Water stress is the most critical environmental factor limiting crop production in the Piedmont soil physiographic province of the southeastern United States due to high evapotranspiration and low plant available water. Plants have evolved an antioxidant defense system in order to ameliorate this oxidative stress. Direct application of humic substances has increased antioxidant activity, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, and overall drought resistance of many crops. The use of organic amendments may enhance plant antioxidant activity during stress via the presence of humic substances found in these compounds. Little research has been conducted linking the effects of organic amendments and increased soil humic substances content to enhanced antioxidant activity during water stress and improved yield quality (e.g. seed density, starch, protein, oil, and fiber content). It is important to quantify such plant physiological benefits in order to provide further evidence of the value of organic amendments and to promote their usage on moisture deficient Piedmont soils. Since 1999, commercial inorganic fertilizer, poultry litter, and various combinations of composts have been applied to a Fauquier silty clay loam (fine, mixed, mesic Ultic Hapludalf) at the Northern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Orange, Virginia. We will quantify soil pH, soil nutrient, organic matter, humic and fulvic acid content; plant available moisture; leaf water potential, photochemical efficiency, and antioxidant activity; and seed density, starch, protein, oil, and fiber content of Zea mays and Glycine max during the typically droughty Piedmont summers. We hypothesize that organically-amended soils will contain higher humic substances content, increase plant antioxidant enzyme activity, and improve crop yield and seed quality of water-stressed Zea mays and Glycine max than inorganically fertilized soils. Greg Evanylo, professor Chandra Bowden, student Why did we pick it?A clear, well-written proposal about a pertinent, timely topic. It shows quality methodology, appropriate timetable and budget.
The goal is to provide guidelines for producing healthy and vigorous organic vegetable transplants as the first and most critical step in successful field production. Organic transplants required by National Organic Program are rarely available commercially, so they must be produced on-farm. Although Previous work at NCSU and elsewhere with organic transplant and other mixes suggests that the limiting factor in organic mixes is the timing of nutrient availability. Initially pH and salt levels may be above optimal, but over a period of 6-8 weeks, nutrient availability declines, and plants may become nutrient-limited. Adding more organic fertilizers without burning the seedlings is then difficult. The goal of this project is to provide guidelines on the type of composts, growing media and fertilizers that will provide sustained nutrition over the transplant production period, without creating initially excessive levels. Specifically, we will investigate the time-course of nutrient availability in different types of mixes. This will allow us to develop general guidelines for materials to be included and also to determine if a pre-conditioning period would be useful. Beginning with recommendations from local organic growers, we plan to utilize low-cost, locally available material whenever possible. The best performing commercial organic mixes, as identified in a previous study, will be included as controls. Mary M. Peet, professor Elizabeth Larrea, student Why did we pick it?Results of this project will certainly be helpful to organic vegetable producers. It shows sound scientific methodology.
The present increase in demand for organically grown food has increased the need for science-based technologies which are certifiable organic alternatives to conventional methods and the use of hand labor. A problem unique to tree fruit production is crop regulation and annual production. Fruit trees produce 10-15k flowers per tree but only need 200 fruits for a crop. Increases in fruit number both limit fruit size and quality, thus crop value, and inhibit flower formation for the succeeding crop. For a crop to be economically sustainable, annually flowers and young fruitlets must be removed (thinned) from the tree. Conventionally this is done with plant growth regulators. Based upon previous research, it is herein proposed that some certified organic spray materials may cause a transient suppression or inhibition of photosynthesis. The carbohydrate supply reduction caused by the suppression would result in strong inter-fruit metabolite competition, whereby smaller, developmentally delayed fruit would not compete and abscise. A model-plant test of treatments on photosynthesis and vegetative growth under a controlled environment may indicate the usefulness of materials for fruit thinning. The objective of this project is to study effects of potential organic pesticides as thinning agents on gas exchange and growth of vegetative apple trees as a model system. Resulting data will determine what compounds may be effective and have use as crop-load regulating agents for certified fruit production. Greenhouse and field studies will be conducted to show effective concentrations of these compounds. This model system for screening compounds will be a basis for other researchers evaluating additional compounds which may have the potential to be effective organically certifiable pesticides or used as fruit thinning agents. Dr. Curt R. Rom, professor Jason D. McAfee, student Why did we pick it?Results could have application to conventional growers as well, bringing a new audience to sustainable agriculture research.  GS04-034 Control of Soil-borne Fungi with Biofumigation Alternative methods to control soilborne pathogens are urgently needed. This is because 1) methyl bromide will be unavailable as a preplant soil fumigant in 2005, 2) there is increasing pathogen resistance to pesticides, and 3) pesticides adversely affect the environment. Biofumigation is the control of soilborne pests and pathogens when glucosinolates in Brassica species are hydrolyzed upon incorporation into the soil. Many biofumigation studies have been conducted in vitro, where isothiocyantes (one breakdown product of glucosinolate) have been shown to be fungitoxic and fungistatic, particularly to Fusarium. It is therefore important to evaluate biofumigation in the field for the control of Fusarium and other soilborne pathogens, plus monitor populations of beneficial organisms after biofumigation. Isothiocyantes are volatile compounds and increasing their residence time in soil might increase pathogen control. Results from biofumigation in combination with plastic mulch have implied increased soil residence time, but none of the researchers sampled soil to confirm this. The objectives of the study are to a) evaluate the effectiveness of biofumigation in the control of Fusarium wilt on a susceptible watermelon cultivar, compared to control with methyl bromide; b) determine the best time to incorporate green manure prior to laying plastic; c) quantify inoculum density of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., Sclerotium rolfsii, and fluorescent Pseudomonas in the soil before and after biofumigation; d) determine glucosinolates concentration in roots and shoots of the brassicas at the time of incorporation; and e) quantify glucosinolate breakdown products in the soil after brassica incorporation. Dr. Anthony P. Keinath, Professor Samuel Njoroge, student Why did we pick it? This is a well-defined project to investigate the use of cover crops as biofumigants. The treatments are well defined and logical so that the experiment should yield reliable and useful information. The repetition of the whole experiment for one additional growing season will further validate results. From an agricultural perspective, soil productivity depends on the ability of the microbial and invertebrate communities to break down organic matter, cycle plant nutrients, facilitate chemical transformations, and affect disease in crops. Microorganisms and soil invertebrates are sensitive to changes in soil biophysiochemical properties which result from agricultural management decisions. Some studies have suggested that microbial and microinvertebrate community structure might serve as an excellent indicator of sustainable soil productivity. Until recently, however, adequate technology has not been available to study such communities at the ecological and taxonomic levels required to determine whether biological structure differs significantly as the result of different agricultural management systems. With the capability to identify microorganisms to the genera level using FAME technology, along with traditional biomass, activity, and nutrient transformation methods, it is possible to investigate more fully the differences between microbial communities and their functions in different agricultural systems. The agricultural treatments in this study are: The objectives of the proposed field and laboratory studies are to:
Greg D. Hoyt, professor Laura F. Overstreet, student A well-written project that will fill current information gaps and will contribute to our understanding of soil biology and it's relationship to soil quality. The consumption of shrimp in the U. S. has doubled over the past ten years and demand far exceeds what domestic producers presently supply. In fact, the U. S. is currently producing only 10% of the shrimp consumed in this country. Although shrimp culture techniques in waters of marine origin are well established, they are not necessarily applicable to shrimp culture in low salinity well water, as used at inland facilities. There exist technologies and best management practices used in many parts of the world to successfully raise inland shrimp in a way that is efficient and profitable, while simultaneously solving a variety of culture problems. Newcomers to inland shrimp farming however are often confronted with a myriad of enterprise viability questions that have had limited satisfactory answers. Alabama in recent years has had a significant interest in shrimp farming as an alternative enterprise for small and limited resource farmers. Existing work does not provide enough good knowledge-based information that is readily applicable, nor is local viability of the industry well established for those producers who have immersed themselves in the business. Thus, the purpose of this study will be to assess the economic viability and sustainability of inland shrimp farming in the study area. Specific objectives are to (1) describe the production of farm-raised saltwater shrimp as an alternative agricultural enterprise, (2) identify the constraints and risks associated with the inland shrimp farming industry, and (3) compare the cost efficiencies of farms via scales of production. The project outcomes are expected to provide a set of best management practices that could improve the industry in terms of economic viability and sustainability. Ntam Baharanyi, professor Anthoney S. Deanes, student Why did we pick it? This project represents a good attempt at looking at the production of an alternative agricultural enterprise; in this case, farm-raised saltwater shrimp. The project, using a case study approach, seeks to identify the constraints and risks associated with the inland shrimp farming industry. An important contribution to this industry. Lastly, the project takes a look at scale to determine if scale affects efficiencies of production.
GS04-037 Evaluating the efficacy of Tasco-14® supplementation on carcass and performance characteristics of cattle finished on winter annual forages as a sustainable alternative finishing system in the Southeast A majority of the cattle produced in the southeastern U.S. are transported to grain finish-feeding facilities and harvested within the mid-western U.S. Producers in the Southeast have limited production and marketing options for cattle which limit opportunities within the beef chain. The southeastern U.S. has a natural opportunity to utilize high quality forages in rotational cropping systems as an alternative method of finishing cattle. Forage finished beef or high forage beef diets have been found to posses a number of desirable health related characteristics. Approximately 20% of beef consumers are willing to pay a premium for forage finished beef. Research shows forage finished cattle are similar to grain finished animals when evaluating economic factors of the animal and carcass. However, quality grade of forage finished beef can be negatively impacted. Data have shown that beef packers demand beef that grades at least USDA Choice, or a lower price is realized. Forage finished beef often falls short of the USDA Choice line and discounted. Forage finishing systems often produce cattle with lower quality grades and often extends days on feed. This could decrease the overall profitability, sustainability and viability of alternative finishing systems. A method to improve quality grade of forage-finished beef would increase profitability and further enhance marketability. Research shows that brown seaweed (Tasco-14 ® ) has increased quality grade in cattle when supplemented in various forms. Therefore, our objectives are to determine the efficacy of Tasco-14 ® supplementation in forage finished beef to increase desirable economic traits of the carcass and animal. Chris Kerth, professor Kirk Braden, student Why did we pick it? The proposal was well written and addresses a critical issue to small farms in the southeast - how to increase enterprise and marketing options for small cow-calf producers. The research was described in terms of a systems approach and the product to be evaluated would be marketable in the organic market - an important portion of the forage-finished beef consumer group. The proposal spanned the research through extension phases with presentation at a Beef Field Day planned.
GS04-038 Determining the cost-effectiveness of BMPs in Sustainable Watershed Management: A Decision-Making tool for Restoring Bullrun Creek The Bullrun Creek Watershed is a long, narrow tract in northeastern Tennessee , and has been identified by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as impaired. The major contributor of pollution is runoff from degraded pastures, which has resulted in sedimentation and siltation, habitat alteration, and the presence of pathogens in the creek (TDEC, 2002). Concerns over the deteriorating water quality invoked the formation of the Bullrun Creek Restoration Initiative (BCRI), a proactive group of stakeholders interested in restoring the water quality of Bullrun Creek through the introduction of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Methods used in this study will determine water quality based on physical, biological and chemical data of the Bullrun Creek. Water quality, land use, and geographic data will be cataloged using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which will assist in the location and prioritization of target BMP sites. The goal is to utilize the illustrative data to develop appropriate BMPs for each target site, while maintaining economic feasibility. Effective watershed management regimes mandate cost-effective, goal-oriented and environmentally appropriate constructs to ensure realization of increased water quality. Using SWAT analysis, BMP analysis and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service cost list, the most effective BMP scenarios will be presented to the BCRI. This will aid the BCRI in the adoption of a watershed management plan, which can be supported to achieve the total pollution reduction goal for Bullrun Creek. Joanne Logan, professor Candice Dawn Jones, student Why did we pick it? The committee liked that the project was stakeholder driven and on a watershed basis.
GS04-039 Potential for nitrate-nitrogen leaching in a silvopastoral system compared with open pasture and loblolly pine. Silvopasture, one of the major agroforestry practices, is becoming increasingly popular in the southeastern U.S. because of potential to improve cash flow of small farming operations and many environmental benefits. Silvopasture combines tree, forage and livestock production and is usually established by planting trees in existing improved pastures. This project tests feasibility of silvopasture establishment after first commercial thinning of mid-rotation loblolly pine plantations. Such conversions could provide farmers and ranchers with an alternative to conventional pine plantation management half way through tree rotation length. In addition, we test a hypothesis that silvopastures reduce soil nitrate-nitrogen leaching compared with traditional pine plantations and open pastures. If corroborated, this would further substantiate often-made claims that agroforestry practices are more environmentally sustainable than forest or agricultural monocultures. Tree growth, forage yield and quality in relation to light conditions under thinned pine canopies, and tree nutritional status are also measured to quantify silvopasture production in comparison to conventionally thinned pine plantation and open pastures. Project outcomes are relevant to small and medium size farm operators who want to diversify agricultural production systems in an environmentally sensitive ways. Jaroslaw Nowak, professor Susan K. Bambo, student Why did we pick it? This is a well-designed project that has already received SARE funding. The additional results to be included because of the new work will be a good addition to the project.
GS04-040 Cycling of composted biosolids through turfgrass sod enhances sustainability across agricultural and urban landscapes The purposeful goal of sustainability is not exclusive to agriculture. As urban and residential developments encroach on agricultural landscapes, environmental quality, resource conservation, nutrient cycling, and economic viability become mutual concerns of neighboring urban and agricultural stakeholders. These mutual concerns can be addressed, in part, through turfgrass sod production on agricultural lands near municipalities. Nutrients and organic matter in composted municipal biosolids (CMB) can supply affordable resources for sod production and be recycled over short hauling distances back to urban landscapes in transplanted sod. In addition to recycling CMB, the transplanted sod eliminates P fertilizer applications and enhances water infiltration and soil and water quality in receiving urban landscapes. Research is proposed to develop systems for cycling CMB through turfgrass sod produced on agricultural lands. Export and losses of contrasting CMB and fertilizer sources of phosphorus and nitrogen will be quantified during production and after transplanting of ifway bermudagrass sod in replicated field experiments. In addition to evaluating environmental impacts of CMB cycling through sod, capital and production costs will be itemized and combined with estimates of net present value to support producer decisions about CMB cycling through sod produced at the interface between urban and agricultural landscapes. Both agricultural and urban sustainability can be improved if turfgrass sod production uses CMB as a resource and municipalities purchase sod to enhance the quality of urban environments. Donald M. Vietor, professor Nels Hansen. student Why did we pick it? This proposal addresses the use of composted biosolids in the establishment and growth of turfgrass. It is a very good study that considers all the key aspects of the system, including economic. It also includes a nutrient balance which is essential and often missing from this type of research
GS04-041 Preliminary Investigation for Application of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology for Garlic Oil Extraction The growing nutraceutical market (estimated to surpass $20 B by 2006) provides local farmers the opportunity to enhance their profit margins through direct added value to byproducts that are typically discarded as waste or low-value components in animal feed. To benefit from the nutraceutical industry, farmers must sell the semi-processed & processed products and not only raw material. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technology is a promising alternative to the traditional processing methods due to several distinct advantages. SFE technology using carbon dioxide as solvent is approved as GRAS or "green" status accepted in both Europe and the U.S and is considered a leading sustainable processing technology that would eliminating costly solvent removal steps associated with conventional solvent extraction. . Nutraceuticals produced from SFE are commercially available and the market has grown immensely recent years. SFE technology has great potential to be applied on local farm to produce semi-product for nutraceutical manufacturers. We have initiated the development of local farm-adopted equipment and intend to transfer this technology to farmer's hand by the demonstration of SFE technology for garlic oil production on site, as the engineer introduced engine power to farming in the early 1900s. The proposed tasks are listed below: • To investigate the pathway and key points to SFE technology extension on small & medium-size local farms. • To further optimize SFE kinetics parameters of garlic oil on the basis of on site operation. • To investigate the criteria for developing the small & medium-size farm-adopted SFE equipment. The proposed project is expected to impact the sustainable agricultural goal by making use of the most significant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, while promoting green technology. Furthermore, extension of the SFE technology on local farms would promote nutraceutical production as a means to improve nutrition in the Southeast, enhance local farmer profit and promote local economy that would improve the life of the farmer. Terry H. Walker, professor Meidui Dong, student Why did we pick it? The proposal describes an effort to transfer nutraceutical extraction technology to small-scale garlic growers in South Carolina as a value-added strategy. This project involves an interesting concept for oil extraction and reviewers were impressed with the farmer involvement described in the introduction.
GS04-042 Determination of Microbiological Hazards and Critical Control Points in Regional Rabbit Processing Facilities Food safety is a major concern to consumers. Loss of human life and economic losses are astronomically high due to food borne pathogens. Processed meats are responsible for numerous outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes . To prevent the potential of food borne illness caused by inadequate processing of meats, USDA/FSIS has deemed it important for the implementation of US regulations requiring plant operations under the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system and adherence with current regulatory criteria for pathogen reduction in foods and meat processing plants, including emerging or non-amendable (exotic) meat products. Therefore this proposed project is aimed at developing a hazard analysis critical control (HACCP) system for processing of whole rabbit carcasses and to identify potentially pathogenic microorganisms that may be present on processed rabbit carcasses, so that barriers can be put in place in the processing line to minimize the likelihood of such organisms surviving or multiplying to levels which may limit product acceptability. Microbial testing and total viable counts at 4° C and 14° C will be conducted to determine the presence of coliforms ( C. jejuni, L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, S. enteriditis, Y. enterocolitica and C. perfringens ) at different sampling points will include stunning and decapitation, evisceration, cleaning and chilling to determine critical control points (CCPs). Finally, generic HACCP plans with completed and verified flow diagrams will be created. HACCP plans generated in this study will be useful in ensuring food safety of processed rabbit products. Leonard Williams, professor Cornelius Howard, student Why did we pick it? This project will attempt to identify the "critical control points" in controlling microbiological contamination of meat during rabbit processing. The project recognizes that small-scale and family- scale farming are increasingly important sources of food for many people. This project is important to the potential role of rabbit production in sustainable small-scale and family-scale farming. |
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