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- School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications (55)
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Articles 1 - 30 of 113
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Pronghorn Survival And Resource Selection In Western Nebraska's Agriculturally Dominated Landscape, Katie Piecora
Pronghorn Survival And Resource Selection In Western Nebraska's Agriculturally Dominated Landscape, Katie Piecora
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Nebraska’s pronghorn population has been stable over the last decade, yet their presence on the landscape remains a contentious subject amongst private landowners. Conversion of grassland for crop production and increased anthropogenic activity has drastically altered pronghorn behavior throughout their current range, however basic ecology and resource use by pronghorn in Nebraska remains poorly understood. Establishing baseline population metrics and seasonal patterns of resource use for this population at the eastern periphery of the species range is critical to guide management actions. We deployed GPS collars on 110 adult pronghorn to quantify survival, mortality risk, and seasonal resource selection in …
Bat Use Of Afforested And Encroached Patches And Their Role In Extending Bat Habitat Into The Nebraska Sandhills, Jacob L. Wagner
Bat Use Of Afforested And Encroached Patches And Their Role In Extending Bat Habitat Into The Nebraska Sandhills, Jacob L. Wagner
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
The Nebraska Sandhills are currently undergoing a state shift to a redcedar dominated woodland due to anthropologic planting of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and woody encroachment from the periphery of the Sandhills. To better understand this novel ecosystem and how bats are utilizing it I collected data at Barta Brothers Ranch with acoustic sensor grids consisting of 24,100 m-spaced acoustic sensors placed adjacent to planted windbreaks. Supplemental data from the Nebraska North American Bat Monitoring Program was used for data analysis at larger spatial scales. I used linear regressions and kriging interpolation maps to see how bats used windbreaks during …
Application Of Screening In Rangeland Monitoring: Quantifying Early-Warning Signals Of State Transitions In Nebraska, Daniel S. Bauloye
Application Of Screening In Rangeland Monitoring: Quantifying Early-Warning Signals Of State Transitions In Nebraska, Daniel S. Bauloye
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Woody encroachment, desertification, and exotic annual grass invasion are regime shifts (i.e., state-transitions) with detrimental effects on ecosystem health and services in grasslands of the North American Great Plains. Traditional approaches to rangeland monitoring are capable of detecting regime shifts after they have already occurred (i.e., diagnosing them); however, proactive management requires earlier warning. Regime shift screening is a new approach to rangeland monitoring capable of providing earlier warning of regime shifts. Regime shift screening proposes assessing the presence, persistence, and non-stationarity of regime shift signals; however, no studies have systematically evaluated these characteristics in real-world landscapes. In this thesis, …
Survival And Growth Assessment After Reintroduction Of The Pocketbook Mussel, Lampsilis Cardium Rafinesque, 1820 Among Three Streams In Nebraska (Usa), F. Montesanto, L. M. Ohlman, Mark A. Pegg
Survival And Growth Assessment After Reintroduction Of The Pocketbook Mussel, Lampsilis Cardium Rafinesque, 1820 Among Three Streams In Nebraska (Usa), F. Montesanto, L. M. Ohlman, Mark A. Pegg
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
2023 Interior Least Tern And Piping Plover Annual Report For The Lower Platte River, Nebraska, E. F. Forsberg, Mark P. Vrtiska, J. G. Jorgensen
2023 Interior Least Tern And Piping Plover Annual Report For The Lower Platte River, Nebraska, E. F. Forsberg, Mark P. Vrtiska, J. G. Jorgensen
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Cover Crop Performance Under A Changing Climate In Continuous Corn System Over Nebraska, G. Birru, A. Shiferaw, Tsegaye Tadesse, Brian D. Wardlow, V. L. Jin, M. Schmer, Tala Awada, T. Kharel, J. Iqbal
Cover Crop Performance Under A Changing Climate In Continuous Corn System Over Nebraska, G. Birru, A. Shiferaw, Tsegaye Tadesse, Brian D. Wardlow, V. L. Jin, M. Schmer, Tala Awada, T. Kharel, J. Iqbal
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Human And Hydrologic Influences On Nebraska's Endangered Rainwater Basin Wetlands, Sarah Thompson
Human And Hydrologic Influences On Nebraska's Endangered Rainwater Basin Wetlands, Sarah Thompson
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Over half of wetlands in North America have been lost or degraded. Rainwater Basin (RWB) wetlands, located in south-central Nebraska, are a primary example of such loss; an estimated 90% have been destroyed by land conversion for agriculture. Remaining RWB wetlands are often embedded in row-crop fields, where they are threatened by altered surface water runoff flow, drainage features, and excess sediment inputs. Efforts at the state and federal level have been made to preserve this wetland complex due to the critical stopover habitat these wetlands provide for migratory birds. Land managers work to maintain sufficient water levels during migratory …
Using Sentinel-2 Imagery And Machine Learning Algorithms To Assess The Inundation Status Of Nebraska Conservation Easements During 2018–2021, Ligang Zhang, University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Zhenghong Tang
Using Sentinel-2 Imagery And Machine Learning Algorithms To Assess The Inundation Status Of Nebraska Conservation Easements During 2018–2021, Ligang Zhang, University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Zhenghong Tang
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
Conservation easements (CEs) play an important role in the provision of ecological services. This paper aims to use the open-access Sentinel-2 satellites to advance existing conservation management capacity to a new level of near-real-time monitoring and assessment for the conservation easements in Nebraska. This research uses machine learning and Google Earth Engine to classify inundation status using Sentinel-2 imagery during 2018–2021 for all CE sites in Nebraska, USA. The proposed machine learning approach helps monitor the CE sites at the landscape scale in an efficient and low-cost manner. The results confirmed effective inundation performance in these floodplain or wetland-related CE …
Analysis Of Soil Change Across Nebraska, Trinity Baker
Analysis Of Soil Change Across Nebraska, Trinity Baker
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
The world’s population is growing and an increasing populace requires more resources. These requirements place increasing pressure on the environment and the soil. Soils serve many important functions throughout the world. These functions range from offering a media for food production, providing a sink for organic carbon, nutrient cycling, and improving water quality. It is important to focus on the human impact on soils and their change over time.
For my research I examined how soils across Nebraska have changed over a time period of roughly 65 years. I sampled and analyzed 39 pedons from four Major Land Resource Areas …
The Possibility Of A Land Bridge Across Nebraska In Mississippian Time, E. C. Reed
The Possibility Of A Land Bridge Across Nebraska In Mississippian Time, E. C. Reed
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Multi-Criteria Evaluation Model For Classifying Marginal Cropland In Nebraska Using Historical Crop Yield And Biophysical Characteristics, Andrew Laws
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Marginal cropland is suboptimal due to historically low and variable productivity and limiting biophysical characteristics. To support future agricultural management and policy decisions in Nebraska, U.S.A, it is important to understand where cropland is marginal for its two most economically important crops: corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max). As corn and soybean are frequently planted in a crop rotation, it is important to consider if there is a relationship with cropland marginality. Based on the current literature, there exists a need for a flexible yet robust methodology for identifying marginal land at different scales, which …
Longitudinal Assessment Of An Integrated Approach To Large-Scale Common-Pool Water Resource Management: A Case Study Of Nebraska’S Platte River Basin, M. Burbach, W. Eaton, B. Quimby, C. Babbitt, J. L. Delozier
Longitudinal Assessment Of An Integrated Approach To Large-Scale Common-Pool Water Resource Management: A Case Study Of Nebraska’S Platte River Basin, M. Burbach, W. Eaton, B. Quimby, C. Babbitt, J. L. Delozier
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Farmer Perspectives On Collaboration: Evidence From Agricultural Landscapes In Arizona, Nebraska, And Pennsylvania, W. M. Eaton, K. J. Brasier, H. Whitley, B. C. Julia, C. C. Hinrichs, B. Quimby, M. Burbach
Farmer Perspectives On Collaboration: Evidence From Agricultural Landscapes In Arizona, Nebraska, And Pennsylvania, W. M. Eaton, K. J. Brasier, H. Whitley, B. C. Julia, C. C. Hinrichs, B. Quimby, M. Burbach
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Polycentric Governance In Nebraska, U.S., For Ground And Surface Water, T. Jedd, A. Schutz, M. Burbach
Polycentric Governance In Nebraska, U.S., For Ground And Surface Water, T. Jedd, A. Schutz, M. Burbach
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Evaluation Of Long-Term Degree-Days Estimated With Several Methods For Corn In Nebraska, Usa, S. Dai, M. Shulski, H. Yang, R. Elmore
Evaluation Of Long-Term Degree-Days Estimated With Several Methods For Corn In Nebraska, Usa, S. Dai, M. Shulski, H. Yang, R. Elmore
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
The Human Health Implications Of Antibiotic Resistance In Environmental Isolates From Two Nebraska Watersheds, L. Donner, Z. Staley, J. Petali, J. Sangster, X. Li, W. Mathews, Daniel D. Snow
The Human Health Implications Of Antibiotic Resistance In Environmental Isolates From Two Nebraska Watersheds, L. Donner, Z. Staley, J. Petali, J. Sangster, X. Li, W. Mathews, Daniel D. Snow
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Polycentric Governance In Nebraska, U.S., For Ground And Surface Water, Theresa Jedd, Anthony B. Schutz, Mark Burbach
Polycentric Governance In Nebraska, U.S., For Ground And Surface Water, Theresa Jedd, Anthony B. Schutz, Mark Burbach
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
This chapter describes the locally driven, but centrally coordinated, water governance model in Nebraska, U.S. It offers a snapshot of water resources and the importance of agriculture, then moves to the relevant political institutions in the state, and federal controls related to water quantity. The focus of the chapter is on the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources’ (NeDNR) and Natural Resources Districts’ (NRDs) management of surface and groundwater, which has some distinct and some overlapping authority. The main area of overlap is in addressing the connection between ground and surface water, particularly in situations when either or both are over …
Feasibility Discussion Of Potential Carbon Offsetting Options For Nebraska, Andrew Mwape
Feasibility Discussion Of Potential Carbon Offsetting Options For Nebraska, Andrew Mwape
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
Conclusion
Highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of carbon offsetting options in the context of the state of Nebraska, this discussion shows that the choice and decisions about which option is better than the other depends on the interests at play and expected outcomes of the participation in carbon markets. However, irrespective of the motive to engage in emission reduction projects for carbon marketing, factors such as cost, and project efficiency can never be overlooked. Given the options discussed in this report, Nebraska has a lot of potential for carbon offsetting or emission reduction projects that would not only reduce and …
Whooping Crane (Grus Americana) Family Consumes A Diversity Of Aquatic Vertebrates During Fall Migration Stopover At The Platte River, Nebraska, Andrew J. Caven, Keith D. Koupal, David M. Baasch, Emma M. Brinley Buckley, Jenna M. Malzahn, Michael David Forsberg, Mariah Lundgren
Whooping Crane (Grus Americana) Family Consumes A Diversity Of Aquatic Vertebrates During Fall Migration Stopover At The Platte River, Nebraska, Andrew J. Caven, Keith D. Koupal, David M. Baasch, Emma M. Brinley Buckley, Jenna M. Malzahn, Michael David Forsberg, Mariah Lundgren
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
The Aransas-Wood Buffalo population of Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) migrates approximately 4000 km through the central Great Plains biannually, between their breeding and wintering grounds. Whooping Cranes depend on stopover sites to provide secure resting locations and the caloric resources necessary to complete their migration, such as the USFWS-designated critical habitat area in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) of Nebraska. This area includes braided river habitat characterized by low-elevation and submerged sandbars, which provide important roosting and foraging opportunities for migrating Whooping Cranes. We used long-range photography, videography, and behavioral scan sampling to document forage items consumed by Whooping …
Impact Of Bank Stabilization Structures On Upstream And Downstream Bank Mobilization At Cedar River, Nebraska, M. Russell, A. Mittelstet, R. M. Joeckel, J. Korus, C. Castro Bolinaga
Impact Of Bank Stabilization Structures On Upstream And Downstream Bank Mobilization At Cedar River, Nebraska, M. Russell, A. Mittelstet, R. M. Joeckel, J. Korus, C. Castro Bolinaga
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Spatial Ecology And Resource Selection Of Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis) Ewes In A Prairie Badlands Population, Erin Wood
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
The basic spatial ecology and habitat relationships of female bighorn sheep in Nebraska are poorly understood. Establishing seasonal patterns of space use and resource selection for this population at the margin of their historical and current range addresses a key knowledge gap and provides important baseline information for ongoing conservation efforts in Nebraska. We deployed GPS radio-collars on 56 adult ewes in western Nebraska to quantify seasonal space use, movements, and resource selection of ewes. To investigate spatial ecology, we quantified movements of ewes and the factors that influence home range size, seasonal use, and spatial stability across seasons. Home …
Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Bat Activity In A Southeast Nebraska Agricultural Landscape, Christopher Fill
Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Bat Activity In A Southeast Nebraska Agricultural Landscape, Christopher Fill
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Intensive agriculture is associated with biodiversity loss and species decline. Yet wild species, such as bats, may provide critical ecosystem services to agriculture, even in transformed landscapes. In the United States, bats have been estimated to save the agricultural industry billions of dollars per year. However, white-nose syndrome and habitat loss have led to the decline of many bat species in North America, including the federally threatened northern long-eared bat, Myotis septentrionalis.
To better evaluate the effectiveness of these pest-controlling services, and to increase understanding of bat foraging behavior in these extreme landscapes, I deployed 11 grids of 24 detectors, …
Impacts Of Human Recreation On Nutrient Availability And Periphyton Abundance On The Niobrara River, Matthew Chen, Jessica Corman, Sydney Kimnach, Kayla Vondracek
Impacts Of Human Recreation On Nutrient Availability And Periphyton Abundance On The Niobrara River, Matthew Chen, Jessica Corman, Sydney Kimnach, Kayla Vondracek
UCARE Research Products
In freshwater ecosystems, eutrophication can create many problems. Excess nutrients, like nitrogen or phosphorus, promote algal or cyanobacterial growth. This growth also leads to increased organic matter production and decomposition, a process that can reduce oxygen concentration in the water. When this happens, species diversity declines, transparency of the water declines, and anoxia may lead to fish kills . Of particular concern is the possibility of cyanobacteria blooms that create compounds toxic for humans. Many of the waters across Nebraska receive excessive nutrients from human activities, largely related to agriculture (Dickey 1982). However, there is one river, the Niobrara River, …
Risk And Cost Assessment Of Nitrate Contamination In Domestic Wells, Pongpun Juntakut, Erin M.K. Haacker, Daniel D. Snow, Chittaranjan Ray
Risk And Cost Assessment Of Nitrate Contamination In Domestic Wells, Pongpun Juntakut, Erin M.K. Haacker, Daniel D. Snow, Chittaranjan Ray
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications
This study combines empirical predictive and economics models to estimate the cost of remediation for domestic wells exceeding suggested treatment thresholds for nitrates. A multiple logistic regression model predicted the probability of well contamination by nitrate, and a life cycle costing methodology was used to estimate costs of nitrate contamination in groundwater in two areas of Nebraska. In south-central Nebraska, 37% of wells were estimated to be at risk of exceeding a threshold of 7.5 mg/L as N, and 17% were at risk of exceeding 10 mg/L as N, the legal limit for human consumption in the United States. In …
Transient Streambed Hydraulic Conductivity In Channel And Bar Environments, Loup River, Nebraska, J. Korus, W.P. Fraundorfer, T. Gilmore, K. Karnik
Transient Streambed Hydraulic Conductivity In Channel And Bar Environments, Loup River, Nebraska, J. Korus, W.P. Fraundorfer, T. Gilmore, K. Karnik
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Effects Of Liberalizing Harvest Regulations On Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis) Demography In Nebraska, T. Lyons, L. Powell, M. Vrtiska
Effects Of Liberalizing Harvest Regulations On Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis) Demography In Nebraska, T. Lyons, L. Powell, M. Vrtiska
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Nc3 Nebraska Climate Summary, M. Shulski
Nc3 Nebraska Climate Summary, M. Shulski
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Geographic Distribution Of Chronic Wasting Disease Resistant Alleles In Nebraska, With Comments On The Evolution Of Resistance, H. Vazquez-Miranda, R. M. Zink
Geographic Distribution Of Chronic Wasting Disease Resistant Alleles In Nebraska, With Comments On The Evolution Of Resistance, H. Vazquez-Miranda, R. M. Zink
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Reservoir Characterization And Static Earth Model For Potential Co2 Storage In Upper Pennsylvanian Cyclothems, Nebraska, Usa, V.L. Smith, R.M. Joeckel
Reservoir Characterization And Static Earth Model For Potential Co2 Storage In Upper Pennsylvanian Cyclothems, Nebraska, Usa, V.L. Smith, R.M. Joeckel
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Prairie Grouse Population Trends And Their Historical Drivers In The Nebraska Sandhills, Danielle Berger
Prairie Grouse Population Trends And Their Historical Drivers In The Nebraska Sandhills, Danielle Berger
School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) has monitored greater prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) and plains sharp-tailed grouse populations (Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesi), collectively known as prairie grouse, since the 1950s using spring breeding ground counts. My research modeled long-term, species-specific spatial and temporal trends of prairie grouse abundance and potential environmental drivers in the Sandhills of Nebraska using NGPC’s historical monitoring data. Prairie-chicken populations have increased since the 1950s while sharp-tailed grouse populations have remained stable or slightly declined. These population trends arise in the context of a dynamic landscape. I created indices representing raptor predation …