Agriculture Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Performance Of Eight Lettuce Cultivars In A Water Culture System, Ricky C. Young, Hudson M. Cox, Jacob D. Frodge, Mollie K. Mayabb, Brycen C. Shephard, Alireza Rahemi

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most well-known vegetables in the world. About 27 million tons of lettuce were produced in the world in 2022 and global demand for lettuce is increasing steadily, driven by the importance of fiber consumption. Lettuce can be grown in multiple media, including hydroponic systems in a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) system. Growing lettuce in hydroponic systems is an alternative to lettuce production optimization. Since little information is available about lettuce cultivar trials in hydroponic systems, a research project was developed and executed to study the ability of different types of lettuce …

Assessing Soil Properties In Cultivated Areas Of Silt Loam In Western Kentucky, Disha Ande

Scholars Week

No-till (NT) farming is widely implemented to enhance soil conservation by reducing disturbance and improving soil health, particularly regarding key indicators such as soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), macroporosity (MPor), soil water holding capacity (SWHC), soil water at field capacity (SWFC), and soil organic carbon (SOC). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different land management systems- NT Corn (NTC), NT Soybean (NTS), Campus Vegetable Garden (CVG), Community Garden (CG), Woodland Area (WA), and Rain Garden (RG), on these soil quality parameters. This study was conducted at Murray State University’s Pullen Farm …

Science Of Hemp: Production And Pest Management Meeting Proceedings (2023)

Science of Hemp Annual Meeting

The fourth meeting of the Science of Hemp: Production and Pest Management Conference was held on November 13-15, 2023 at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Agricultural scientists from 13 different universities across the United States attended a series of scientific presentations. Topics included agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and controlled environment production. The abstracts for presentations and posters are included within this publication.

Effectiveness Of Mycorrhizae And Vermicompost Seed Inoculation For Germination, Vegetative Growth, Cannabinoid Content, And Cured Flower Weight Of Cbd-Rich Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.), Hannah Boyer, Nicole Wagner, Merritt Drewery

Journal of Agricultural Hemp Research

Effective germination and vigorous growth of hemp cultivars is paramount to cultivators’ ability to produce high-quality hemp products. Beneficial bacteria and fungi are known symbionts to plants and are used in regenerative agriculture to increase plant health and crop yield. This pilot study investigated the effect of microbial seed inoculation on germination rate, plant height, cured flower weight, and cannabinoid content of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich hemp (Cannabis sativa L). The experiment included a control and the following treatments: 1) seed inoculation of Great White ^â Premium Mycorrhizae (GW), 2) seed inoculation of vermicompost (V), and 3) seed inoculation of Great …

Burnout Of Women In Agriculture, Ashley Rivers

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture is considered one of the foundations of the United States. Women have played an important but often overlooked role in the history of agriculture. Despite many significant contributions, women have been left out of the history and advancements of agriculture. This research examined the lived experiences of 56 women who are involved in production agriculture and the factors that can contribute to stress and burnout in this area. By identifying how females view their roles and various aspects of their work, valuable insights can be gained into the experiences women face. Financial challenges and gender bias were identified as …

Perceptions Of Available Funding Opportunities For West Tennessee’S Young And Beginning Row Crop Farmers, Logan Meeks

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Research quickly identified many different avenues of funding available to new and beginning traditional row-crop farmers in Tennessee, but questions surrounding local farmers’ knowledge of these opportunities are in question. Many programs specific to the New and Beginning Farmer demographic boasted the potential benefits of using these programs as well as the good work these programs are accomplishing. The current increase in cost of traditional row-crop funding continues to drive the need for more funding resources with New and Beginning Farmers. Providing resources of where farmers can find the best available funds for their operation will expand the level of …

Science Of Hemp: Production And Pest Management Meeting Proceedings (2022)

Science of Hemp Annual Meeting

The third meeting of the Science of Hemp: Production and Pest Management held on November 3-4, 2022 at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. Ninety-two agricultural scientists attended a series of scientific presentations. Topics included discipline-specific presentations in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, economics, and plant pathology, as well as general sessions. The abstracts for presentations and posters are included within this publication.

Science Of Hemp: Production And Pest Management Meeting Proceedings (2021)

Science of Hemp Annual Meeting

The second meeting of the Science of Hemp: Production and Pest Management was held in 2021 as a virtual meeting. The 2021 virtual meeting was hosted by Auburn University and took place on November 19th, 2021. One hundred twenty-nine participants joined online for scientific presentations, breakout sessions, workshops, and poster and oral student competitions. Attendees presented 41 oral talks, 13 posters, 8 workshops, and 3 Lunch and Learns. The abstracts for presentations and posters are included within this publication.

Science Of Hemp: Production And Pest Management Meeting Proceedings (2019)

Science of Hemp Annual Meeting

The first annual meeting of the Science of Hemp: Production and Pest Management was held on October 10-11, 2019 at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. Ninety-two agricultural scientists attended a series of scientific presentations, breakout sessions, and discussion panels. Attendees presented 33 oral talks, 19 posters, one grower panel, and one outreach/education panel. Topics included discipline-specific presentations in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, and plant pathology, while general session topics included regulatory, pesticides, and economics. The abstracts for presentations and posters are included within this publication.

Leaf Area Index And Light Interception In African Violets (Streptocarpus Sect. Saintpaulia), Chintakunta Keerthi Reddy, Venkat Sai Chatla

Scholars Week

LEAF AREA INDEX AND LIGHT INTERCEPTION IN AFRICAN VIOLETS

(Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)

ABSTRACT Chintakunta Keerthi Reddy, Venkat Sai Chatla Hutson School of Agriculture Mentor: Dr. Megan Taylor

African violets are a genus of six flowering plants from tropical eastern Africa, commonly known as Saintpaulias. They can thrive indoors in low light conditions and bloom all year round. They require less light than other blooming plants and can bloom during regular daylight hours in the US and Canada if given proper exposure. Several light intensities were used for the African violet (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia) experiment, which showed a significant variation in …