Hydroponics In The Classroom: Cultivating Plants, Captivating Young People,
2026
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Hydroponics In The Classroom: Cultivating Plants, Captivating Young People, Stacy A. Adams, Christian Stephenson, Theresa James, Kim Todd
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications
Few students take the initiative to pursue coursework beyond that required for progression to graduation. Limited are opportunities that connect educational content to industry application, potentially inspiring young people towards impactful careers. The United States government has emphasized the importance of STEM education to ensure national security and to maintain economic competitiveness globally. STEM education is not a defined discipline but an approach for building knowledge through application and engagement. Developing and managing a hydroponics prototype provides numerous opportunities for embedding STEM content into a fun and interactive project. This poster provides inspiration for constructing a simple deep water culture …
Assessment Of Soybean Response To Irrigation Variability In Eastern Nebraska Using The Aquacrop Model,
2026
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Assessment Of Soybean Response To Irrigation Variability In Eastern Nebraska Using The Aquacrop Model, Anmol Singh, Saleh Taghvaeian, Yufeng Ge, Derek M. Heeren, Frank Bai
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a major irrigated crop in eastern Nebraska, where recent expansions in irrigated agriculture and projected trends in irrigation demand necessitate thorough investigations of approaches that can optimize its irrigation management. In this study, the AquaCrop model was calibrated and validated using 19 variable irrigation treatments from a five-year field experiment. The model accurately simulated canopy cover, soil water content, and grain yield, with validation normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) of 12%, 7%, and 7%, respectively. The model was subsequently applied to estimate soybean yield and water requirement during a 15-year period (2010–2024) …
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis L.) As A Perennial Groundcover: Establishment And Weed Management In Corn,
2026
University of Kentucky
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis L.) As A Perennial Groundcover: Establishment And Weed Management In Corn, Kiera S. Searcy
Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences
Perennial groundcover (PGC) systems offer a cost-effective alternative to annual cover crops, by providing continuous soil cover, reducing soil erosion, and contributing to integrated weed management (IWM) in corn (Zea mays L.) production systems. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) has been proposed as a perennial groundcover for corn due to its low growth habit and seasonal dormancy; however, successful adoption is limited by challenges associated with establishment-phase weed competition and compatibility with weed management programs during corn production. The objectives of this research were to (1) evaluate weed management strategies that support Kentucky bluegrass establishment and (2) assess …
Evaluating Spatial Variability Of Corn Yield Response To Phosphorus Fertilizer For Improved Precision Phosphorus Management,
2026
University of Kentucky
Evaluating Spatial Variability Of Corn Yield Response To Phosphorus Fertilizer For Improved Precision Phosphorus Management, Jennifer Fridgen
Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences
Soil scientists did not develop soil test-based fertilizer recommendations to support precision nutrient management. Knowledge of crop responses to applied essential nutrients, such as phosphorus (P), and the processes governing these responses at high spatial resolution are necessary to improve precision agronomic recommendations. This dissertation investigates the limitations of current soil sampling methodologies and recommendation frameworks for crop response to fertilizer, with particular emphasis on P fertility in Kentucky (KY) corn production. The first study examined the relationship between the resolution of systematic grid sampling and the spatial structure of soil test variables (Mehlich-3 P (M3P), Mehlich-3 potassium (M3K), and …
Regenerative Farming Practices Effects On Invertebrates In Wheat Systems,
2026
South Dakota State University
Regenerative Farming Practices Effects On Invertebrates In Wheat Systems, Daniel J. Pecenka
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The modern agricultural system is based upon the Green Revolutions principle of creating more food. However, this came at a cost of invertebrate declines through habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of agrochemicals. Here I address knowledge gaps in biological inventory of invertebrates across north, northwestern, and central North America. These invertebrates were identified and given a size scale and a dietary guild. We also examined how regenerative and conventional agricultural practices can affect invertebrate populations within the same crop. We also examined whether regenerative management wheat fields fostered great invertebrate communities while limited pest presence. Invertebrate populations were negatively …
Feasibility Of Corn Stover For Biogas Production In Northwestern Illinois: A Case Study Of Jo Daviess And Carroll Counties,
2026
Eastern Illinois University
Feasibility Of Corn Stover For Biogas Production In Northwestern Illinois: A Case Study Of Jo Daviess And Carroll Counties, Anthony Amotoe-Bondzie
Masters Theses
The growing demand for renewable energy and sustainable waste management has intensified interest in agricultural residues such as bioenergy feedstocks. This study evaluated the feasibility of converting corn stover into biogas through anaerobic digestion (AD) in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois, with consideration of the Savanna Industrial Park as a potential centralized processing hub. Although corn stover represents one of the largest biomass resources in the United States, this research identifies a critical gap between theoretical availability and practically recoverable feedstock. Using a mixed-methods framework, the study integrates biomass quantification, methane yield modeling, economic analysis, and policy assessment. Results …
Investigation Of Perennial Clover Living Mulch And Reduced Tillage Effects On Weed Suppression, Crop Metrics, And Yield Of Organic Cabbage And Sweet Corn In The Northern Great Plains,
2026
South Dakota State University
Investigation Of Perennial Clover Living Mulch And Reduced Tillage Effects On Weed Suppression, Crop Metrics, And Yield Of Organic Cabbage And Sweet Corn In The Northern Great Plains, Kristina Harms
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Vegetable farmers often face weed management and soil health challenges, such as nitrate leaching, soil compaction, and top-soil loss. Sustainable agriculture is a forefront of innovation compared to conventional agriculture. Living mulches, non-cash crops grown alongside cash crops, have demonstrated weed suppression and impact on the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Yet studies have not evaluated established living mulch systems on cash crop quality and yield. This study conducted in 2023, 2024, and 2025 at SDSU Southeast Research Farm, Beresford, SD, USA evaluates the impact of established ‘Dynamite’ red clover (Trifolium pratense), ‘Domino’ white clover (T. repens), and ‘Aberlasting’ white × …
Influence Of Farming Systems (Organic Vs. Conventional) With Crop Rotation And Intercropping On Weed Seedbank In Central Kenya,
2026
Kenyatta University
Influence Of Farming Systems (Organic Vs. Conventional) With Crop Rotation And Intercropping On Weed Seedbank In Central Kenya, Obadiah Mwangi, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Edward Karanja, Michael Kinyua, Peter Bolo, Dominic Mutambu, Martha Musyoka, Edwin Mwangi, Felix Matheri, Nancy Mwende, Tanga Chrysanthus, Noah Adamtey, David Bautze, Unternährer Anouk, Milka Kiboi, Anne Muriuki, Hottensiah Wambui, Job Kihara
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Weed seedbanks are a key driver of long-term weed pressure and are strongly shaped by farming systems, crop rotation, and intercropping. This study evaluated the influence of organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV) farming systems, each managed under high (113–145 kg N·ha−1, 60–83 kg P·ha−1) and low (31–45 kg N·ha−1 and 13–27 kg P·ha−1) fertilization levels, on weed seedbank density, composition, dominance, and diversity in two long-term trials (established in 2007) at Chuka and Thika in the Central Highlands of Kenya. From 2017 to 2019, across six cropping seasons under a three-year rotation, soil …
Sustainable Control Of Pests And Striga Weed Through Intensified Push-Pull Technology And Frass-Based Soil Amendments,
2026
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Sustainable Control Of Pests And Striga Weed Through Intensified Push-Pull Technology And Frass-Based Soil Amendments, Evanson R. Omuse, Honest Machekano, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Samwel O. Ogaji, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Crop productivity under African smallholder farming systems is faced by numerous challenges, including insect pests, weeds, low soil fertility, and climate change. Sustainable intensification, such as push-pull (PP) technology and vegetable-integrated push-pull (VIPP) technology, coupled with soil organic amendments such as black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF), can address these agricultural constraints. We investigated the individual and synergistic effects of cropping systems comprising two crops [maize (DK777 variety) and cowpea (KVU27 variety)] and agroecological strategies (PP, VIPP and BSFFF) on the management of pests and Striga weeds and crop productivity in three different geographical areas. Diversified cropping systems (PP and …
Impacts Of Multitrophic Interactions In Diversified Cropping Systems For Sustainable Management Of Spodoptera Frugiperda,
2026
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Impacts Of Multitrophic Interactions In Diversified Cropping Systems For Sustainable Management Of Spodoptera Frugiperda, Abdul A. Jalloh, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Fathiya M. Khamis, Subramanian Sevgan, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Background: Rapid population growth has made the sustainable intensification of agricultural productivity essential for meeting global food demands while maintaining environmental integrity and biodiversity. Diversified cropping systems, such as intercropping, push-pull systems, and cover cropping, are recognized as agroecological strategies to enhance plant growth and protection, and suppress major pests, including the fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda). These systems influence complex above-and-below ground interactions among herbivorous pests, plants, soil microbes, and their natural enemies. Aims: This review synthesizes current knowledge on how diversified cropping systems shape multitrophic interactions that affect soil health, plant performance, S. frugiperda suppression, and biocontrol within …
Soil Nutrient Sufficiency Versus Plant Nutrient Status In Compost-Amended Soils: Plant Tissue Analysis As A Diagnostic Tool,
2026
Murray State University
Soil Nutrient Sufficiency Versus Plant Nutrient Status In Compost-Amended Soils: Plant Tissue Analysis As A Diagnostic Tool, Chandralekha Joga Miss
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
This study evaluated whether Mehlich III soil nutrient sufficiency ratings reliably predict plant nutrient status and chlorophyll response across contrasting compost application histories. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with Chijimisai (Brassica rapa) planted in three treatment soils that had no compost (T1), moderate compost history (T2), and long-term hog manure compost application (T3). Plant performance was assessed through weekly shoot length and chlorophyll content (SPAD) measurements, leaf number at maturity, and leaf tissue nutrient analysis conducted at harvest. Soil test results indicated adequate to high nutrient levels across all three treatments. Leaf tissue analysis, however, revealed substantial …
An Analysis Of Systemic And Contact Herbicide Usage Trends In Illinois Corn Production Systems,
2026
Murray State University
An Analysis Of Systemic And Contact Herbicide Usage Trends In Illinois Corn Production Systems, Paige E. Mckittrick
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Herbicide use is central to weed management in Illinois corn production; however, long-term changes in the balance between systemic and contact herbicides have not been well quantified at the statewide scale. This study analyzes herbicide trends in Illinois corn from 1982 to 2016 using secondary data from the USDA Agricultural Chemical Use Survey, paired with climate, regulatory, and herbicide resistance information. Herbicide active ingredients were classified into systemic and contact functional categories and grouped according to Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) mode-of-action (MOA) codes. For each survey year, total herbicide load (lb a.i./acre), functional proportions, MOA-specific contributions, and a …
Gas-Flux-Determination-Method Effects On Greenhouse Gas Emissions Andglobal Warming Potential From Soybean In Southeast Arkans,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Gas-Flux-Determination-Method Effects On Greenhouse Gas Emissions Andglobal Warming Potential From Soybean In Southeast Arkans, Jonathan B. Brye, Diego Della Lunga, Kristofor R. Brye
Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
Greenhouse gas (GHG) research and quantification have increased in importance recently due to climate change. Non-flow-through chamber systems collect large quantities of gas concentration data to determine the gas flux, but gas-flux-determination (GFD) methods can vary between regression models, how negative fluxes are considered, and what agroecosystem is evaluated, which makes selecting an analysis method complicated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of GFD method [i.e. linear (L) and exponential (E) regression models, with negative fluxes (WNF) and with reassigned negative fluxes (RNF)] on GHG fluxes, emissions, and global warming potential (GWP) from soybean (Glycine max) …
Straw Cover Increases Garden Soil Microbial Biodiversity,
2025
Purdue University, West Lafayette
Straw Cover Increases Garden Soil Microbial Biodiversity, Emory Walker, Mara Welty, Emma Creviston
The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research
No abstract provided.
Short-Term Tillage Effects On Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Global Warming Potential From Soybean In Southeast Arkansas,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Short-Term Tillage Effects On Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Global Warming Potential From Soybean In Southeast Arkansas, Lauren Gwaltney, Kristofor R. Brye, Della Lunga Diego, Jonathan B. Brye, Trenton Roberts, Samuel B. Fernandes, Michael B. Daniels
Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
Reduced tillage (RT) is a common conservation agriculture practice, generally regarded to be a valuable greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation approach through increasing soil carbon (C) stocks. However, direct GHG measurements from RT compared to conventional tillage (CT) treatments can vary greatly depending on site-specific soil properties and management practices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of RT on soil-to-atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes and emissions, global warming potential (GWP), yield, and emissions intensity (EI) throughout the 2024 soybean (Glycine max) growing season in a southeast Arkansas production field. Bulk …
The Effect Of Phosphate Fertilizer And Organic Matter On Phosphorus Status, Ph, And Cabbage Yield In Andisols,
2025
Department Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran
The Effect Of Phosphate Fertilizer And Organic Matter On Phosphorus Status, Ph, And Cabbage Yield In Andisols, Mahfud Arifin, Emma Trinurani Sofyan, Anni Yuniarti, Rina Devnita, Sastrika Anindita
Jurnal Kultivasi
Andisols are characterized by high phosphorus (P) retention, which often limits P availability for crops. This study aimed to analyze the independent and interactive effects of P fertilizer and organic matter (i.e. manure and rice straw compost) on P retention, total P, available P, P uptake, soil pH, and cabbage yield. This research was conducted in pot experiments in plastic house, applying P fertilizer (0, 90, 180, 270 kg ha-1) and organic matter (20 kg ha-1 of chicken, sheep, cow manures and rice straw compost) on Andisols planted with cabbage. The experiment used a factorial randomized design. The results showed …
Comparative Analysis Of Color, Texture, And Water Content In Three Shallot Cultivars At Different Harvest Ages,
2025
Master of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran
Comparative Analysis Of Color, Texture, And Water Content In Three Shallot Cultivars At Different Harvest Ages, Rahma Wati Lestari, Kusumiyati, Syariful Mubarok
Jurnal Kultivasi
Shallots are a major horticultural commodity with high economic value. The quality of shallots is determined not only by the quantity of the harvest but also by physical characteristics such as bulb color, texture, and water content. This study aims to evaluate the differences in these physical parameters in three popular local cultivars: Brebes, Sumenep, and Tuktuk, harvested at 56, 63, and 70 days after planting (DAP), respectively. This research uses a Randomized Block Design consisting of 9 treatment combinations and analyzed using the SmartstatXL application. Color measurements are conducted using the CIELAB method and converted to CIELCH and RGB …
Identifying Stable Parental Lines For Stripe Rust Resistance In Soft Red Winter Wheat,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Identifying Stable Parental Lines For Stripe Rust Resistance In Soft Red Winter Wheat, Ehsan Shakiba, David Moon
Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, continues to be a major challenge in soft red winter wheat (SRWW) production, especially in the southern United States. In this area, mild winters and wet springs frequently lead to early and severe disease outbreaks. Although many lines demonstrate resistance in a single season, that resistance often does not last across multiple years. For breeding programs, this variability makes it hard to identify truly reliable lines. In this study, we evaluated 111 SRWW breeding lines over three consecutive growing seasons (2021-2024) under artificial inoculation in field conditions in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Stripe …
Advancing Louisiana's Cropping Systems: Sustainable Bioenergy Production, Cover Crops, And Technology Integration,
2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Advancing Louisiana's Cropping Systems: Sustainable Bioenergy Production, Cover Crops, And Technology Integration, Pedro R. Carrillo
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
The adoption of cover crops in Louisiana is lower than the national average, underscoring the need for region-specific research to address environmental challenges and demonstrate the short-term benefits of these practices within existing production systems. This research evaluated the integration of cover crops (CC) in energy cane (Saccharum spp.) and no-till cotton systems, focusing on their effects on soil health, nitrogen (N) management, and biomass production. Soil health indicators (SHIs), including enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and urease), protein N, inorganic N concentrations (nitrate and ammonium), soil organic matter (SOM), and microbial community composition assessed through ester-linked fatty acid …
Effect Of Successive Subculturing On Virulence, Growth, And Germination Of Fungus Metarhizium Rileyi For Biological Control Of Fall Armyworm,
2025
Microbiology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Effect Of Successive Subculturing On Virulence, Growth, And Germination Of Fungus Metarhizium Rileyi For Biological Control Of Fall Armyworm, Joanna Marie E. Valeros, Trisha Anne P. Garcia, Noel G. Sabino, Marcela M. Navasero, Melissa P. Montecalvo
The Philippine Agricultural Scientist
This study explored the impact of successive subcultures of Metarhizium rileyi (Farl.) Kepler, S.A. Rehner & Humber on its cultural traits, spore germination, and virulence against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a key pest in agricultural systems. The mass production of infective propagules is essential for effective biological control. Notable changes were observed in the texture and mycelial appearance of the fungus across subcultures. Initially, the fungus exhibited a powdery texture up to the 6th subculture. However, the fungal growth became fluffy and cottony by the 8th and 10th subcultures. Additionally, sporulation rates (7.05 × 108 …
