Earth Sciences Commons^™

Interpreting Forage Quality Test Reports, Donna M. Amaral-Phillips

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Forages are the foundation for building diets for beef and dairy cattle, horses, sheep and goats. The quality of these forages directly impacts forage intake, animal performance, and, ultimately, the profitability to their owners. As the quality of forages decline, consumption of that forage decreases and the amount of grain or byproducts which must be fed increases. The cost for a unit of performance increases and/or the animal can not perform (i.e. milk or gain) to the optimum level thus lowering profitability to the animal owner. These relationships are especially true with young and high performance ruminants, such as high …

Moisture Management In Hay Making And Storage, Tom Keene, Doug Overhults

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Making hay in central Kentucky can be one of the most trying on farm endeavors a producer can undertake. Our plentiful moisture, rolling topography, and climate make Kentucky ideal for producing high quality forage for either grazing or hay making. However, that same moisture, either in the form of rain or high humidity, can sometimes make it devilishly hard to make hay here in Kentucky.

Storing Alfalfa As Round Bale Silage, David C. Ditsch

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Hay is the most popular method for storing alfalfa because it stores well for long periods and is better suited to cash sale and transportation than silage. However, silage may be a suitable option when and/or where hay curing is difficult. Due to numerous improvements in baling and wrapping equipment, it is possible to make high quality round bale silage using long (unchopped) alfalfa crops.

Alfalfa As A Grazing Crop, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Over the past decade we have had several people address “Alfalfa as a Grazing Crop” including Warren Thompson, Jim Moutray, Gary Bates, Ken Johnson, Jason Sandefur, Byron Sleugh, and myself. Each has done an excellent job discussing the merits of this remarkable crop and the opportunities it offers for grazing. At the end of the Conference last year, I (as I always do) asked for your suggestions concerning topics for this years’ conference. As it has been for the past decade, “Grazing” was the most requested topic. In today’s presentation, let’s go back and revisit the question, “Is Grazing Alfalfa …

Fertilizing Alfalfa For Profit, Greg Schwab

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa is a high quality, valuable forage crop that can be successfully produced on most well drained soils in Kentucky. Fertilizing alfalfa can be uniquely challenging because it is a perennial crop. In addition, high yielding alfalfa removes a tremendous amount of soil nutrients when compared to other crops grown in Kentucky. A thorough understanding of alfalfa’s growth habits, nutrient requirements, and the soil nutrient supply mechanisms for alfalfa is necessary to effectively manage fertilizer inputs and maximize profitability.

Principles And Practices Of Successful Alfalfa Establishment, Gary Bates

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa is the most widely known forage crop, due to its high quality and the versatility of use. There are few forages that are as widely distributed as alfalfa, and none that can produce the high yields and high quality. Even with all of the positives of alfalfa, growing this crop profitably is often difficult. An evaluation of alfalfa budgets shows that a key factor in the success with alfalfa is the stand life. Because of the establishment expense, an extra year or two of production can increase the lucrativeness of the stand. The start of having a long life …

Advances In Alfalfa Seed Coating, Bill Talley

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Seed coating for alfalfa has been available since the mid to late 70’s. Over the last 30 years, advances in the industry have made it the choice of many producers. The purpose of the coatings at that time was mainly to add weight to increase the ballistic properties and to be a carrier for the rhizobia. Through research and new technology, coatings have evolved and shown great agronomic benefits. Seed coating can provide an opportunity to supply effective quantities of needed materials to each seed, which can influence both the physical property, and the microenvironment of the seed. Coatings can …

New Alfalfa Varieties, S. Ray Smith

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Commercial alfalfa breeding companies have continued to make great strides in the development of new varieties with unique traits. New traits include Roundup Ready®, potato leafhopper resistance, hybrids, lodging resistance, rapid regrowth, higher quality, resistance to new diseases, and more… I will address some of these new developments in the following pages. In addition, producers often ask the question: “Are improved varieties really worth the higher seed cost?” Dr. Jimmy Henning recently summarized 24 location years of Kentucky alfalfa yield data and found that the best 5 varieties in each test yielded 0.9 tons/A higher than the checks. Over a …

Foreword And Recipients Of Kentucky Alfalfa Awards [2006], Garry D. Lacefield, Christi L. Forsythe

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

No abstract provided.

Results Of Chemical Analyses For Alcove 8/ Niche 3 Tracer Studies, Jeanette Daniels, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This is the final report detailing the analyses performed under ORD-FY04-011 "Chemical Analyses for Alcove 8/Niche 3 Tracer Studies," The work was performed under The University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Cooperative Agreement DE-FC28-04RW12232, This task provided method development and analytical support for the Alcove 8/Niche 3 Tracer Studies in the Exploratory Studies Facility (ESF). Concentrations of tracers as well as major anions and cations were reported for samples provided by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the US Geological Survey (USGS). Samples were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and …

Effect Of Water Ice Content On Excavatability Of Lunar Regolith, Leslie S. Gertsch, Robert Gustafson, Richard E. Gertsch

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The amount of water ice contained within prepared samples of JSC-1 lunar regolith simulant strongly affects the excavatability of the material. As part of a NASA Phase I SBIR project, load-penetration testing of JSC-1 lunar regolith simulant was performed at water ice concentrations ranging from zero to 11% by mass (approximately saturated), after compaction and cooling to simulate probable lunar conditions. After mixing dry JSC-1 simulant with the appropriate amount of water, the samples were individually compressed into containment rings under 48 MPa of pressure. Thermocouples embedded in the samples monitored internal temperature while they were cooled in a bath …

Crop Updates 2006 - Farming Systems, Wayne Pluske, Bill Bowden, Craig Scanlan, Stephen Davies, Chris Gazey, Peter Tozer, Derk Bakker, Louise Barton, David Gatter, Renee Buck, Daniel Murphy, Christoph Hinz, Bill Porter, Meredith Fairbanks, Nicolyn Short, Ian Foster, James Fisher, Doug Abrecht, Mario D'Antuono, Tracey M. Gianatti, Paul Carmody, Frank D'Amden, Rick Llewellyn, Michael Burton, Caroline Peek, Nadine Eva, Chris Carter, Megan Abrahams, Andrew Blake, Paul Blackwell, Sylvian Pottier, Michael Robertson, Greg Lyle, Lisa Brennan, Tony J. Vyn, Simon Teakle, Peter Norris, Jeff Russell, James Fisher, Roy Murray-Prior, Deb Pritchard, Mike Collins, Greg Hamilton, Rob Hetherington, Andrew Van Burgel, Cliff Spann

Crop Updates

This session covers nineteen papers from different authors:

SOIL AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

1. Inve$tigating fertili$er inve$tment, Wayne Pluske, Nutrient Management Systems

2. KASM, the potassium in Agricultural System Model,Bill Bowden and Craig Scanlan, DAWA Northam and UWA, School of Earth and Geographical Sciences

3. Long term productivity and economic benefits of subsurface acidity management from surface and subsurface liming, Stephen Davies, Chris Gazey and Peter Tozer, Department of Agriculture

4. Furrow and ridges to prevent waterlogging, Dr Derk Bakker, Department of Agriculture

5. Nitrous oxide emissions from a cropped soil in Western Australia, Louise Barton^{1 …}

Crop Updates 2006 - Oilseeds, Graham Walton, Fiona Martin, Anne Wilkins, Nathan Hancock, Matthew Nelson, Marieclaire Castello, Linda Thompson, Anouska Cousin, Guijun Yan, Wallace Cowling, Moin Salam, Bill Mcloud, Ravjit Khangura, Jean Galloway, Art Diggle, R. F. Brennan, M. D. A. Bolland, P. M. Damon, Z. Rengel, Terry Rose, Qifu Ma, Dave Eksteen

Crop Updates

This session covers thirteen papers from different authors:

1. INTRODUCTION, Graham Walton, CONVENOR, Department of Agriculture

2. The performance of new TT canola varieties in National Variety Testing (NVT) WA, Fiona Martin, Research Agronomist, Agritech Crop Research

3. Comparison of TT Canola Varieties in Oilseeds WA Trials – 2005, Collated by G.H. Walton, Department of Agriculture, WA, from a collaboration between Oilseeds WA, Seed Companies, Agronomists and Growers

4. An overview of the potential for a Biofuels Industry in Western Australia, Anne Wilkins and Nathan Hancock, Department of Agriculture

5. Retrieval of fertile progeny from interspecific …

Determining The Redox Properties Of Yucca Mountain-Related Groundwater Using Trace Element Speciation For Predicting The Mobility Of Nuclear Waste, James Cizdziel, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The objective of this task is to determine the principal oxidation state (redox) species of select elements in samples of groundwater in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain (YM), which is being evaluated as a site for geologic storage of the nation’s spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste. Samples to be analyzed include, but are not limited to, groundwater from wells of the Nye County Early Warning Drilling Program. Elements to be studied include arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re), and uranium (U). The …

Analysis Of Compost Treatments To Establish Shrubs And Improve Water Quality, Brent G. Hallock, Anne Power, Steve Rein, Michael Curto, Misty Scharff

Earth and Soil Sciences

Utilization of compost as an erosion control tool is gaining momentum for many reasons. Compost offers excellent surface protection for reducing topsoil loss while providing a favorable substrate for hydroseed mixes. Soil moisture is retained and nutrients for vegetation are provided, meanwhile inhibiting undesirable plant species. However, there is wide variation in available compost sources and cost. Possible interactions between compost composition, soil type and vegetation production may occur. Hence, an experiment aimed to determine whether there is a noticeable difference in erosion control and seedling germination performance between several common types of compost applied at varying rates and methods …

The Last 2000 Years In Northern Yellowstone National Park Based On Multiproxy Data From Crevice Lake, Cathy Whitlock, Sherilyn C. Fritz, Brandi Bracht, Lora Stevens, Mitchell Power

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Faculty Publications

Pollen, charcoal, diatoms, stable-isotope, and geochemical records were analyzed in high-resolution in cores obtained from Crevice Lake, a varved-sediment lake in northern Yellowstone National Park. The objective was to reconstruct the vegetation, fire, and ecohydrologic history of the watershed for the period from AD 0-1917 and compare the results with the PDSI reconstructions of Cook et al. (2004). Pollen percentages and accumulation rates provide information on vegetation and flowering season conditions. Charcoal accumulation rates (CHAR) provide information on fire activity, including fire size or intensity and fire frequency. Diatoms disclose the nature of spring nutrient status, time of ice off, …

A Stable Isotopic Investigation Of A Polar Desert Hydrologic System, Mcmurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, Michael N. Gooseff, W. Berry Lyons, Diane M. Mcknight, Bruce H. Vaughn, Andrew G. Fountain, Carolyn Dowling

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The hydrologic system of the coastal McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, is defined by snow accumulation, glacier melt, stream flow, and retention in closed-basin, ice-covered lakes. During the austral summers from 1993-1996 and 1999-2000 to 2002-2003, fresh snow, snow pits, glacier ice, stream water, and lake waters were sampled for the stable isotopes deuterium (D) and 18O in order to resolve sources of meltwater and the interactions among the various hydrologic reservoirs in the dry valleys. This data set provides a survey of the distribution of natural water isotope abundances within the well-defined dry valley hydrologic system in Taylor Valley, which …

Southern African Crustal Evolution And Composition: Constraints From Receiver Function Studies, Shaji K. Nair, Stephen S. Gao, Kelly H. Liu, Paul G. Silver

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Stacking of approximately 1500 radial receiver functions recorded at about 80 broadband seismic stations deployed in southern Africa reveals systematic spatial variations in the ratio of crustal P and S wave velocities (Φ), crustal thickness (H), and the amplitude of the converted Moho phases (R). The eastern Zimbabwe and the southern Kaapvaal cratons are characterized by small H (~38 km), small Φ (~1.73), and large R (~0.15) values, suggesting that the relatively undisturbed Archean crust beneath southern Africa is separated from the mantle by a sharp Moho and is felsic in composition. The Limpopo belt, which was created by a …

The Late Paleozoic Ice Age Revisited, Christopher R. Fielding, Tracy D. Frank, John L. Isbell

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Faculty Publications

The late Paleozoic Gondwanan ice age (LPGIA), which spans the late Carboniferous through early Permian, marks Earth's last complete transition into, and out of,'icehouse' conditions, and corresponds to peaks in the diversity and extent of paleotropical 'wet' forests [Gastaldo et al, 1996].Studying the LPGIA therefore has the potential to provide valuable information for understanding the Earth's transition out of the current Cenozoic ice age.

A recent two-day workshop brought together about 40 researchers from the various subdisciplines of the geosciences to (1) assess the current understanding of the timing, duration, and character of the LPGIA and how it influenced Earth's …

Perennial Warm Season Grasses In Grazing Programs, Mark Kennedy

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Many warm season perennial grasses were once an important part of the plant community in much of the Midwest. Conversion to cropping systems, overgrazing, lack of regular fire and increased competition from cool-season grasses and legumes have caused many of these grasses to disappear from much of the region. However, warm season grasses can compliment cool-season pastures if managed properly. Midwest stockmen are rediscovering the usefulness of warm season grasses in their overall forage program. Adding these grasses to forage systems has resulted in increased gains and improved livestock performance during the summer months when cool-season grasses are at their …

Non-Traditional Forages For Grazing: Turnips And Other Brassicas, Dave Robison

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Over the past few years there have been a number of production livestock producers that have realized the benefits of grazing turnips and other brassicas. Turnips and other brassicas have traditionally been utilized for late season grazing to help extend the grazing season. But other ways are being found to utilize these highly productive, high quality forage crops. My purpose in this presentation is to introduce the different types of turnips and brassicas and explain how they can be utilized for various systems and different uses.

Corn And Other Annuals, Jeff Mccutcheon

Kentucky Grazing Conference

There are many factors to consider when planting alternative crops. One of the most important factors is deciding if you need additional forage. In our area the basis of any grazing system should be perennial cool-season grasses and legumes. Have you done all that you can to improve that forage production through managed grazing and fertility management? If you have, then you may be ready to consider annual forages in your grazing system.

How I Use My Pastures, Doug Gehner, Russell C. Hackley, Gil Myers

Kentucky Grazing Conference

No abstract provided.

Developing Fencing For Grazing Systems, Ken Johnson

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Expectation is founded on faith, and in faith lays opportunities. I suppose as we look at most farming operations most changes occur from force not by choice. What I propose today and hope to convince most of you; is that here is an opportunity to make more profit, if you’re willing to change and have faith that it will work.

Tall Fescue From 1931-2006, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Tall fescue is the most important coolseason grass grown in the “Heart of America”. It is a versatile plant used for animal feed, lawns and turf, and conservation purposes.

Mineral Supplements And Feed Additives--Can They Eliminate Fescue Toxicity?, John Thomas Johns

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Fescue is the predominate cool season grass in much of the United States due to its wide adaptation and hardiness. Many of these acres however, contain an endophytic fungus resulting in production of toxins with negative effects on grazing cattle. The two primary responses in beef cattle are an increase in core body temperature and a decrease in dry matter intake. As a result, decreases in reproductive rates, milk production, weaning weights and ADG are seen (Tables 1 and 2). Many approaches to pasture management have been advocated to overcome or minimize the problem such as incorporation of legumes, rotational …

Developing Watering Systems For Efficient Grazing, Kevin Laurent

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Whether you call it rotational grazing, intensive grazing or management intensive grazing, the economic benefits of controlling how and where your cattle graze are well documented. Increased forage utilization, greater stocking rates, greater legume persistence, reduced hay feeding and more uniform nutrient recycling are just some of the many benefits producers can take advantage of when practicing some form of controlled grazing. However, one of the greatest challenges to implementing a controlled grazing system is the delivery of stock water to the grazing animal.

Grazing Programs: Environmentally Friendly, Economically Sound And Agronomically Feasible, Sid Brantly

Kentucky Grazing Conference

The environmental soundness of our farms is the greatest, long term asset that farmers have. The topsoil, the trees, the cattle, the grass and crops on your farm are like unto a great financial account...and you are the banker. You make the decisions to: A) Use it all up now, B) Lock it away for someone in the future to make the decisions, or C) Utilize wisely in such a way that it is managed for financial success today, and still builds momentum for your future as well as your descendents.

Animal Behavior: Impacts On Grazing, Mark Kennedy

Kentucky Grazing Conference

I am not an expert on this subject and give all credit for my limited understanding of this subject to Dr. Fred Provenza, Utah State University; Katy Voth, Livestock for Landscapes, LLC; Jim Gerrish and others. I have tried to put into practice, both personally and with other producers, many of these principles to aid in improved grazing management. This presentation will address only 2 aspects of animal behavior; 1) How animal behavior impacts grazing distribution and forage utilization over the landscape, and 2) How animal behavior affects diet selection.

Growing Forage Crops For Wildlife, Don Ball

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Numerous forage crops adapted in the Southeast offer benefits in production of various domestic animals including beef and dairy cattle, horses, and sheep (Ball, et al., 2002). Many of the same attributes these plants offer when grown in connection with livestock enterprises are also valuable in wildlife settings. Furthermore, the attitudes of many wildlife managers are changing, and their desire for knowledge of forage crops is on the rise. Consequently, forage crops are becoming more important and more greatly appreciated by wildlife enthusiasts within our region.