Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Soil Conservation Provisions Of The 1985 Farm Bill, Monroe Rasnake, Lloyd W. Murdock, Craig Infanger

Soil Science News and Views

The 1985 Farm Bill which was signed into law on December 23, 1985, contains 3 provisions relating to land use which will have a large impact on Kentucky farmers. The purpose of these provisions is to reduce cropland acreage on highly erodible lands and on wetlands. A description of them follows.

Slack-Water Deposits And The Magnitude And Frequency Of Flash Floods, Eastern Kentucky, Russell G. Shepherd, Lisa K. Bienkowski

KWRRI Research Reports

The potential for predicting flood magnitude and frequency using sediments deposited in backwater areas during flash floods was investigated on the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky, a region n9torious for flash flooding. Slack-water deposits are abundant in the area at tributary mouths and bedrock channel expansions. They are identifiable on geologic quandrangle maps, and are locally good potential indicators of maximum flood-crest elevations. However, in this humid region, flash floods could not be distinguished from non-flash floods using slack-water sedimentology.

The results from the slack-water deposits studied indicate that they offer limited potential for predicting flash floods because 1) intense …

Economics Of Legume Cover Crops, Wilbur Frye

Soil Science News and Views

We have compared hairy vetch, big flower vetch, rye, and corn residue as winter cover treatments in no-tillage corn production since 1977. One of the objectives of this research is to determine the economic feasibility of using a legume cover crop to supply a portion of the nitrogen needs of a corn crop. Results reported here are based on corn yields obtained during 1977 through 1981 at Lexington and 1980 through 1985 at Princeton.

Hydraulic Design Algorithms For Upgrading And Enhancing Water Distribution Systems, Don J. Wood, William T. Gilbert

KWRRI Research Reports

The primary objective of this work was to develop algorithms for directly determining design characteristics for effectively enhancing, modifying or adding to existing water distribution systems. This is accomplished by modifying the basic hydraulic network equations to explicitly determine required design parameters to just meet specified conditions. Initially work was completed on directly determining pipeline diameters and directly determining pipeline and network resistance characteristics. This work was published in technical journals and established the feasibility of the approach but did not demonstrate the scope and versitility of the proposed approach. In this report a general approach is developed and tested …

Effect Of Soil Water Stress And Irrigation On Growth, Yield And Quality Of Burley Tobacco, Ronald E. Phillips, J. E. Leggett

Soil Science News and Views

An experiment was conducted for a period of three years, 1982, 1983 and 1984, in order to evaluate the effects of soil water stress and irrigation on growth, yield and quality of burley tobacco at Spindletop Farm, Lexington. The variety KY 21 was grown all three years. Three treatments were used in the experiment: (1) check, rainfall only, not irrigated, (2) well watered, rainfall plus supplemental irrigation, and (3) water stressed beginning 50 days after transplanting. The soil of treatment 3 was covered with black plastic to prevent rainfall from entering the soil.

Abatement Of Nitrate Pollution In Groundwater And Surface Runoff From Cropland Using Legume Cover Crops With No-Till Corn, M. Scott Smith, Jac J. Varco

KWRRI Research Reports

Agricultural practices can have a significant impact on water quality. The effects of leguminous winter cover crops on leaching of NO^-₃; from soil have been investigated in this project. Legume cover crops, by fixation of atmospheric N, can reduce the amount of fertilizer N required to produce summer grain crops. The methods initially used to evaluate cover crop effects on No; transport included suction probe lysimeters and measurement of NO^-₃; in soil samples collected to a depth of 90 cm. These measurements demonstrated extreme spatial variability in NO^-₃; distribution and water …

A Model For Assessing The Visual Resources Of River Basins As An Aid To Making Landuse Planning Decisions, Thomas J. Nieman, Diane S. Meshako, David Walters, Molly M. Davis, Cindy C. Elliot

KWRRI Research Reports

The visual quality of a river basin and its associated properties can be identified, evaluated and integrated into the landscape planning process. The model developed provides a quantitative methodology for determining visual quality on the basis of available Geographic Information System factors. These factors are utilized to develop the preference attributes, COLOR, FORM, TEXTURE and LINE, which are associated with the assessment of visual quality. The preference attributes are then combined through a decision making process into a continuum of DISTINCTIVE, GOOD, AVERAGE and MINIMAL visual quality and is expressed digitally in map format. By providing visual quality information in …

Soil Erosion With Different Tillage And Cropping Systems, Monroe Rasnake, Wilbur Frye, David C. Ditsch, Robert L. Blevins

Soil Science News and Views

Corn and soybeans are produced on approximately three million acres of Kentucky farmland each year. L 1ttle soil loss occurs when these crops are grown on nearly level or gently sloping land. However, much of the grain production is on sloping land that is cultivated every year and often excessive soil erosion occurs. If a field is allowed to erode excessively for several years, the soil usually becomes less productive. Soil removed in runoff may pollute lakes and streams or cover highly productive soil with low quality sediments.

Radiation Pressure And Emission Clouds Around Active Galactic Nuclei, Moshe Elitzur, Gary J. Ferland

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Detailed calculations of the contribution of the trapped line photons to the overall pressure in line-emitting regions around active galactic nuclei are presented. They lead to the conclusion that radiation pressure is a significant factor in determining the stability of these clouds.

Comparison Of Four Infiltration Models In Characterizing Infiltration Through Surface Mine Profiles, Larry G. Wells, A. D. Ward, I. D. Moore, R. E. Phillips

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A laboratory infiltrometer system was used to evaluate the infiltration process through reconstructed surface mine profiles. Six different profiles were subjected to constant simulated rainfall intensities for selected test conditions. Surface runoff rates were monitored and transient soil moisture contents in the profiles were measured with a gamma density gauge. Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity relationships were determined using Campbelfs method and the "zero-flux" procedure. The infiltration process was modeled by the SCS curve number method, a form of Holtan's equation, the Green-Ampt model and Richards' equation. SCS curve numbers were determined by fitting the method to the observed results. Richards' equation …

Ridge-Tillage: Advantages And Disadvantages, David C. Ditsch

Soil Science News and Views

Ridge-Till is a crop production system that has become increasingly popular with grain producers in some areas of the mid-west. This unique tillage system may provide some Kentucky farmers with an alternative method of planting. Limited information on the adaptability of ridge-till on Kentucky soils and climatic conditions make it important that growers investigate the system thoroughly to determine how it would fit into their operation before deciding to change. Ridge-till involves planting on elevated rows that remain undisturbed after establishment. One or more cultivations are then made during the early part of each growing season to improve weed control, …

Timing N-P-K Fertilizer To Burley Tobacco, J. L. Sims

Soil Science News and Views

Recent changes in the Federal tobacco program (causing reduced income to growers} coupled with high fertilizer and other production costs have stimulated interest in fertilization practices that increase efficiency of tobacco production. Practices that increase yields and/or quality of cured leaf without increasing production costs should result in increased profit. Research conducted by Agronomists at the University of Kentucky indicates increased yield is possible through proper timing of fertilizer applications, split applications, and in some cases by banding applications.

Traction Characteristics Of Prepared Traffic Lanes, Eddie C. Burt, James H. Taylor, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Traction characteristics of lugged and smooth tires were compared on prepared traffic lanes and on conventional seedbed conditions. Results indicated that elevated traffic lanes offer important traction advantages over seedbeds in wet soil conditions. In dry soil conditions, traction on elevated traffic lanes was sometimes less than on the seedbed conditions. A timeliness advantage in mobility for the elevated traffic lanes was found to be up to 2 days in extremely wet conditions. A non-elevated traffic lane showed no traction advantage in wet conditions.

Marketing Kentucky Hay, J. Kenneth Evans

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

That more income is needed by Kentucky farmers is a well established and accepted fact. Although, the tobacco program appears to be yet viable, we have long needed to supplement the tobacco income with income from the remainder of the farm. I think this audience is also well aware of the potential· for producing hay in Kentucky, particularly alfalfa. Estimates in the University of Kentucky potential study indicate that we could have in this state two million acres of alfalfa with a projected potential income of a billion dollars a year generated for our farmers.

This potential income should not …

Optimum Utilization Of Alfalfa In Horses, Stephen G. Jackson

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

When considering forage utilization in horses one must consider principally two factors; 1) forage quality and 2) the relationship between voluntary intake of a forage and a particular class of horses nutrient needs.

Optimum Utilization Of Alfalfa In Sheep Rations, G. L.M. Chappell

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The unique qualities of alfalfa as a forage afford the progressive sheep producer many opportunities to develop efficient sheep feeding programs. As a grazed sward, as hay or silage, alfalfa can be utilized in a variety of ways. The following points should be considered in developing programs using alfalfa.

Maximizing Alfalfa Hay In Beef Feeding Programs, W. Roy Burris, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Beef cattle comprise the largest group of forage and hay users in Kentucky. Because of their ability to utilize large amounts of low quality roughage, they are sometimes relegated to that role exclusively. There are many instances in beef production when alfalfa hay can be utilized because of its high protein content. The value of alfalfa hay in a beef operation can be estimated by the protein and energy that it furnishes.

Maximizing Alfalfa In Dairy Feeding Programs, Dan O. Riddell

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa is an excellent feed for dairy cows. When used properly, alfalfa can help cut cost of production and increase level of production. However, like everything else, the feeding of alfalfa needs to be managed to maximize efficient production. There are three key steps involved in maximizing alfalfa in a dairy feeding program. These are:

1. harvest alfalfa at the proper stage of maturity
2. know what the alfalfa contains and feed accordingly
3. get the alfalfa to the cows that need it.

Hay Quality Evaluation, William C. Templeton Jr.

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

During the last few years there have been several developments related to hay quality evaluation and marketing. In this presentation I shall briefly review these and indicate some of the implications for producers, vendors, purchasers and users of alfalfa hay.

Reducing Hay Losses — From Standing Crop Through Storage, Michael Collins

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa management for maximum economic productivity is quite complex. Many factors ranging from cultivar selection and establishment to storage and feeding must be considered. In some cases these factors, yield and quality of a particular cutting of forage for example, are negatively correlated. Following good establishment of an adapted cultivar, cutting management has important effects on forage yield, forage quality, stand persistence, weed encroachment and other important responses. Maturity stage at the time of cutting greatly affects quality. After cutting, hay curing, packaging and storage conditions also affect quality. Clearly, in order to achieve the optimum combination of yield and …

No-Till Alfalfa Establishment, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The topic ''No-till Alfalfa" was discussed at the V Annual Alfalfa Conference this past February in Elizabethtown. At that conference, we reported results of demonstrations that had been conducted along with preliminary results of some of the research underway. In the presentation today, I would like to review some of the opportunities for no-till alfalfa and discuss some additional research results.

Herbicides For Alfalfa Weed Control, William W. Witt

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Numerous herbicides are available for controlling weeds in pure or mixed stands of alfalfa. In addition, these herbicides can be applied at different times and stages of alfalfa growth -from prior to planting to actively growing alfalfa to dormant applications during the winter. To be confident of achieving the desired weed control, it is important to apply alfalfa herbicides at the proper growth stage and rate.

The following tables contain information pertinent to proper utilization of the herbicides to obtain maximum weed control.

Foreword [1986], Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

This is the front matter of the proceedings.

Effect Of Soil Mineral Variability On Soil Use And Management, Anastasios D. Karathanasis

Soil Science News and Views

Soil mineralogical variability arises from two factors. The mineralogical composition of the parent material and the degree to which the original composition has been modified by external soil forming factors and internal soil building processes during the course of weathering. Different stages of soil weathering are represented by different mineralogical compositions and therefore a different combination of physical and chemical properties. Some soil scientists have divided these weathering stages into fresh, juvenile, virile, senile, and lateritic. The ability of soil to provide nutrients to plants reaches a maximum at the beginning of the virile stage and then declines rapidly with …

Cutting Production Costs In 1986, Kenneth L. Wells, John H. Grove

Soil Science News and Views

With the stressful economic situation that continues to face Kentucky farmers in 1986, the College of Agriculture is continually asked, "What are some of the things which can be done to ease the cost-price squeeze?" In response to this question, the following suggestions for improved, more cost efficient soil and crop production management are offered: These management techniques to get the highest possible yields without added costs are sometimes overlooked although they can offer increased yield potential at no added cost.

Analysis Of Coal Samples From The Princess District, Kentucky (Boyd, Carter, Greenup, And Lawrence Counties And Part Of Lewis County), James C. Currens, Linda Jean Bragg, James C. Hower

Information Circular--KGS

Chemical and petrographic data are presented for 42 samples of coal collected in the Princess District, eastern Kentucky. These data include sample-site locations, sampling conditions, stratigraphic position, megascopic description of the coal, air-drying loss, proximate and ultimate analyses, Btu content, forms of sulfur, initial deformation temperature, softening temperature, fluid temperature, free-swelling index, concentration of major, minor, and trace inorganic elements, and petrographic analyses.