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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Suas Agricultural Aerial Application Operational Field Test, David Thirtyacre, Joseph Cerreta, Scott S. Burgess Jan 2025

Suas Agricultural Aerial Application Operational Field Test, David Thirtyacre, Joseph Cerreta, Scott S. Burgess

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

One of the most promising uses of aerial applications by a sUAS is on small farms where traditional crewed aerial applicators were not practical due to the limited size of the operations. This controlled field test aimed to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using a sUAS spreading system compared to the traditional manual application of weed killer and fertilizer on cranberry bogs in Western Washington that were less than 10 acres. The aerial application took place over two separate days as scheduled by the farmer for maximum product efficiency. A total of sixty-three flights were necessary to apply the …


A Comprehensive Parcel-Level Dataset On Farmland Assessment: Addressing Grid-Cell Data Bias Estimation, Wai Yan Siu, Man Li, Arthur J. Caplan Jan 2025

A Comprehensive Parcel-Level Dataset On Farmland Assessment: Addressing Grid-Cell Data Bias Estimation, Wai Yan Siu, Man Li, Arthur J. Caplan

ODU Articles

Grid-cell data are increasingly used in research due to the growing availability and accessibility of remote sensing products. However, grid-cell data often fails to represent the actual decision-making unit, leading to biased estimates in socio-economic analysis. To this end, this paper presents a comprehensive parcel-level dataset for Salt Lake County, Utah, spanning from 2008 to 2018. This dataset combines detailed spatial and temporal data on land ownership, land use, and preferential farmland tax assessments under the Greenbelt program. Compiled from multiple geospatial sources, the dataset includes nearly 200,000 parcel-year observations, providing valuable insights into landowner decision-making and the impact of …


El Maíz Del Abuelo: Fidel Márquez Sanchez’S Legacy And Mexico’S Historical Maize Agriculture, Lucia Marquez-Uppman Jan 2025

El Maíz Del Abuelo: Fidel Márquez Sanchez’S Legacy And Mexico’S Historical Maize Agriculture, Lucia Marquez-Uppman

Scripps Senior Theses

The Green Revolution was an era of scientific development in productive agricultural methods and technologies in the mid-twentieth century. High-yielding seed varieties, artificial fertilizers, irrigation infrastructure, pesticides, and herbicides all developed from this period. Texcoco, Mexico was the center of much of the Green Revolution's education and research from the 1940s onward at the Autonomous University of Chapingo, a prestigious agricultural school, with funding from the US-based philanthropic Rockefeller Foundation. Powerful consequences in the globe's agriculture emerged from the Green Revolution, including the production of maize, a staple crop in Mexico, especially for Indigenous and campesino populations. My abuelo, Fidel …


Physiological Conditions Of Barn Owl (Tyto Furcata) Nestlings As Indicators Of Habitat Quality Within The Wine-Growing Region Of Napa Valley, Christian Cortez Jan 2025

Physiological Conditions Of Barn Owl (Tyto Furcata) Nestlings As Indicators Of Habitat Quality Within The Wine-Growing Region Of Napa Valley, Christian Cortez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The global environmental impacts of increasing agricultural demand a transition to sustainable farming practices, including the use of integrated pest management to decrease reliance on harmful pesticides. Vineyard managers in Napa Valley, California, have implemented this strategy by establishing nest boxes that attract barn owls (Tyto furcata) which, in turn, provide an ecosystem service by removing rodent pests. Studies in this system have found uncultivated landcover to be positively associated with distributional and demographic measures of habitat quality for barn owls, but individual measures have not been thoroughly explored. I examined three physiological conditions of barn owl nestlings …


Earth Observations Reveal Impacts Of Climate Variability On Maize Cropping Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Adomas Liepa, Michael Thiel, Hannes Taubenböck, Doris Klein, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Marcell K. Peters, Sarah Schönbrodt-Stitt, Insa Otte, Tobias Landmann, Zeyaur R. Khan, Michael Ochieng Obondo, Frank Chidawanyika, Emily A. Martin, Tobias Ullmann Jan 2025

Earth Observations Reveal Impacts Of Climate Variability On Maize Cropping Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Adomas Liepa, Michael Thiel, Hannes Taubenböck, Doris Klein, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Marcell K. Peters, Sarah Schönbrodt-Stitt, Insa Otte, Tobias Landmann, Zeyaur R. Khan, Michael Ochieng Obondo, Frank Chidawanyika, Emily A. Martin, Tobias Ullmann

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

In Kenya, climate variability and change threaten smallholder, rainfed farms, with crop failures, yield reductions, and pest infestations. Efficient agroecological strategies, such as Push-Pull intercropping, offer documented benefits including pest control, improved soil fertility, and water conservation compared to traditional maize monocropping. To date, no studies exist comparing traditional maize monocropping and Push-Pull intercropping using earth observation tools over several growing seasons in East Africa. Our research addresses this by harmonizing Landsat 7, 8, 9 with Sentinel-2 remote sensing time series from 2016 to 2023. Phenological metrics of 15 growing seasons are extracted based on a threshold method using the …


Water Scarcity In The Bitterroot Valley, August W. Guenthner Jan 2025

Water Scarcity In The Bitterroot Valley, August W. Guenthner

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Water scarcity in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley is an increasingly urgent issue, driven by the dual pressures of climate change and rapid population growth. Since 1970, the Bitterroot has been the fastest-growing region in the state, with much of this growth occurring in low-density rural subdivisions that rely on individual groundwater wells. Simultaneously, climate change has reduced snowpack levels, leading to diminished springtime recharge of surface water systems that are vital for both ecological and agricultural needs. For the Valley’s agricultural producers, adapting to decreasing water availability will be essential for sustaining their operations. This research project was designed to better …


Addressing Food Security In Cameroon, Stacy A. Adams, Ruth Abunaw Besong Jan 2025

Addressing Food Security In Cameroon, Stacy A. Adams, Ruth Abunaw Besong

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Cameroon Africa has experience a period of nearly a decade of unrest as militants fight for independence for two Anglophone regions within a predominantly Francophone country. The English-speaking minority have felt aggrieved for continued erosion of rights by the central government. Protests have rapidly spread since 2016, causing closure of schools, businesses, and medical facilities. People have lost homes and been displaced, negatively affecting food production and crop availability. The United States Department of State leads an effort of diplomacy beyond emergency food relief through the Mandela Washington Fellowship that connects American professionals to innovative and impactful young African leaders. …


Next In Line: Exploring Owner, Business, And Family Characteristics And Farm Succession Planning, Tucker Lane Bittick Jan 2025

Next In Line: Exploring Owner, Business, And Family Characteristics And Farm Succession Planning, Tucker Lane Bittick

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The growing average age of the American farmer raises concerns about who will be involved in the future agricultural economy. Efficient succession in family farms keeps farm values high, and farms that plan for succession have an incentive to invest more resources into the farm. Knowing what factors on family farms are common when succession occurs could help encourage earlier succession planning. The research questions were: “Are family, business, and owner characteristics significantly related to the presence of a farm succession plan on farms in the Midwest?” and “Are family, business, and owner characteristics significantly related to principal operators’ preference …


Agot: Agricultural Guide For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Kara Smallegan, Meghan Skidmore Otd, Otr, Cns, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr Dec 2024

Agot: Agricultural Guide For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Kara Smallegan, Meghan Skidmore Otd, Otr, Cns, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

As agriculture is a hazardous occupation, this project discusses agricultural workers with health conditions/disabilities, experiencing disruption to occupational performance and participation, increasing risk of secondary injuries, and impacting overall well-being and how occupational therapy practitioners can improve these factors through the development of a guidebook. The guide covers population insights, risk factors, assessment guide, conditions, and resources to aid occupational practitioners when assisting the agricultural worker population.


Evaluating Corn, Tall Fescue And Canola Growth On Sediments Dredged From The Lorain Harbor, Maureen E. Roddy, Emily Kalhert, Corry T. Platt, Ashley N. Julian, Megan A. Rúa Dec 2024

Evaluating Corn, Tall Fescue And Canola Growth On Sediments Dredged From The Lorain Harbor, Maureen E. Roddy, Emily Kalhert, Corry T. Platt, Ashley N. Julian, Megan A. Rúa

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Soil degradation is a worldwide problem, causing the declining performance of many plant species. Recently, the application of sediments dredged from aquatic waterways has received attention for their potential as an organic amendment to revive degraded agricultural soils. In Ohio, dredged sediment research has largely focused on the success of corn (Zea mays) or soybean (Glycine max) following the application of dredged sediments from the Toledo Harbor, neglecting the potential for dredged sediments from the other eight harbors and waterways to change plant performance as well as failing to quantify benefits for other commonly grown crops in the region. In …


What’S The Beef? Current Trends Of The Florida Beef Cattle Industry As Perceived By Florida Beef Cattle Industry Leaders, Micah Gallagher, Matt Benge, Lauri Baker Dec 2024

What’S The Beef? Current Trends Of The Florida Beef Cattle Industry As Perceived By Florida Beef Cattle Industry Leaders, Micah Gallagher, Matt Benge, Lauri Baker

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Agriculture plays a vital role in Florida’s economy, as it is the second largest industry behind tourism. Additionally, Florida is a leading cow-calf production state in the United States which is impacted by numerous factors internal and external to the industry itself. The Theory of Reasoned Action was used to explore current trends of the Florida beef cattle industry as perceived by Florida cattle industry leaders. Thirteen themes emerged from the data, such as environmental protection and alternative proteins. Florida ranchers need support from government entities to continue participation in conservation, education, and improvement of the cattle industry in Florida. …


Assessing Cover Crop Adoption Factors In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Social-Ecological Perspective, Mackenzie Feldman Dec 2024

Assessing Cover Crop Adoption Factors In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Social-Ecological Perspective, Mackenzie Feldman

Theses and Dissertations

Reducing agriculture’s negative environmental impacts is crucial for mitigating climate change (White, 2021). Cover crops– non-cash crops grown to benefit subsequent cash crops– can slow erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, control pests, and increase biodiversity. Despite these benefits, adoption rates remain low, prompting the USDA and other organizations to fund research on increasing their use. Most studies focus on the Midwest and Northeast, and emphasize individual factors over the relationship between structural factors and individual factors that impact farmers’ decisions to adopt cover crops. This USDA-funded study begins to fill this gap by exploring social-ecological factors and how …


Investigating Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Cover Crop Interactions To Improve Sustainable Agricultural Practices, Isabel M. Zanartu, Connor Morozumi, Natalie Christian Nov 2024

Investigating Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Cover Crop Interactions To Improve Sustainable Agricultural Practices, Isabel M. Zanartu, Connor Morozumi, Natalie Christian

The Cardinal Edge

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are fungal species that form beneficial relationships with plants. AMFs are known to help crops acquire important nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, and in return the plants provide carbon to the fungi. At least 80% of all plants partner with AMFs including staple crops such as rice, corn, wheat and soybeans. With so many plants likely relying on AMFs, current farming practices such as planting in monocultures and fallow overwintering may limit these relationships. On top of this, climate change challenges the reliability of these practices in the future. One sustainable agricultural practice …


European Wasp: Declared Pest, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia Nov 2024

European Wasp: Declared Pest, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The European wasp is one of the worst wasps in the world — harmful to people, outdoor lifestyles, and horticultural and agricultural industries. Early detection of wasp activity is critical to prevent the wasp establishing in Western Australia (WA). This is achieved via collaboration between residents, businesses, industry, and government.


Greenhouse Gas Accounting For Western Australian Agriculture 2022, Johnny Machon, Mandy Curnow, Christophe D'Abbadie Nov 2024

Greenhouse Gas Accounting For Western Australian Agriculture 2022, Johnny Machon, Mandy Curnow, Christophe D'Abbadie

Climate Science Published Reports

This report presents new modelling of the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to Western Australia’s agricultural industries and provides an overview of sequestration at the state level. The report improves and expands on the estimates from previous technical reports by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), most notably Curnow et al. (2022). The report presents a new, much broader picture, capturing not only emissions from agricultural activities in Western Australia (WA), but also the emissions associated with the production of agricultural inputs and the sequestration that occurs on agriculturally managed lands. This broader picture of emissions aligns with …


The Impact Of The Nitrates Directive On The Portuguese Agricultural Sector, Ben Mayes Oct 2024

The Impact Of The Nitrates Directive On The Portuguese Agricultural Sector, Ben Mayes

Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice

The European Union’s 1991 Nitrates Directive was designed to mitigate agricultural nitrogen pollution to ground and surface waters, thereby alleviating its damaging effects to natural environments and human health. This study confirmed that its purpose and goals were justified by the positive linear relationship that exists between levels of agricultural fertilizer application and nitrogen ecosystem surplus. However, this policy has had several second-hand impacts on the Portuguese agricultural sector, such as imposing infrastructure implementation costs and forcing methodology changes. These impacts were examined in the context of the Esposende-Vila do Conde action program, which is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone …


Street-Side Sovereignty: Informal Produce Vendors, Subsistence, And Chosen Interdependencies, Owen W. Lee Oct 2024

Street-Side Sovereignty: Informal Produce Vendors, Subsistence, And Chosen Interdependencies, Owen W. Lee

Samoa: Social and Environmental Change in Oceania

This paper summarizes findings from a 2024 survey and interview conducted with street-side produce vendors in Western Samoa. Produce vendors are understood within the informal economy in Samoa and the phenomenon is contextualized through a history of Pacific food regimes. In opposition to the contemporary corporate food regime, produce vendors operate through small-scale, informal operations which demonstrate variability and individual agency. Through the theoretical framework of food sovereignty, informal produce vendors’ survey and interview responses are analyzed to position vendors’ work within both the global and the Pacific food sovereignty movements, with special attention to land access and localized food …


Harvesting Health: The Role Of City Policy In Urban Agriculture And The Downstream Effects On Youth, Lesley Leake Oct 2024

Harvesting Health: The Role Of City Policy In Urban Agriculture And The Downstream Effects On Youth, Lesley Leake

Theses and Dissertations

Contextualizing environmental health within the socio-ecological framework, acknowledges the diverse factors at play in the environment-human dynamic. The research design, methods, and study populations of each chapter vary to match the socio-ecological level(s) of focus and reinforce the translational and interdisciplinary nature of this research. Chapter 2 examines the policy-supports for urban agriculture using a mixed-methods case-study of the City of Charleston, SC to understand how municipal policy (societal) impacts urban agriculture implementation (community) and what impact this has on residents (relationship and individual). Chapter 3 centers on the potential impact of urban farms (community) and their programming (community and …


The Potential For Automated Insect Classification Using Infrared Remote Sensing, Rachel Deahl Aug 2024

The Potential For Automated Insect Classification Using Infrared Remote Sensing, Rachel Deahl

Theses

Insects play an important role within ecosystems, occupying almost all trophic levels and providing crucial services such as pollination and decomposition. In addition, they can directly and negatively impact humans as crop pests, parasites, and disease vectors. Thus, it is essential to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of insect populations and communities. Various forms of remote sensing, such as LiDAR, have been used to capture data on insects but often are costly and require advanced expertise. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate a cost-effective methodology that balances information loss. This thesis aims to outline the discrimination required …


Minimum Standards Of Maturity For Table Grapes 2024-2025, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia Aug 2024

Minimum Standards Of Maturity For Table Grapes 2024-2025, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Viticulture research reports

The table shows the approved minimum standard of maturity for each of the standard varieties listed when tested using the approved method. The approved method for testing these varieties is to test the brix (sugar level) of the fruit using a refractometer


The Product Of Science, Rolf A.E Mueller Aug 2024

The Product Of Science, Rolf A.E Mueller

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. -Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organising and manag\ng agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research Is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the …


Economic Impact Of Cervid Farming In Kentucky, Hunter Groves Aug 2024

Economic Impact Of Cervid Farming In Kentucky, Hunter Groves

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cervid farming, an agricultural endeavor, has gained prominence in Kentucky in recent years. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the economic contribution that the breeding sectors have on the state, measure the economic contribution of high-fence cervid hunting on the Commonwealth, and investigate the combined economic impact that the industry brings to the economy. The research provided a contextual background and explained the concept of cervid farming and the history of cervid farming. A literature review explored the existing body of knowledge on cervid farming from around the country and identified the gaps within current research. Methodologically, …


Contaminant Transport Mechanisms And Source Tracking In Karst Groundwater Systems Under Agricultural Land Use, Shreya Pandey Aug 2024

Contaminant Transport Mechanisms And Source Tracking In Karst Groundwater Systems Under Agricultural Land Use, Shreya Pandey

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Karst areas in general face severe groundwater contamination problems that can degrade their water quality. In comparison to other landscapes, groundwater within karst regions is more susceptible to contamination. The situation gets worse when agriculture is practiced in these karst regions, because the nutrients and bacteria like nitrates and E. coli (Escherichia coli) are released into the groundwater systems which contaminate the water quality of those karst groundwater systems. This research aims to study the impacts of these contaminants, specifically nitrates and E. coli., by identifying the contaminant transport mechanisms and source tracking of these contaminants in the groundwater under …


Analyzing The Accuracy And Trading Strategy Potential Of Private Analyst Projections Of Usda Wasde Reports, Emmie Noyes Aug 2024

Analyzing The Accuracy And Trading Strategy Potential Of Private Analyst Projections Of Usda Wasde Reports, Emmie Noyes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the economic impact of private analyst forecasts on trading strategies in agricultural commodities markets. The primary objective is to assess whether private forecasts of world ending stocks contained in the USDA’s WASDE report provide valuable information for forming profitable trading strategies. The study utilizes panel regression models to analyze the relationship between private forecast accuracy and strategic returns derived from trading strategies based on these forecasts. The research employs unbalanced panel data spanning from January 2011 to April 2021, integrating monthly and yearly indicators to capture temporal patterns. The dataset includes observations from multiple firms, allowing for …


The Effects Of Cover Crop Adoption On Yield Distributions Under Extreme Drought, Emory Johnson Aug 2024

The Effects Of Cover Crop Adoption On Yield Distributions Under Extreme Drought, Emory Johnson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change negatively impact agriculture output. Of particular concern is the adverse impact of droughts on corn and soybean yields, as these crops represent a significant portion of cash crop receipts in the United States. Cover crops are one practice that has gained attention due to their agronomic benefits and their potential to reduce downside production risk for producers. This study focuses on the impact of cover crop adoption on corn and soybean yields during drought conditions. We use cover crop adoption data from the Operational Tillage Information System, RMA …


Cobblestone Farms, Fayetteville: A Study Of A Non-Profit Teaching Farm’S Volunteer Management Programs, Ariel Scholten Aug 2024

Cobblestone Farms, Fayetteville: A Study Of A Non-Profit Teaching Farm’S Volunteer Management Programs, Ariel Scholten

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Non-profit teaching farms (NPTFs) represent a unique intersection of mission-driven non-profits, agricultural education, and sustainable food production. Despite their growing presence, research on NPTFs, particularly regarding volunteer management, remains limited. This thesis examines volunteer management practices at Cobblestone Farms (CF), a prominent NPTF in Northwest Arkansas, focusing on its strategies to engage and retain volunteers. Through qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews with staff and volunteers, the study identifies, describes, and evaluates key components of CF's volunteer management program. Major findings reveal that CF leverages digital media, online platforms like Give Pulse, and strategic partnerships to recruit and maintain volunteers. The …


Impacts Of Managed Honeybee Apiaries On Native Bee Populations, Trapping Efficiencies Of Bee Sampling Methods, And Drone Based Floral Cover Analysis In High Elevation Tall Forb Communities In Central Utah, Nicholas Val Anderson Jul 2024

Impacts Of Managed Honeybee Apiaries On Native Bee Populations, Trapping Efficiencies Of Bee Sampling Methods, And Drone Based Floral Cover Analysis In High Elevation Tall Forb Communities In Central Utah, Nicholas Val Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of honeybee introductions on native bee populations, evaluates the efficiency of traditional bee sampling and monitoring methods, and explores the use of drone technology for assessing floral resources on federal lands in the United States. Federal lands, managed for multiple uses, present a valuable opportunity for the summer pasturing of honeybees. These lands produce vast floral resources and are largely free from pesticides and other pollutants that could weaken honeybee populations. The potential use of this resource is significant given the economic and agricultural concerns presented by declining pollinator trends and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). …


Consequences Of Global Climate Change On Biodiversity And Food Security: A Mini Review, Hasan M. Agha, Abdulmutalib Alabeed Alkamil, Rana Tariq Yahya, Amjad Abdulhadi Mohammed, Zaid Tahseen Ali, Muneer Mohammed Saleh Alsayadi Jul 2024

Consequences Of Global Climate Change On Biodiversity And Food Security: A Mini Review, Hasan M. Agha, Abdulmutalib Alabeed Alkamil, Rana Tariq Yahya, Amjad Abdulhadi Mohammed, Zaid Tahseen Ali, Muneer Mohammed Saleh Alsayadi

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

A thriving eco-system and abundant species diversity are crucial for all forms of life on Earth. Whether or not the climate remains stable has a direct impact on biodiversity and the ecosystem services that are provided by that diversity. There is a strong correlation between biodiversity and food security, and this is influencing how the impact of biodiversity on climate change is felt. Changes in the duration of the growth season for plants, the distribution of arable lands, and the availability of high-quality water are all ways in which climate change impacts agriculture. There will be numerous positive effects on …


A National Perspective Of Mental Health Awareness Among Agricultural Workers, Anna Gilliam, Ethan Gilliam Jul 2024

A National Perspective Of Mental Health Awareness Among Agricultural Workers, Anna Gilliam, Ethan Gilliam

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The knowledge and perceptions of mental health resources for agricultural workers were explored at the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) National Conference. Data were gathered via a voluntary survey conducted at the event. With 137 completed surveys, the study revealed that the participants desired more information regarding agricultural mental health resources and revealed their preferences for receiving this information. These findings will lead USU Extension to create impactful educational resources to better address mental health awareness and education needs in agricultural workers.


Networking Advisory Groups And Electronic Media To Transfer Information On Forage Management, J J. Mullahey, R M. Muchovej, K U. Hill Jun 2024

Networking Advisory Groups And Electronic Media To Transfer Information On Forage Management, J J. Mullahey, R M. Muchovej, K U. Hill

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this paper is to discuss a coordinated multi-county extension program in forages through the involvement of a beef/ forage advisory committee and technology transfer or information dissemination using electronic media.