Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Adaptation Of Grassland For Recreational And Amenity Use, R J. Gibbs, K W. Mcauliffe, R W. Brougham

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Adaptation of grassland for intensive sport and recreational use introduces constraints not normally experienced under agricultural pasture production. For example, turfgrass is expected to grow in deliberately compacted soils and structureless, inert sands. It is also expected to provide a surface for sports as diverse as golf and horse racing. This paper examines aspects of turfgrass management that differ from agricultural pasture production. These aspects include the ability of turf grass to withstand intensive wear, its ability to produce a dense, low growing and even sward and the specific drainage and playing quality demands of different sports. The key role …

The Product Of Science, Rolf A.E Mueller

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. -Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organising and manag\ng agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research Is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the …

From Technology Transfer To Resource Management, Janice Jiggins

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Six models of technological innovation are examined. The implications for the roles and functions of research and extension, and of agricultural education systems, are analysed. The models are assessed against issues of gender, natural resource management and poverty, with consideration of who pays, and who benefits. The conclusion is drawn that the Transfer of Technology model is not a generalisable model to all circumstances, clients and policy goals. Client-driven systems and participatory approaches which build partnerships among researchers, extensionists, producers and other users of grassland landscapes, can be more effective and efficient.

Combining Agricultural Agent Training In Forages With Graduate Credit, Garry Lacefield, Jimmy Henning, M Rasnake, C Forsythe, L Davis

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

An intensive agent training programme in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production nnd utilisation was initialed in 1990. The training was organised by slate extension forage specialists to meet the needs of agricultural agents. Previous programmes have offered similar training but did nol resull in graduate credit. This unique approach offered intensive training to agents presented by a multidisciplinary learn of scientists. All requirements for graduate credit were met and the course completion resulted in 3 hours of graduate credit. The course has been rated "superior" by students. When properly organised and implemented, intensive agent training can be offered that …

A Grazing Land Conservation Plan, R G. Hendricks

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

In a sample planning scenario, a ranching operation in the USA demonstrates a typical conservation problem on grazing lands. Using SCS conservation planning techniques, problems and objectives are identified, resources are inventoried, data are analysed, solutions formulated and conservation practices implemented to solve the resource problem. With use of the economic analysis routine in Grazing Land Applications (OLA) version 1.1 decision suppott software, return on investment was largest when the client installed a combination of rest-rotation grazing, prescribed burning, and initiated a hunting lease programme.

Range Conservation Planning: The Usda- Soil Conservation Service Method, Rhett H. Johnson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The USDA-Soil Conservation Service has responsibility for providing one-on-one conservation planning assistance with the private rangeland managers of over 160 million ha in the USA. This assistance is provided on voluntary basis at the request of the private land user through a local conservation district. Through SO years of experience, a successful planning process has evolved, known as the Ten Elements Of Conservation Planning. These elements are: (1) provide information, (2) request assistance, (3) develop resource inventories, (4) recognise problems and opportunities, (5) determine objectives, (6) develop and evaluate alternatives, (7) make decisions, (8) document decisions, (9) implement decisions, and …

Use Of Objective Planning Techniques In The Development Of Large Livestock Farm In New Zealand, K I. Lowe

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Limestone Downs is a sheep and beef cattle property of 3200 ha near Port Waikato, and provides funds for the C Alma Baker Trust for "the furtherance of the science of agriculture". A development programme slatted in 1981 transformed the farm from an extensive "station" into an intensive farming operation, lifting animal performance and financial returns. This followed the adoption of well-proven and relatively inexpensive modifications to management. Similar programmes should have realistic goals, and established decision rules with priorities. These should be supported by an appropriate monitoring programme and the use of objective data in decision making.

Interdisciplinary Research: A Vehicle For Meeting The Information Needs Of Grassland Producers, Robert O. Burton Jr, K P. Coffey, J L. Moyer, L W. Lomas, P T. Berends

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Representing the major academic disciplines involved in grassland research • agronomy, animal science and agricultural economics the authors discuss the benefits and pitfalls of interdisciplinary research. Factors discouraging interdisciplinary research include: (1) discipline chauvinism, (2) the time and effort required for communications .and co-ordination, (3) inadequate credit for multiple authorship and (4) importance of disciplinary research. However, link among disciplines are necessary because clientele commercially producing forage need information integrating agronomy, animal science, economics and other disciplines. Benefits of interdisciplinary research are ( I) stimulating highly specialised scientists to plan, perform and interpret their research in the context of whole-farm …

Applied Scientific Concepts For Dairy Cows And Crops, J R. Rodgers

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Prom a rural town to a dairy farm, from the halls of ivy to the smooth beauty of contour strips on the land: this paper is a practical application of science and technology transferred, through the life of the author, from the textbook to the bottom line of a financial report at year end. How this transfer of technologies (i.e. alfalfa, manure pits, computers, etc.) was used to develop the workable plan for my dairy farm operation will be addressed in detail in this presentation.

Extension Through The Landcare Movement In Australia's Pastoral Zone, B R. Roberts

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The Landcare movement, presently based on over 1300 landholder committees nationwide, is potentially Australia's most significant popular movement ever. Its success largely depends on producers identifying with the movement and "owning" its objectives and programmes, Central to attainment of Landcare's goals is the support given by technical advisors, These advisors require a special understanding of group extension techniques, group dynamics and the subtleties of invisible leadership when appropriate. In the vast pastoral zone of Australia, where highly independent graziers operate very individualistically, the required group extension is a special challenge to committed advisory officers.

A Farmlet For Teaching Grazing Management, J T. Green, J P. Mueller, S P. Washburn

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The _objectives were to provide a practical production unit to train students and farm advisors and to maximise grazing, evaluate forage cultivars, document production data and utilise woodlot understorey. A year-round grazing unit was developed on a S.86 ha farmlec (70% temperate pasture; 24% subtropical pasture; 20% woods) for 22-30 ewes and their lambs, 6-8 dairy heifers, and 12-24 angora and meat goats. Farmlet N rate averaged 135 kg/ha/year with excess spring growth harvesced for winter feeding. Live-weight gain averaged 6S4 kg/ha/year. Lambs weaned/ewe exposed to ram, was 1,6 (mature) and 0.8 (yearling). Stocking rate for 3 years ranged from …

A Quality-Tested Hay Market Association In The South-Eastern Usa, Jimmy C. Henning, G D. Lacefield, B Sims

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A hay marketing association was formed in Kentucky in 1989 as a means of increasing farm income and ·10 hedge against the uncertain future of tobacco production. The Kentucky Pride Hay Grower's Association (KPHGA) was designed to work in concert· with a hay testing and inspection service operated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). This testing service used near• infrared reflectance (NIR) technology as well as a visual appraisal by trained hay inspectors. The association may sell hay only which had been tested and inspected by the KDA. The hay association is a non-profit organisation designed to market Kentucky …

Adopting New Technologies For Grazing Lands: The Role Of Decision Systems, John A. Ludwig, Steve Marsden

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The management of Australia's arid and semi-arid grazing lands involves the consideration of many complex and interconnected issues related to both ecological and economic factors. Climates are highly variable across these lands and markets fluctuate widely; decision making is . difficult at the best of times, As new grazing and land management technologies become available through research organisations, such as CSIRO, the adoption of these technologies is a prime concern, Traditionally, State extension services provide this information to grazing land managers, which has proven effeclive for transferring information about current short-term problems (e,g,, locust plagues) and easy to apply products …

Applying "Farmer-First Research" In New Zealand, A F. Mcrae, F M. Anderson, R Brazendale

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The disciplinary orientation and other characteristics of traditional agricultural research may result in farmers' research needs not being central to the research proces·s. A Farmer-First Research programme (FFR) has been initiated to complement the traditional research approach. This programme involves collaboration with hill country sheep and beef farmers chosen at random from across the fuff range of farmer circumstances. It sets out to diagnose and describe where scope· exists to Improve farmers' circumstances, and lo design and test relevant innovations on-farm. In addition to seeking to improve research output for far1ners, the· programme has the objective of evaluating the Farmer-First …

Technology Transfer Strategies For Products Of Environmental Research And Development Projects, N D. Macleod, J A. Taylor, P.G H. Van Beek, P N. Vance

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Potentially high net benefits from Research and Development on sustainable grazing systems will not be captured unless the outcomes are adopted. Adoption is a complex process, often requiring integration with other technologies, and specialised extension packages. Technology transfer strategies based on experiences with relatively simple innovations are unsuited to more complex environmental innovations, A 6-stage interactive process involving researchers, extension specialists and potential end-users is suggested.

Development Of Environmental And Agricultural Professionalism, Robert F. Barnes, Thomas J. Hall

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The American Society of Agronomy {ASA) is' co-ordinating the development of a \ioluritary certification programme for the men and women who··make nutrient management strategies for farmers .• This paper examines the need, "history and obstacles in developing a crop advisor certification programme. Past arid proposed state and national legislative initiatives have indicated to some industry leaders that certification programmes' will be needed ·to operate in the coming regulat6ry environment. Other members· of industry· feel chat voluntary certification will bring on mandated programmes, The' differences in outlook, the diversity of the audience and the academic orientation of ASA ·have all created …

Grazier's Pattern Of Understanding Vegetation In The Semi-Arid Rangelands Of New South Wales, S.M M. Kersten, R L. Ison

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A matrix ranking (MR) technique was used by graziers in western New South Wales to rank rangeland plants according to preference. Graziers preferred a variety of plant species in their paddocks: "bushes" and "50f1 feed", perennials and annuals, winter-and summer­growing plants, on both stock-based and non-stock-based criteria, The criteria for evaluation were rarely independent of each other nor of different soil types on the grai:ier's property. Drought resistance was perceived as one of the more important criteria, followed by stock-based criteria such as "nutritious", "palatable" or "quick fattening" stock feed. The utility of MR for allowing graziers' knowledge to be …

Composition Of The Fractions Of Dry, Mature Subterranean Clover Digested In Vivo And In Vitro, L Klein, S K. Baker

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A modified pepsin-cellulase procedure was used to improve the prediction of in vivo digestibility of dry, mature subterranean clovers (Trifolium subterraneum). Feed, faeces, and the residues from this /11 vitro procedure and the i11 vitro procedure of Tilley & Terry were analysed for protein, ash and fibre fractions lo determine the composition of the cell-wall functions that were digested. The extent of digestion of the cell-wall fractions differed between the two in vitro procedures, but the cell-wall fraction that was digested contained similar proportions of cellulose, hemicellulose, protein and lignin. The cellulose and protein contents of the cell-wall digested …

Effect Of Plant Leaf Age On The Production Of Tannins, Phenols, Proanthocyanidins And Flavanols In Eulalia Villosa, M M. Wolfson, E W. Du Toit, P Chesselet

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Histochemical and biochemical analyses have confirmed the presence of condensed tannins in a number of southern African tropical grasses. The ability to precipitate proteins, total phenols, condensed tannin and proanthocyanidin levels were significantly higher in mature leaves of Eulalia villosa than in young leaves. The ratio of condensed tannin to Jlavan 3,4-diols indicated that the young leaf material contained more monomeric unpolymerised flavan 3,4-diol units than mature leaves. The trend is repeated in the ratio 'of proanthocyanidin to flavan-4-ols, These low molecular weight proanthocyanidin precursors probably do not have the ability to precipitate proteins, The histochemical tests can be used …

Effect Of Inoculants And Absorbents Incorporated In Grass Silage On Silage Quality, Effluent Production And Animal Performance, Raymond Jones

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Unwilled ryegrass crops (151 kg DM) were enslled in 70-t bunker silos. Crop analysis (g/kg/DM) was water-soluble carbohydrates 153, nitrogen 24.1 and predicted digestibility (DOMD) 0.67. Molassed sugar beet feed pellets were incorporated at a rate of 25 kg/t in the harvested crop with or without inoculant treatment ("Live Systems", MMB, UK), and compared with a control silage with no additive. Absorbent addition with or without inoculant significantly reduced silage pH and ammonia-N compared with the control. Inoculant treatment further increased lactic acid content. Silage effluent production was reduced by up to 33% by absorbent inclusion with effluent DM losses …

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis Of The Nutrient Content Of Dairy Pastures, R C. Kellaway, C Stimson, R J. Tassell

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Pasture samples from temperate and tropical species were collected before and after grazing, at regular intervals, on 3 dairy farms in New South Wales over a period of 3 years. All samples (n=693) were analysed on a near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer with a scanning monochromator. Subsets of samples selected for calibration and validation, were analysed by wet chemistry methods for estimated metabolisable energy (MID), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), acid-detergent fibre (ADF), Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, S, Cu, Mn and Zn. These data were used lo develop NIR equations using partial least squares analyses. Standard errors of laboratory analysis …

Influence Of Oxygen Leakage Through Stretch Film On Quality Of Round Bale Silage, P Lingvall, C M. Pettersson, P Wilhelmsson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The ensiling-process is based on anaerobic conditions. Therefore, it is important to get "air tight" parcels covering big-bale silage. Wrapping round bales wilh stretch film has improved silage quality, and reduced diy matter (OM) and energy losses. In this experiment we studied the influence of stretch film quality, film thickness, .storage temperature and storage place on fermentation, microbial growth/ and DM losses. Additionally, oxygen permeability of stretch film wrapped in 4 or 6 layers around artificial bales (metal) and DM losses was tested In a model. High storage temperature, low total film thickness and high film permeability to oxygen increased …

Assessing, Restoring, And Centering Social-Ecological Relationships For Advancing Social-Ecological Resilience In The Northern Great Plains Grasslands, Katia Pilar Carranza Bernal

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The Northern Great Plains grasslands are social-ecological systems that were shaped by evolutionary and Indigenous social-ecological relationships. European colonization disrupted many of these interactions, including the coupling of fire and grazing, and degraded social-ecological resilience, shifting these grasslands to a new state. For those reasons, my research focused on assessing, restoring, and centering evolutionary and Indigenous social-ecological relationships for advancing social-ecological resilience in the Northern Great Plains grasslands. I first performed a study in the Nebraska Sandhillls assessing the potential of patch-burn grazing to support grassland resilience by comparing its effects to those of rotational grazing. Through vegetation and bird …

Integration Of Matlab And Machine Learning To Accelerate Evaluation Of Biological Activity In Agricultural Soils And Promote Soil Health Improvement Goals, Andrew Stiven Ortiz Balsero

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations and Theses

Traditionally, assessments of soil biological activity have been confined to laboratory settings, creating a disconnect with practical in-field methods. To bridge this gap, cotton fabric degradation has been used to illustrate soil microbial activity under different management practices. While effective, these demonstrations are subjective and labor-intensive.

Researchers have explored using image processing software like ImageJ and Adobe Photoshop to streamline this process. Although these tools accurately quantified fabric degradation under varying soil conditions, the methods remained labor-intensive and complex. Consequently, these methods were still not ideal for on-farm use by agricultural practitioners.

To further address labor and complexity limitations, the …

Transforming Grassland Conservation: Challenges And Opportunities Across Law, Policy, And Human Dimensions, Conor D. Barnes

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Great Plains social-ecological systems are facing growing pressure from complex, ‘wicked’ problems. Addressing these problems will require integrating ecological resilience and complex systems thinking concepts into our legal framework in order to better reflect the changing ecological reality of the Great Plains and promote flexibility and adaptability in the face of that change. In this dissertation, I examine how past and present policy priorities have affected social-ecological systems on the Great Plains, and how ecological resilience and complex systems thinking might be applied to grassland management policy. In Chapter 2, I examine the rapid progress made in the adoption of …

Integrating Water And Nitrogen Management For Sustainable Agriculture: Optimizing Resource Use Efficiency And Maximizing Crop Productivity, Jiaming Duan

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Advisors: Derek Heeren and Daran Rudnick Maize, accounting for over 95% of national grain production in the United States, is highly sensitive to water and nitrogen (N) inputs. Conventional agricultural practices often lead to excessive application, causing groundwater contamination through nitrate leaching. Therefore, there is a demand for integrating water and nitrogen management with innovative scheduling methods for sustainable agricultural development.

This dissertation first reviewed two decades of U.S.-based research, highlighting the optimal management of water and N to enhance yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Findings indicate that maintaining optimal levels of N and water …

Gps Accuracy Of Smartphones For Crowdsourcing Research, Derron L. Dike

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management Projects

ABSTRACT GPS Accuracy of Smartphones for Crowdsourcing Research Derron Dike Utilizing crowdsourcing with smartphones as a method for field data collection can contribute an array of data for scientific studies and land management applications. This study used crowdsourcing to examine smartphone built-in GPS performance for providing location-specific information with potential forestry applications. The usability of smartphones for GPS data collection in forestry studies or other practical applications is dependent on the level of accuracy required for those applications. A Smartphone Accuracy Trial was designed to test the GPS accuracy performance of current smartphones. Participants used the ArcGIS Field Maps application …

Assessing Soil Properties & Suitability For Optimized Irrigation Development In Sudan, Northern Africa, Suhib O. Hamid

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Masters Project Reports

In Chapter 1, soil properties essential for efficient irrigation are thoroughly assessed. Factors such as soil texture, infiltration rates, and nutrient content are analyzed to provide insights into the selection of modern irrigation systems. Utilizing data collected from 3,192 locations through GPS and laboratory analyses, alongside sophisticated ranking systems, the research determines the most suitable irrigation methods for specific soil series. Findings highlight the remarkable efficiency of drip irrigation across various soil types, contrasting with the consistently lower performance of surface irrigation. The chapter emphasizes the significance of considering soil variability, evapotranspiration, and investment factors in selecting irrigation methods for …

Soil Additives And Alternative Crops For Drought Defense In The Intermountain West, Tina M. Sullivan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The Western U.S. looks for water optimization and conservation as agriculture is the largest water diverter, and resources are pressured by urban growth, winter snowpack instability, and drought persistence. Agricultural producers have several potential options to optimize water use with different investments associated with them. Options with varying levels of risks and known management practices include alternative crops, soil wetting agents, and crop biologicals.

An alternative crop that grew incredibly fast in popularity was industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) despite limited agronomic knowledge for best management practices. Field trials occurred (2020-2022) near Logan, UT to test a total of …

Advancing Thermal Property Measurements And Water Management For Controlled Environment Agriculture On Earth And Beyond, Chihiro Dixon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Space exploration stands as one of humanity's most profound endeavors, and plant growth in space is essential for sustaining astronauts during long-duration missions. However, operating plant growth systems under reduced gravity conditions presents challenges, particularly in ensuring uniform water distribution in the root zone. Non-uniform water distribution such as excess water and/or insufficient water in the root zone can significantly impact plant yield, necessitating the need to accurately estimate water status in the root zone and understand the dynamics of water flow in plant growth media under reduced gravity conditions. The objectives of this research were to enhance the accuracy …