Life Sciences Commons^™

Soil Moisture Dynamics In Cover Cropping Systems: From Local To Global Scales, Manish Gautam

Theses and Dissertations

Cover cropping systems, which have gained recognition for their ability to enhance soil health and promote sustainability are also associated with potential risks related with declining soil moisture and pose a dilemma for farmers considering the adoption of cover crops in water deficit semi-arid settings worldwide. To address this pressing issue, we conducted a participatory cover cropping trial in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) region, encompassing four different farms and supplemented this experiment with a meta-analysis to answer our soil moisture and climate parameters and quantify the impact of cover crops on soil moisture levels. The findings revealed that …

Financial Benchmarks For Diversified, Direct-Market Produce Farms, Michael Sciabarrasi

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

A Survey Of Weeds Present In Al- Qatten Diroctorate Farms Hadhramout Governorate, Yaser Saeed Bahurmuz, Ahmed Subait Bamosa, Abdulgader Ali Hassan

Hadhramout University Journal of Natural & Applied Sciences

An exclusive study of weeds present in Alqatten Directorate farms, was carried out this study aimed to identify types and number of weeds in the farms. The study area included (20) Farms in five different regions. 39 plant species belonging to 20 plant Family have been identified. Grassy famil was the most present with 7 species. the most wide spread grass was, Cynodon dactylon and Setaria verticillata; as they were found in all studied farms. While Withania somnifera and Rhazya stricta, were less prevalent, as they were present in two farms only.The study reveals that there is defference in the …

Jane Justus Richardson Feeding The Hogs

Farming in Arkansas

Black and white photograph of Jane Justus Richardson feeding hogs in a barnyard.

Brochure, "Roldo Rowden Cotton Seed"

Farming in Arkansas

This is an advertising brochure for Roldo Rowden cotton seed bred by Robert L. Dortch of Scott.

Brochure, "Dortch's Southern Hybrid Seed Corn"

Farming in Arkansas

This is an advertising brochure for Dortch's Southern Hybrid Seed Corn produced by Robert L. Dortch in Scott.

Farmer Preparing Fields

Farming in Arkansas

Photograph of a farmer on his tractor working a field in autumn.

Cultivator In Snow

Farming in Arkansas

Photograph of a horse-drawn cultivator resting in a snowy field with corn shocks behind it.

Cotton At Sunset

Farming in Arkansas

Full cotton bolls at sunset in Arkansas.

Agronomic Evaluation Of Biofortified Beans In Antioquia Producers’ Farms, Álvaro Tamayo-Vélez, Gloria E. Santana-Fonseca, Matthew W. Blair, Carolina Ortiz-Muñoz

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The objective of this research was to evaluate genotypes of iron- and zinc-enriched common beans during breeding in producers’ farms. Yield, disease reaction, and commercial grain characteristics were evaluated to achieve this objective. In three locations of Antioquia (Rionegro, Jardín, and Betulia), seven bush beans and eight climbing bean genotypes were planted. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used in each location. There were significant differences between the bush and climbing bean genotypes that were evaluated. The highest yields, in all locations, were for the biofortified bean NUA 45 and the control variety Uribe Rosado, followed by …

Contemporary Challenges Facing Small, Family Farms In America: The Grant Family And Their Maraschino Cherry Farm, Haley Allaben

Honor Scholar Theses

No abstract provided.

Campbell Collection (Mss 683), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Collection 683. Correspondence and papers primarily relating to the service of Elvis R. Campbell, Bowling Green, Kentucky, in the public works department of city government and at Detrex Corporation. Also includes account books/farm journals and business papers of his parents, John R. Campbell and Maggie (Brown) Campbell.

A Review Of Determinants For Dairy Farmer Decision Making On Manure Management Strategies In High-Income Countries, Meredith T. Niles, Catherine Horner, Rajesh Chintala, Juan Tricarico

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Faculty Publications

The global dairy sector is a major source of human nutrition and farmer livelihoods, while also generating manure, an important nutrient for crop production, but one that must be managed to minimize environmental risk. Manure management - manure handling, processing, storage and application - is an important part of managing a dairy system. Rising awareness of environmental stewardship is increasing for dairy production that meets multiple sustainability goals. Importantly, a large body of research has identified a suite of potential manure management strategies (MMS) that can contribute to reduced environmental impact, and in some cases, provide additional benefits for farmers …

Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Highlights 2018-2019, Jim Jansen, Jeffrey Stokes

Extension Farm and Ranch Management News

Introduction

The Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Highlights 2018-2019 report represents the 41st edition to the annual series. These reports provide an important insight on agricultural land market dynamics for stakeholders across Nebraska. In today’s market, where market transactions exceeding a million dollars are the norm, objective market information and analysis is more critical than ever. The focus of the report continues to provide unbiased information on agricultural land values and rental rates so industry participants can make educated and informed decisions.

This year, the February 2019 survey of nearly 125 expert-panel members from across the state provided current information …

Salmon-Safe Farms, Ellen Southard, Amelia Bahr

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference

Stewardship Partners recognizes the crucial role farmers play in the protection of our watersheds and salmon populations, leading us to implement the Salmon-Safe program in Washington in 2004 to support landowners who are promoting and practicing sustainable land management to combat environmental degradation. To date, we have added more than 100 different Washington State farms and vineyards to the program — ensuring the restoration and maintenance of watershed health across tens of thousands of agricultural acres. Since the major salmon streams in the Puget Sound basin flow through the most productive agricultural valleys, conservation efforts aimed at protecting salmon and …

Hester, Lanny Ray, 1950-2015 (Fa 1120), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

FA Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project FA 1120. Student folk studies project titled: "Traditional Farming Methods & Tools," which includes survey sheets with brief descriptions of traditional farming using horses or mules in Warren County, Kentucky. Sheets may include a description of the traditional tack or implement, photo, informant's name, and text classification.

Mansfield, Sherry R. And Bruce Greene (Fa 1112), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

FA Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1112. Student folk studies project titled: “Just a Man—Captain William Hicks” which includes an interview of C. Jeff Hicks, the son of Confederate Captain William Hicks. The interview includes a description of the life of the son and his father while living in Barren County, Kentucky and Sumner County, Tennessee.

Sutherland, David And Linda C. White (Fa 1044), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

FA Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1044. Paper titled “From Mountain to Flatland: A Study of Two Homesteads” written by David Sutherland and Linda White. The authors attempt to compare two homesteads—one found in Pickett County, Tennessee, and the other in Simpson County, Kentucky—by exploring the family histories, topographical influences, and architectural styles of each location. The paper also includes photographs of informants, their farms, grave markers, aerial maps, and other personal ephemera.

Farm Deaths And Injuries: Changing Farmer Attitudes And Behaviour On Farm Safety, Kieran O'Connell

Theses

While the Irish agricultural sector accounts for just 6% of the working population of Ireland, it consistently has the highest proportion of fatal incidents of any sector - generally ranging from between 35% and 45% of all workplace fatalities in any given year (Health and Safety Authority, 2015). This was again evident in 2014 where 55% (30 of the 56) of the fatal workplace incidents were in the agricultural sector (Health and Safety Authority, 2015). Agriculture has an ageing workforce with the average age of an Irish farmer now standing at fifty-seven and farmers are eight times more likely to …

Economic And Political Implications Of Agricultural Subsidies And Us Farm Policy, Justin Bogardus

Honors Theses

This thesis pertains to agricultural subsidies, their economic and political implications and what would happen to both price and production levels of different crops should those subsidies be removed. The 3 main crops examined are corn, wool and soybeans. Technological advancements made after 1900 had a profound effect on productivity and efficiency, leading to a number of important economic effects. Market integration, economies of scale, market structure, vertical integration and subsidization, all led to government intervention in the form of regulation and subsidy. Farm policy, starting in early 1900s, focused on price stabilization policies and food programs through the different …

Scaling Of Crop Diversity And Optimal Allocation Of Foodshed Infrastructure, Michael Chang

Biology ETDs

Food hubs are organizations that manage the aggregation and distribution of local products, and are a small, but growing means to satisfy high demand for diverse, healthy diets. However, economic barriers inhibit small producers and distributors from developing mainstream, local consumer alternatives to industrial-scale products. To build foodshed, distribution hubs could help overcome these challenges by reducing costs through shared refrigeration, processing, and transportation infrastructure. However, there is no theory to help plan them. I present and test theory to allocate foodshed infrastructure based on insight by Dunn, et al. (2011) that Shannon diversity measured relative to a whole set …

Roots Of Farm And Family, Carol Gjenvick

Graduate Student Independent Studies

The current food industry is a vast and confusing system that often generates contradicting information, new jargon and trends on how and what to eat. Most families in urban and suburban regions shop at local grocery stores, supermarkets or chains and are far removed from the origins of their food supply. Even with the growing support of farmers markets and local farmers, the average person no longer has access to an actual farm. Children in particular, are less likely to understand how a farm operates, the essential role of the farmer, the impact of seasonal changes on food supplies and …

Agriculture In New York State : Farm Size And Its Implications To Farmland Protection And Biodiversity Conservation, Julianna Marie Potter

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In the United States there are 939 million acres of land held by ranchers and farmers. Conservation of this agricultural landscape is critical to the protection of biodiversity. Management of agricultural land is also associated with the success of biodiversity protection efforts in protected areas, including parks and preserves, as well as outside protected areas. Sustained viability of the New York farming sector will enhance and secure biodiversity on farmland, as viable farms will remain part of the landscape.

Farmers Motivations To Practice Sustainable Agriculture, Kimberly A. Floeser

Honors Theses

An increasing awareness of human and environmental health issues and the destruction of family farms and rural communities have caused a significant change in the way many farmers, consumers, and policy‐makers are thinking about and relating to food, the results of which can be seen largely in the growth of the organic and sustainable food industry. This paper attempts to examine and explain farmers’ attitudes towards sustainable agriculture, and their motivations to use sustainable methods of production. A survey was distributed to 533 farms that are members of the Northeast Organic Food Association of New York (NOFA‐NY). The data obtained …

The Economic Importance Of Draught Oxen On Small Farms In Namibia's Eastern Caprivi Region, Andrew B. Conroy, Mogos Yakob Teweldmehidin

Natural Resources & the Environment

The main aim of this study was to analyse and document the value of smallholder farmers’ use of Draught Animal Power (DAP) systems in the Eastern Caprivi Region and to test the economic viability of DAP usage versus using tractors. This study applied Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques (RRA), including a survey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 312 farmers at their farms and data was gathered on the use of and economics related to the draught animal power system. Crop enterprise budgets, project reports, expert opinions and group discussions were analysed. The research found that the use of animal power performs …

Promoting Locally Grown Foods In Schools Through Developed Classroom Curriculum And Foodservice Educational Tools, Meredith F. Carter

Senior Honors Projects

The Massachusetts’ Farm-to-School Project has worked for years to bring local farmers and school districts together. Focused on improving the markets and economic stability of farmers, while also improving the quality of foods available to students, the project implemented the first annual “Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week” during the week of September 24, 2007. As part of Harvest Week, selected schools in Massachusetts purchased and served foods grown and made by local farmers. Marketing materials were used in the participating school cafeterias, and classroom education regarding local agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability was provided. Harvest Week had the potential to improve …

Nf05-631 Understanding Watersheds, Thomas G. Franti, Steven R. Tonn

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Watersheds are dynamic and unique places. They are complex webs of natural resources, — soil, water, air, plants and animals. Together land and water make a watershed a whole system.

This NebFacts covers what a watershed is, how it works, its functions, how human activities can alter watershed functions, and its management.

Does Seed Size Affect The Rate Of Germination And Early Seedling Growth In Hairy Vetch?, Joy Ekpo

McCabe Thesis Collection

Size is an important characteristic of seed quality because larger seeds with larger volume contain more resources and are likely to exhibit greater vigor than smaller seeds (Ellis, 1992). In a range of plant species, seed size has been shown to affect germination rate, emergence rate, success of establishment, and growth (Black 1957; Bentley et al. 1980; Sanderson et al. 2002). Hairy vetch is an annual legume that is used for improvement of soil for pasture and to provide ground cover protecting against erosion (Duke 1981; Undersander 2002; Sattell et al 1988). Problems facing the establishment of hairy vetch are …

Farm Truck And Barn

Farming in Arkansas

Color photograph of a flat bed Chevy truck, a large oak tree, and an old barn in the Ozarks.

Barn, Windmill, And Silo

Farming in Arkansas

Color image of a grain silo standing tall next to a red barn and windmill.