Agriculture Commons^™

Cropland Change And Prime Farmland In Calloway County, Kentucky, 2015–2025: A Gis Analysis Of Corn And Soybean Fields, Shiba Hari Dhakal Shiba

Scholars Week

Understanding where cropland change occurs relative to soil quality helps indicate whether farmland is being used on the most productive land. This study used GIS-based change detection analysis to evaluate changes in corn and soybean fields in Calloway County, Kentucky, between 2015 and 2025 and to test whether new corn and soybean fields were located on prime farmland. USDA Cropland Data Layer maps for 2015 and 2025 (30 m resolution) were reclassified into seven classes and compared in ArcGIS Pro, and the results were overlaid on USDA NRCS gSSURGO farmland classification. Combined corn and soybean area declined about 19% from …

Comparing Soil Health Indicators Between Corn-Soy Production And Restored Utility-Prairie Systems, Katie Oakley Anthony

Scholars Week

It has long been known that cultivation in agroecological systems disrupts inherent soil attributes that support soil health. Soil health can be defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans – but is soil health a blanket concept? This research intended to address health gaps in production systems – corn-soy rotation (CS) and restored utility-prairie (UP) – based on USDA taxonomic classifications. The quality of soil is generally reported in terms of physicochemical and biological indicators. By examining same soil series in adjacent land management systems, those indicators …

Evaluation Of Selected Physical Properties Under Diverse Cropping Systems, Elizabeth A. Heine

Scholars Week

Evaluation of Selected Physical Properties

Under Diverse Cropping Systems

Elizabeth Heine and Dr. Iin Handayani, Ph.D. Murray State University, Hutson College of Agriculture

Abstract

Soil quality influences agricultural productivity, water retention, nutrient cycling, and environmental sustainability. Soil organic matter (SOM), soil water at field capacity (SWFC), macroporosity, and total porosity are important indicators of soil health because they affect soil structure, aeration, and water availability. This study evaluated these properties under different land-use systems at the West Farm Complex in Calloway County, Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from corn, soybean, sunflower, tobacco, pasture, and miscanthus fields; 24 disturbed and 24 …

Variability Of Soil Properties In Southern Illinois Croplands, Megan Waeltz

Scholars Week

Understanding soil properties and what causes their variability is important for improving or maintaining soil health, as well as incorporating better cropland management practices. The objective of this research was to determine the variability of soil properties from six St. Clair County, Illinois fields with different soil orders, types, textures, and field conditions. The six fields studied were a soybean field with clay hills, corn field with medium texture, corn field with light texture, corn field with high plant residue, soybean field with medium texture, and corn field with Mollisol heavy clay. The soil properties evaluated in this study were …

Land Management Practices Control The Changes In Soil Quality, Jillian E. Graham

Scholars Week

Soil quality is essential for agricultural productivity and long-term sustainability. Different land management practices can influence soil properties and their ability to support plant growth. This study evaluated differences in soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), soil water-holding capacity (SWFC), and microporosity among eight sampling locations representing different land management practices in Western Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from McLean and Calloway Counties at eight locations: Woodland, Berry Field, Squash Field, Wheat Field, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Corn Field, Bean Field, and Conservation Tillage Field. These locations represented different agricultural and conservation management practices. Soil samples were collected at a …

Soil Health Indicator Responses To Different Crop Production Systems, Lynnlee Jones

Scholars Week

Various crop production systems have affected soil health by changing soil physical, chemical and biological properties. In general, differences in crop production management systems include crop rotations, tillage and crop types. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the changes of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil water holding capacity (SWHC), bulk density (BD) and total porosity (TP) following various crop production management practices in Western Kentucky. The study was conducted in Calloway and McLean counties and were performed in a 90m x 90m area. These fields consisted of row crops (CRP, Bean Field, Woods Field, Corn Field, Conventional …

Determining Soil Characteristics Under Six Land Management Practices In Western Kentucky, Lyndsey R. Bryant

Scholars Week

Different types of land management practices can change soil chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the changes of soil properties as affected by cultivation practices through measuring soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and soil water field capacity (SWFC). The sites for this study include an agriculture hemp field, construction site, urban pathway, bison prairie, control burn field, and forest floor. The sites were located in Calloway and Trigg County; Kentucky. Twenty-four undisturbed and twenty-four disturbed soil samples were taken across six fields with four replications each. The …

Evaluating Soil Properties Of Silt Loam Between No Till Cropland And Pasture: Study Case From Ballard, Graves, And Hickman Counties, Avery Bray, Shiba Hari Dhakal

Scholars Week

Ballard and Hickman County is home to silt loams in the northern and eastern parts of the county due to the Ohio and Mississippi River. Graves County’s silt loam is a product of windblown glacial loess thousands of years ago. Silt loam soil contains around 50% silt and less than 27% clay. The annual flooding and windblown loess are the cause of minerals into these soils, making them perfect for canola, corn, pasture, soybeans, and wheat production. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of different agriculture land systems on selected soil properties including soil organic matter …

Assessment Of Soil Properties Under Diverse Crop And Land Use Types, Olivia P. Berger

Scholars Week

Assessment of Soil Properties Under Diverse Crop and Land Use Types

Olivia Berger and Dr. Iin Handayani, Ph.D.

Hutson College of Agriculture, Murray State University, Murray, KY

Abstract

Soil properties can vary among different crop and land use systems and can influence soil health and agricultural productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of six different crop and land use types on selected soil properties in western Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from six sites at the West Farm Complex in Calloway County, Kentucky, which contained tobacco, soybean, corn, sunflower, pasture land, and Miscanthus. Four disturbed …

Comparing Soil Health Indicators Between Corn-Soy Production And Restored Utility-Prairie Systems, Katie Oakley Anthony, Iin Handayani

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Interest In Training Certifications Within The Horticulture Industry, Bradley S. Peiffer

Scholars Week

When it comes to post-secondary education, less than half of Americans hold a college degree. While certain industries don’t necessarily need college-level education, they can still have a lot to learn beyond hands-on education and training. Horticulture, for example, can have a large knowledge gap from people with a secondary education only. Oftentimes, a certificate in a field of work can significantly improve knowledge in the workforce without such an extreme time or cost expense. This study investigates whether there is a potential interest in training certifications within the Horticulture Industry. Specifically, this research was conducted to determine if Horticulture …

Soil Nutrient Sufficiency Does Not Ensure Plant Nutrient Status, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Scholars Week

Soil testing is commonly used to guide nutrient management. However, plants may not use nutrients in the same way that soil tests predict. This can happen when nutrients interact and limit uptake. This study evaluated whether soil test results match plant nutrient status under different compost levels, with a focus on nutrient antagonism. Soils from three compost histories were used: no compost (T1), moderate compost (T2), and long-term high compost from repeated hog manure application (T3). Soils were mixed with ProMix and Perlite (1:1:1), and Chijimisai was grown under greenhouse conditions. Plant height and chlorophyll (SPAD) were measured weekly. Soil …

Phytochemical Effects Of Culinary Spices On Kale Germination And Early Growth, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Scholars Week

Phytochemicals present in culinary spices can influence seed germination and early plant development through complex biochemical interactions. This study evaluated the effects of aqueous decoctions of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Yellow Mustard (Sinapis alba), and Brown Mustard (Brassica juncea) on germination and early growth of Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) under greenhouse conditions. Treatments were applied at two concentrations (2 g/100 mL and 5 g/100 mL) with distilled water as control in a completely randomized design with three replications (n = 8). Seeds were soaked in spice decoctions for 2 hours prior to sowing, and …

Evaluation Of Soil Properties Under Forested And Cropland Areas In Murray, Kentucky, Ramson K C, Shiba Hari Dhakal, Abinash Dhungana

Scholars Week

Soil health is shaped by its physical and chemical properties which are largely influenced by land use, affecting structure, fertility and water retention. The objective of this study was to determine key soil properties, and to evaluate their interrelationships in cultivated and forested areas of Western Kentucky. For this study, two representatives cultivated and two forested sites were selected with 6 replications each on September, 2025 in Murray, Kentucky. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0–7 cm soil layer. Disturbed soil samples were used to measure organic matter (OM) content in …

Comparing Soil Quality Changes In Forest And Cropland Systems Of Western Kentucky, Abinash Dhungana

Scholars Week

Comparing Soil Quality Changes in Forest and Cropland Systems of Western Kentucky

Abinash Dhungana

Mentor:  Dr. Iin P. Handayani, Ph.D.

Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Kentucky, USA

Abstract

Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil water at field capacity are critical indicators of soil quality, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and water retention. Cropping practices play a crucial role in modifying these properties and determining overall soil functionality and its long-term sustainability. This study was conducted in 2025 in Calloway County, Western Kentucky, to investigate the effects of forest and cropland systems on these soil properties. Four …

Comparing Effects Of Crop Rotation And Continuous Monocropping On Soil Chemical Properties: A Review Of Agricultural Practices In The U.S. Corn Belt, Shiba Hari Dhakal Shiba

Scholars Week

Soil chemical health is critical for sustaining long-term agricultural productivity in the U.S. Corn Belt, yet continuous monocropping of corn poses persistent challenges to soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, nutrient balance, and pH stability. This review synthesizes findings from long-term field studies to compare the impacts of crop rotation and continuous monocropping on soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrient availability, and soil pH across the Corn Belt. Results consistently show that crop rotation enhances SOM and SOC through increased residue input, diverse root systems, and improved microbial activity, whereas continuous monocropping accelerates organic matter decomposition and …

Comparing A Normal (2005) And A Drought (2007) Year Crop Health Using Ndvi, Pratibha Adhikari

Scholars Week

Agricultural productivity in the southeastern United States is highly vulnerable to drought-induced crop stress, as interannual climate variability can markedly alter crop development and production dynamics. The main goal of this project is to assess how crop health in Calloway County changed between a normal year (2005) and an extreme drought year (2007) using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and to evaluate the effectiveness of NDVI for monitoring crop stress. Cloud free Landsat images were acquired from USGS Earth Explorer. NDVI was produced for each year and a pixel-wise NDVI differencing image was created (ΔNDVI = NDVI_2007 − NDVI_2005). While …

Soil Nutrient Sufficiency Versus Plant Nutrient Status In Compost-Amended Soils: Plant Tissue Analysis As A Diagnostic Tool, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated whether Mehlich III soil nutrient sufficiency ratings reliably predict plant nutrient status and chlorophyll response across contrasting compost application histories. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with Chijimisai (Brassica rapa) planted in three treatment soils that had no compost (T1), moderate compost history (T2), and long-term hog manure compost application (T3). Plant performance was assessed through weekly shoot length and chlorophyll content (SPAD) measurements, leaf number at maturity, and leaf tissue nutrient analysis conducted at harvest. Soil test results indicated adequate to high nutrient levels across all three treatments. Leaf tissue analysis, however, revealed substantial …

An Analysis Of Systemic And Contact Herbicide Usage Trends In Illinois Corn Production Systems, Paige E. Mckittrick

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Herbicide use is central to weed management in Illinois corn production; however, long-term changes in the balance between systemic and contact herbicides have not been well quantified at the statewide scale. This study analyzes herbicide trends in Illinois corn from 1982 to 2016 using secondary data from the USDA Agricultural Chemical Use Survey, paired with climate, regulatory, and herbicide resistance information. Herbicide active ingredients were classified into systemic and contact functional categories and grouped according to Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) mode-of-action (MOA) codes. For each survey year, total herbicide load (lb a.i./acre), functional proportions, MOA-specific contributions, and a …

Influences On Student College-Major Decision And Satisfaction Rate Among Students In The School Of Agriculture, Danielle Shafer

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence students to choose agriculture majors and agriculture careers and measure the level of satisfaction with their major based on these influences. There are many factors that influence students to choose a major in college and college-major satisfaction. These influences and satisfaction with major may have an impact on a student’s decision to choose a college career path. Some of the influences mentioned in studies are family, friends, educators, extension programs, clubs, financial, and recruitment efforts. The degree to which each of these influence students may depend on the …

Characterizing The Relationship Between Parturition In Beef Cattle And The Lunar Phase And Meteorological Factors., Caroline E. Chambers

Honors College Theses

For beef cattle, parturition is one of the most critical stages in the reproductive process. It is crucial that farmers understand the factors that may influence the timing of parturition. There is a persistent preconception that the onset of parturition is influenced by the lunar phase and weather factors. The objective of this study is to characterize the association between parturition in beef cattle, the lunar phase, and/or different weather factors such as barometric pressure and temperature. Cattle records were obtained from Chambers Family Farm in Cumberland Furnace, TN. Data was collected from 142 calvings from January 2017 to October …

Impact Of Crop Rotation And Species Variation On Soil Quality Indicators, Somasekhar Auduti, Uday Kiran Pittala, Pratibha Adhikari

Scholars Week

Impact of Crop Rotation and Species Variation on Soil Quality Indicators

Pratibha Adhikari, Somasekhar Auduti, Uday Kiran Pittala

Mentor: Dr. Iin P. Handayani, Ph.D.

Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA

Designing crop rotations that counter the negative effects of monocropping requires crop choices that build carbon and create stable pore structure. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of crop rotation on selected soil health indicators and to interpret soil health conditions across agricultural fields. Soil samples were collected from West Farm, Murray, KY, from six crop fields—corn, soybean, tobacco, millet, cotton, and …

Assessing Soil Properties Under Pastures Managed For Different Livestock Systems In Western Kentucky, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Scholars Week

Soil health plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture, particularly in pasture-based livestock systems that influence physical and chemical soil properties. This study evaluated the effects of different livestock systems on surface soil characteristics in western Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from September 16 to September 22, 2025. Six fields were selected, representing beef, equine, swine, sheep/goat, poultry, and control (no livestock) systems. Both disturbed and undisturbed samples were collected from one soil depth (0–7.5 cm) to assess physical and chemical properties including bulk density (BD), total porosity, macroporosity, soil water holding capacity (SWHC), soil water at field capacity (SWFC), …

Shaping The Soil: A Comparison Of Equine, Bovine, And Ungrazed Hay Fields, Brody Ellis Higgs, Taylor Madison Wynn, Scottie Craig Berry

Scholars Week

Shaping the Soil: A Comparison of Equine, Bovine, and Ungrazed Hay Fields

Brody Higgs, Taylor Wynn, and Scottie Berry

Mentor: Dr. Iin. P. Handayani, PhD.

Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky, USA

ABSTRACT

Kentucky raises grazing species for multiple reasons, including food, recreation, and show. The most common of them are equine and bovine. These animals graze many acres across the state of Kentucky and impact soil properties in their pastures. This study was conducted on three pasturelands across Caldwell and Calloway counties in Kentucky. The pastures consisted of a cow pasture, a horse pasture, and a …

Assessing Soil Quality Indicators In Leguminous And Non-Leguminous Cropping Systems, Kabita Budthapa, Kranthi Vinukonda, Ramya Sree Teeguri

Scholars Week

It is crucial to understand how different cropping systems influence soil health to boost the efficiency of resources and sustainable agricultural outputs. This study examined the effects of leguminous (soybean and pea) and non-leguminous (sunflower and maize) cropping systems on selected soil characteristics. On September 16th, 2025, soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0-7.5 cm depth of West Farm, Murray, Kentucky. Disturbed samples were analyzed for pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic carbon (SOC), while undisturbed samples were used to determine bulk density, porosity, soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and soil water field …

Comparative Assessment Of Soil Properties In Cropland And Forested Areas In Western Kentucky, Shiba Hari Dhakal, Abinash Dhungana, Ramson K C

Scholars Week

Soil health is profoundly influenced by its physical and chemical properties. These properties rely on land use systems; consequently, impact on soil functions and agricultural sustainability. The objective of this study was to determine selected physical and chemical properties affected by crop and forest management in Western Kentucky. Two crop and two forested areas with six replications each were selected for this study in September 2025 in Calloway County, Kentucky. A total of 24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed soil samples were collected at 0-7 cm depth. Disturbed samples were analyzed for soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic …

Sample Storage Method And Collection Time Effects On Horse Hair Cortisol Concentrations, Grace Robertson, Savannah Rivers, Thomas Powell, Shea Porr

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Serum cortisol concentration is the gold standard for evaluating stress in horses. However, it can be affected by circadian rhythms, environmental factors, and other excitatory events. Hair cortisol is less subject to these variables and is less invasive to collect, but there is a lack of published information on hair cortisol concentrations in horses. The objectives of this study were to examine 1) the impact of sample storage (Room temperature vs. Frozen) and 2) the effect of collection date (spring vs. fall), on cortisol concentration in equine hair. It was hypothesized that Frozen samples would yield higher concentrations than Room …

Understanding Potential Profitability Estimates For Western Kentucky Grain Production, Austin Randolph, Naveen Musunuru

Honors College Theses

Profitability remains a persistent challenge for grain farmers across the United States and globally. Without profitability, the continued operation of any grain farm becomes unsustainable. For grain farmers, profitability is not merely a financial goal but a crucial determinant of their livelihood. However, many grain producers face a significant obstacle: a lack of reliable tools to predict profitability and plan for the next season or make adjustments to existing operations. While budgets can offer a framework and tentative guidelines for farmers to follow, fluctuations in market prices can ultimately undermine these financial plans. The objective of this project is to …

Impact Of Seed Priming On The Growth Of Okra Seedlings., Vinukonda Kranthi, I.P. Handayani

Scholars Week

Seed priming is a vital pre-sowing technique that enhances germination, seedling vigor, and crop performance. This study examines the effects of electric, magnetic, botanical, and chemical seed treatments on the okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) variety Phule Vimukta. Conducted in a controlled laboratory setting using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications, the experiment evaluated germination percentage, root and shoot length, seedling vigor indices, and biomass accumulation. Treatments included magnetic fields (2–12 mT), halopriming with NaCl₂, Osmo priming with KH₂PO₄, and botanical extracts from Tulsi, neem, and curry leaves. The results showed significant differences among treatments. Magneto-priming at 12 mT for …

Contributions Of Biochar And Biofertilizer On Food Scraps Composting, Kabita Budthapa, I.P. Handayani Dr, Shova Shrestha Dr

Scholars Week

Food scraps have contributed significantly to environmental problems. Because of its substantial effects on the environment, the economy, and society, it has become a major global issue. This research was conducted at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur, and was meant to find ways to shorten the composting period using biofertilizers and biochar and study their impacts on the compost nutrients. The experiment involved seven treatments with three replications: T1 (Control), T2 (EM-1), T3 (Prarhamva decomposer), T4 (Biofertilizer KM), T5 (Biochar 400 g + Biofertilizer KM), T6 (Biochar 800 g + Biofertilizer KM), T7 (Biochar 200 g) with 5 …