Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Socioeconomic Study Of The Non-Industrial Private Forest Landowner Wood Supply Chain Link In The Cumberland Plateau Region Of Tennessee, Kevin Patrick Hoyt

Doctoral Dissertations

The Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee currently is experiencing widespread forest parcelization and changes in species composition as a result of changes in land use and ownership. These changes can be attributed partially to industrial forest land divestiture, the lingering effects of the 1998 – 2002 Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) epidemic, and expanding development due to increasing population growth. The region has recently become a focus of debate concerning land use change, land management practices, and the effects on biodiversity.

A stratified random sample of 1600 Nonindustrial Private Forest (NIPF) landowners owning 40 or more acres of forestland were surveyed obtaining …

Forestry Extension In Tennessee: Comparing Traditional And Web-Based Program Delivery Methods, Samuel Wayne Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations

As the traditional forestry Extension clientele in Tennessee changes, Extension professionals need to adapt and deliver programs in such a way as to reach the maximum audience while ensuring the educational benefit of the program and remaining within budget. The development of the Internet and associated web-based programs presents a new tool by which Extension professionals can develop and deliver educational programs to clientele.

This study compared two Extension program delivery methods, web-based and traditional field-based. A series of field workshops were held and participants were surveyed. From these field workshops, a web-based program was developed and was marketed to …

The Adsorption Of 2-Ketogluconate By Goethite, Jessica Suzanne Journey

Masters Theses

The low-molecular-mass-organic acid, 2-ketogluconate (kG), has been found to exist in significant concentrations in the rhizosphere of agricultural soils. Adsorption of kG by constant potential mineral surfaces may influence soil chemical processes. This study examines influence of temperature, pH, and ionic environment on the adsorption of kG by goethite. When kG was present on the surface of goethite, the pH_pzc decreased by approximately 0.4 pH units, from pH 7.6 to pH 7.2, suggesting that kG is chemisorbed to the goethite surface via ligand exchange mechanisms. The adsorption of kG by goethite is a function of pH and ionic strength. …

The Evaluation Of A Chemical Fingerprinting Technique For Identifying The Sources Of In-Stream Sediments, Robert Alexander Hull

Masters Theses

Sediment is often listed as one of the main contributors to the impairment of surface waters throughout the United States. Sediment source identification is difficult in watersheds with complex combinations of land-uses and non-point sources because of the complexities involved in correlating water quality data, which are relatively easy to collect, to the source of a degrading component. The elemental properties of a particular soil on the landscape may be viewed as a “fingerprint”. A comparison of the elemental fingerprints of potential sources and in-stream sediment may be used to establish sediment source. The objectives of this investigation were to …

Assembly And Evaluation Of A Multi-Functional Heat Pulse Probe For Measurement Of Soil Properties, Andrew Conrad Sherfy

Masters Theses

A device capable of estimating soil properties quickly and accurately is of great worth to individuals in many disciplines. The multi-functional heat pulse probe (MFHPP) is an instrument which allows for simultaneous in situ measurements of soil heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, water content, water flux density, and electrical conductivity. Previous studies showed this device exhibits instrumentation and model limitations which reduce its measurement accuracy. It is important for the future use of the MFHPP to fully investigate sources of error, increase the range of testing and develop improvements to alleviate these issues.

The main objectives of this study …

Development Of A Simulation System For Testing Hardwood Plantation Silviculture, Christopher Michael Oswalt

Doctoral Dissertations

Hardwood plantations are becoming increasingly important in the United States. To date, many foresters have relied on a conifer plantation model as the basis of establishing and managing hardwood plantations. The monospecific approach suggested by the conifer plantation model does not appear to provide for the development of quality hardwood logs similar to those found in natural hardwood stands. Thus, there is interest in creating mixed species plantations to simulate natural hardwood stand development.

A simulation system, CherrybarkSQ, was developed to provide a platform for investigating the impacts of mixed species management of hardwood plantations on the stem quality of …

Biofuels '101' Sp700-A, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Biofuels

Biofuels continue to contribute to the attainment of the energyrelated goals of the United States, including increasing energy security and reducing the environmental degradation linked to transportation fuels. Demand for biofuel production will increase as new technologies are deployed and adopted by producers and consumers. The composition of feedstock for biofuel production, such as grain, will continue to grow. But when grain production has reached full capacity, alternative feedstocks will be needed to meet demand. The potential economic implications of biofuel production are wide-ranging and warrant further attention, especially in rural areas where the feedstocks originate.