Earth Sciences Commons^™

How Much Pasture Do I Have And How Long Will It Feed My Cows?, S. Ray Smith

Kentucky Grazing Conference

A very common question asked by cattlemen is, “How much pasture do I have and how long will it feed my cows.” The purpose of this paper is to provide some guidelines and tools for answering this question. In pasture systems, determining the amount of pasture is much harder than in grain-based feeding systems because feed may be allocated for more than one day and feed quantity and quality is influenced by weather, fertility, stand density, and season. In addition, not all the available forage is consumed and the plants continue to grow after they are grazed. Variation in quality …

From Confinement To Grazing, Bill Payne

Kentucky Grazing Conference

A Tale of Two Businesses:

I would like share an account of a transition from a conventional dairy operation to our current Management Intensive Grazing (MIG) enterprise. In 1974, I joined my father who had been dairying on a 265 acre farm in Lincoln County, Kentucky for twenty five years. We fed our registered Holsteins corn silage and alfalfa haylage and purchased a manufactured feed. Our herd of 70 Holsteins spent most of their time on concrete. We did make an effort to allow access to an exercise lot when weather permitted. However, during most of the 1990’s we spent …

Foreword And Conference Information [2011], Garry D. Lacefield, Christi L. Forsythe

Kentucky Grazing Conference

No abstract provided.

Decolorization Of Azo Dye (Orange Mr) By An Autochthonous Bacterium, Micrococcus Sp. Dbs 2, Rajee Olaganathan, Jamila Patterson

Publications

Soil and sediment samples obtained from Orange MR dye contaminated habitat were screened for heterotrophic bacterial population. The heterotrophic bacterial density of dye-contaminated soil was 2.14 9 106 CFU/g. The generic composition of heterotrophic bacterial population was primarily composed of 10% of Proteus sp., 15% Aeromonas sp., 20% Bacillus sp., 25% Pseudomonas sp. and 30% Micrococcus sp. The bacterial strain that decolorized the azo dye Orange MR up to 900 ppm was identified as Micrococcus sp. The optimum inoculum load, pH and temperature were found to be 5%, 6 and 35°C, respectively. The rate of decolorization was assessed using spectrophotometer …

Secondary Minerals From Extrapedogenic Per Latus Acidic Weathering Environments At Geomorphic Edges, Eastern Nebraska, Usa, Robert Matthew Joeckel, K.D. Wally, B.J. Ang Clement, P.R. Hanson, J.S. Dillon, S.K. Wilson

Conservation and Survey Division: Faculty and Staff Publications

Acidic weathering of the sulfidic Upper Cretaceous Carlile and Pierre Shales in Nebraska has led to the precipitation of the Al sulfate–hydroxide minerals aluminite, alunite, “basaluminite”/felsöbányaite (e.g.,), the aluminum hydroxides gibbsite and bayerite, and the rare Al phosphate hydroxide vashegyite. Kaolinite has also been produced as a result of this acidic weathering. These minerals do not appear as neoformed constituents in any extant soils in the region, and their existence underscores the ability of pyrite oxidation to produce major changes in mineralogy on a Holocene to Recent time scale. Jarosite, hydronium jarosite, gypsum, halotrichite, and melanterite also appear as secondary …

110 Years Of Avipoxvirus In The Galapagos Islands, Patricia Parker, Elizabeth Buckles, Heather Farrington, Kenneth Petren, Noah Whiteman, Robert Ricklefs, Jennifer Bollmer, Gustavo Jiménez-Uzcátegui

Biology Department Faculty Works

The role of disease in regulating populations is controversial, partly owing to the absence of good disease records in historic wildlife populations. We examined birds collected in the Galapagos Islands between 1891 and 1906 that are currently held at the California Academy of Sciences and the Zoologisches Staatssammlung Muenchen, including 3973 specimens representing species from two well-studied families of endemic passerine birds: finches and mockingbirds. Beginning with samples collected in 1899, we observed cutaneous lesions consistent with Avipoxvirus on 226 (6.3%) specimens. Histopathology and viral genotyping of 59 candidate tissue samples from six islands showed that 21 (35.6%) were positive …

Reproduction And Genetic Detection Of Veligers In Changing Dreissena Populations In The Great Lakes, Jeffrey L. Ram, Aos S. Karim, Payel Acharya, Pranav Jagtap, Sonal Purohit, Donna R. Kashian

Environmental Science and Geology Faculty Research Publications

Dreissenid bivalves, Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) are biofouling species that invaded the Great Lakes region of North America from source populations in Europe in the 1980s. Initially, D. polymorpha spread faster and farther; however, D. bugensis have recently displaced D. polymorpha in many areas of the Great Lakes and was the first to be found west of the Continental Divide. Early detection of dreissenids is important in anticipating and preventing potentially high economic impacts. To study population dynamics and to enhance detection methods, we assessed “spawnability” using a serotonin bioassay and developed a new, sensitive, …

Soil Organic Matter Dynamics In Bioenergy Cropping Systems, Jane Achando Khatenje

Student Theses and Dissertations

Ethanol and other advanced biofuels from cellulosic biomass, plant stalks, trunks, stems, and leaves are renewable alternatives expected to significantly produce improved or expanded renewable energy sources to meet the current energy demand. Therefore, we need to better understand the production of renewable energy sources needs. The long term combined effects of tillage, cropping systems and nutrient sources fertilization on active and slow fractions of soil organic matter dynamics need to be realized. The objectives of this research are to: 1) determine the effects of different nutrient sources on soil organic matter dynamics and 2) determine the effects of bioenergy …

Lineament Mapping For Groundwater Exploration Using Remotely Sensed Imagery In A Karst Terrain : Rio Tanama And Rio De Arecibo Basins In The Northern Karst Of Puerto Rico, Carla A. Alonso-Contes

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Remote sensing and advanced digital image processing techniques were developed and tested for delineating karst features important for the subterranean hydrology in the Tanamá River and Rio Grande de Arecibo catchments located in the North Coast Tertiary Basin of Puerto Rico, where groundwater contributes to base flow for surface water bodies which in itself is the main supply of drinking water. This aquifer region is a karst platform of carbonate rocks and clastic beds, thought to comprise a confined aquifer beneath and an unconfined aquifer. Products derived from ASTER, Landsat (ETM+ and TM), a NED DEM (30 m), and a …

Characterization Of Harmonic Tremor At Santiaguito Volcano And Its Implications For Eruption Mechanisms , Kyle Arthur Brill

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

We observed Santiaguito volcano in southwestern Guatemala from March 2008 - March 2010. Seismic and infrasound data collected between January and March of 2009 contain records of many diverse processes occurring at the dacitic dome complex, including the recurrence of short lived (30-200 seconds in duration) harmonic tremor concurrent with ash poor gas emissions from the volcano. We employ several different analytical techniques to examine different portions of the tremor and source mechanisms. We use the parameters derived by this analysis to compare the feasibility of several suggested models of eruption mechanisms, and determine that this type of harmonic tremor …

Automation Of Shear-Wave Splitting Parameter Determination Of Local Earthquakes At Yellowstone : Application As Indicator Of Crustal Stress And Temporal Variation , Nicole D. Mcmahon

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Shear-wave splitting can be a useful technique for determining crustal stress fields in volcanic settings and temporal variations associated with activity. Splitting parameters were determined for a subset of local earthquakes recorded from 2000-2010 at Yellowstone. Analysis was automated using an unsupervised cluster analysis technique to determine optimum splitting parameters from 270 analysis windows for each event. Six stations clearly exhibit preferential fast polarization values sub-orthogonal to the direction of minimum horizontal compression. Yellowstone deformation results in a local crustal stress field differing from the regional field dominated by NE-SW extension, and fast directions reflect this difference rotating around the …

Sonic Log Prediction In Carbonates , Nayyer Islam

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This work is conducted to study the complications associated with the sonic log prediction in carbonate logs and to investigate the possible solutions to accurately predict the sonic logs in Traverse Limestone. Well logs from fifty different wells were analyzed to define the mineralogy of the Traverse Limestone by using conventional 4-mineral and 3-mineral identification approaches. We modified the conventional 3-mineral identification approach (that completely neglects the gamma ray response) to correct the shale effects on the basis of gamma ray log before employing the 3-mineral identification. This modification helped to get the meaningful insight of the data when a …

Comparisons Between Omi So2 Data And Ground-Based So2 Measurements At Turrialba Volcano , Anieri M. Morales Rivera

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Turrialba is one of the largest and most active stratovolcanoes in the Central Cordillera of Costa Rica and an excellent target for validation of satellite data using ground based measurements due to its high elevation, relative ease of access, and persistent elevated SO₂ degassing. The Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) aboard the Aura satellite makes daily global observations of atmospheric trace gases and it is used in this investigation to obtain volcanic SO₂ retrievals in the Turrialba volcanic plume. We present and evaluate the relative accuracy of two OMI SO₂ data analysis procedures, the automatic Band Residual Index …

Ultraviolet Digital Imaging Of Volcanic Plumes : Implementation And Application To Magmatic Processes At Basaltic Volcanoes, Patricia Amanda Nadeau

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Magmatic volatiles play a crucial role in volcanism, from magma production at depth to generation of seismic phenomena to control of eruption style. Accordingly, many models of volcano dynamics rely heavily on behavior of such volatiles. Yet measurements of emission rates of volcanic gases have historically been limited, which has restricted model verification to processes on the order of days or longer.

UV cameras are a recent advancement in the field of remote sensing of volcanic SO₂ emissions. They offer enhanced temporal and spatial resolution over previous measurement techniques, but need development before they can be widely adopted and …

Modeling Gross Primary Production Of Irrigated And Rain-Fed Maize Using Modis Imagery And Co2 Flux Tower Data, Joshua L. Kalfas, Xiangming Xiao, Diana X. Vanegas, Shashi B. Verma, Andrew E. Suyker

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Abstract

Information on gross primary production (GPP) of maize croplands is needed for assessing and monitoring maize crop conditions and the carbon cycle. A number of studies have used the eddy covariance technique to measure net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO₂ between maize cropland fields and the atmosphere and partitioned NEE data to estimate seasonal dynamics and interannual variation of GPP in maize fields having various crop rotation systems and different water management practices. How to scale up in situ observations from flux tower sites to regional and global scales is a challenging task. In this study, the Vegetation …

Thermal Characterization Of The Ellenberger Karst Springs, Colorado Bend State Park, Texas [Abstract], Sherri Dornak, Katie Mitchell, Jessica De Leon, Kevin W. Stafford

Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

Meeting Reports: Research On Coupled Human And Natural Systems (Chans): Approach, Challenges, And Strategies, Marina Alberti, Heidi Asbjornsen, Lawrence A. Baker, Nicholas Brozovic, Laurie E. Drinkwater, Scott A. Drzyzga, Claire A. Jantz, José Fragoso, Daniel S. Holland, Timothy A. Kohler, Jianguo Liu, William J. Mcconnell, Herbert D.G. Maschner, James D.A. Millington, Michael Monticino, Guillermo Podestá, Robert Gilmore Pontius, Charles L. Redman, Nicholas J. Reo, David Sailor, Gerald Urquhart

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

Understanding the complexity of human–nature interactions is central to the quest for both human well-being and global sustainability. To build an understanding of these interactions, scientists, planners, resource managers, policymakers, and communities increasingly are collaborating across wide-ranging disciplines and knowledge domains. Scientists and others are generating new integrated knowledge on top of their requisite specialized knowledge to understand complex systems in order to solve pressing environmental and social problems (e.g., Carpenter et al. 2009). One approach to this sort of integration, bringing together detailed knowledge of various disciplines (e.g., social, economic, biological, and geophysical), has become known as the study …

The Water Footprint Assessment Manual: Setting The Global Standard, Arjen Y. Hoekstra, Ashok K. Chapagain, Maite M. Aldaya, Mesfin Mekonnen

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

This book contains the global standard for 'water footprint assessment' as developed and maintained by the Water Footprint Network (WFN). It covers a comprehensive set of definitions and methods for water footprint accounting. It shows how water footprints are calculated for individual processes and products, as well as for consumers, nations and businesses. It also includes methods for water footprint sustainability assessment and a library of water footprint response options. A shared standard on definitions and calculation methods is crucial given the rapidly growing interest in companies and governments to use water footprint accounts as a basis for formulating sustainable …

Geochemistry Of Hydrothermal Fluids From The Pacmanus, Northeast Pual And Vienna Woods Hydrothermal Fields, Manus Basin, Papua New Guinea, Eoghan P. Reeves, Jeffrey S. Seewald, Peter Saccocia, Wolfgang Bach, Paul R. Craddock, Wayne C. Shanks Iii, Sean P. Sylva, Emily Walsh, Thomas Pichler, Martin Rosner

Geological Sciences Faculty Publications

Processes controlling the composition of seafloor hydrothermal fluids in silicic back-arc or near-arc crustal settings remain poorly constrained despite growing evidence for extensive magmatic–hydrothermal activity in such environments. We conducted a survey of vent fluid compositions from two contrasting sites in the Manus back-arc basin, Papua New Guinea, to examine the influence of variations in host rock composition and magmatic inputs (both a function of arc proximity) on hydrothermal fluid chemistry. Fluid samples were collected from felsic-hosted hydrothermal vent fields located on Pual Ridge (PACMANUS and Northeast (NE) Pual) near the active New Britain Arc and a basalt-hosted vent field …

Effect Of A Cold Margin On Ice Flow At The Terminus Of Storglaciaren, Sweden: Implications For Sediment Transfer, Keith A. Brugger, Peter L. Moore, Neal R. Iverson, Denis Cohen, Thomas S. Hooyer, Peter Jansson

Geology Publications

The cold-based termini of polythermal glaciers are usually assumed to adhere strongly to an immobile substrate and thereby supply significant resistance to the flow of warm-based ice upglacier. This compressive environment is commonly thought to uplift basal sediment to the surface of the glacier by folding and thrust faulting. We present model and field evidence from the terminus of Storglaciaren, Sweden, showing that the cold margin provides limited resistance to flow from up-glacier. Ice temperatures indicate that basal freezing occurs in this zone at 10⁻¹ –10⁻² ma⁻¹, but model results indicate that basal motion at rates …

A Financial Impact Assessment Of Ld 1725: Stream Crossings (Presentation), New England Environmental Finance Center, Muskie School Of Public Service

Water

This report looks at the potential financial impact of LD 1725 on the estimated 30,000 stream crossings in the State of Maine that would be affected by the law. Our research for this report included the analysis of nearly 2000 stream crossings and the data collection necessary for the development of extensive stream crossing replacement cost models. We found that the 1.2 bankfull requirements in LD 1725 would result in a 75% ‐ 250% increase in structure widths for stream crossing projects across the state. An upsize of this magnitude would increase the cost of replacing stream crossings statewide by …

A Financial Impact Assessment Of Ld 1725: Stream Crossings Presentation, New England Environmental Finance Center

Economics and Finance

This report looks at the potential financial impact of LD 1725 on the estimated 30,000 stream crossings in the State of Maine that would be affected by the law. Our research for this report included the analysis of nearly 2000 stream crossings and the data collection necessary for the development of extensive stream crossing replacement cost models. We found that the 1.2 bankfull requirements in LD 1725 would result in a 75% ‐ 250% increase in structure widths for stream crossing projects across the state. An upsize of this magnitude would increase the cost of replacing stream crossings statewide by …

Temperature Increase Effects On Sagebrush Ecosystem Forbs: Exprimental Evidence And Range Manager Perspectives, Hilary Louise Whitcomb

Green Canyon Environmental Research Area, Logan Utah

No abstract provided.

Essentials Of Geographic Information Systems, Jonathan E. Campbell, Michael Shin

Textbooks

This is the required textbook for ENVR 370 at Liberty University.

A Picture Is Worth 972 Words: The Old, Red Barn, Chris Laingen

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

No abstract provided.

Ordway Weather And Water Data 2011, Macalester College

Ordway Weather Data

Contains daily readings for the year indicated. The values include: PAR umol/s/m2, avg wind dir degree, avg windspeed mph, Avg Max Windspeed mph, Avg airtemp C, Avg RH %, Avg BP mmHg, Avg DailyRain in, Avg Rain Duration sec, Avg RainIntensity in/h, Avg Water Temp F, Avg sp cond mS/cm, avg pH, Avg Turb NTU+, Avg ODOSat %, Avg ODO mg/L, Water station PAR umol/s/m2, Avg Water Level m. File format: CSV.

A Guide To Fuels Management In Riparian Areas Of The Interior West, Final Report, Kathleen A. Dwire, Kristen E. Meyer, Sandra E. Ryan, Gregg Riegel, Timothy Burton

Joint Fire Science Program Synthesis Reports

Fuel treatments in riparian areas pose distinct challenges. Riparian areas are protected by administrative regulations, many of which are largely custodial and restrict active management. However, riparian areas have also been affected by fire suppression, land use, and disturbance and manipulative treatments of fuels may be needed to maintain riparian biodiversity and restore valued functions. This project is a synthesis of the current knowledge regarding fuels treatments in riparian areas of the interior western USA. It summarizes the most recent scientific literature, but also incorporates the practical knowledge gained by resource managers who have been utilizing different techniques to reduce …

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients And Aquatic Organisms, Christian G. Daughton, Bryan W. Brooks

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

The presence of active pharmaceuticals ingredients (APIs) in aquatic systems has led in recent years to a burgeoning literature examining environmental occurrence, fate, effects, risk assessment, and treatability of these compounds. The vast preponderance of studies aimed at identifying and quantifying contaminant residues in aquatic tissues have involved the conventional and legacy pollutants. Comparatively few studies have been targeted at APIs, primarily those that are lipophilic. Although APIs have received much attention as "emerging" contaminants of concern, it is important to recognize that traditional approaches to understand and predict exposure and effects of other environmental organic contaminant classes mayor may …

Dissolved Organic Matter Composition And Photoreactivity In Prairie Lakes Of The U.S. Great Plains, Christopher L. Osburn, Courtney R. Wigdahl, Sherilyn C. Fritz, Jasmine E. Saros

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Faculty Publications

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) of 27 prairie saline lake ecosystems was investigated in the Northern and Central Great Plains of the United States using absorbance, fluorescence, lignin concentration, and stable C isotope values. The majority of variation in DOM fluorescence among lakes was due to humic (peak C) and microbially formed (peak M) fluorescent components, which appear to be derived from autochthonous primary production. Strong correlations between peak M and nutrients allow us to model total phosphorus (TP) concentration using peak M fluorescence and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption. The rate of primary production (PP) was positively correlated with …

Ecology And Biogeography Of The Piedmont Blue Burrower (Cambarus [Depressicambarus] Harti), Troy Keller

Faculty Bibliography

No abstract provided.