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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Ecosystem Function Along An Elevational Gradient In Vermont, Emily Page Piche
Ecosystem Function Along An Elevational Gradient In Vermont, Emily Page Piche
Graduate College Dissertations and Theses
Living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors drive the function of ecosystems across a variety of scales from the root-soil interface to the watershed. Biotic and abiotic global change pressures such as increasing temperature and invasive species are shifting how ecosystems function. Thus, exploring and understanding how these factors shape function across the landscape is an important research area. For example, climate change both directly and indirectly affects soil microbial functions – such as carbon mineralization and nitrogen transformations – through increasing activity under warming and altering inputs to the soil through species composition changes. Mountains provide a useful tool for …
Residual Soil Phosphorus In Tropical Oxisols: An Opportunity To Enhance Fertilizer Use Efficiency?, Lauren Bomeisl
Residual Soil Phosphorus In Tropical Oxisols: An Opportunity To Enhance Fertilizer Use Efficiency?, Lauren Bomeisl
Graduate College Dissertations and Theses
Phosphorus (P) is essential to life on Earth and often the limiting nutrient in agricultural systems. P fertilizer is thus an essential resource to maintain food security. In the last half century, agricultural intensification has led to an increase in P fertilizer consumption from 4.6 to 17.5 Tg of P/year to meet rising global food demand. Mineral P (i.e., phosphate rock) is a non-renewable resource in the context of the Anthropocene, and its price is vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Increased efficiency of P use on farms is considered the most effective strategy to conserve P. The soybean industry demands …
Ecology Of Composted Bedded Pack And Its Impact On The Udder Microbiome With An Emphasis On Mastitis Epidemiology, Tucker Andrews
Ecology Of Composted Bedded Pack And Its Impact On The Udder Microbiome With An Emphasis On Mastitis Epidemiology, Tucker Andrews
Graduate College Dissertations and Theses
Infections of the cow udder leading to mastitis and lower milk quality are a critical challenge facing northeast organic dairy farmers. Limited mastitis treatment options are available to organic producers and bedding systems impact cow health, including mastitis risk. Composted bedded pack, a system touted for increased cow comfort and well-being, allows stratified accumulation of bedding and manure in the barn. This method is gaining popularity among organic producers, yet little is known about the microbiota of the accumulated pack and its interaction with the cow mammary gland. An in-depth single farm study was conducted that surveyed bedded pack (microbiome …