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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Microdialysis: A Method For Quantifying In Situ Nitrogen Fluxes In Soil Microsites, Srusti Maddala, Mary C. Savin, Julie A. Stenken, Lisa S. Wood Jan 2020

Microdialysis: A Method For Quantifying In Situ Nitrogen Fluxes In Soil Microsites, Srusti Maddala, Mary C. Savin, Julie A. Stenken, Lisa S. Wood

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

Microdialysis, a diffusion-based sampling technique commonly used in biomedical research, has recently been recognized as a candidate for monitoring chemical changes in the rhizosphere. The information it provides about nutrient diffusion may improve nitrogen use efficiency, leading to enhanced management and success of restoration projects. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of microdialysis sampling to quantify the relative recoveries (RR%) of nitrate-N and ammonium-N, the two inorganic nitrogen compounds typically found in soil. The effects of microdialysis flow rate, sample medium concentration, and the presence of both analytes in solution on the relative recoveries obtained from …


Corn Response To Wastewater-Recycled Phosphorus Fertilizers, Shane R. Ylagan, Kristofor R. Brye Jan 2020

Corn Response To Wastewater-Recycled Phosphorus Fertilizers, Shane R. Ylagan, Kristofor R. Brye

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

The ability to recycle phosphorus (P) from wastewaters could provide a sustainable, continuous source of P that might also help protect surface water quality from P enrichment. The mineral struvite (MgNH4PO4 · 6H2O) is an understudied material that can be created from P- and nitrogen (N)-containing wastewater and has been shown to have agricultural fertilizer value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of electrochemically precipitated struvite (ECST), chemically precipitated struvite (Crystal Green; CG), diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), rock phosphate (RP), and triple superphosphate (TSP) on corn (Zea mays) response in a greenhouse pot study. …


Soil Organic Carbon And Mineralization Rates At The Woolsey Wet Prairie Mitigation Site In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Zachary Tipton, Lisa S. Wood, Mary Savin, Benjamin R. Runkle Jan 2018

Soil Organic Carbon And Mineralization Rates At The Woolsey Wet Prairie Mitigation Site In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Zachary Tipton, Lisa S. Wood, Mary Savin, Benjamin R. Runkle

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

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are rapidly increasing, surpassing 400 ppm in 2013 from a pre-industrial revolution level of around 280 ppm. Researchers have been looking at methods to reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere, including promoting carbon sequestration in soils. Carbon sequestration is the process where CO2 is naturally or artificially transferred out of the atmosphere and stored in the ocean, plant biomass, soils, and geologic formations. Seemingly contradictory to the notion of carbon sequestration is the use of fire as a management treatment for the restoration of native prairie grass ecosystems. Fire combusts plant …


Eco-Cosplay: Upcycling As A Sustainable Method Of Costume Construction, Sarah West, Kathleen Smith Jan 2017

Eco-Cosplay: Upcycling As A Sustainable Method Of Costume Construction, Sarah West, Kathleen Smith

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

This research addresses sustainability in the apparel industry from the specific perspective of repurposing materials for use in costume development. Repurposing discarded materials, also referred to as upcycling, is examined as a viable approach to waste management and evaluated for its impact on sustainability in apparel and textile production, especially in relation to costume development. Current issues in sustainability in the apparel industry that are a focus for this research include waste from production as well as post-consumer waste. The project includes the design and construction of two costume pieces based on a style of costume known as cosplay. Cosplay …


A Step In The Right Direction: Streambank Restoration Efforts At The Botanical Garden Of The Ozarks, Dylan S. Milholen, Madison Brown, Steven Thao, Lisa S. Wood Jan 2016

A Step In The Right Direction: Streambank Restoration Efforts At The Botanical Garden Of The Ozarks, Dylan S. Milholen, Madison Brown, Steven Thao, Lisa S. Wood

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

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (BGO) is a unique destination in Northwest Arkansas that draws more than 80,000 visitors a year. While the BGO manages low-input practices, run-off from pesticide application and synthetic fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen are of concern to water quality, habitat, and overall ecological interactions of the BGO streambanks and adjacent Hilton Creek, which flows directly into Lake Fayetteville. One way to reduce pollution to waterbodies is through the use of riparian buffers. This project sought to establish a riparian buffer immediately adjacent to a portion of Hilton Creek in an effort to improve ecological …


The Effect Of Turning Frequency On In-Vessel Compost Processing And Quality, Paige E. Boyle, Mary C. Savin, Lisa S. Wood Jan 2015

The Effect Of Turning Frequency On In-Vessel Compost Processing And Quality, Paige E. Boyle, Mary C. Savin, Lisa S. Wood

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

Composting can contribute to the zero waste initiative on the University of Arkansas (UA) campus. In-vessel systems like Earth Tubs™ are purported to provide better control of temperature and moisture during the composting process. Turning materials helps facilitate microbial activity and thermophilic composting. The goal of this research was to determine if turning frequency affects processing or final quality of compost made with pre- and post-consumer food waste feedstock and a wood chip bulking agent. Turning frequencies (treatment) of 3 days/week and 7 days/ week were evaluated simultaneously throughout three sequential runs. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and moisture content …


Impact Of Environmentally Friendly Packaging On Consumers’ Attitudes And Patronage Intentions Toward Apparel Retail Brands, Madalyn M. Smith, Eunjoo Cho Jan 2015

Impact Of Environmentally Friendly Packaging On Consumers’ Attitudes And Patronage Intentions Toward Apparel Retail Brands, Madalyn M. Smith, Eunjoo Cho

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

Consumer interest in social responsibility (SR) has greatly increased in recent years. Providing environmentally friendly packaging (recycled and reusable bags) is one example of how apparel retail brands can engage in SR. The objective of this research was to explore the impact of using environmentally friendly packaging on consumers’ attitudes and patronage intentions toward apparel retail brands. To conduct this research, undergraduate and graduate students from a major mid-Southern university completed an online survey testing consumers’ perceptions, environmental consciousness, attitudes, and patronage intentions. Results from this study revealed that young consumers’ perceptions of environmentally friendly packaging has a positive impact …


Earthworm Populations In A Wheat-Soybean Double-Crop System Under Seven Years Of Established Residue Management Practices, Jill Thomason, Mary Savin, Kristopher Brye, Donn T. Johnson Jan 2015

Earthworm Populations In A Wheat-Soybean Double-Crop System Under Seven Years Of Established Residue Management Practices, Jill Thomason, Mary Savin, Kristopher Brye, Donn T. Johnson

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

Earthworms improve soil structure, distribute litter and microbes, stimulate microbial activity, facilitate decomposition, and increase nitrogen (N) availability for plant growth. Earthworm density is often reduced in low organic matter soils that are intensively managed to grow row crops. This study was designed to relate earthworm density and community composition to residue management after seven years of established management practices in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) double-crop system maintained in Marianna, Ark. Residue management practices included conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT), N fertilization to produce high and low wheat residue amounts left in the field, …


The Potential Release Of Phosphorus In Floodplains, Maria S. Rossetti, Nicole K. Ownby, Erin Scott, Brian E. Haggard Jan 2014

The Potential Release Of Phosphorus In Floodplains, Maria S. Rossetti, Nicole K. Ownby, Erin Scott, Brian E. Haggard

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

In the Illinois River Watershed, there has been growing concern over elevated phosphorus concentrations in the water column. This study evaluated how much phosphorus is contributed from floodplain soils into surface waters, examining the relationship between the flux of phosphorus released and the amount of phosphorus stored in the soil. This was investigated by artificially inundating soil cores from four sites and determining the soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations of the overlying water and the levels of Water and Mehlich-3 extractable phosphorus in the soil. The flux of phosphorus to the overlying water ranged from 0.43 to 6.61 mg m-2 hr-1 …


Reducing Water Extractable Phosphorus In Poultry Litter Using Chitosan Treatment, Zachary Simpson, Brina Smith, David A. Zaharoff, Brian E. Haggard Jan 2014

Reducing Water Extractable Phosphorus In Poultry Litter Using Chitosan Treatment, Zachary Simpson, Brina Smith, David A. Zaharoff, Brian E. Haggard

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

Phosphorus (P) is an important factor in the eutrophication of freshwater, and watershed sources include effluent discharges and the landscape. Poultry litter applied to the landscape can be a potential source of P, which is dependent on rainfall, runoff and dissolution. Chitosan, the deacetylated form of the biopolymer chitin, has been shown to have an effect on reducing water extractable phosphorus (WEP) in poultry litter when applied as a powder. The intent of this study was to measure the effect that poultry litter treatment (PLT), acetic acid and incubation time have on chitosan’s ability to reduce WEP in poultry litter. …


Awareness, Use, And Perceptions Of Biodiesel: A Comparison Of Consumers In Belgium And The United States, Maggie Jo Pruitt, Leslie D. Edgar, Donald M. Johnson Jan 2013

Awareness, Use, And Perceptions Of Biodiesel: A Comparison Of Consumers In Belgium And The United States, Maggie Jo Pruitt, Leslie D. Edgar, Donald M. Johnson

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

Belgian (N = 61) and American (N = 134) fuel consumers were interviewed in the summer of 2012 to determine their awareness, use, and perceptions of biodiesel. Consumers who were aware of biodiesel were asked their perceptions. A significantly P < 0.0001) higher percentage of Belgian consumers (78.7%) reported owning or driving a diesel vehicle compared to American consumers (9.0%). Belgian and American consumers moderately agreed biodiesel is a high-quality fuel. For both Belgian and American consumers, there was no significant association between owning a diesel vehicle and being aware of biodiesel or having purchased biodiesel. Although Belgian and American consumers agreed that using non-food crops for biodiesel is justified, Belgians were significantly less supportive than American consumers of using food crops for biodiesel. Both Belgian and American consumers disagreed with the statement “I would never use biodiesel”, and the two sets of consumers moderately disagreed that diesel engines would not run properly on biodiesel. Belgian and American consumers agreed that global warming is increasing; however, American consumers were more positive about the potential of biodiesel to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and global warming. Belgian consumers moderately agreed and American consumers agreed that biodiesel is better to use because it is made from renewable resources. Belgian and American consumers generally show similar perceptions of biodiesel, with the exception that American consumers were more positive toward the environmental and renewable aspects of biodiesel use. Recommendations for further research include gaining a better understanding of the potential positive influences that impact consumers’ perceptions of biodiesel.


Short-Term Denitrification In The Metalimnion Of A Eutrophic Reservoir, Aki Kogo, Erin M. Grantz, Thad Scott Jan 2013

Short-Term Denitrification In The Metalimnion Of A Eutrophic Reservoir, Aki Kogo, Erin M. Grantz, Thad Scott

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

Denitrification in metalimnetic water was examined under different conditions to determine how addition of nitrate (NO3 -) and particulate carbon (PC), aeration, and concentrations of nitrate affect denitrification. In the first experiment, water samples from a metalimnion were treated with different combinations of NO3 - and PC. Changes in excess N2 -N concentration for 10 days were measured using membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS). The second experiment used the same treatments as the first experiment after aeration of water. Besides excess N2 -N concentrations, O2 concentrations were measured for 16 days. The third experiment examined how different initial concentrations of …


Assessment Of Students’ Crisis Communications Skill Increase Based On Classroom Instruction And Second Life™ Training, Gregory C. Jernigan, Jessica R. England, Leslie D. Edgar Jan 2013

Assessment Of Students’ Crisis Communications Skill Increase Based On Classroom Instruction And Second Life™ Training, Gregory C. Jernigan, Jessica R. England, Leslie D. Edgar

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

Crisis communication training and skill development are critical to ensure the sustainability of the agriculture industry. The purpose of this study was to assess students’ perceptions of knowledge, ability, and skills on select crisis-related skills, tasks, and activities in order to identify the potential effectiveness of a Second LifeTM (SL) simulation. Pre- and post-test data were collected to determine the potential changes in skill in the seven crisis communication constructs of (a) related knowledge; (b) mass, group, and intrapersonal communications; (c) contingency planning; (d) use of related supplies and tools; (e) identifying learning and training needs; (f) related areas of …


Factors That Contribute To Turbidity On The West Fork Of The White River In Arkansas, Chris Cotton, Brian Haggard Jan 2011

Factors That Contribute To Turbidity On The West Fork Of The White River In Arkansas, Chris Cotton, Brian Haggard

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

The West Fork of the White River (WFWR) exceeds the water quality standard for turbidity (10 NTU) set by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and, since 1998, the river has been on Arkansas’s 303 (d) list of impaired water bodies unsuitable for aquatic life because of turbidity exceedances. To understand the factors that could be related to turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total inorganic suspended solids (TISS), total volatile suspended solids (TVSS), sestonic chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations, and turbidity were measured on three sample dates from nine sites on the WFWR. As the site location changed in the downstream direction, …


Plant Growth In Soil Amended With Drilling Mud, Satoshi Takaki, Duane C. Wolf Jan 2011

Plant Growth In Soil Amended With Drilling Mud, Satoshi Takaki, Duane C. Wolf

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

Extraction of natural gas generates drilling fluid and drilling mud that contain high concentrations of salts. Land application of the fluid and mud can have negative impacts on plant growth and soil properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of drilling mud on plant growth, plant chemical concentrations, and soil chemical properties. Sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense [Piper] Stapf [Piper]) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) were grown in a Roxana loam soil amended with 0%, 5%, or 10% (w/w) drilling mud in a 6-wk greenhouse study. Plant biomass production and concentrations of elements in biomass were determined. Electrical …


Sediment Phosphorus Flux In Beaver Lake In Northwest Arkansas, Taraf Abu Hamdan, Thad Scott, Duane Wolf, Brian E. Haggard Jan 2010

Sediment Phosphorus Flux In Beaver Lake In Northwest Arkansas, Taraf Abu Hamdan, Thad Scott, Duane Wolf, Brian E. Haggard

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

Internal phosphorus (P) loading may influence primary production in lakes, but the influence of sediment-derived P has not been well studied in Beaver Lake of Northwest Arkansas. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved organic P (DOP), and total dissolved P (TDP) sediment-water fluxes were determined using intact sediment cores collected from deepwater environments in the riverine, transition zone, and lacustrine zones of Beaver Lake. The SRP, DOP, and TDP fluxes were also estimated from cores collected from shallow locations in the transition zone. There was a net positive SRP (0.001 – 0.005 µg P cm-2 h-1), DOP (0.005 – 0.01 µg …


Assessment Of Total Organic Carbon Concentrations In Two Streams Of Northwest Arkansas: Town Branch And Brush Creek, Abigail N. Washispack, Jason A. Mcginnis, Brian E. Haggard Jan 2010

Assessment Of Total Organic Carbon Concentrations In Two Streams Of Northwest Arkansas: Town Branch And Brush Creek, Abigail N. Washispack, Jason A. Mcginnis, Brian E. Haggard

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

Within a stream, changes in flow rate and local environment can affect the total organic content (TOC) concentrations in the stream water and TOC delivery downstream to water supply reservoirs. Disinfection by-products (DBPs) result from various chemical reactions between chlorine, bromine, and organic carbon in raw water during the drinking water treatment process; DBPs are potential carcinogens and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In this project, we measured the TOC concentrations in two streams in the Beaver Lake Watershed: Town Branch and Brush Creek. We then compared TOC concentrations between the two streams and to that observed …


Effects Of Diesel And Biodiesel Blends On Engine Performance And Efficiency, Christopher Hunt, Donald Johnson, Don Edgar Jan 2010

Effects Of Diesel And Biodiesel Blends On Engine Performance And Efficiency, Christopher Hunt, Donald Johnson, Don Edgar

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

Tests were conducted during the summer of 2009 on a John Deere 3203 diesel tractor to determine differences in specific fuel consumption (sfc), power take-off (PTO) torque (Nm), and PTO power (kW), between ultralow sulfur No. 2 Diesel (D2), 20% biodiesel (B20), 50% biodiesel (B50), and100% biodiesel (B100). Four 1-hr tests were conducted with D2, while three 1-hr tests were conducted with B20, B50, and B100. The results indicated that there was no significant (p < 0.05) difference between D2 and B20 for power or torque. Fueling with B50 resulted in significantly lower power and torque than fueling with D2 or B20, but significantly higher power and torque than fueling with B100. There were significant differences between each fuel in sfc; as the biodiesel blend increased, sfc also increased. Based on these data, B20 appears to be the optimal biodiesel blend for this and similar compact utility tractors since fueling with B20 resulted in no significant loss in power or torque (compared to D2) and only a slight increase in fuel consumption.


E-85 Vs. Regular Gasoline: Effects On Engine Performance, Fuel Efficiency, And Exhaust Emissions, Jordan W. Steinhaus, Donald M. Johnson, George W. Wardlow Jan 2009

E-85 Vs. Regular Gasoline: Effects On Engine Performance, Fuel Efficiency, And Exhaust Emissions, Jordan W. Steinhaus, Donald M. Johnson, George W. Wardlow

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

This study compared the performance, fuel efficiency, and exhaust emissions of a 2.61 kW engine fueled with regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) and an 85% ethanol blend (E85) under two load conditions. Four 1-h tests were conducted with each fuel at both governor’s maximum (3400 rpm) and peak torque (2800 rpm) conditions for a total of 16 tests. At governor’s maximum engine speed, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between fuels for engine torque, power, specific carbon dioxide (sCO2 ), specific carbon monoxide (sCO), specific hydrocarbons (sHC), or specific oxides of nitrogen (sNOX) emissions. However, there was a significant …


Measurement Of Transient Smoke Emissions From Diesel And Biodiesel Fuel Blends In An Agricultural Tractor, Kristin M. Pennington, Sonia R. Munoz, Donald M. Johnson, George Wardlow Jan 2009

Measurement Of Transient Smoke Emissions From Diesel And Biodiesel Fuel Blends In An Agricultural Tractor, Kristin M. Pennington, Sonia R. Munoz, Donald M. Johnson, George Wardlow

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

Transient smoke emissions pose potential hazards to human health and the environment. With the increased popularity of biodiesel, there is a need to determine if these fuels produce different levels of particulate matter in exhaust emissions. This study examined the transient smoke emissions of three fuels: No. 2 petroleum diesel fuel (D2, ASTM D 975), a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel (B20, ASTM 6751), and a 100% pure biodiesel derived from animal fats (B100, ASTM D 6751). Measurements of smoke emissions were taken using the SAE J1677 snap acceleration test procedure on a John Deere 3203 compact …


Life Cycle Analysis For The Cultivation And Combustion Of Miscanthus For Biofuel Compared With Natural Gas, Amanda Ashworth, Charles West, Michael Popp, Mireille Montrejaud-Vignoles, Caroline Sablayrolles, Gabrielle Benoit Jan 2008

Life Cycle Analysis For The Cultivation And Combustion Of Miscanthus For Biofuel Compared With Natural Gas, Amanda Ashworth, Charles West, Michael Popp, Mireille Montrejaud-Vignoles, Caroline Sablayrolles, Gabrielle Benoit

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

As negative environmental and economic impacts of fossil fuels have escalated, so has the importance of renewable bioenergy crops whose feedstocks are noncompetitive with food supplies. Compared with fossil fuels, use of lignocellulosic feedstocks offers potential for greenhouse gas reduction and highly positive net energy returns because of low input demand and high yields per unit of land area, thus making them advantageous for the emerging biofuel industry. The aim of this study was to simulate environmental impacts of producing a biofuel grass for combustion use based on the inventory of inputs and their effects on eutrophication of surface waters; …


Using Combined Prediction Models To Quantify And Visualize Stormwater Runoff In An Urban Watershed, Keshia Koehn, Christina Scarlat, Kristofor Brye Jan 2008

Using Combined Prediction Models To Quantify And Visualize Stormwater Runoff In An Urban Watershed, Keshia Koehn, Christina Scarlat, Kristofor Brye

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

Stormwater runoff can transport nutrients, sediments, chemicals, and pathogens to surface waterbodies. Managing runoff is crucial to preserving water quality in rapidly developing urban watersheds like those in Northwest Arkansas. A watershed containing the majority of the University of Arkansas campus was designated as the study area because stormwater from it drains into the West Fork of the White River, designated as an impaired waterbody due to siltation. The project objective was to develop methodology to test existing stormwater drainage infrastructure, identify potential areas of improvement, and estimate potentially contaminated runoff by combining two widely used prediction models. The U.S. …


Using Biosolids To Enhance Phytoremediation Of Oil-Contaminated Soil, Heather N. Markway, Duane C. Wolf, Kaaron J. Davis, Edward E. Gbur Jan 2008

Using Biosolids To Enhance Phytoremediation Of Oil-Contaminated Soil, Heather N. Markway, Duane C. Wolf, Kaaron J. Davis, Edward E. Gbur

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

While the plant rhizosphere and associated microbial processes have been shown to amplify the degradation rate of chemical residues in soils, phytoremediation can be a slow process. The objective of this greenhouse study was to determine if the addition of biosolids as an organic soil amendment would enhance growth of plants in oil-contaminated soil and thus potentially increase effectiveness of phytoremediation. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) or sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf (Piper)) was grown in a Captina silt loam (finesilty, siliceous, mesic Typic Fragiudults) contaminated with 5% crude oil (v/w) and amended with 24 g biosolids/kg soil. …


Pto Performance And Nox Emissions With D2, B20, And B100 Fuels In A John Deere 3203 Compact Tractor, Matthew Hardin, Tonya Brown, Melanie Roller, Donald Johnson, George Wardlow Jan 2007

Pto Performance And Nox Emissions With D2, B20, And B100 Fuels In A John Deere 3203 Compact Tractor, Matthew Hardin, Tonya Brown, Melanie Roller, Donald Johnson, George Wardlow

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

Tests were conducted in fall 2006 on a John Deere 3203 diesel tractor to determine differences in specific fuel consumption, power take-off (PTO) torque, PTO power, thermal efficiency, and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions between No. 2 diesel (D2), 20% biodiesel (B20), and 100% biodiesel (B100). Four 1-hour tests were conducted on each fuel. The results indicated no statistically significant differences (p≤.05) between D2 or B20 on any variable of interest. However, B100 resulted in significantly (p≤.05) increased, specific fuel consumption and thermal efficiency and decreased PTO torque and PTO power over both D2 and B20. These data suggest that …


Water Quality Issues In The Illinois River Watershed: A Proposal For New Voluntary Incentives, Tory B. Hodges, Jennie S. Popp Jan 2006

Water Quality Issues In The Illinois River Watershed: A Proposal For New Voluntary Incentives, Tory B. Hodges, Jennie S. Popp

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

Concerns about water quality degradation exist in Northwest Arkansas. The purpose of this study was to analyze the potential usefulness of U.S. conservation programs in addressing water quality concerns on farms in the Illinois River watershed as well as greater Washington County, Arkansas. It was hypothesized that neither the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) nor the Conservation Security Program (CSP) in their current forms effectively assists farmers in meeting water-quality management goals. That hypothesis was tested by 1) examining agricultural characteristics of the watershed, 2) actual adoption of EQIP and CSP in Washington County and Arkansas, and, 3) identifying factors …


Estimating Surface Runoff In The Illinois River Basin For The Management Of Nonpoint-Source Phosphorus Loads, Adam T. Mcclymont, Mary C. Savin, Brian E. Haggard Jan 2006

Estimating Surface Runoff In The Illinois River Basin For The Management Of Nonpoint-Source Phosphorus Loads, Adam T. Mcclymont, Mary C. Savin, Brian E. Haggard

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

With the growing concern about elevated phosphorus (P) concentrations in regional lakes, rivers, and streams, it is essential to investigate factors contributing to P transport from the landscape. Phosphorus fluxes from nonpoint sources, particularly land applications of poultry litter and other animal manures, are closely related to the amount and production of surface runoff. Daily stream discharge and the software program, Base Flow Index (BFI), were used to estimate the amount and temporal patterns of surface runoff at different locations within the Illinois River Basin, including selected tributaries in northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma. Daily streamflow data from nine U.S. …


A Tool For Estimating Best Management Practice Effectiveness In Arkansas, Katherine R. Merriman, Margaret Gitau, Indrajeet Chaubey Jan 2006

A Tool For Estimating Best Management Practice Effectiveness In Arkansas, Katherine R. Merriman, Margaret Gitau, Indrajeet Chaubey

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

Increased nutrient and sediment losses from expanding agricultural practices and urban development in Arkansas are important environmental concerns. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are being implemented to lessen the effects of these developments on existing water bodies. There is, however, insufficient scientific base as to the effectiveness of these practices. A number of studies have been conducted in recent years to determine BMP effectiveness. Data from these studies can only be reliably used for the individual site from which they were obtained. When considered collectively, these data comprise quantitative effectiveness over a wide range of conditions and can thus be used …


Assessment And Restoration Of A Neighborhood Wetland Invaded By Exotic Plant Species, Ryan Neal, Kimberly R. Payne, Lorena Moreno, Graham Duffy, Jonathan Peck, Mary C. Savin Jan 2004

Assessment And Restoration Of A Neighborhood Wetland Invaded By Exotic Plant Species, Ryan Neal, Kimberly R. Payne, Lorena Moreno, Graham Duffy, Jonathan Peck, Mary C. Savin

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

The University of Arkansas Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences (CSES) Club adopted a local wetland in the spring of 2002 through the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department. This project has allowed students to interact with local community and governmental organizations as well as other academic departments within the university. Students have gained valuable laboratory and field experience through characterizing hydric soils, identifying bird and plant species, and analyzing water quality, soil nutrients, and microbial biomass. Under the main goal of restoring the wetland, the club has outlined both short and long-term objectives including soil and water assessments; removal of two …


Laboratory-Scale Evaluation Of Incandescent And Compact Florescent Lamps For Poultry House Lighting, Leanne Gabriel, Donald M. Johnson Jan 2004

Laboratory-Scale Evaluation Of Incandescent And Compact Florescent Lamps For Poultry House Lighting, Leanne Gabriel, Donald M. Johnson

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

This laboratory-scale study compared 1000- and 2000-h rated 60W incandescent lamps and 6000-h rated 60W-equivalent compact florescent lamps over 6000 h of simulated broiler-house operation. The four original 1000-h incandescent lamps were replaced 22 times and the four 2000-h incandescent lamps were replaced 14 times. None of the four compact florescent lamps failed during the 6000-h experiment, although one was broken due to human error. Both types of incandescent lamps had significantly higher (p < .0001) mean illuminance (lx) than did the compact florescent lamps. The compact florescent lamps used significantly less (p < .0001) power (W) and had significantly higher (p < .0001) efficiency (lx/W) than the incandescent lamps. Despite a higher initial purchase price, the total cost (purchase + replacement + electrical) of operating compact florescent lamps was approximately 36% lower than the total cost of operating either type of incandescent lamp over the 6000 h period. The results of this study indicate that even at a least-cost price for electricity ($0.04/kW/h), growers can reduce total broilerhouse lighting costs by replacing incandescent lamps with compact florescent lamps.


Watershed-Scale Agricultural Land-Use Impact On Instream Physicochemical Parameters, William Dillahunty, Indrajeet Chaubey, Marty Matlock Jan 2003

Watershed-Scale Agricultural Land-Use Impact On Instream Physicochemical Parameters, William Dillahunty, Indrajeet Chaubey, Marty Matlock

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

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is often the result of runoff losses from agricultural or urban areas. Even though the watershed approach to controlling NPS pollution is identified as the most efficient approach, data linking watershed scale land use and specific water quality implications are very limited. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of agricultural land use on stream physico-chemical properties. The upper reach of Flint Creek was monitored at two sampling points draining an agricultural land. At each of these points, continuous measurement of stream characteristics such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, depth, pH, and …