Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Evaluation Of Herbicides For Saltcedar Control In Southwest Kansas, W. H. Fick

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Saltcedar is an invasive species along some of the major rivers and tributaries in Kansas. The objective of this study is to determine control of saltcedar in southwestern Kansas using herbicides applied to individual trees as cut-stump, basal, and foliar treatments. Cut-stump treatments were applied in 2004-2010 during the months of April or May. Basal applications with 10% triclopyr in diesel were applied between 2007-2021 during the months of August through early October. Foliar treatments were applied during 2008-2021 using 467 L/ha spray volumes during August through early October. Chi square analysis at P < 0.05 was used to compare treatments. In initial studies, imazapyr (Arsenal) at 10% v/v in water, triclopyr (Remedy) at 10% v/v in diesel, and undiluted triclopyr (Pathfinder II) provided 80- 100% control of saltcedar, and were more effective than triclopyr + 2,4-D (Crossbow) applied as a 4% v/v solution in diesel (60% control). During 2008-2010, 10% imazapyr, 50% glyphosate, glyphosate + imazapyr (0.5% + 0.5%), triclopyr at 10 or 25%, and a mixture of triclopyr + fluroxypyr (PastureGard) at 25% all provided greater than 91% control of saltcedar. Basal bark control using 10% v/v triclopyr in diesel averaged 72% control. Foliar applications with 0.5 or 1% imazapyr and 0.5% + 1% imazapyr + glyphosate all provided greater than 84% control of saltcedar treated in 2008-2011. Imazapic (Plateau) at 1% was first compared with 1% imazapyr during 2014-2016 with both treatments providing about 80% control. During 2017-2021, 1% imazapyr (82% control), 1% imazapic (79% control), and 0.5% + 0.5% imazapyr + glyphosate (92% control) were all more effective than a combination of aminopyralid (Milestone) + triclopyr applied at 239 g/L + 359 g/L (42% control). Herbicides can be applied as cutstump, basal bark, or foliar treatments for the control of saltcedar.

Effect Of Litter Addition On Amino Acid Content And Composition In Alpine Meadow Soil, Yanli L. Feng, X. Y. Li, W. Z. Zong, J. Wang

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Litter plays an important role in plant-soil nutrient cycling. However, the response of soil amino acid pools to litter input is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of litter addition on the content and composition of soil amino acids in an alpine meadow soil. Soil was amended with litter of its dominant species, Kobresia graminifolia, and incubated for four weeks. Our results show that litter addition significantly increased the exchangeable amino acid content and protease activity in the soil. These results are crucial for understanding the amino acid cycling in soil.

Germination And Seedlings Heterotrophic Growth Of Cocksfoot (Dactylis Glomerata L.) In Response To Temperature, Abraham Escobar-Gutiérrez, L. Q. Ahmed

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

In the context of climate change, grasslands are considered, similar to forest, as an important sink for atmospheric CO₂. However, environmental change seems to go faster than species adaptation to survive on site. Germination and heterotrophic growth are key phases for plant, and consequently, communities’ establishment and structure. They are under genetic control and affected by temperature. The objective of this study was to analyze the intra-specific variability of six accessions of Dactylis glomerata in their responses to eight constant temperatures (5 to 40˚C) during germination and initial heterotrophic growth. The novelty of this work comes from the …

Detection Of Endophyte Mycotoxins By Service Laboratories: Providing Answers For Safe Feed, J. Honneffer, M. Sulyok, V. Milojevic, A. Holman, Jennifer Duringer

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

. A global network of service laboratories exists to test livestock feed materials (typically grass hay and pellets) for ergovaline, ergot alkaloids and lolitrem B to ensure ‘safe feeds’ are being given to livestock. These compounds are mycotoxins produced by endophytic fungi that naturally reside in feed material. They have been purposely bred into grass species, as they enhance the plant’s survival from drought and insect predation. Unfortunately, ergovaline and other ergot alkaloids also cause vasoconstrictive effects and reproductive difficulties in livestock, resulting in a $1 million annual loss in production for the cattle industry in the USA alone. Lolitrem …

L-Grassf: A New Model For Simulating The Genetic Environment Interactions On The Reproductive Phenology Of Grasses, S. Rouet, Jean Louis Durand, D. Combes, A. Escobar Gutiérrez, D. Leclercq, R. Barillot

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Predicting the reproductive phenology in perennial grasses is a major concern because it determines the quantity and quality of forage. It varies a lot depending on site, year and cultivar. Projections of future climates suggest significant changes in seasonal temperature pattern, with new combinations of temperature and photoperiod, whose consequences on the floral induction of perennial grasses are unknown. L-GrassF is a new Functional Structural Plant Model simulating genetic variability of the phenology of perennial ryegrass in order to better understand the perenniality of grasslands and better anticipate the effects of climate change. L-GrassF stems from a previous model (L-Grass) …

Sustainable Intensification Of Livestock Systems Using Forage Legumes In The Anthropocene, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., D. M. Jaramillo, E. R. S. Santos, L. Garcia, L. M. D. Queiroz, K. R. Trumpp

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Sustainable intensification of livestock systems implies greater efficiency in resource utilization resulting in greater output of products and other ecosystem services per unit of resource input. Strategies to improve resource use efficiency include diversification of plant and ruminant species with complementary resource use. Forages that have root systems with contrasting architecture and exploring different soil layers with complementary use of resource acquisition (e.g., nutrients, water) could enhance primary productivity. Belowground interactions with soil microbiota (e.g., mycorrhizae) is key to enhance resource utilization. Forages with complementary canopy characteristics that helps enhancing light interception and utilization could also lead to greater resource …

Grazing Cover Crops For Soil Health In An Integrated Crop-Livestock System, Forrest E. Davis, J. Brett Rushing

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

. Optimizing soil health requires building an environment that creates conditions which allow for best function of the chemical, biological, and physical properties of the soil to thrive as an organism and an ecosystem. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) use a systems approach to provide improvements to soil health parameters. In the fall of 2021, a randomized complete block study was conducted at the Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station (CPBES) in Newton, Mississippi and at the Prairie Research Unit (PRU) in Prairie, Mississippi to observe the soil health effects of grazing cereal rye cover crops in a soybean production system. Three …

Short-Term Soil Organic Matter And Carbon Responses To Contrasting Grazing Intensities In Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems, Erick R. Da Silva Santos, Jose C. B. Dubeux, B. G. C. Homem, Cheryl L. Mackowiak, Lynn E. Sollenberger, D. Wright

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Combining integrated crop-livestock systems under no-till management may improve soil organic matter (SOM) build up and improve soil C sequestration. Grazing cover crops appears as a possibility to combine crops and livestock in a farm system. Further SOM and soil C increase can be achieved by adding perennial grasses into crop rotations. However, the effect of grazing intensity in such systems are not fully understood. This 2-yr study investigated short-term effects of cropping system [winter cover crops-summer cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and winter cover crops-summer bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) rotations], grazing intensity (no grazing, heavy, moderate, and light …

Productive Grasslands – The Role Of Adapted Species To Increase Ecosystems Resilience, M. B. Chiavegato, A. F. Mammana, C. Y. Rodriguez

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Producers are interested in diversifying grazing systems with native warm-season grasses. Climate variations may result in extreme weather events. For instance, recent studies show strong evidence pointing to an increasing frequency of flooding in the central US, due to changes in both seasonal rainfall and temperature across this region. In a constantly changing climate, adapted species play a crucial role in increasing ecosystems resilience and resistance to extreme weather events. Native grasses may be well adapted to the future changes on climatic conditions, with wide ecological amplitude and resistance under different conditions. Use of adapted warm season grasses, associated with …

Adjusting Ley Grassland Duration In Crop Rotations To Reconcile Food Production And Soil Carbon Stocks, Abad Chabbi

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Introduction of grasslands into cropping systems represents a strategy to ensure food production while reducing soil carbon losses. Yet, mixed crop and grassland management systems need to be evaluated in terms of achieving balanced food production and soil carbon (C) sustainability. The objectives of the study are: 1) to explore the impact of grassland duration on C input and soil C changes in agricultural systems; and 2) to test the variation in C input and soil C changes between rotations using grassland fertilized at high or low Nitrogen (N) application rates and their impacts on productivity. Field data regarding C …

Weed Management Affects Pasture Productivity And Livestock Performance - Tropical Perspective, Joao B. Cason, B. Sleugh

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Weed competition in pastures has a great impact on livestock productivity, as, in addition to competing with forage, it interferes with animal grazing. Without question, weeds can compete with forage for water, space, light and nutrients. Weeds reduce the feed value of forage, decrease pasture carrying capacity, and can be toxic or unpalatable to livestock. For most weeds in pasture, the root system is robust, which contributes to the survival of these plants, affecting the development of the pasture. Due to the large number of seeds, they usually produce, they are very easily dispersed. In addition, when there are weeds …

Eragrostis Curvula Effects On Above And Below-Ground Plant Species Richness And Diversity, Jed Brown, A. Merchant, L. Ingram

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Monitoring and managing the soil seed bank is fundamental to land management as it constitutes the future generations of invasive plant communities. Invasive plants have traits that result in high recruitment through increased seed generation, short seed dormancy and phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, invasive plants with growth forms that inhibit the growth and recruitment of other species can lead to monocultures and associated reduction in above-ground biodiversity, potentially negatively impacting the soil seed bank diversity and ecosystem functions and services. Eragrostis curvula is one such species that has many of these invasive traits, including high propagule generation, and can exclude plant …

The Importance Of Forage Legume Epigenetics In The Anthropocene, J. Brady, J. P. Muir, A. Falk

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

As climates change and economic as well as ecological pressures to produce more ruminant product on less land in the Anthropocene increase, the importance of using cutting-edge methods for forage legume improvement grows. The immediate return rate and turnaround on investment is likely greater for multi-species incorporation into grasslands but focusing on intraspecific variability and diversity could also contribute. The role of forage legumes in cultivated pasture and rangeland biodiversity as well as stability depends on genetics as well as management. Their epigenetics, however, may become increasingly important as climatic extremes and ecological pressures grow due to human-induced factors. Unfortunately, …

Identification And Characteristics Of Phosphate-Solubilizing Endophytic Bacteria From Root Nodules Of Lespedeza Daurica, K. Y. Yang, C. Huang, P. Gao, Y. P. Liang, Y. P. Han, X. Zhao

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Endophytic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from root nodules could promote stress resistance, nodulation and nitrogen fixation. In this study, nodule endophytic bacteria of Lespedeza daurica were isolated by plate streaking, the bacteria with phosphate-solubilizing abilities were selected and the phosphate-solubilizing abilities were determined. The results showed that 88 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated and among which 11 strains possessed phosphate-solubilizing abilities. The organic phosphorus solubility of TG41, TG43, TG47 and TG68 were 0.73~0.86 μg·mL^-1 ; the inorganic phosphorus solubility of TG47 and TG68 were 72.97 and 1.29 μg·mL^-1 , respectively. The four strains were identified as effective phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. TG41 …

Rangeland Health Status And Condition Two Different Yet Complementary Concepts: National Reserve Pampa Galeras Barbara D´Achille Case, R. Zárate, E. R. Flores

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Pampa Galeras Barbara D´Achille National Reserve has an extension of 21,030 hectares constituted mainly by puna rangeland and has played a key role in the recovery of the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) population from extinction. This reserve is divided into two zones, known as the Rigid zone with a total area of 6,500 ha, and the Buffer zone of 14,530 ha. The present study aimed to implement an Ecological Response Unit system (ERU) to create an evaluation and monitoring system of rangeland health and condition, that could serve as a model for the rest of the Protected National Areas …

Assessing The Usefulness Of Senna Obtusifolia, An Invasive Plant Species In West Africa Rangelands, A. Zaré, O. Ouédraogo, A. Linstädter

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Senna obtusifolia is a less appreciated plant species. Its invasion has led to the disappearance of several herbaceous species of interest in West Africa rangelands. As adaptation strategy, people use it to substitute for those that have disappeared. This study aimed to assess the importance of this species for animal and local ethnic groups according to two contrast climate zones in Burkina Faso. Ethnobotanic survey mixed with direct observations on the field were conducted. Three hundred (300) people from height (8) ethnic groups were interviewed. The survey technique was semi-structured interviews using a previously tested semi-structured questionnaire. At the early …

Responses Of Plant Functional Diversity To Long-Term Warming And Nitrogen Addition In A Desert Steppe, Y. Zhu, L. Tian, H. Y. Ren, G. D. Han

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Plant functional traits are closely related to ecosystem functions, and can indicate changes in ecosystem functions. Plant functional diversity is an important component of biodiversity, which can more accurately predict the changes of ecosystem functions or processes than species diversity, and is the main determinant of ecosystem functions or processes. In order to study the impact of global climate change factors (i.e., warming and nitrogen deposition) on the plant functional diversity in a desert steppe, we conducted a long-term warming and nitrogen addition experiment in northern China for 15 years (2006 - 2020). In 2020, we measured the plant height, …

Evaluating Herbicides For The Control Of Multiflora Rose And Autumn Olive In Eastern Ohio, C. Zoller, D. Kreager, T. G. Wiseman, C. Martin, A. Essman, C. Gelley, C. Little, M. Loux

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Invasive plants cause billions of dollars annually in damage, displace desirable plants, and reduce available land area for livestock grazing. Multiflora rose and autumn olive are two such species prevalent across the Eastern United States. Originally introduced for livestock containment and erosion control, these plants have become widespread, resulting in reduced animal grazing. The Eastern Agricultural Research Station (EARS) is located in Southeast Ohio and is owned by The Ohio State University. Much of the more than 2,000 acres has a history of surface mining and was reclaimed with the planting of multiflora rose and autumn olive. These plants have …

The View From Ventress - 2022-23 Academic Year, University Of Mississippi, College Of Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts Newsletters

News from the College of Liberal Arts

Binding Interactions Of Biologically Relevant Molecules Studied Using Surface-Modified And Nanostructured Surfaces, Palak Sondhi

Dissertations

This research focuses on the field of surface nanobioscience, wherein different nanosurfaces that will be used as working electrodes in the electrochemical cell are manufactured and surface modified to understand the critical binding interactions between biologically significant molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, small drug molecules, and glycoproteins. This research is essential if we are to determine whether a synthetic molecule can serve as a therapeutic candidate or diagnose a disease in its early stages. In order to fully understand the binding interactions, the study begins with defining some of the fundamental concepts, principles, and analytical tools for biosensing.

Afterwards, we addressed …

11.13.2023, Liz Williamson

ORSP Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Relation Between Halogen Bond Strength And Ir And Nmr Spectroscopic Markers, Akhtam Amonov, Steve Scheiner

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The relationship between the strength of a halogen bond (XB) and various IR and NMR spectroscopic quantities is assessed through DFT calculations. Three different Lewis acids place a Br or I atom on a phenyl ring; each is paired with a collection of N and O bases of varying electron donor power. The weakest of the XBs display a C–X bond contraction coupled with a blue shift in the associated frequency, whereas the reverse trends occur for the stronger bonds. The best correlations with the XB interaction energy are observed with the NMR shielding of the C atom directly bonded …

An Overview Of Elements And Relations: Aspects Of A Scientific Metaphysics, Martin Zwick

Systems Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

A talk on my book, Elements and Relations: Aspects of a Scientific Metaphysics. Book description:

This book develops the core proposition that systems theory is an attempt to construct an “exact and scientific metaphysics,” a system of general ideas central to science that can be expressed mathematically. Collectively, these ideas would constitute a non-reductionist “theory of everything” unlike what is being sought in physics. Inherently transdisciplinary, systems theory offers ideas and methods that are relevant to all of the sciences and also to professional fields such as systems engineering, public policy, business, and social work. To demonstrate the generality …

Raccoon Spatial Ecology In The Rural Southeastern United States, Jacob E. Hill, Madison L. Miller, James L. Helton, Richard B. Chipman, Amy T. Gilbert, James C. Beasley, Guha Dharmarajan, Olin E. Rhodes Jr.

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The movement ecology of raccoons varies widely across habitats with important implications for the management of zoonotic diseases such as rabies. However, the spatial ecology of raccoons remains poorly understood in many regions of the United States, particularly in the southeast. To better understand the spatial ecology of raccoons in the southeastern US, we investigated the role of sex, season, and habitat on monthly raccoon home range and core area sizes in three common rural habitats (bottomland hardwood, upland pine, and riparian forest) in South Carolina, USA. From 2018–2022, we obtained 264 monthly home ranges from 46 raccoons. Mean monthly …

Raccoon Spatial Ecology In The Rural Southeastern United States, Jacob E. Hill, Madison L. Miller, James L. Helton, Richard B. Chipman, Amy Gilbert, University Of Georgia, Guha Dharmarajan, Olin E. Rhodes Jr.

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The movement ecology of raccoons varies widely across habitats with important implications for the management of zoonotic diseases such as rabies. However, the spatial ecology of raccoons remains poorly understood in many regions of the United States, particularly in the southeast. To better understand the spatial ecology of raccoons in the southeastern United States, we investigated the role of sex, season, and habitat on monthly raccoon home range and core area sizes in three common rural habitats (bottomland hardwood, upland pine, and riparian forest) in South Carolina, USA. From 2018–2022, we obtained 264 monthly home ranges from 46 raccoons. Mean …

Opening Speech, Ray Smith

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

https://youtu.be/CbRcQzf5z0o?si=ESOHxXF-jFsYMw2A

Biodiversity—The Birds And The Bees And Healthy Grasslands, D. Borrenpohl, Pat D. Keyser

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Losses in biodiversity abound in modern agroecosystems, and biodiversity loss hampers ecosystem function and primary productivity comparable to abiotic stress. One of the most endangered ecosystems in the world is North American tallgrass prairie, and native birds and pollinators that historically depended on tallgrass prairie are in precipitous decline. Fortunately, native warm-season grasses that dominated tallgrass prairie present a valuable opportunity for summer forage to beef producers in the Eastern United States—a time when coolseason grasses endure a lack in productivity called the “summer slump.” Tallgrass prairie was sustained by periodic disturbance from grazing and fire, and combining fire and …

The Soil Health Properties Of Native Grasslands, C. Bitler, Pat Keyser

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Due to an increased interest in soil health and the role soils can have in carbon sequestration, native grasslands are getting heightened attention. Native grasslands are known for their deep top-soils that develop over time through the accumulation of soil organic matter. The deep and fibrous root systems that make up two-thirds of the biomass of native grasslands are the primary contributors to the soil organic carbon (SOC) content of grassland soils. Increased SOC content has a cascading effect on soil health metrics through increasing water infiltration and water holding capacity, supporting diverse and abundant soil microbial life, and improving …

Using Functional Ecology To Predict Restoration Success In Managed Grasslands, J. Bergman

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Plants have developed remarkable functional variation over evolutionary time to cope with different environmental conditions. As a result, functional variation – measurable as functional traits above and below ground – can be found within but also among grassland communities today. The functional space covered by a community is thereby restricted by environmental factors while each single species within the community inhabits a specific niche with a certain breadth along different environmental gradients. Data from field sampling in European grasslands have shown, that species intraspecific functional variation can cover considerable amounts of possible functional spaces, hence holding the potential to establish …

Toxic Plants In Grasslands And Their Impact On Livestock, A. C. Barr

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Grasslands are critical infrastructure for most cow/calf operations. Quality and abundance of pasture grasses directly influence livestock rate of gain, thereby affecting livestock margins and production costs, which determine the profitability of stocker operations. Successful cattlemen control weeds to preserve healthy pasture but also to prevent plant poisonings that may reduce individual animal performance or cause fatalities. Integrated Toxic Plant Management (ITPM) programs teach ranchers to identify the potentially toxic plants, recognize symptoms of plant poisonings, and use appropriate strategies to control those plants. Toxic plants can produce a range of effects in cattle and other grazing species. Nightshades ( …