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Sustainable Land Use Optimization In Radioactively Contaminated Landscapes Of Ukrainian Polissia, Iryna Mcdonald, Liudmyla Raichuk

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Sustainable Land Use Optimization in Radioactively Contaminated Landscapes of Ukrainian Polissia

Dr. Iryna McDonald¹, Dr. Liudmyla Raichuk²

¹Fort Hays State University, Department of Agriculture, Hays, KS, USA

²Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management of the NAAS, Kyiv, Ukraine

Abstract

The radioecological situation in territories contaminated due to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident remains challenging, particularly in the Zhytomyr, Kyiv, and Rivne regions, where certain products continue to exhibit elevated levels of radionuclide content. Contemporary challenges –  such as the full-scale war, which has led to the loss of productive lands in southern and eastern …

Study The Effect Of Climate Change On Barley Crop (Hordeum Vulgare L.) And Improving Its Productivity Through Municipal Treated Wastewater Utilization, Wasef A. Alzayadneh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Climate change presents a complex risk to crop productivity, with elevated temperatures, rising CO2 and UV-B enhancement profoundly impacting growth. Although the effects of individual stressors are well-documented, limited information is available regarding the combined effects of variables such as elevated CO₂ (eCO2), UV-B radiation, and elevated temperature (eT). This knowledge gap is especially critical for major cereal crops such as barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), which ranks fourth in global production and serves as a valuable source of forage for livestock. However, traditional forage production is unsustainable in arid regions, where water shortage and extreme weather conditions are present, as …

Re-Purposing Pre-Existing Tilapia Aquaculture Open-Design System For Zebrafish Biomedical Research Purposes, Luke Cantu, David Sierra, Skyleigh Curtis, Maya Avila

ATU Scholars Symposium

Title: Re-purposing pre-existing tilapia open-design aquaculture systems for zebrafish biomedical research purposes.

Background: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) models are gaining popularity in biomedical research; however, the high infrastructure cost, at approximately $20,000 per unit, is a significant hurdle for primary undergraduate institutions (PUIs) establishing zebrafish facilities. This study assesses if repurposing existing tilapia open-design aquaculture systems could be a cost-effective method for zebrafish facility establishment.

Methods: Between November-2025 to February-2026, the study used a pre-existing tilapia aquaculture open-design system with personnel modified outlet filters. The water quality of this system was monitored and recorded. The study compared the stabilization phase or …

Guide To The International Pinot Noir Celebration (Ipnc) Collection, Linfield College Archives

Linfield Archives Finding Aids

This collection contains documents, photographs, digital media, artifacts, and real objects of the IPNC from the beginning of the conference’s origins in 1987 through the present day. Included are invitations, newspaper articles, reviews, correspondence between IPNC and wineries, advertisements, magazines, letters, meeting summaries, photographs, negatives, posters, exhibition material, objects that relate to the IPNC, and CDs with digital content.

Strawflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Melanie Stock, Ali Harrison, Lorin Harrison, Cheyenne Reid, Victoria Xiong, Benjamin Scow, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky

All Current Publications

Strawflower is a cut-and-come again, full-sun annual that performs well with reduced irrigation. Often called the “everlasting flower” and “paper flower,” the dry, daisy-like blooms range from earthy salmon and terracotta to white and dusky blush tones. Strawflower adds texture to floral design, and the diverse color palette is attractive to florists. This cut flower is also exceptional for drying, as it is nearly dried in the field when ready for harvest. The non-fussy growth, low resource use, branching habit, and easy harvest make strawflower an excellent field crop in the U.S. Intermountain West, though expected yields may be lower …

Gomphrena Cut Flower Production In Utah, Kellie Webb, Melanie Stock, Cheyenne Reid, Victoria Xiong, Benjamin Scow, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky

All Current Publications

Gomphrena, also known as globe amaranth, is a full-sun annual with clover-like, papery blooms. Plants thrive in the heat and prefer drier soils once established, making this crop a water-wise choice for Utah cut flower production. Blooms range from soft to fluorescent pink, white, orange, lilac, and red. Gomphrena is especially useful in detailed design work, such as boutonnieres and corsages, as the blooms do well out of water. Gomphrena is also an exceptional flower for drying. The versatility of selling gomphrena as both a fresh and dried cut flower increases its value for Utah growers. Grown primarily for field …

Basket Flower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Kellie Webb, Melanie Stock, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky

All Current Publications

Basket flower is a versatile and visually striking plant valued by florists and gardeners alike for its unique texture, ease of cultivation, and environmental benefits. The large, fringed blooms in shades of pink, lavender, and creamy white add elegance and texture to floral arrangements, harmonizing well with other flowers and greenery. As a reliable mid-season, low-water annual, this crop thrives across soil types with minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for U.S. Intermountain West growers. Moreover, its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, enhances its ecological value, while its resistance to pests and diseases further contributes …

Field Evaluation Of Date Palm Biochar With Chickpea As Model Crop, Shamsa Alketbi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Arid and semi-arid regions are continuously threatened by soil degradation, high salinity, low organic matter, water scarcity which necessitate soil amendments to ensure sustainability and food security. This study measures the potential of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) frond derived biochar, applied alone and in combination with compost, to overall improve the soil properties, physiological, biochemical performance and the crop productivity of chickpea grown under desert field conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Through controlled pyrolysis the biochar was produced and its physicochemical, elemental properties were characterized. Field experiments commenced with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments: …

Guide To Drought Tolerance Of Utah Field Crops, Matt Yost, Tina Sullivan, Dakota Boren, Luree Johnson, Melanie Mills, Earl Creech, Boyd Kitchen, Randall Violett

All Current Publications

Crop variety selection is one of the most important choices on the farm. Crop genetics determine a significant portion of the yield potential and resource use efficiency. Crop types and genetics that use water more efficiently will become increasingly important as water becomes scarcer. Throughout Utah and the Western United States, water availability is decreasing due to various factors, including reduced snowpack and rapid urban growth. Alfalfa, other hay, small grains, and corn are grown on more acres than any other crops in Utah and much of the Intermountain West. These crops all have varieties, hybrids, and cultivars with the …

Irrigation, Crop, And Soil Management Impacts On Water Use In Pivots/Laterals, Tejinder Singh, Matt Yost, Masoumeh Hashemi, Burdette Barker, Cheyenne Reid, Rebekah E. Iverson

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we describe evapotranspiration (ET), introduce a new tool, the soil moisture evapotranspiration (SMET) model, and share results from multi-year trials across Utah evaluating different center-pivot irrigation technologies, deficit irrigation strategies, crop types, drought-tolerant crop genetics, and conservation agriculture practices. These findings highlight how Utah growers can improve water productivity and maintain profitable production under limited water supplies.

Sorghum-Sudangrass Production Guide, Dakota Boren, Matt Yost, Luree Johnson, Tina Sullivan, Earl Creech, Grant Cardon, Corey Ransom, Randall Violett, Cheyenne Reid, Cody Zesiger, Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Michael Pace, Jody Gale

All Current Publications

Sudex is a warm-season forage crop that performs well in Utah’s dry climate due to its drought tolerance. It can be especially useful during drought years or when irrigation supplies are limited. As well as being a high-quality feed, Sudex has many benefits, including weed suppression and soil-building properties. Although there are concerns for prussic acid and nitrate poisoning, these concerns can be reduced and often eliminated with proper management. This fact sheet provides information to producers about using Sudex and best production practices. Much of the information may also apply to forage sorghum and a few of the major …

25 Rules Of Thumb For Field Crops, Matt Yost, Niel Allen, Grant Cardon, Earl Creech, Ryan Larsen, Rhonda Miller, Mark Nelson, Claudia Nischwitz, Matthew Palmer, Steven Price, Ricardo Ramirez, Corey Ransom, Benjamin Scow, Randall Violett

All Current Publications

This article is not a comprehensive list of the practices farmers need to be successful in their operations, but it represents an attempt to capture 25 common tips or “rules” from a wide range of Extension experts throughout Utah, from seedbed preparation, to harvesting guidelines.

On-Farm Research Guide, Matt Yost, Jody Gale, Earl Creech, Megan Baker, Jeffrey Austin, Grant Cardon, Cody Zesiger

All Current Publications

Many growers want to increase crop productivity and farm profitability. On-farm research is a way growers can achieve this goal by discovering answers to important questions about the benefits of using specific products or practices they are uncertain about or are unproven. Validating the efficacy of already-implemented practices is another important reason to do on-farm research trials (Nielsen, 2008). Each farm is unique and can benefit from individualized on-farm research, especially since university and industry researchers cannot study every product or practice for every unique field or farm growing condition. This how-to guide covers benefits and best practices for conducting …

Irrigation Water Loss And Recovery In Utah, Bradley S. Crookston, Troy Peters, Matt Yost, Burdette Barker

All Current Publications

When deciding which irrigation systems to adopt, permit, or promote, it is important to consider how their efficiency and losses affect the water balance of Utah’s watersheds and drainage basins. Irrigators have no control over precipitation and only limited control of surface waters entering and leaving the state, as most of those are controlled by legal agreements. However, Utah’s water managers, elected officials, and water users can consider how surface water flows and groundwater storage is affected by using more efficient irrigation systems. Sprinkler, surface, or drip irrigation systems each have trade-offs in irrigation application efficiency, cost, and other factors. …

Small Grain Forage Production Guide, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Earl Creech, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Michael Pace, Kalen Taylor, Cory Farnsworth, Jacob Hadfield, Corey Ransom, Steven Price, Claudia Nischwitz, Clara Anderson

All Current Publications

Small grain forages can be used for pasture, hay, and silage and have become more common in cropping systems in Utah and the western United States. The most common small grain species used for forage production are barley, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat. Although there has been an increase in the use of small grains for forage production in the western U.S., little published information is available on best management practices for small grain forage production. This guide will discuss the key production practices for small grains used for forage.

The Effect Of Livelihood Capital Accessibility On The Financial Security And Financial Well-Being Of Sheep Farming Households (Survey In Wanaraja Subdistrict, Garut Regency), Suhendarsyah Suhendarsyah, Unang Yunasaf, Sondi Kuswaryan

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study analyzed the influence of livelihood capital accessibility on the financial security and financial well-being of sheep-farming households in Wanaraja Subdistrict, Garut Regency. A quantitative approach was used through a survey with organized interviews of 95 sheep farmers. The research variables include livelihood capital accessibility (X), financial security (Z), and financial well-being (Y). The livelihood capital accessibility construct was built as a Higher-Order Construct with five dimensions: human, natural, financial and physical capital. Data analysis used Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS_SEM) with a two-stage approach. The results evince that social capital are the most influential dimensions in …

Reproductive Performance Of Friesian Holstein Crossbred Dairy Cattle After A Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak In Lembang, Indonesia, Hanunghanindito Pamungkas, Septiyani Septiyani, Nurcholidah Solihati

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that may impair reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the reproductive performance of Friesian Holstein crossbred dairy cows following an FMD outbreak at UPTD BPTSP and HPT Cikole, Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. A retrospective study was conducted using reproductive records collected from 2019 to 2023. The reproductive parameters analyzed were calving interval, service per conception, conception rate, service period, and first mating postpartum. Differences between the pre- and post-FMD periods were assessed using paired sample t-tests. The results showed significant differences in calving interval, service …

Polymorphism Of The Mx Gene In Riau Kampung Chickens, Elfawati Elfawati, Restu Misrianti, Sadarman Sadarman

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

One of the genetic markers for avian influenza is the Mx gene. The purposed of this study was to determine the polymorphism of the Mx gene of kampung chicken in Riau Province. A total of 61 samples from three subpopulations have been genotyped using PCR-RFLP. Allele and genotype frequencies have been calculated using PopGene. The Mx gene was amplified, producing a DNA fragment measuring 299 base pairs. This fragment was digested with the Hpy81 enzyme, which yielded three genotypes: the AA genotype showed by a single 299 bp band; AG showed by 299, 200, and 99 bp bands; and GG …

The Potency Of Inulin Extraction Waste Fermentation From Local Tubers As A Feed Additive, Mohamad Septian, Danes Suhendra, Mikael Sihite, Dyah Saputri

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aims to determine the potential of inulin extraction waste fermentation as a feed additive based on the content of lactic acid, dry matter, pH, and Fleigh points. This research was conducted from March to June 2022 at the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Laboratory, Tidar University. The experimental design used in this study was a Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments (fermentation of inulin extraction waste: T1 Dioscorea alata (uwi), T2: ganyong (Dioscorea alata discolor), T3: gadung(Dioscorea hispida), and T4: umbi ungu (Ipomoea batatas). Each treatment was replicated 5 times. The variables …

The Potential Of Bioactive Peptides From Goat Milk Kefir With Antibacterial Activity As An Antibiotic Substitute, Dhea Athillah, Jajang Gumilar, Eka Wulandari

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aims to determine the optimal incubation time for goat milk kefir that produces the highest antibacterial peptides, and to determine the antibacterial activity of purified goat milk kefir. Protein levels were determined using the microassay method. Kefir, which is known to have the best incubation time for producing the highest antibacterial activity when ultrafiltered with a 10 kDa cut-off membrane, was analyzed for its molecular weight using SDS-PAGE. The antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. The highest soluble protein content was found in kefir incubated for 36 hours, with a soluble …