Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Discussion And Measurement Of Soil Erosion In Iceland, Kimberly Jane Richardson

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Soil erosion has occurred since the beginning of time. It is a natural process, but one that has been increasing at an alarming rate. Once soil is eroded--whether it is blown out to sea or washed down a river to sedimentize a lake--it is lost. It is almost impossible to reestablish similar soil components and characteristics in a given system. Since soil and vegetation reestablishment is expensive, the prevention of soil erosion by controlling its causes has become the most cost-effective reclamation effort.

After spending six months in Iceland, I wrote this paper on the unique erosion problems facing that …

Clean Lakes Assistance Program For Lake Nacimiento, Thomas J. Rice, David H. Chipping, Norman L. Eatough, Royden Nakamura, Daniel Bigley

Earth and Soil Sciences

No abstract provided.

Marketing Quality Alfalfa Hay, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa hay is a potentially marketable-profitable product if--if quality is satisfactory to meet buyer's needs, if it is packaged such that it meets buyer's feeding program and can be transported efficiently, if in sufficient quantity, if storage site is accessible by truck or trailer, and if it is competitively priced. Meeting these minimum criteria only means the hay is potentially marketable; only after it has been sold does it become potentially profitable.

Producing Quality Alfalfa Hay, Jimmy C. Henning, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Hay is one of the most versatile of stored forages in that (1) it can be kept for long periods of time with little loss of nutrients if protected from weather; (2) a large number of crops can be successfully used for hay production; (3) it can be produced and fed in small or large amounts; (4) it can be harvested, stored and fed by hand or the production and feeding can be completely mechanized; and (5) hay can supply most nutrients needed by many classes of livestock. Hay is, therefore, the most commonly used stored feed on most farms. …

Harvesting Hay For High Yield And Quality — More On Bale Ventilators And Other Harvest Aids, Michael Collins

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

In some areas of the country, producers store a substantial portion of their forage for winter feeding as silage or haylage. However, hay remains the most popular storage method for forage. Hay stores well for long periods and is better suited to cash sale and transportation than silage. Mechanical conditioning, which gained acceptance during the 1950's is probably still the greatest single change in hay harvesting and storage technology during this century. However, a number of other noteworthy changes and innovations have occurred in recent years which have helped to reduce the extent of losses during hay harvesting and storage. …

Role In Alfalfa In Livestock Feeding Programs In Kentucky, Donna M. Amaral-Phillips

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa, the "Queen of the Forage Crops", is a highly versatile forage crop which can be grazed directly by livestock or harvested as hay or silage. With the development of new alfalfa varieties, increased pest and weed control, and increased demand from livestock owners, the amount of alfalfa fed to livestock will increase. As with any forage crop, proper harvest and feeding management is necessary to reap the benefits.

Fencing For Optimum Grazing, Larry W. Turner

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Controlled or rotational grazing can result in better utilization of forage resources. By better forage management through controlled grazing, producers may increase profitability of cattle/forage systems. To effectively develop a controlled grazing system, however, fencing must be used to subdivide the pasture into sub-fields or paddocks. The animals may then be rotated among the paddocks to optimize forage and beef or dairy production from the system. Alfalfa grazing can play an important part in such a system.

Planning the "best", or optimum, fencing strategy should be done with the overall goal in mind of improving profitability. Key factors that describe …

Grazing Alfalfa — Momentum Continues, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

In my presentation at our XIII Kentucky Alfalfa Conference held here last year, I stated. that interest in grazing alfalfa was at an all time high. Five other speakers followed me on the program with presentations about alfalfa grazing. Steve Osborne discussed alfalfa grazing trials in Monroe County. Ken Johnson talked about the Do's and Dont's in Alfalfa Grazing. Dr. Roy Burris talked about alfalfa grazing from a state perspective and Mr. Warren Thompson discussed the topic from a national perspective. Professor Joe Bums concluded the grazing portion of the program with grazing alfalfa experiences in Tennessee.

Despite a rather …

Alfalfa Weed Control — Strategies For Success, James R. Martin

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Field evaluation, cultural and chemical practices are key ingredients of a successful weed control program in alfalfa. A weak link in any of these components could lead to reduced profits and possibly shorten the life of an alfalfa stand.

Managing Alfalfa Diseases, Paul C. Vincelli

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Diseases of alfalfa can limit productivity of this valuable forage crop. Alfalfa diseases can reduce forage yield, reduce forage quality, and decrease stand persistence. The effects of diseases can be dramatic, such as sudden stand loss due to Sclerotinia crown and stem rot. Often, the effects of alfalfa diseases are more subtle but are no less important. For example, alfalfa plants with Phytophthora root rot sometimes regrow slowly after cutting, resulting in a stunted stand showing no other obvious symptoms of disease.

Like most crop diseases, alfalfa diseases are most effectively managed by integrating as many control measures as practical. …

Nitrogen And Boron Fertilization Of Alfalfa, Monroe Rasnake

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Very little current research data is available on the response of alfalfa to nitrogen application at establishment or to the addition of boron. University of Kentucky recommendations (AGR-1 Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations) indicate that zero to 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre may be applied at seeding for alfalfa. No nitrogen would be recommended when soil nitrogen levels are likely to be adequate such as where manure or high levels of nitrogen fertilizer had been applied to the previous crop. Annual applications of boron at 1.5-2.0 pounds of elemental boron per acre are recommended.

Neighboring states differ in their nitrogen …

Advances In Alfalfa Variety Development And Testing, Jimmy C. Henning, Leonard M. Lauriault, Linda G. Brown, Garry D. Lacefield, Paul C. Vincelli, John C. Parr

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is historically the highest yielding, highest quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef and sheep diets. Over 300,000 acres of alfalfa are grown annually in Kentucky, with state yields averaging between 3 and 4 tons per acre.

The development and testing of alfalfa varieties is a dynamic process that impacts all Kentucky farmers. The Kentucky Alfalfa Variety Testing program was re-started in 1990 and is carried out through the efforts of several people, including Leonard Lauriault, Linda Brown …

Foreword [1994], Garry D. Lacefield, Christi L. Forsythe

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

This is the front matter of the proceedings.

Fundamentals Of Groundwater Contamination, Darryll T. Pederson

Conservation and Survey Division

No abstract provided.

Variation Of Clonal, Mesquite-Associated Rhizobial And Bradyrhizobial Populations From Surface And Deep Soils By Symbiotic Gene Region Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism And Plasmid Profile Analysis, P. M. Thomas, K.F. Golly, J. W. Zyskind, R. A. Virginia

Dartmouth Scholarship

Genetic characteristics of 14 Rhizobium and 9 Bradyrhizobium mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)-nodulating strains isolated from surface (0- to 0.5-rn) and deep (4- to 6-m) rooting zones were determined in order to examine the hypothesis that surface- and deep-soil symbiont populations were related but had become genetically distinct during adaptation to contrasting soil conditions. To examine genetic diversity, Southern blots of PstI-digested genomic DNA were sequentially hybridized with the nodDABC region of Rhizobium meliloti, the Klebsiella pneumoniae nifHDK region encoding nitrogenase structural genes, and the chromosome- localized ndvB region ofR. meliloti. Plasmid profile and host plant nodulation assays were also made. Isolates …

Project Spotlight: Morro Bay Watershed 319 National Monitoring Program Project. National Water Quality Evaluation Project Notes., Karen Worcester, Thomas J. Rice, Jo Beth Mullens

Earth and Soil Sciences

No abstract provided.

Tb154: Phosphorus And Potassium Availability In Wood Ash-Amended Soils: An Incubation Study, Tsutomo Ohno, M. Susan Erich

Technical Bulletins

The objective of this study was to monitor the temporal changes in soil properties and plant availability of P and K in wood ash-amended soils during a 72-week incubation period.

Tb155: Chemical And Physical Properties Of The Chesuncook, Colonel, Dixfield, And Telos Soil Map Units, R. V. Rourke

Technical Bulletins

Changes in Soil Taxonomy in 1992 resulted in reclassification of the Chesuncook and Dixfield soils. Taxonomic placement of the Telos and Colonel soils was not changed. Soil morphology and laboratory analyses were completed for five replicates of each soil map unit. Weighted averages were developed from laboratory data to define the chemical and physical characteristics of each map unit. Data for individual sites and soils are presented.

Agricultural Impacts On Fecal Contamination Of Shallow Groundwaters In The Bluegrass Region Of Kentucky, Mark S. Coyne, J. M. Howell

Soil Science News and Views

Any farming practices that degrade water quality contribute to agricultural nonpoint source pollution. This is a problem in Kentucky's Bluegrass region where shallow soils and karst geology permit surface contaminants to reach groundwater quickly. Real and perceived threats to public health may make groundwater protection plans a reality if evidence for non-point source pollution in agricultural areas continues to grow.

Water Quality And Fecal Indicator Bacteria, Mark S. Coyne

Soil Science News and Views

How can you tell if water is fit to drink? Color and taste aren't reliable guides for water safety. Clear water can be contaminated with chemicals or microorganisms the senses can't detect. One of the principle qualities of potable (drinkable) water is its freedom from microbial contaminants. This article will describe some criteria and methods that are used to determine the microbial quality of water.

The Fecal Coliform/Fecal Streptococci Ratio (Fc/Fs) And Water Quality In The Bluegrass Region Of Kentucky, Mark S. Coyne, J. M. Howell

Soil Science News and Views

In the mid 70' s, someone noticed that the ratio of two indicator bacteria in fecal wastes - fecal coliforms (FC) and fecal streptococci (FS) - was characteristic of particular animal wastes. In human wastes, the fecal coliform/fecal streptococci ratio (FC/FS ratio) was greater than 4. In domesticated animals, like cattle, the ratio was between 0.1 and 4.0. In wild animals, the ratio was less than 0.1. Since that time, many attempts have been made to use the ratio to determine the source of fecal bacteria in contaminated ground water.

Trapping Fecal Bacteria And Sediment In Surface Runoff From Cropland Treated With Poultry Litter, Mark S. Coyne, R. A. Gilfillen, Robert L. Blevins

Soil Science News and Views

Between 1991 and 1994 the broiler population exploded in Kentucky as the poultry industry began to expand. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture predicts that within four years annual broiler production could exceed 275 million birds. This may be good for Kentucky's economy but it carries some important environmental consequences. If expansion continues as anticipated, the estimated waste production from broilers for processing could reach 300,000 tons per year (assuming each broiler house produces 150,000 birds per year and the yearly manure and litter production per house is approximately 160 tons).

Control Of Rodents In No-Till Corn, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

The prairie vole is probably the primary rodent that reduces no-till crop plant stands in Kentucky. Because the vole requires a full canopy cover for protection from predators, established grass or legume sod fields and field borders (including wheat or rye stubble, set-aside and cover crop seedings) provide an ideal habitat.

Production And Nutrient Content Of Broiler Litter, Monroe Rasnake, Mike Williams

Soil Science News and Views

How much litter is produced in a broiler house in one year? How much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is present in broiler litter? These are questions that concern broiler producers and others who have an interest in the use and safe disposal of broiler litter. A project was initiated with support of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the cooperation of several broiler producers in Carlisle County to help answer these questions.

Field Test Of "Farm For Profit®" Burley Tobacco Production Program, Kenneth L. Wells, Mark Reese

Soil Science News and Views

Considerable interest exists among local farmers in Scott County, Kentucky, about a "Farm For Profit^®" tobacco production program being advocated by the representative of a product supplier as a means of improving burley tobacco production. Because of this interest, we conducted a field test of this program in 1993. The objective was to compare yield results from this "program" with those from two, more conventional practices.

An Estimate Of The Source And Uptake Of Nitrogen In Continuous No-Till Com Grain Production, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a maximum nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) content of 10 parts per million (ppm) for safe drinking water. Because of this, the effect of commercial nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agricultural production as a contributor of NO₃-N to surface and groundwater is now being widely examined. Since corn production in the US is the largest single source of fertilizer N use, averaging perhaps 100-150 lbs N/A on the 70-80 million acres of corn produced annually, an understanding of N utilization and losses in corn production is helpful in determining the role …

Lupin Stubbles : Getting The Best With Weaner Sheep, Keith Croker, Colin Mcdonald, Jeremy Allen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sweet lupins are now grown on about a million hectares in Western Australia each year. If half of the State's seven million weaners were grazed as recommended on half of the lupin stubbles, it could generate about $15 million from reduced supplementary feeding, greater wool production and other advantages. But correct management is important, particularly knowing when to take weaners out. Research by the Department over the last five years is now indicating how this should be done.

Influence Of Summer Storms On The Solution Geochemistry In A Coastal Plain Hydrosequence, Jeffrey M. Novak, C. Lee Burras

C. Lee Burras

An understanding of factors which influence wetland soil solution chemistry is important for soil solutions are known to influence some chemical properties of surface waters. The influence of summer storms on the solution geochemistry in a South Carolina riverine wetland soil was evaluated by comparing pore water collected 2,4 hr after five summer storm events with pore water acquired during five nonstorm periods. Pore water was collected by tension lysimeters buried at 15 to 152 cm in two locations along a hydrologic gradient. Samples of rain, throughfall and stream water were also collected. Overall, summer storms had no significant influence …

How Sustainable Is Grazing Sheep On Annual Pastures In The Woolbelt?, Don Mcfarlane, Richard George

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Low wool prices have reduced the profitability of producing wool from clover-based annual pastures in the south-western woo/belt. The heavy reliance on one commodity is economically unsustainable for many farmers. But we should also consider how ecologically sustainable the practice is.

Shallow-rooted annual pastures contribute to widespread salinity in the area, annual legumes are acidifying the soils and making them water repellent, and bare, detached soils from heavy grazing cause sheet and rill erosion during autumn storms. In addition, stock are degrading remnant vegetation and destroying the soil's structure.

To counteract this degradation, the woo/belt needs more perennial pastures and …

No-Tillage Sowing Decreases Water Erosion On Loamy Soils And Increases Earthworm Activity, Kevin Bligh

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

No-tillage sowing places seed and fertiliser in the soil without loosening all of the topsoil. Soil is cultivated only in the sown rows, leaving the inter-row areas largely undisturbed.

No-tillage sowing reduces both wind and water erosion. Soil structure is generally improved, and pasture regeneration is increased because seed is not buried too deeply for re-establishment.

Two long-term trials were establis_hed on loamy soils to determine effects of tillage and cropping on runoff and soil loss.