Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons^™

Detecting Shifts In Soil Microbial Community Structure And Function Post Landspread Of Manure Or Biosolids Containing Antimicrobial Chemicals, Kelly Lehnert, Sharon A. Clay, Susan Gibson, Volker Brozel

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications

Soil microbial diversity and community interaction play an indispensable role in 2,4-dichorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide degradation. The addition of manure or municipal waste biosolids through landspreading may alter soil community structure and function if these materials contain antimicrobial chemicals like chlortetracycline (CTC), administered in livestock feed to promote animal growth and health or tetracycline (TET) utilized in human health. In this study, soil applied with manure collected from pigs fed standard CTC levels was compared to soil containing manure from control pigs fed no CTC, and a comparison of soil applied with biosolids containing TET or without TET to distinguish …

The Effect Of Residue C:N Ratio On The Turnover Of N And C In Various Soil Organic Matter Fractions, Ana B. Wingeyer

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Identifying soil organic matter (SOM) fractions that contribute to soil indigenous nitrogen (N) supply and understanding their turnover under different management constitute necessary tools toward an efficient N use. The objectives of this study were: i) trace the endpoint of carbon (C) flux from residue inputs into SOM; and ii) asses the role of the light fraction (LF), mobile humic acid (MHA) fraction and calcium humate (CaHA) fraction as N sources for heterotrophic decomposition of fresh plant residues with contrasting C:N ratio. A long-term aerobic soil incubation was carried out on ¹⁵N-labeled soil samples from Lincoln and Mead, NE. …

Soil Microbial Community Response To Hexavalent Chromium In Planted And Unplanted Soil, Ioannis Ipsilantis, Mark S. Coyne

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Theories suggest that rapid microbial growth rates lead to quicker development of metal resistance. We tested these theories by adding hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] to soil, sowing Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), and comparing rhizosphere and bulk soil microbial community responses. Four weeks after the initial Cr(VI) application we measured Cr concentration, microbial biomass by fumigation extraction and soil extract ATP, tolerance to Cr and growth rates with tritiated thymidine incorporation, and performed community substrate use analysis with BIOLOG GN plates. Exchangeable Cr(VI) levels were very low, and therefore we assumed the Cr(VI) impact was transient. Microbial biomass was reduced …

Effects Of Commercial Diazinon And Imidacloprid On Microbial Urease Activity In Soil And Sod, C. W. Ingram, Mark S. Coyne, David W. Williams

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Diazinon [O,O-diethyl O-2-isopropyl-6-methyl(pyrimidine-4-yl) phosphorothioate] and imidacloprid [1-(1-[6-chloro-3-pyridinyl]methyl)-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine] are applied to lawns for insect control simultaneously with nitrogenous fertilizers such as urea, but their potential effect on urease activity and nitrogen availability in turfgrass management has not been evaluated. Urease activity in enzyme assays, washed cell assays, and soil slurries was examined as a function of insecticide concentration. Intact cores from field sites were used to assess the effect of insecticide application on urease activity in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) and bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sod. Bacterial urease fromBacillus pasteurii and plant …

Fertilizer, Tillage, And Dairy Manure Contributions To Nitrate And Herbicide Leaching, C. S. Stoddard, John H. Grove, Mark S. Coyne, William O. Thom

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Few studies have examined the water quality impact of manure use in no-tillage systems. A lysimeter study in continuous corn (Zea mays L.) was performed on Maury silt loam (fine, mixed, semiactive, mesic Typic Paleudalf) to evaluate the effect(s) of tillage (no-till [NT] and chisel-disk [CD]), nitrogen fertilizer rate (0 and 168 kg N ha⁻¹), and dairy manure application timing (none, spring, fall, or fall plus spring) on NO₃–N, atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine), and alachlor [2-chloro-2′-6′-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide] concentrations in leachate collected at a 90-cm depth. Herbicides were highest immediately after application, declining to less …

Mortality Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Two Soils With Different Physical And Chemical Properties, D. N. Mubiru, Mark S. Coyne, John H. Grove

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Wild and domesticated animals can harbor a pathogenic Escherichia coli strain designated as O157:H7. Potential health problems could occur if strain O157:H7 is a more robust survivor in defecated waste than commonly used indicator bacteria. A laboratory study was conducted to assess E. coli O157:H7 survival relative to a nonpathogenie E. coli strain in two soils with different physical and chemical characteristics. Bacteria in the inoculated soils were enumerated on a weekly basis for 8 wk using a most probable number (MPN) technique. First-order decay models were used to describe bacteria mortality in the soils. Decay series were described slightly …

Fecal Bacteria Survival And Infiltration Through A Shallow Agricultural Soil: Timing And Tillage Effects, C. S. Stoddard, Mark S. Coyne, John H. Grove

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Human and livestock exposure to fecal pathogens via contaminated surface or groundwater is an important water quality concern for soils receiving animal wastes. The effects of manure application timing (spring or fall application) and soil management (no-tillage or conservation tillage) on fecal bacteria infiltration through shallow karst soils in central Kentucky (the Bluegrass region) have not been evaluated. We performed a field experiment to measure fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci in leachate from dairy manure-amended no-tillage and conservation tillage soils. Manure significantly increased fecal bacteria in leachate compared with unmanured treatments. After manure application, the leachate that collected in zero-tension …

Fecal Coliform Transport Through Intact Soil Blocks Amended With Poultry Manure, S. W. Mcmurry, Mark S. Coyne, E. Perfect

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Poultry production in Kentucky increased almost 200% between 1991 and 1995. Their waste is typically land applied, and fecal pathogen runoff and infiltration may cause nonpoint source groundwater pollution. We looked at the preferential flow of fecal coliforms through undisturbed soil blocks since fecal bacteria typically infiltrate the soil profile to contaminate groundwater. Poultry manure was uniformly distributed on top of sod-covered or tilled (upper 12.5 cm) soil blocks and the blocks were irrigated. Drainage was collected in 100 uniformly spaced cells beneath each block and analyzed for fecal coliform content and drainage volume. The spatial distribution of drainage and …

A Comparative Study Of The Benthic Population In Weir Ponds Draining Watersheds Of The Fernow Experimental Forest, Parsons, West Virginia, Kevin Dwayne Brittingham

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A study of the benthos of weir ponds draining watersheds of the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF) was conducted in 1994-1995. The objectives of this study were: (1) to relate differences in weir pond faunas to watershed treatments on the FEF, and (2) to compare current weir pond faunas to those described in 1973 by Steve Harris. In 1971-1972, there were fewer invertebrates but greater taxa richness than in 1994-1995. Total density varied among weir pond and between studies with numbers in the 1971- 1972 study ranging from 26,168 to 79,259 individuals collected, while numbers in the 1994-1995 study raged from …

Effect Of Sediment Particle Size And Temperature On Fecal Bacteria Mortality Rates And The Fecal Coliform/Fecal Streptococci Ratio, J. M. Howell, Mark S. Coyne, P. L. Cornelius

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Extended survival of fecal bacteria in sediment can obscure the source and extent of fecal contamination in agricultural settings. The variability in fecal coliform/fecal streptococci (FC/FS) ratios with time and discrepancies between observable fecal sources and measured FC/FS ratios in shallow surface water from agricultural watersheds may be explained by examining FC and FS mortality rates in response to ambient temperature and sediment particle size. We measured FC and FS mortality rates at three different temperatures and in three feces-amended sediments with different particle size in a laboratory study. In controlled conditions, using physiological saline to reduce cell death by …

So You Want To Be A Soil Microbiologist?, Mark S. Coyne

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Book Gallery

A tongue-in-cheek look at soil microbiology.

Nitrous Oxide Loss From Poultry Manure-Amended Soil After Rain, Mark S. Coyne, A. Villalba, Robert L. Blevins

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Land application of poultry wastes in Kentucky will increase as the broiler industry grows. If poultry manure stimulates N₂O loss from soil it will reduce the fertilizer N value of this waste. In contrast, stimulated N₂O loss in grass filter strips receiving the runoff from manured fields could help reduce contamination of surface water by NO⁻₃. Our objectives were to determine (i) if poultry manure stimulated N₂O loss in soil after rainfall and (ii) if there was an edge-of-field effect on N₂O loss in grass filters intercepting runoff from …

Fecal Bacteria In Agricultural Waters Of The Bluegrass Region Of Kentucky, J. M. Howell, Mark S. Coyne, P. L. Cornelius

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Agricultural runoff influenced by nonpoint pollution frequently exceeds the USEPA standards for bacterial contamination of primary contact water (200 fecal coliforms/100 mL). Few studies have evaluated the effect of cattle (Bos taurus) grazing on fecal contamination of ground water in the karst topography of central Kentucky. Our objectives were to: (i) observe the extent and pattern of fecal bacteria in agricultural waters from two central Kentucky watersheds; (ii) determine if monthly sampling accurately assessed the extent and variability of fecal contamination; and (iii) assess the fecal coliform/fecal streptococci ratio (FC/FS) as an indicator of fecal bacteria source. Springs, …

Nitrous Oxide Flux From Poultry-Manured Erosion Plots And Grass Filters After Simulated Rain, Mark S. Coyne, R. A. Gilfillen, Robert L. Blevins

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Adding carbon-rich materials to fields, like manure, may enhance denitrification. Grass filters, which are used to trap surface runoff from these fields, may also provide a carbon-rich environment that favors water infiltration and denitrification. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) may be evolved these settings. It is a radiatively important trace gas and intermediate in the denitrification pathway and several other microbial processes. We measured N₂O flux, after simulated rain, using a soil cover technique in poultry-manured plots and grass filters receiving their runoff. Intact soil cores were used to relate the N₂O flux to the denitrification …

Frequency Of Mug Negative Escherichia Coli In Kentucky Groundwater Samples, Mark S. Coyne, J. C. Shuler

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

MUG negative Escherichia coli are a small fraction (2.5%) of the total E. coli in Kentucky groundwater samples. It is unlikely that they alone will cause a significant potential to underestimate fecal contamination using MUG as the primary criterion for that assessment. An unresolved question is how effectively MUG-based, defined-substrate tests address false negative water samples containing MUG positive E. coli.

Rhizoctonia Patch Of Cereals, G C. Macnish

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Rhizoctonia patch is now widespread within Western Australia, having been recorded on all cereals and on a wide variety of other crops and pasture plants. Although the disease-as its name implies - looks spectacular in the field, the overall reduction in crop yield is probably small. However, its increasing frequency is causing considerable concern as the disease appears to be associated with minimum or reduced tillage systems.

Phomopsis : The Causal Fungus Of Lupinosis, P Mcr Wood, A. G. P. Brown

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

It is now well known that lupinosis of sheep and cattle follows ingestion of lupin stubble colonised by the fungus Phomopsis rossiana. The fungus infects green lupins but persists on the stubble and under certain conditions apparently produces a toxin which causes the disease.

As Phomopsis is now widespread on lupins in Western Australia its ecology has been studied in detail as a basis for possible control measures.

This article outlines what is known so far of the disease and its control.

The Taxonomy And Ecology Of The Fleshy Fungus Flora Of The Snowbanks In The Mirror Lake Region Of The Uinta Mountains, Mary Virginia Charlton Dublin

Theses and Dissertations

The ecology and taxonomy of the snowbank fleshy fungi in the vicinity of Mirror Lake, Uinta Mountains, Utah were investigated during 1963, 1964, and 1965. A total of 59 speciaes, representing the Agaricales, Polyporales, Thelephorales, Gastromycestes, Myxomycetes, Dacrymycetales, and Ascomycetes, were found associated with the snowbanks. Four of these species (Geupiniopsis alpinus, Polyporus alboluteus, Polyporus leucospongia and Sterile myclium I) have presence percentages of 100% and three (Stereum Rugisporum, Dasyscypha arida and Herpotichia nigra) had presence percentages of 90%. The lignicolous fungi were found to be more frequent around the snowbanks than either the terrestrial or coprophilous fungi. No fleshy …

Legume Inoculants For 1967, W A. Shipton

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

PERIODIC changes are made in the strains of rhizobia released for the inoculation of various legume groups.

These changes are made when it is evident from experimental data that better strains of rhizobia are available, or that the old ones are no longer effective.

New strains of rhizobia may give improved nodulation of legume seedlings or increase dry matter yields.

Light Lands In Western Australia. 3. Microbiological Problems In The Establishment Of Legumes On Light Lands, C A. Parker

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

EXPERIENCE has shown that the establishment of leguminous pastures is essential for successful economic development of Western Australian light lands.

Subterranean clover is the preferred legume in most light land areas, with lupins holding an important place in the more northerly districts, and on the deeper sands.

The Use Of Seed Inoculum For Subterranean Clover In The Jerramungup, Gairdner River Areas, William John Toms

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

IT is unlikely that benefits will be obtained from inoculating Dwalganup or Bacchus Marsh subterranean clover seed sown in the Jerramungup or Gairdner River districts other than on the fine sands of different geological origin (Miocene) occurring in some southern areas of the Gairdner River District.

Microorganisms And Soil Structure, T. M. Mccalla

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

SUMMARY

Laboratory tests were made to determine the effectiveness of different compounds and microbial groups in increasing the stability of Peorian loess lumps against the action of falling water drops. The influence of these on percolation tests in the laboratory was also determined.

Many organic substances-dextrose, sucrose, starch, peptone, cullulose, and gum arabic-did not themselves contribute directly to soil-structure stability, though these substances do furnish energy material for soil microorganisms, which can convert them readily into either microbial tissue or decomposition products that increase soil-structure stability. Lignin, proteins, oils, fats, waxes, resin, and paraffin increased the stability of lumps of …