Earth Sciences Commons^™

Did Combine Traffic On Wet Soils Damage Fields Last Fall?, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

Fields rutted by wheel tracks during harvest last fall are a common sight in the grain producing areas of Kentucky. And, foremost on many producer's minds now, is whether this damage will lower productivity from those fields during 1985 and beyond. This concern also exists among some leading agronomists in the United States who think that the amount of soil compaction due to machinery traffic is increasing. One of the reasons cited for this is the use of larger and heavier equipment. One such piece of equipment which has increased in size and weight is the combine. A combine with …

Depositional Environments And Petrology Of The Felix Coal Interval (Eocene), Powder River Basin, Wyoming, Peter D. Warwick

Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences

A study of a 250 ft. (76.2 m) stratigraphic interval that includes the Eocene-age Felix coal of the Wasatch Formation was undertaken in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming to establish a depositional model based on the interrelations of coal-seam geometry, coal maceral composition, and spatial distribution of adjoining rocks. Regional cross sections and maps of major rock bodies were prepared from 147 measured stratigraphic sections and 56 geophysical logs. Trends in maceral and chemical properties within the Felix coal were identified from petrographic and geochemical analyses of 72 coal channel samples. The combined data sets indicate that the thickest …

Mineralogy Of Kentucky Soils, Anastasios D. Karathanasis

Soil Science News and Views

Very few mineralogical data have been published for soils in Kentucky. As an initial attempt to classify mineralogy of the subsoil, a general mineralogy map of the state was constructed based on currently available information (Fig. 1). The map suggests that quartz, mica, and feldspars are the dominant minerals of the sqnd and silt size fractions and that illite, smectite, kaolinite and hydroxyinterlayered vermiculite or smectite dominate the clay size soil fraction. Soils of the Western Coalfields, Eastern Coalfields, and Eastern Pennyrile regions generally contain more quartz in the sand and silt fraction than soils of the Purchase, Western Pennyrile, …

Caves And Karst Of Kentucky, Percy H. Dougherty

Special Publication--KGS

Published in cooperation with the National Speleological Society. Includes an overview of Kentucky geology, karst, cave development, list of caves including Mammoth Cave and Carter Caves, historical caves, archaeology, and cave life of Kentucky.

Using Urea Nitrogen As A Fertilizer, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

Solid granular or prilled urea (45-46% N) has become widely available in Kentucky, as has 28% nitrogen solution (UAN solution) which is half urea and half ammonium nitrate. When applied to a field, urea is transformed to ammonium N soon after application. The rate of transformation is greatly increased by urease, the enzyme found to varying degrees in soil and on plants and plant residues. Due to the chemical reactions involved as urea nitrogen undergoes transformation, there is some degree of likelihood for volatilization loss of some N. Whether such a loss will occur, and how much N will be …

Effectiveness Of Liming Materials, Monroe Rasnake

Soil Science News and Views

A number of different sources of liming materials are available to Kentucky farmers and homeowners. The best one for any particular use depends on several factors:

1. Size of area being treated
2. How quickly the reaction is needed
3. Method of application
4. Cost of the material
5. Quality (neutralizing value) of the material

Following is an evaluation of some liming materials based on those factors.

Fertilizing Alfalfa For Optimum Yields, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

Alfalfa is one of the most important forage crops in Kentucky. It is grown on a wide range of soil types, has the ability to produce high yields, and will respond to good management including a sound soil fertility program.

Plant Available Water And Plant Water Stress, Ronald E. Phillips

Soil Science News and Views

The 1983 growing season in Kentucky was a vivid reminder that water is essential for good plant growth. And the water used by plants is taken from the reserve or water stored in soil.

Wetlands And Coal Surface Mining: A Management Handbook, Milady A. Cardamone, Jan R. Taylor, William J. Mitsch

KWRRI Research Reports

As the third phase of a three-year project, this report outlines management options for protecting wetlands during the surface mining of coal, particularly for the portion of the Eastern Interior Coal Region that is found in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. It is presented in manual form for use by coal mine operators, regulatory agencies and research institutions.

The previous phases of the project produced an atlas of the most heavily-mined areas of the western Kentucky coal field, which classified and identified wetlands in these areas, and discussed some specific impacts of mining on these wetlands. The need to present information …

Finite Element Simulation Of Saturated-Unsaturated Subsurface Flow, George E. Blandford

KWRRI Research Reports

A two-dimensional transient model for flow through saturated-unsaturated porous media is developed, The model numerically solves the pressure head dependent or moisture content dependent form of Richard's equation. The model code uses isoparametric quadratic triangular and/or quadrilateral finite elements for the geometric representation and for the weak Galerkin spacial integrations. An implicit, unconditionally stable single-step numerical time integration scheme with an oscilliatory noise reduction option is utilized for the temporal discretization. The highly efficient symmetric skyline (profile) solution scheme is used to solve the resulting simultaneous equations. The nonlinear subsurface flow parameters are approximated using cubic spline interpolation. The element …

Discharge And Travel Time Determinations In The Royal Spring Groundwater Basin, Kentucky, John Thrailkill, Douglas R. Gouzie

KWRRI Research Reports

Groundwater flow in many karst regions, including the Inner Bluegrass Karst Region of central Kentucky in which the study area was located, is unlike groundwater flow in granular aquifers. At least the major flows are turbulent and often with a free surface in large conduits, and applying concepts based on Darcy's Law to describe and model these flows is inappropriate. Parameters such as linear velocity, channel geometry, and conveyance used to describe surface streamflows are more applicable, and the primary objective of the project was to estimate these in a groundwater basin using the travel time of dye slugs and …

Developing A Fertilizer Program For Tobacco, J. L. Sims

Soil Science News and Views

Use of adequate amounts of required fertilizer nutrients are necessary to increase both yield and quality of tobacco if they are lacking in a soil. However, to insure maximum profits from the tobacco crop, careful consideration must be given to fertilizer management (kinds, rates, and methods and times of fertilizer application), the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil, and the crops grown in rotation with tobacco. To develop a profitable fertilization program for tobacco requires thoughtful planning on the part of the grower. Late summer and early fall is a good time to make these plans for the future.

Soil Testing: Improving Reliability, John H. Grove

Soil Science News and Views

Late summer is a good time to check forage and row crop fields for possible nutritional problems and to make plans for fall soil sampling. "Problem" areas can be identified for selective sampling and the test results can be used to plan fertilizer and lime expenses for the next crop production season. Fields scheduled for tobacco, small grain and/or double cropping need to be sampled first in order to determine lime, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) needs before fall application.

Identification Of Soil-Water Chemical Parameters For The Prediction And Treatment Of Suspended Solids In Surface Water Reservoirs Of Coal Mine Lands, V. P. Evangelou, J. H. Grove, R. I. Barnhisel

KWRRI Research Reports

High concentrations of suspended solids in coal mine sedimentation ponds are a factor in lowering water quality. This study focuses on the influence dissolved solids have on concentration and settling of suspended solids. Water samples from sedimentation ponds in Eastern and Western Kentucky were used to evaluate water composition in such ponds. Spoil samples from surface mine sites in both parts of the state were used to evaluate water composition released from the spoils upon introducing water.

The results demonstrate that water quality emanating from coal spoils of Eastern and Western coal mines is dependent on the type of spoil …

Sewage Sludge For Land Application, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

Sewage sludge is a product of waste water treatment plants that function as environmentally acceptable pollution control facilities. In past years most of the sludge had been landfilled, dumped at sea or buried. But environmental and economic considerations have resulted in greater interest in its application on cropland.

Does Use Of Gypsum Improve Soil Structure In Kentucky?, V. P. Evangelou, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

Gypsum is sometimes recommended as a soil amendment in order to improve structure. Although this practice is often used for reclamation of sodic soils (Na⁺ saturated) in the western USA, it's value in improving soil structure in Kentucky is questionable. The following discussion explains way.

Weed And Feed, William W. Witt, Harold B. Rice

Soil Science News and Views

Fertilizer and herbicide combinations are often applied prior to planting, at planting, or after crop emergence, a procedure sometimes called "weed and feed". The opportunities for utilizing this system are numerous with the major advantage being saving an extra trip across the field. In order for the system to work, it must ensure that both fertilizer and herbicide are present when needed. When both the crop plant and weedy plant are at growth stages which allow for compatible applications with a single treatment, this can be highly successful. Conversely, when these two plant systems are not at compatible growth stages, …

Causes Of Soil Compaction And Ways To Minimize Them, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

In order for a soil to become compacted, two conditions must be present, pressure and a soil that will compact . Different soils have different compaction characteristics. Sandy loam soils compact most readily; however, most soils with a high percentage of sand compact easily. Silt loam soils are more resistant to compaction, but they too are easily compacted when wet. When silt loam soils are not wet, it requires high pressure to compact them. When the soil is wet, each particle is lubricated and less pressure is required to compact the soil. Clayey soils can be compacted; but, as they …

Use Of Urea For Crop Production In Kentucky, Wilbur W. Frye

Soil Science News and Views

Current trends indicate that urea will become the major source of solid and liquid N fertilizer in the future. Although urea has several advantages over other N fertilizers, especially in manufacturing, transporting, and marketing, there are some potential agronomic problems that farmers should keep in mind when using urea.

Effect Of Irrigation On Corn, Soybeans And Alfalfa Yields In Kentucky, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

Irrigation is not widely used in Kentucky for two reasons: 1) high average yearly rainfall, and 2) lack of easily accessible and dependable water sources. However, even with the high yearly rainfall, droughts do occur during the growing season. According to past history, they are more likely to occur in West Kentucky than Central Kentucky and least likely to occur in East Kentucky.

Returning Pik Land To Grain Production, Wilbur W. Frye

Soil Science News and Views

With the end of the 1983 PIK program, much of the acreage that was in the program will be returned to grain production. Farmers who planted cover crops on their PIK fields in 1983 and who plan to return them to grain production in 1984 will be faced with deciding whether to use no-tillage or conventional tillage. The cover crops will provide mulch for no-tillage crops which may be an asset but can contribute to problems as well. Also, weed problems may be worse on PIK land and more difficult to control with no-tillage than with conventional tillage. The decision …

Fertilization Management In Double Cropping, John H. Grove

Soil Science News and Views

Double crop systems are being widely adopted by grain and silage producers in Kentucky. The wheat-soybean grain intensive system accounts for nearly 750,000 acres of cropland in the state each year. Alternative silage systems for beef and/or dairy producers involve a fall seeded small grain (wheat, barley, triticale) that is harvested at an immature stage of growth. Immediately afterward a crop for silage (corn, grain sorghum) or grain (soybean, grain sorghum) is planted. When reduced and no-tillage management practices are used the timeliness of planting is improved and losses of surface soil moisture are minimized as the second crop starts …

Water Requirement For Coal Slurry Transportation, David T. Kao, Sandra L. Rusher

KWRRI Research Reports

The amount of water required for coal slurry transportation is a function of the coal properties and the magnitude of coal movement. The pipeline system characteristics and the method of slurry preparation also affects the overall water requirement of the system. In the present study methodologies are developed based on reported and modified coal slurry flow correlation equations to determine the quantity of water needed under various coal transport and flow conditions. Auxiliary water requirements including start-up and flushing water storage; related evaporation and seepage losses are also included. A computer program and several monographs are presented to provide a …

Effect Of Lime Quality On Soil Ph Changes, Monroe Rasnake

Soil Science News and Views

Quality of a liming material depends primarily on two factors - purity and size of the individual particles. Purity is an indication of how much active material is present. Particle size determines how fa st the lime can dissolve and react with soil acidity.

Modeling Erosion On Long Steep Slopes With Emphasis On The Rilling Process, Michael C. Hirschi, Billy J. Barfield, Ian D. Moore

KWRRI Research Reports

A model of soil erosion, known as KYERMO, is presented which emphasizes those processes which are important on steep slopes. Particular emphasis is placed on modeling rill development and geometry since this is the least understood process in erosion mechanics. The model requires an input rill pattern.

Rainfall inputs to the model require the use of breakpoint rainfall and kinetic energy. Surface storage is calculated based on random roughness data of Linden (1979). Infiltration is modeled by use of the two layer Green-Ampt-Mein-Larson model as proposed by Moore and Eigel (1981). Runoff is related to rainfall excess and surface storage …

Improved Methods And Guidelines For Modeling Stormwater Runoff From Surface Coal Mined Lands, Michael E. Meadows, George E. Blandford

KWRRI Research Reports

The investgations, developments and guidelines for several hydrologic modeling strategies are presented. Investigations were conducted to determine appropriate event curve numbers for surface mined disturbed watersheds; and performance of four synthetic unit hydrograph models (SCS curvilinear, SCS single triangle, Williams and TVA double triangle) on 38 USDA experimental watersheds in 14 physiographic provinces using in excess of 270 events. A second test using only the SCS curvilinear unit hydrograph on 11 small watersheds and 48 events was conducted to investigate the excess rainfall pattern simulated with the curve number model. A procedure for developing a unit hydrograph using the time …

Atlas Of Wetlands In The Principal Coal Surface Mining Region Of Western Kentucky, William J. Mitsch, Jan R. Taylor, Kimberly B. Benson, Paul L. Hill Jr.

KWRRI Research Reports

This atlas contains maps of wetlands and surface mining activity in the Western Kentucky Coal Field, and focuses on a 3960 km² (1530 mi²) region where approximately 90 percent of surface mining in the Coal field occures. Some present and potential competition exists between surface coal mining and wetland protection. A wetland classification, based on the recent FWS classification, includes six types of palustrine systems and one each of riverine and laucstrine systems. Wetlands and surface mines are located on twenty-seven 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles that define the study region. A total of 460 km² (177 …

Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilization On Fall Stockpiled Ky 31 Fescue, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

Much interest has developed during the past several years on improving utilization of tall fescue by accumulating its growth during the fall and delaying grazing until late fall and winter. This technique takes advantages of the buildup of sugars in the herbage which normally takes place as seasonal temperatures cool to near the freezing point. UK forage research has shown that content of sugars in tall fescue herbage can increase from around 8 percent in late summer to around 20 percent after the first few frosts have occurred in late fall. This sugar buildup greatly increases the feed value of …

Predicting Infiltration And Surface Runoff From Reconstructed Spoils And Soils, Larry G. Wells, Andrew D. Ward, Ronald E. Phillips

KWRRI Research Reports

A laboratory system was fabricated to measure infiltration and runoff from spoil and soil profiles constructed in rectangular bins. Construction, calibration and operation of a rainfall simulator is discussed and instrumentation used to measure transient infiltration and transmittance of water through experimental profiles is described.

Spoil and soil materials from surface mines in Eastern and Western Kentucky were transported to the laboratory and used in constructing experimental profiles in rectangular bins (0.91 x 1.83 x 1.07 m). An extensive series of infiltration experiments were conducted utilizing a rainfall simulator and soil moisture monitoring instrumentation. A dual probe gamma density gauge …

Modeling Surface And Subsurface Stormflow On Steeply-Sloping Forested Watersheds, Patrick G. Sloan, Ian D. Moore, George B. Coltharp, Joseph D. Eigel

KWRRI Research Reports

A simple conceptual rainfall-runoff model, based on the variable source area concept, was developed for predicting runoff from small, steep-sloped, forested Appalachian watersheds. Tests of the model showed that the predicted and observed daily discharges were in good agreement. The results demonstrate the ability of the model to simulate the "flashy" hydrologic behavior of these watersheds.

Five subsurface flow models were evaluated by application to existing data measured at Coweeta on a reconstructed homogeneous forest soil. The five models were: Nieber 's 2-D and 1-D finite element models (based on Richards' equation), the kinematic wave equation, and two simple storage …