attached to a wall of a fermentation vessel in which the milk is contained. A method for predicting milk coagulum cut-time includes the steps of (a) directing light from a light source toward milk undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis; …

Field Calibration Of A Transient Model For Broiler Misting, Richard S. Gates, Douglas G. Overhults, Robert W. Bottcher, Shu Hui Zhang

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A transient model to predict temperature within a tunnel ventilated broiler house during misting is developed. The model is calibrated with field data to obtain steady-state constants; transient predictions are compared to measured temperatures during cyclic misting for two different size birds. Measured temperatures during cyclic misting are shown to swing between steady-state asymptotes predicted from the model. Transient response of the model was faster than measured temperature data, in part due to temperature sensor dynamic response. The model predicts the length-wise temperature profile within the building during misting, and can be used to investigate alternate misting strategies and designs. …

Mechanical Backup Systems For Electronic Environmental Controllers, Richard S. Gates, Douglas G. Overhults, Larry W. Turner

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A series of mechanical backup systems for electronic environmental controllers is presented for a typical finishing swine barn and a typical tunnel ventilated broiler house. The systems consist of mechanical thermostats and timers used in parallel with the electronic controller, designed to ensure animal survival in the event of controller or related hardware failure. For swine housing, three distinct mechanical backup functions are identified; for broiler housing, four distinct mechanical backup functions are identified. Schematic diagrams of the mechanical backup functions are provided and their implementation is described.

Micro-Sprinkler And Fan Cooling For Dairy Cows: Practical Design Considerations, Larry W. Turner, Richard C. Warner, John P. Chastain

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Research and on-farm demonstrations have shown that micro-sprinklers, spray jets and fan cooling systems can be effective in relieving heat stress in dairy cows under hot, humid conditions. Based on these results, many dairymen are considering installing sprinkler and fan cooling. Several Kentucky dairymen have already installed sprinkler cooling systems, but they could improve their performance by modifying them to take into account the principles involved and the components used in sprinkler and fan cooling.

A Survey Of Electronic Environmental Controllers, Richard S. Gates, Douglas G. Overhults, Larry W. Turner

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Sixteen commercially available electronic environmental controllers were evaluated. The units were classified according to enclosure type, analog versus microprocessor based control, power supply, sensors, alarms, control relays and triac output, interval timers, outside temperature feedback, and retail price. An assessment of these controllers indicated several critical limitations in the application of this technology.

The use of integrated controllers for animal production has the potential for substantial improvements in production efficiencies. If the limitations observed in the present controller technology, as represented by this sample, are addressed, industry acceptance of the technology can be accelerated. A uniform standard to address this …

Transient Overvoltage Testing Of Environmental Controllers, Richard S. Gates, Larry W. Turner, Douglas G. Overhults

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The integrated electronic control system will provide a new method for the day-to-day management of environmental control of animal production systems. No standards are currently accepted for transient overvoltage protection of these controllers. To assess the adequacy of existing designs, a test circuit was designed and used for a transient open circuit over-voltage waveform (ANSI/IEEE C62.41-1980) of 16 environmental control units: a maximum spike of 770 V was applied to the power supplies, and a spike up to 100 V was applied to temperature sensor lines. For these relatively mild tests, no failures were noted due to power supply transients, …

Compact – A Reclamation Soil Compaction Model Part I. Model Development, Ronald L. Bingner, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A physically based, event oriented soil compaction model, known as COMPACT, was developed as a management or research tool to evaluate the effect of surface mining systems on compaction of soil material during reclamation. Simulation of compaction throughout the soil profile at a surface mining reclamation site requires information describing how equipment moves on the site. The compaction processes that are caused by vehicles throughout the soil profile are described by applying the pressure distribution of the surface contact area of a tire or track to determine stresses in the soil profile. A virgin compression curve is then used to …

Compact – A Reclamation Soil Compaction Model Part Ii. Sensitivity Analysis And Applications, Ronald L. Bingner, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

COMPACT, a physically based, event-oriented compaction model, was developed as a management or research tool to evaluate the influence of a surface mining system on compaction of soil material during reclamation. Two systems of area mining reclamation operations were simulated by COMPACT. The first system involved scrapers and bulldozers and the second also included trucks. Scrapers or trucks were used to pick up and deposit the soil material. Bulldozers were then used to shape the site for reclamation. The simulated results were compared with measured results and show how equipment patterns and soil parameters can affect overall soil compaction. This …