Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

High Temperature In Potato: Plant Responses And Adaptive Cultivation Strategies To Increase Production, Siska Rahmayani Gultom, Jajang Sauman Hamdani, Kusumiyati

Jurnal Kultivasi

Climate change, with global temperatures rising by 1.09°C from 1850–1900 to 2011–2020, threatens potato production, a critical staple crop, by exceeding the optimal temperature range of 15–20°C. This review synthesizes over 45 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 from Google Scholar and ScienceDirect to evaluate the physiological, morphological, and tuber quality responses of potatoes to high temperatures and to identify adaptive cultivation strategies for sustainable production. High temperatures reduce photosynthetic efficiency through chlorophyll degradation and stomatal closure, increase respiration, and divert photosynthates to vegetative growth, leading to 18–32% yield losses globally by the 2050s. Heat-tolerant varieties, such as Atlantic …

Effect Of Preharvest Paclobutrazol And Nitrogen Fertilizers On The Sprouting Performance Of ‘Median’ Potato Seed G0 Tuber, Jajang Sauman Hamdani, Rahmat Budiarto, Anne Nuraini, Selika Fitrian Ramadani

Jurnal Kultivasi

Various intensifications of potato cultivation, such as the provision of paclobutrazol and nitrogen (N) fertilizer, are thought to impact the quality of the seeds produced. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different N fertilizer doses and paclobutrazol concentrations applied in the preharvest period on the sprouting performance of G0 potato tuber seeds after storage. Nine treatment combinations, each repeated three times, were tested, using 50%, 100%, and 150% of the recommended N dose and paclobutrazol concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 part per million (ppm), applied at 30 and 45 days after planting, respectively. The interaction effect between …

Crop, Soil Nutrient, And Soil Health Responses Within Integrated Crop And Livestock Systems, Alyssa K. Hall

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

We evaluated the influences of grazing livestock on crop production, soil nutrients, and soil health indicators of integrated crop livestock systems using three experiments during a seven-yr. period. Objectives were to (1) determine livestock grazing and cropping system effects on crop yield and soil properties across six yr. in corn-soybean (C-S) and wheat-corn-soybean (W-C-S) systems with and without periodic composted manure application, (2) explore seasonal variation in soil nutrient patterns over two yr., and (3) measure residual responses for corn grain yield plus soil health indicators in yr. seven following a six-yr. study. In experiment 1, neither livestock grazing ( …

Assessing Grafted Triploid Watermelon And Yellow Nutsedge Growth In Saline Agroecosystems, Joseph F. Bazzle

All Theses

In an effort to better understand how saltwater intrusion events will impact watermelon growers a field trial was conducted to study how saline irrigation water will impact weed growth and seedless watermelon productivity at a joint Clemson University and USDA ARS facility. Weed management has always been a hurdle in vegetable crop production systems, requiring extensive labor even in a conventional setup. For organic growers, often the only economical approach is a combination of mechanical weed control techniques, including plastic mulches, tarps, and hand weeding. For watermelon growers, plastic mulch remains the most effective form of organic weed control available. …

Plant Nutrient Interactions In High-Yielding Soybean Environments, Victoria Inklman

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

Plant nutrient demands and limitations are usually studied individually by nutrient. Here, we investigated how nitrogen (N) limitation in high-yielding soybean environments affects the uptake, removal, and residual of other plant macro- and micronutrients. The objective of this study was to quantify the uptake, removal, and residual levels of soybean macro- and micronutrients under N-limited conditions and to identify nutrient priorities for high-yielding soybean systems. Aboveground plant samples at physiological maturity were collected in 19 high-yielding soybean fields with N limitation across the state of Nebraska. Reference plots with ample N supply were included within each field to compare macro- …

Hemp Cultivation Under Off-Season High Tunnel Growth Chamber Environments In South Louisiana, Gabriel Lococo

LSU Master's Theses

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) production in Louisiana began in 2020 with 932 acres cultivated for fiber and cannabidiol (CBD) extraction. By 2024, production had declined to just 58.4 acres (Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, personal communication). During the 2020–2021 season, over 40% of field-grown hemp was lost due to tropical storms, insect pressure, and diseases associated with warm, wet conditions. To mitigate these challenges, hemp was planted and harvested between November and January, a cooler period with reduced environmental stress.

‘Sour Citron’, a day-neutral cultivar, was selected for its insensitivity to photoperiod, enabling flowering during shorter days. …

Soil Health In Nebraska: Exploring Practitioners' Needs And Insights From A Long-Term Organic Farm, Ingrids Isabel Mata Vigil

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

Soil health is foundational to sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience, and long-term food security. Yet, the adoption of soil health assessments remains limited, often perceived as too technical, costly, or difficult to implement in real-world contexts. To better understand these challenges, the first chapter presents findings from a statewide survey of 41 soil health practitioners in Nebraska, including farmers, extension educators, NRCS staff, and conservation professionals. Respondents highlighted the need for simpler, more accessible, and context-specific tools for soil health assessment that help practitioners make informed decisions aligned with their management goals. Complementing these insights, the second chapter includes an independent, …

Evaluating Biodegradable Mulch As A Soil Conservation Tool And The Impact On Soil Properties And Yield In Soybean (Glycine Max) Cropping Systems In Eastern Nebraska, Ana Clara Gomes

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

This study, conducted during the 2024 growing season, evaluated short-term effects of soil management practices on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil microclimate, nitrogen dynamics, weed suppression, and soybean (Glycine max) yield. In addition to conventional tillage and no-till, this research included cereal rye (Secale cereale) cover cropping and a novel sprayable biodegradable mulch (BioWRAP®) to assess emerging strategies for sustainable soybean systems under contrasting moisture regimes.

Field trials were established at two eastern Nebraska locations: Havelock (dryland, silty clay loam) and ENREEC (irrigated, clay loam). A strip-block randomized design with four replications tested six soil management …

Effects Of Water Deficit Stress And Mycorrhiza, Azotobacter Chroococcum, And Azospirillum Lipoferum Biofertilizers On Yield And Morphological Traits Of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Cultivars, Mehdi Rashnou, Farshid Aref, Bahram Amiri, Masoud Rafiee, Mahdi Zare

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Crop production in various parts of Iran faces significant constraints due to insufficient water availability, which is a major challenge to agricultural productivity. To study the effects of water deficit stress on shoot and root growth characteristics and seed yield of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, an experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications. The main factor was irrigation treatments (full irrigation during the growing season [S1], water withholding after flowering [S2], and water withholding after grain filling at the milk stage [S3]). The secondary factors were wheat cultivars …

Arkansas Corn And Grain Sorghum Research Studies 2024, Jason Kelley, Travis Faske

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The 2024 edition of the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Research Studies Series includes research results on topics pertaining to corn and grain sorghum production, including weed, disease, nematode, and insect management; economics; irrigation; agronomics; soil fertility; drone use; and research verification program results.

Our objective is to capture and broadly distribute the results of research projects funded by the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board. The intended audience includes producers and their advisors, current investigators, and future researchers. The Series serves as a citable archive of research results.

The reports inform and guide our long-term recommendations, but should not …

Climate Resilience For Organic Vegetable Growers In The Midwest: Views, Needs, And Priorities Of Technical Service Providers, Natalie Hoidal, Greta Gramig, James Dedecker, Nicholas Frillman, Katie Black, Sarah Hayward, Rue Genger

Journal of Extension

As organic vegetable production becomes increasingly important in Upper Midwest food systems, Extension programs and partners must rise to the challenge of supporting growers with climate resilience. These growers are uniquely vulnerable to climate impacts, and addressing this challenge requires a networked approach. We report on a needs assessment and social network analysis process with technical service providers across the region to define the challenges, needs, and opportunities for building individual and institutional capacity to address climate change with growers. Results highlighted several focus areas, including improved communication, better access to funding, sound information, and cultural appropriateness.

Improving Nitrogen Management And Corn Productivity Through Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer And Cover Crop Integration In Nebraska Cropping Systems, Madhusudhan Adhikari

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

Effective nitrogen (N) management is vital for sustaining corn yield and reducing environmental impacts in Nebraska cropping systems. Three field studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of 1) fertilizer type (anhydrous ammonia [AA] with nitrification inhibitor: enhanced efficiency fertilizer [EEF] or AA without EEF) and N application timing (pre-plant vs. split with side-dress UAN) on in-season soil N availability, crop response, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, residual soil N and N use efficiencies (NUEs); 2) winter cover crop (CC) species and crop rotation variability on CC biomass production, N uptake, soil N dynamics, and cash crop performance in …

Extending Cover Crop Growing Window To Improve The Health Of Environmentally Sensitive Soils, Noshin Ara Tunazzina

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

Sloping and sandy soils are highly susceptible to degradation. The health of these soils could be improved with cover crops (CCs). However, CC effectiveness in improving soil health mainly depends on CC biomass production, which is often low in temperate regions. The question is: how can we increase CC biomass production? Lengthening the CC growing window can be a potential strategy. This study assessed how 1) interseeded and terminated early (2-3 weeks before crop planting) CC, 2) interseeded and terminated late (at crop planting) CC, 3) drilled (after harvest) and terminated early CC, 4) drilled and terminated late CC, and …

Effects Of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms On Microbial Community Dynamics And Plant Growth Responses Of Aeroponically Cultivated Spinach, Veronica Snow

All NMU Master's Theses

Regional food insecurity caused by the inability to use conventional farming techniques year-round in cold climates increases the need for access to quality, locally sourced, and affordable foods year-round. Shifting from a soil-based system to aeroponics can increase yields, as aeroponic systems are not weather-reliant and can operate year-round. Aeroponics, a subgroup of hydroponics, induces growth by misting nutrient-rich solutions onto the plant roots. These systems use space and water more efficiently and rely less on fertilizers and pesticides but are vulnerable to errors in nutrient application, power loss, and rapid pathogen spread. Adding Vermicompost (VCT) and plant growth-promoting microorganisms …

Evaluation Of The Global Durum Panel (Triticum Turgidum Ssp. Durum) For Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Resistance, Winter Survival, And Seed Characteristics, Megan Engel

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

The majority of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum; AABB; 2n=4x=28) is predominantly grown in the northern Great Plains of the United States, and is used in the production of semolina, a coarse flour that makes pasta and couscous. Durum has been widely regarded for being more tolerant to abiotic stress, due to its ability to withstand drought and high temperatures. In this thesis, we conducted greenhouse, field, and lab studies, for the traits wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), winter survival, and single kernel characteristics of the Global Durum Panel version 2 (GDPv2 n = 976), a panel …

Arkansas Cotton Variety Tests 2024, F. Bourland, J. Gann, B. Lovelady, B. Guest Jr., J. Mcalee, L. Martin, Z. Treadway, C. Henderson

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The primary goal of the Arkansas Cotton Variety Tests is to provide unbiased data regarding the agronomic performance of cotton varieties and advanced breeding lines in the major cotton-growing areas of Arkansas. This information helps seed companies establish marketing strategies and assists producers in choosing varieties to plant. These annual evaluations will then facilitate the inclusion of new, improved genetic material in Arkansas cotton production. Adaptation of varieties is determined by evaluating the lines at five University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture research sites (Manila, Keiser, Judd Hill, Marianna, and Rohwer). The 2024 tests at Keiser were adversely affected …

Genetic And Soil Influences On The Grapevine Rhizosphere Microbiome, Lauren M. Quackenbush

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

In vineyard cropping systems, the rhizosphere microbiome arises through recruitment and filtering of the bulk soil microbiome shaped over time by soil carbon and nitrogen, climate, pH and historical legacies of vineyard management. The recruitment and filtering steps occur under the genetic influences of rootstock and scion that together drive variability in rhizosphere microbiome diversity and composition.

This study compares rhizosphere microbiomes of four Pinot Noir blocks under two rootstocks (101-14 and 420A) and four scions (777, 828, Calera, Mt. Eden). Core microbiomes were consistent across all replicates. The most abundant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteriota …

Addressing Agricultural Mulch Challenges In Specialty Crop Production, Caleb David Wehrbein

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Agricultural mulches are an essential yield-boosting tool in modern specialty crop production that provide weed suppression, temperature modulation, and moisture conservation functions. Polyethylene plastic mulches are the most widely used agricultural mulch but are not sustainable given their pollutive effect on the environment and challenges associated with recycling. In order to move towards a more sustainable industry, plastic mulch use in agriculture should become more efficient or replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives. Biodegradable mulches may be a suitable alternative to plastic mulch, but they are often less durable and prematurely degrade in field conditions. Considering this, my dissertation research …

Arkansas Soybean Performance Tests 2024, J. F. Carlin, R. D. Bond, T. C. Swanson, J. C. Mccoy

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Soybean variety and strain performance tests are conducted each year in Arkansas by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Crop Variety Improvement Program. The tests provide information to companies developing varieties and/ or marketing seed within the state and aid the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in formulating variety recommendations for soybean producers.

Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2024, Nathan A. Slaton

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Rapid technological changes in crop management and production require that the research efforts be presented in an expeditious manner. The contributions of soil fertility and fertilizers are major production factors in all Arkansas crops. The studies described within will allow producers to compare their practices with the university’s research efforts. Additionally, soil-test data and fertilizer sales are presented to allow comparisons among years, crops, and other areas within Arkansas.

Arkansas Soybean Research Studies 2023, Jeremy Ross

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The 2023 Arkansas Soybean Research Studies includes research reports on topics pertaining to soybean across several disciplines from breeding to post-harvest processing. Research reports contained in this publication may represent preliminary or only data from a single year or limited results; therefore, these results should not be used as a basis for long-term recommendations.

Several research reports in this publication will appear in other University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station publications. This duplication is the result of the overlap in research coverage between disciplines and our effort to inform Arkansas soybean producers of the research …

Arkansas Corn And Grain Sorghum Performance Tests 2024, J. F. Carlin, R. D. Bond, J. C. Mccoy, T. C. Swanson

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Corn and grain sorghum performance tests are conducted each year in Arkansas by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The tests provide information to companies marketing seed within the state and aid the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in formulating recommendations for producers.

The 2024 corn performance tests contained 44 hybrids and were conducted at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC) at Harrisburg, the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station (LMCRS) near Marianna, the Rohwer Research Station (RRS) near Rohwer, and the Rice Research and Extension Center (RREC) near Stuttgart. The 2024 grain sorghum performance tests contained 16 …

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 26 2025, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Featured Faculty Mentor/Student Team, Kelly Loftin, Eva Berryhill

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Round-Up On The Environment, Sandra J. Marcu

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Many people around the world have used and still currently use Roundup but are unaware of the effects it has on the environment. Roundup is a spray on application weedkiller that is widely used around the world today both residentially and commercially. It enables its user to grow a garden or a field of crops with a no-tilling approach to eliminate weeds. It is a well-known and popular choice for killing weeds that has been around since the mid 1970’s (Oca, 2017). John Franz, a Monsanto scientist discovered that glyphosate (main ingredient in Roundup) was an herbicide or weedkiller, and …

Terrarium- An Ecosystem In A Jar, Stacy A. Adams

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

STEM education is supported through hand's-on activities in the classroom. Content understanding and reaffirmation of knowledge is supported through this informative STEM-Quick card that teachers or extension educators can distribute to participants for reference. Terrariums provide an example of a closed ecosystem where water and carbon cycling is demonstrated and plant growth can be observed. This card presents the steps to building and caring for an easy to create terrarium.

Letter From The Dean, Jeff Edwards

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Improving Reduced Tillage Vegetable Systems For The Northern Great Plains: How Does Early Season Soil Tarping (Solarization And Occultation) Reduce Weeds, Affect Soil Health, And Protect Yield?, Hannah Voye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soil tarping (solarization and occultation) is a no-till weed management practice gaining popularity in the United States for small scale vegetable growers. While many studies have been conducted using variations of this tool in the Northeast United States, minimal research has been done in the windier, sunnier, Midwest climate. Our research explored the effectiveness of early spring solarization and occultation to manage weeds and produce viable onion yield in Eastern South Dakota. Occultation tarps placed in early spring included double sided black and white silage tarps with tarps placed black side up or white side up, each placed 6-, 4-, …