bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrate Uptake Effectiveness of Four Plant Species
Authors: Warncke D. D. , Barber S. A.
Published: July 2010

Little information is available on the characteristics of plant roots that determine their effectiveness in nitrate uptake. The effectiveness of nitrate uptake of corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (Glycine max L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), and bromegrass (Bromus inermus L.) intact roots were investigated in nutrient solution culture. The maximum uptake rate per centimeter of root for corn occurred at 10 mM, for sorghum at 2.4 mM, and for bromegrass at 0.8 mM. Increasing the nitrate level above 1.0 mM did not increase the growth rate during the first 3 weeks for any of these species.

The minimum level to which the plant roots reduced the nitrate concentration was 1.7, 2.7, 2.4, and 1.4 µM for forage sorghum, grain sorghum, soybeans, and bromegrass, respectively. Three cultivars of corn were compared. Two reduced the nitrate level to 2 µM and the third to 4 µM.

The results of this research indicate that the roots of the species investigated absorbed nitrate of maximum rates from relatively low nitrate concentrations provided the concentration was maintained. Also, the degree of reduction in nitrate level where nitrate in solution was not maintained indicated that these plant roots had the absorptive capacity to reduce solution nitrate to concentrations of 4 µM or less.
Redox Potentials in Soil Columns Intermittently Flooded With Sewage Water
Authors: Whisler F. D. , Lance J. C. , Linebarger R. S.
Published: July 2010

Platinum blacked, platinum wire redox potential probes detected the possibility of denitrification when properly placed in soil columns intermittently flooded with secondary sewage effluent. The evolution of gases from the flooded soil column containing 98% N2 verified the detection. When additional soluble carbon was added to the sewage water, the redox potential dropped to more negative values (−200 mV) than when ordinary sewage water (+200 mV) was used, indicating that the oxidation states of other elements besides nitrogen were changing. The probes functioned for as long as 6 months in place without loss of sensitivity.
Persistence of Salmonellae in Poultry Excreta
Authors: Berkowitz J. H. , Kraft D. J. , Finstein M. S.
Published: July 2010

Land application of animal residues containing large numbers of viable pathogenic microorganisms is not an acceptable practice. Information is needed upon which to base storage guidelines to ensure extensive pathogen dieoff. Salmonellae inoculated into samples of poultry excreta declined to very low numbers or disappeared within a month, as judged by a specific most‐probable‐number procedure. The decline was usually preceded by a period of growth, however. Overall reductions of 99% were achieved, on the average, in 19 days when incubation was at 9 to 12C, in 11 days at 18 to 20C, and in 3 days at 30C. Although drying excreta at room temperature killed 99.5% of the inoculated cells, survivors persisted for relatively long periods of time. Storage of undried excreta is an effective means of killing salmonellae.
Toxicity of Copper to Zooplankton
Authors: McIntosh A. W. , Kevern N. R.
Published: July 2010

The toxicity of copper sulfate (CuSO4·5H2O) to zooplankton was studied. Bioassays on Daphnia pulex and Cyclops sp. yielded 96‐hour TLm values of 0.096 and 225.0 ppm, respectively. A treatment of 3 ppm copper sulfate to an outdoor pond was followed by a depression of cladoceran and rotifer populations. Addition of 3 ppm copper sulfate to a second pond occurred when cladoceran numbers were low; however, a combination of oxygen depletion, H2S production and released copper from large masses of decomposing Chara apparently suppressed rotifer, copepod, and cladoceran populations. Treatment of 1 ppm copper sulfate to a third pond produced no discernible effects on cladocera. Stomach analyses conducted on green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus R.) indicated that the fish shifted to alternate food sources when cladocera disappeared from affected ponds.
Elemental Composition of Particulates Near a Beef Cattle Feedlot
Authors: Azevedo J. , Flocchini R. G. , Cahill T. A. , Stout P. R.
Published: July 2010

The elemental compositions of dusts captured near a beef cattle feedlot were examined for the purpose of determining whether manure dusts could be identified in the presence of background dusts using alpha‐excited X‐rays.

Large quantities of particulates greater than 17 µm in diameter were caught within the feedlot, but concentrations of these large particulates downwind of the lot were equal to or less than upwind levels.

High ratios of P, S, Cl, K, and Ca to Si distinguished feedlot dusts to greater than 2 µm background particulates. For small particulate sizes (less than 2 µm), feedlot dusts were characterized by relatively high Cl, K, and Ca to Si ratios. On the fringe of feedlot influence, about 100 m downwind in this case, high K/Si and Ca/Si ratios were the most reliable indicators of manure dust.

For the particular environmental conditions during this study in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California, feedlot dusts were not detected at a distance of 750 m downwind. Feedlot dust consists mainly of large particulates that drop out rapidly and locally.
Phthalate Esters in the Environment: Pollutants or Natural Products?
Authors: Mathur S. P.
Published: July 2010

In industry, phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are used mainly for producing plastics. Often, their contribution to the weight of plastics is second only to that of the polymer itself. PAEs have also been reported to be present in biological, geochemical, and hydrological samples. Since indications exist that some PAEs may be toxic to man, and pose a threat to the ecological balance, it is important to know whether the PAEs in the environment are mostly pollutants, or natural products. This review of the literature suggests that the PAEs in our environment are more likely to be pollutants. A need for the characterization of the dynamics of PAEs in nature including their interactions with soil and water microflora is therefore clear and urgent.
Adsorption of Bipyridylium Herbicides by Humic Acid
Authors: Khan S. U.
Published: July 2010

The adsorption of paraquat (1,1′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyridylium dichloride) and diquat (1,1′‐ethylene‐2,2′‐bipyridylium dibromide) by various cation‐saturated humic acids was investigated. The cation order for increasing adsorption for the two herbicides was nearly the same and followed the sequence: Al3+ < Fe3+ < Cu2+ < Ni2+ < Zn2+ < Co2+ < Mn2+ < H+ < Ca2+ < Mg2+. It was suggested that the colloid geometry of humic material and the shape, size and nature of bipyridylium cation would influence the adsorption of the herbicide. By infrared spectroscopic and potentiometric techniques evidence was procured for the involvement of ion‐exchange and charge transfer mechanisms in the adsorption of bipyridylium herbicides by humic acid.
Land Surface Erosion and Rainfall as Sources of Strontium‐90 in Streams
Authors: Menzel Ronald G.
Published: July 2010

Strontium‐90 concentrations in streams from 1958 to 1967 reflected the changing concentrations in rainfall and accumulation on the land surface. Correlation analysis of data from nationwide sampling networks shows that the 90Sr concentration in streams was accounted for, on the average, by 1.7% of the rainout 2 months earlier, and annual erosion of 0.58% of the accumulated 90Sr on the land surface. Direct runoff of 90Sr in preceding rainfall was highest, 2.0 to 2.2%, in the north central and eastern United States, ranging down to no measurable direct runoff in the southwestern United States. Annual erosion of 90Sr from the land surface ranged from 0.75% in the Ohio River Basin to 0.17% in the Missouri River Basin. If one allows for differences in time and area of application, these results for land surface erosion indicate the potential movement of persistent, strongly adsorbed pesticides from large land areas.
Columns Representing Mound‐type Disposal Systems for Septic Tank Effluent: II. Nutrient Transformations and Bacterial Populations
Authors: Magdoff F. R. , Keeney D. R. , Bouma J. , Ziebell W. A.
Published: July 2010

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus transformations and bacterial populations were studied in columns representing a mound disposal system. Total‐N, total‐P, and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the influent (septic tank effluent) averaged 42, 21, and 257 mg/liter, respectively. The reduced‐N forms present in the influent (NH4‐N and organic‐N) were oxidized to NO3‐N in the aerobic fill and about 32% of the total‐N was lost by denitrification during water passage through the anaerobic silt loam at the bottom of the column. Phosphorus (mainly dissolved orthophosphate) concentrations in column effluents, increased gradually, stabilizing at about 60% of the influent P concentration. Phosphorus removal from the percolating water probably occurred by both sorption and precipitation. The COD of column effluents was very low, indicating essentially complete C removal.

After crusting developed and caused permanent ponding the fill became anaerobic, and the column effluent N was mainly NH4‐N. Phosphorus concentrations of the effluent increased gradually with time and reached a constant value of 2 to 6 ppm. The COD of the effluent from the totally anaerobic columns was higher than that from the uncrusted columns.

Perforating column walls to more closely simulate field conditions permitted aerobic conditions in the fill after crust development caused continuous ponding. The C, N, and P transformations in the perforated crusted columns were similar to those observed in the nonperforated uncrusted (i.e., aerobic) columns.

Fecal indicator bacteria were not detected in any column effluent even though the counts of fecal streptococci and fecal coliform in the influent averaged 3.8 × 104 and 1.7 × 105/100 ml, respectively.
Nitrogen Loss from Manure as Influenced by Moisture and Temperature
Authors: Adriano D. C. , Chang A. C. , Sharpless R.
Published: July 2010

Soil temperature and moisture are important in cattle waste management. The effects of these two variables on N losses from different rates of applied manure were studied under greenhouse conditions at two soil moisture (60 and 90% of water saturation percentage, WSP) and two soil temperature (10 and 25C) levels.

The manure rate did not have a significant effect on the percentage of loss of applied N. At 10C, the average losses of applied N were 26 and 39%, respectively, for the 60 and 90% moisture levels. Higher losses of 40 and 45% were obtained for the 60 and 90% levels, respectively, at 25C. Results suggest that these losses occurred largely through volatilization of NH3. Under conditions where significant nitrification occurred, there were greater concentrations of electrolytes associated with reduction in pH indicating that leaching of NO3− cannot be divorced from soluble salts in manure disposal areas.

With N losses approaching 50% of the applied N, large quantities of N are being volatilized to the atmosphere over large and concentrated dairy and feedlot areas.
Degradation of Trifluralin in Soil Suspensions as Related to Redox Potential
Authors: Willis G. H. , Wander R. C. , Southwick L. M.
Published: July 2010

A system for controlling redox potential in soil suspensions was used to investigate the relationship between oxidation‐reduction potential (Eh) and the rate of trifluralin (a‐a‐a‐trifluoro‐2,6‐dinitro‐N,N‐dipropyl‐p‐toluidine) degradation. Redox potentials of +450, +250, +150, +50, 0, and −50 mV were imposed on trifluralinamended (1 ppm oven‐dry weight soil basis) soil suspensions (100 g soil in 300 ml H2O) for 21 days. Results indicated that exclusion of O2 by soil flooding initiated rapid trifluralin degradation only when the Eh decreased below a critical range between +150 and +50 mV. There was no clear‐cut relationship between trifluralin degradation and microbiological respiratory activity (CO2 evolution).

If soil flooding is to be a practical cultural technique for accelerating the rate of degradation of persistent pesticides, steps may have to be taken to ensure that soil Eh decreases below a critical value for some required period of time. This may include soil incorporation of a readily available carbon or energy source to stimulate an active soil microbial population to enhance lowering of the soil Eh.
An Automatic Pumping Sampler for Evaluating the Transport of Pesticides in Suspended Sediment
Authors: Parr J. F. , Willis G. H. , McDowell L. L. , Murphree C. E. , Smith S.
Published: July 2010

Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the utility of an automatic pumping sampler for assessing the transport and concentration of pesticides in suspended sediment. Pesticide‐sedimentwater mixtures were formulated with pesticide‐sediment ratios ranging from 1:15,000 to 1:500. After stirring periods of 10 and 60 min, these formulations were pumped through the sampler and aliquots collected for pesticide analysis. Recovery of DDT, trifluralin, toxaphene, and mirex exceeded 90%, based on their concentrations immediately prior to pumping. Adsorption of pesticides to the various plastic, rubber, and fiberglass sampler components was minimized by the high flow velocity and rapid delivery systems which ensured a short time of contact (seconds) between the sample and internal surfaces. These tests indicate that the sampler is suitable for use in evaluating the transport of relatively water‐insoluble pesticides in suspended sediment.
Effects of Mirex on Litter Organisms and Leaf Decomposition in a Mixed Hardwood Forest in Athens, Georgia
Authors: Lee Beatrice Joy
Published: July 2010

Mirex (dodecachlorooctahydro‐1,3,4‐metheno‐2H‐cyclobuta [cd] pentalene) in corncob grit bait and in spray form was applied to oak (Quercus alba L.) and dogwood (Cornus florida L.) leaf litter in mesh bags, on 20 5m by 5m plots. Macroarthropod fauna was monitored by capture in pitfall traps, and microarthropod populations were extracted from litter bags and counted. Ant presence on plots was tested by use of blank bait and molasses.

Mirex in bait and spray form, and at the two levels applied, caused a significant acceleration in litter decomposition. The two leaf species as expected showed significantly different decomposition rates, and the slope of the ground surface on which the bags were placed was found to influence the decomposition process. The two leaf species differed in the amount of decomposition shown with mirex treatment, dogwood being more affected than oak.

Ants were essentially removed from bait and concentrated spray plots up to 79 days, but ants had returned to all plots by the 334th day after treatment. The low spray treatment had no effect on the ant populations.

Macroarthropods captured were spiders (Araneida), beetles (Coleoptera), millipedes (Orthomorpha gracilis), scorpions (Scorpionida), and centipedes (Scutigerella immaculata). Little difference was observed with treatment except with centipedes whose numbers appeared to decrease on the bait and concentrated spray plots.

Microarthropod populations showed significant differences with treatment, at different times during the experiment, but no overall pattern could be detected that might explain the leaf decomposition acceleration noted with all treatments.

Since microarthropod, macroarthropods and microflora are known to be involved in the decomposition, and since neither the microarthropods nor the macroarthropods could account for the change in decomposition then by extrapolation the groups most probably affected by the mirex would be the bacteria and fungi. These organisms were not monitored.

It is speculated that mirex could have accelerated decomposition through its ability to induce mixed‐function oxidase systems in the microorganisms. These enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of numerous xenobiotics or foreign compounds. If synthesis of more of these enzymes by fungi and/or bacteria allowed faster metabolism of the plant inhibitor, tannic acid, then decomposition could have received an early boost due to the growth of microorganisms usually limited by tannic acid.
Minimizing the Salt Burdens of Irrigation Drainage Waters
Authors: Rhoades J. D. , Oster J. D. , Ingvalson R. D. , Tucker J. M. , Clark M.
Published: July 2010

The salt burdens of percolated drainage waters resulting from the use of waters, synthesized to represent eight important river waters of the western USA, for irrigation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in a controlled lysimeter experiment, are presented. These data show that minimizing the quantity of drainage water resulted in the smallest possible return of applied salts in the return flow because: i) it maximizes the precipitation of carbonate minerals and gypsum in the soil, ii) it minimizes soil mineral weathering and the dissolution of salts previously deposited in the soil, and iii) it maximizes the amount of soluble salt diverted in the water that is retained in storage in the soil profile and not returned in the drainage water.
Evaluation of Surface Water Resources from Machine‐Processing of ERTS Multispectral Data
Authors: Mausel P. W. , Todd W. J. , Baumgardner M. F. , Mitchell R. A. , Cook J. P.
Published: July 2010

Water resource data that are useful to environmental scientists and planners frequently are missing, incomplete, or obtained irregularity. A new source of surface hydrological information can be obtained as often as every 18 days in some areas through machine‐processing of Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) multispectral scanner data. This research focused on the surface water resources of a large metropolitan area, Marion County (Indianapolis), Indiana, in order to assess the potential value of ERTS spectral analysis to water resources problems.

The results of the research indicate that all surface water bodies over 0.5 ha were identified accurately from ERTS multispectral analysis. Five distinct classes of water were identified and correlated with parameters which included the i) degree of water siltiness; ii) depth of water; iii) presence of macro and micro biotic forms in the water; and iv) presence of various chemical concentrations in the water. The machine‐processing of ERTS spectral data used alone or in conjunction with conventional sources of hydrological information can lead to the monitoring of the i) area of surface water bodies; ii) estimated volume of selected surface water bodies; iii) differences in degree of silt and clay suspended in water; and iv) degree of water eutrophication related to chemical concentrations. Water resources information obtained from ERTS analysis will be useful in helping to solve or better understand selected pollution, erosion, and planning problems in metropolitan and other environments.
Recreational Welfare Losses from Water Pollution Along US Coasts
Authors: Tihansky Dennis P.
Published: July 2010

The economic impact of marine water pollution on recreation losses is directly related to the extent of beach closures. As water quality enhancement increases the supply of beaches available to the public, more participants are expected at both newly opened and formerly used (but polluted) sites. Swimmers are usually more sensitive than other sport enthusiasts to beach conditions. A conceptual methodology is developed to assess the economic welfare benefits of beach cleanup. Empirical data required by the method are compiled for all coastal regions of the continental USA. Annual damages to swimming are then estimated in the range of $27.5 to $65.3 million for 1970. The results indicate that the North Atlantic coastline accounts for almost 60% of total activity day losses, compared to roughly 30% for the Great Lakes region. The remaining areas—the Pacific, South Atlantic, and Gulf states—incur relatively minor damages. Especially along the West coast, influential public concern for environmental protection has contributed toward progress on coastal zone management. Many southern shorelines avoid serious pollution problems by their lack of heavy industrialization and urbanization. Recreation losses constitute only a portion, albeit an important one, of total damages attributable to contaminated marine waters. Other human activities or natural attributes adversely impacted include commercial fishing, navigation, shoreline property values, aesthetic amenities, and ecological habitats. Welfare losses for these items could well exceed that for recreation, although current informational deficiencies on welfare measures and empirical data preclude such an assessment.
The Influence of Temperature, pH, and Metabolic Inhibitors on Uptake of Lead by Plant Roots
Authors: Arvik Jon H. , Zimdahl Robert L.
Published: July 2010

Excised roots of selected crop plants were exposed to 10 µg/ml of lead nitrate in the presence of 2,4‐dinitrophenol or sodium azide at 10−4 and 10−5 molar concentration. Additionally, roots were exposed to lead nitrate at pH 4.5, 5.5, and 7.0, and at temperatures of 4 and 24C. Lead uptake was not influenced by metabolic inhibitors or low temperature, but was dependent on solution pH, suggesting that the process does not require energy expenditure by the plant.
Pollution Control in Fertilizer Manufacture
Authors: Barber J. C.
Published: July 2010

Most air pollution regulations can be met by existing technology available. However, technology has not yet been developed to cope with the particulate emission problems at ammonium nitrate and urea prilling towers. Considerable technical effort is being devoted to finding solutions to the prilling tower problems. One possible solution for new plants is to granulate ammonium nitrate and urea in equipment which is amenable to particulate emission abatement. There are some unsolved water pollution problems at fertilizer plants awaiting further development of abatement technology. Miscellaneous discharges comprise a significant proportion of the aqueous wastes, and much of this loss can be avoided by adherence to good engineering practices when fertilizer plants are designed and constructed. In some cases, nutrients collected as wastes can be returned to the manufacturing process. Dust scrubber effluents and plant washdown obtained at granular fertilizer plants can be converted into liquid fertilizers; however, the dust collecting system should be designed to avoid excessive dust pickup. Two waste materials—gypsum and fluorides—are not normally suited for reuse in the manufacturing process. These materials are potentially useful by‐products, and greater emphasis is being placed on their recovery as by‐products because of the environmental problems associated with their disposal as wastes. Much progress has been made toward recovery of by‐product fluorine, but by‐product gypsum recovery involves large capital investment and extensive market development.
Effects of Timber Harvesting and Related Management Practices on Water Quality in Forested Watersheds
Authors: Sopper William E.
Published: July 2010

Undisturbed forested watersheds are generally recognized as a primary source of high‐quality water. The physical and chemical nature of these waters fluctuate constantly in response to natural stresses but are most influenced by man's activities. Three major forest land management activities—timber harvesting, fertilization, and herbiciding—which may have an adverse affect on water quality are reviewed. In general, research results indicate that nutrient losses, particularly nitrogen, following forest clearcutting are small to negligible. Similarly, forest fertilization studies indicate that nitrogen concentrations in streams are not drastically increased. Large areal applications of selected herbicides in the West have demonstrated that, if carefully applied, they can be used without impairment of water quality.
Watershed Soil Detachment and Transportation Factors
Authors: Onstad C. A. , Moldenhauer W. C.
Published: July 2010

Quantification of sediment yields from agricultural watersheds requires that consideration be given to spatial and temporal variations in the parameters known to influence soil erosion by water. This includes accounting for variations in rainfall and runoff, the energy sources, on a storm‐by‐storm basis. Also to be considered are the distribution of watershed topography, soils, tillage practices. and vegetation which influence the degree of erosion or deposition. These factors are discussed with regard to simulation of the erosion‐deposition continum on agricultural watersheds.
Water Quality in Irrigated Watersheds
Authors: Branson R. L. , Pratt P. F. , Rhoades J. D. , Oster J. D.
Published: July 2010

Historically, attention to water quality in irrigated watersheds has been focused on irrigation waters and the relationships of their chemical composition to soil permeability and crop production. Recently, because of environmental concerns, it has become necessary to look beyond the quality of irrigation waters and consider also the quality of waters that drain from irrigated lands. Irrigation agriculture affects drainage‐water chemical composition. In turn, drainage waters can influence the quality of receiving waters which may have a variety of beneficial uses to be protected.

The two types of drainage waters from irrigated lands, surface runoff and subsurface drainage or percolation water, are characteristically different in composition and chemical concentration. The pollution potential of subsurface drainage waters, with respect to nitrate and total soluble salts is of particular concern. Studies of individual field conditions are providing information that can be extrapolated to show the effects of watershed management on ultimate water quality in a receiving stream or ground water.

A new concept has been developed concerning irrigation water management to minimize the quantity of salt discharged from irrigated lands and thereby help alleviate water quality degradation associated with disposal of salt‐laden subsurface drainage waters.
Effects of Forest Fertilization on Two Southeast Alaska Streams
Authors: Meehan William R. , Lotspeich Frederick B. , Mueller Ernst W.
Published: July 2010

Four streams in southeast Alaska were studied to determine the effects of forest fertilization with urea on basic productivity and water quality.

An initial, short‐term increase in ammonia‐nitrogen was observed in the treated streams, and nitrate‐nitrogen levels increased and remained high compared to control stream levels during the year following treatment. Concentrations did not approach those considered toxic to aquatic life or unsafe for human consumption. Changes in biomass of periphyton and benthic fauna as a result of fertilization were not detected.
Effect of Mercury Vapor on Sugar Beets
Authors: Waldron L. J. , Terry N.
Published: July 2010

Whole young sugar beets (Beta vulgaris L.) were exposed to air containing vapor of metallic mercury at vapor densities of 0.28 to 15.5 mg/m3 for periods of 1 to 12 hours. Exposures as brief as 1 hour t 2.15 mg/m3 and 5 hours at 0.28 mg/m3 produced visible damage to leaves. Sugar beet plants are more susceptible than animal tissue to visible injury from mercury vapor and rank high in susceptibility to injury among plant species. Sugar beet plants might be used as inexpensive monitors where mercury vapor may be a health hazard.
An Example of Economically Feasible Opportunities for Reducing Pesticide Use in Commercial Agriculture
Authors: Casey James E. , Lacewell Ronald D. , Sterling Winfield
Published: July 2010

Due to increasing resistance of the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), in 1968 and 1969, the Texas Department of Corrections in cooperation with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, initiated a new pest management strategy. This new strategy was basically (i) to control boll weevil with a fall diapause program, (ii) control fleahopper with low dosages of insecticides applied as early as feasible and (iii) to terminate fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter), treatments quickly to allow beneficial insects to build and control bollworm and budworm.

Comparing 1968–69 cotton, Gossypium herbaceum L., production (traditional insecticide treatment) to the new 1970–72 strategy indicates that insecticide use declined from 14.51 kg/ha to 7.19 (12.9 to 6.4 lb/acre) while lint yield increased due to the new pest management strategy on the Brazos River region of the Texas Department of Corrections cotton farms. Estimated net returns would be expected to increase $55.87 ($22.61 on a per acre basis) with adoption of the new pest management strategy compared to the traditional strategy. The Trinity River region of the Texas Department of Corrections cotton farms indicate that the new pest management strategy brought about a 50% reduction in per hectare quantity of insecticides used (from 12.28 to 6.22 kg [10.8 to 5.6 lb]), a 90 kg/ha (80 lb/acre) yield increase, and $85.50/ha ($34.627/acre) net return increase.

Expanding these results to the 86.8 thousand hectares (215 thousand acres) to cotton in the surrounding area indicates that the new pest management strategy would increase cotton output by over 27.4 thousand bales, reduce quantity of insecticides applied by 607,000 kg (1.4 million lb) while increasing producer net returns over 5 million dollars.
Transfer of Boron and Tritiated Water Through Sandstone
Authors: Wierenga P. J. , van Genuchten M. Th. , Boyle F. W.
Published: July 2010

The movement of tritiated water and boron were determined during unsaturated flow through undisturbed sandstone cores. From the displacement and slope of the breakthrough curves relative to 1 pore volume of effluent, adsorption coefficients and dispersion coefficients were calculated of 0.135 and 1.06 cm2/day for boron, and 0.04 and 3.45 cm2/day for tritiated water, respectively. The data were used to predict the downward movement of boron through a sandstone formation in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. With 20 cm annual rainfall and 10% of the precipitation contributing to recharge, it was calculated to take 1,628 years for the boron concentration at the ground‐water table at 86 m to reach one‐half the boron concentration at the soil surface.
Field Studies on Etiology and Control of Fescue Toxicosis
Authors: Farnell D. R. , Futrell M. C. , Watson V. H. , Poe W. E. , Coats R. E.
Published: July 2010

An outbreak of fescue toxicosis occurred in cattle in the southern part of Mississippi in 1969–70. A survey of veterinarians and county agents revealed that fescue toxicosis occurred in 15 Mississippi counties, with general distribution across the state. Field investigations were conducted to gain additional information on the role of fungi in the etiology of fescue toxicosis and to determine if an antifungal agent would be beneficial in controlling the disease. Thiabendazole [2‐(4‐Thiazolyl)‐benzimidazole], a drug with known anthelmintic and antifungal properties, was found to be of benefit in preventing symptoms of fescue toxicosis when administered periodically to cattle before and during grazing on known toxic fescue pastures. Thiabendazole was effective when administered orally immediately before the animals were put on toxic fescue and at 7‐day intervals at a dosage of 5.0 g/45.5 kg body weight, but it was not effective at a dosage of 1.0 g/45.5 kg body weight administered in the same way. The symptoms of fescue toxicosis occurred more often after or during rainy, overcast weather.
Movement of Prometryne through Congaree Soil into Ground Water
Authors: LaFleur K. S. , McCaskill W. R. , Adams D. S.
Published: July 2010

Prometryne [2,4‐bis(isopropylamino)‐6‐(methylthio)‐s‐triazine] (2.54 g/m2) was applied to a Congaree sandy loam fieldplot containing a shallow (about −1.1 m) water table. Movement and loss in the soil profile, and accumulation in underlying ground water were monitored for 16 months. Rainfall during this time was 182 cm (3.5 pore volumes, based on the upper meter of soil). The upper meter contained about 31% of the applied prometryne after 16 months. Prometryne concentration was greatest in the 0‐ to 20‐cm layer throughout the experiment. Loss of prometryne with time in the upper 1 m was almost independent of concentration. Time to one‐half concentration was about 10 months.

Prometryne appeared in the underlying ground water within 2 months after soil application and persisted through the 16th month. It had disappeared from the ground water in a post‐experiment check made after 20 months. Maximum concentration (8th to 16th month) was about 0.2 µmol/liter.
Microbial Decomposition of Ring‐14C Atrazine, Cyanuric Acid, and 2‐Chloro‐4,6‐diamino‐s‐triazine
Authors: Wolf D. C. , Martin J. P.
Published: July 2010

The relative degradation rates of 2.5 ppm 2‐chloro‐4‐(ethylamino)‐6‐(isopropylamino)‐s‐triazine (atrazine), 2,4,6‐trihydroxy‐s‐triazine (cyanuric acid), and 2‐chloro‐4,6diamino‐2‐triazine were studied in Greenfield sandy loam soil and in pure culture. Only 18% of the activity from added ring‐14C labeled atrazine was recovered as 14CO2 after 550 days of incubation at 60% water‐holding capacity. Ring‐14C 2‐chloro‐4,6‐diamino‐s‐triazine yielded 40% of the added activity as 14CO2 during 192 days. After 16 days, 87% of the labeled cyanuric acid had evolved as 14CO2 and after 32 days, the percentage had increased to 96% indicating that after ring cleavage the cyanuric acid C is not used for cell synthesis by the soil organisms. Evolution of 14CO2 from the three compounds was greatly retarded under saturated soil conditions. Losses were less than 0.6% for ring‐14C atrazine during 375 days, 83% for cyanuric acid in 66 days and 22% for 2‐chloro‐4,6‐diamino‐s‐triazine in 192 days. If cyanuric acid and 2‐chloro‐4,6‐diamino‐s‐triazine are intermediates in atrazine degradation, their detection in soils would be difficult because they are more rapidly oxidized than atrazine.

Atrazine did not affect the activity of the soil microbes as measured by total CO2 evolution, numbers of microorganisms, or ability of soil microbes to decompose lima bean straw (Phaseolus limensis).

Pure culture studies with two soil fungi, Stachybotrys chartarum and Hendersonula toruloidea, showed that neither was able to cleave the s‐triazine ring of atrazine or 2‐chloro‐4,6‐diamino‐s‐triazine, but both could degrade cyanuric acid to CO2.
A Framework for Evaluating Institutional and Socio‐Economic Issues of Land Treatment of Waste Water
Authors: Christensen Lee A.
Published: July 2010

Land treatment of waste waters is receiving considerable attention as a waste water management alternative to meet water quality requirements. The many questions raised with the land treatment approach encourage a multidisciplinary planning approach. The systematic investigation of institutional and economic questions should be made concurrent with technical and engineering studies. An investigation of this waste water treatment alternative must address the questions of (i) what institutional arrangements will be used to acquire the use of the necessary land, and (ii) how the land treatment systems will be managed.

Many factors influence the acreage required for land treatment systems including community size, the type of waste water being treated, management systems used, land availability, and soil type. An extensive area would be required for a large metropolitan area such as Detroit. Smaller communities or power plants would require less area. A number of ways to acquire rights to land are suggested, each with different implications for the affected farmers and the authority responsible for the operation of the system. These include fee simple acquisition, easement purchases, and the formation of waste water cooperatives. Some potential management options for fee simple sites include purchase and manage, and purchase and leaseback.

Five goals of farmers are proposed for use in the evaluation of management options. These are income generation, wealth accumulation, firm growth, relative freedom of decision making, and sense of community participation. Management options are assessed in a general sense according to their probable effects on these goals.
Effect of Soil‐Incorporated Dairy Cattle Manure on Runoff Water Quality and Soil Properties
Authors: Long F. L. , Lund Z. F. , Hermanson R. E.
Published: July 2010

Effects of cattle manure application on quality of runoff water and soil properties were studied on 0.04‐ha plots cropped with millet (‘Gahi‐1’ pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum.]) and rye (‘Abruzzi’ rye [Secale cereale L.]) and instrumented for measuring and sampling runoff water. Manure applied at the rate of 45 metric tons ha−1 year−1 (dry weight) for 3 years and incorporated into the surface 15 cm of soil did not result in runoff water biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values exceeding those for untreated soil. Nitrate levels in runoff water were not affected by the manure application and averaged less than 2 mg/liter of NO3‐N. There was a slight accumulation of nitrate in the soil profile due to the manure applications. After 3 years, nitrate averaged 0.15 and 0.08 meq NO3/100 g greater in the manured plots than in the check plots at the 0‐ to 45‐cm and 45‐ to 90‐cm depths, respectively. Nitrate accumulated in the millet forage above the safe level for feeding cattle, but not in the rye forage. Soil pH was increased to a depth of about 60 cm by manure application. Periodic carbon analysis of the soil indicated that organic matter was being decomposed fairly rapidly, and at the end of 3 years only 38% of the applied carbon remained.
Nitrate, Phosphate, and Potassium Movement into Drainage Lines Under Three Soil Management Systems
Authors: Calvert D. V.
Published: July 2010

Nitrate, orthophosphate, and potassium concentrations in drainage water were determined from subsurface drains installed in shallow‐tilled (ST), (15 cm); deep‐tilled (DT), (107 cm); and deep‐tilled and limed (DTL) Florida Oldsmar sand planted to citrus (Citrus sp.). The drainage water samples were collected during the period May 1971 through July 1972. Total discharge of NO3‐N was significantly greater from ST plots than either DT or DTL plots. The NO3‐N in the drainage water from all treatments ranged from < 1 – 8 mg/liter during the period of study. Concentrations <1 mg PO4‐P/liter were common in the drainage water from all plots during this period while K concentrations varied between 1 and 12 mg/liter. Peak concentrations and discharge of fertilizer nutrients were shown to be a function of rainfall, irrigation, and timing of fertilizations. Deeply incorporated limestone applications into the subsoil tended to increase the NO3‐N and decrease PO4‐P discharged over that from deep tillage alone.
Dairy Cattle Manure—Its Effect on Rye and Millet Forage Yield and Quality
Authors: Lund Z. F. , Doss B. D. , Lowry F. E.
Published: July 2010

Land spreading of dairy manure is an effective means of disposal, but maximum rates that can safely be utilized must be determined. Fresh dairy cattle manure was incorporated into two soils at five rates for 3 years. The Dothan loamy sand and the Lucedale sandy loam were double‐cropped with millet and rye. In general, yields of millet and rye forage were lower on the mineral fertilizer check and the 22.5 metric tons/ha rate of manure than on tolerance levels of 2% in both millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) [K. Schum] var. ‘Gahi‐1’) and rye (Secale cereale L.) forage grown on all treatments on Dothan soil and in millet on Lucedale soil when manure rates exceeded 90 metric tons/ha. Rye forage produced on all treatments on both soils had K/(Ca + Mg) ratios above the tolerance level of 2.2. Millet at the two lower rates of manure application and the check plots on the Dothan soil had K/(Ca + Mg) ratios below the tolerance level. The high ratios were more closely associated with organic nitrogen than with nitrate in millet, but the reverse was true with rye.
Mercury in Fish and Waterfowl from Ball Lake, Ontario
Authors: Annett C. S. , D'Itri F. M. , Ford J. R. , Prince H. H.
Published: July 2010

A total of 323 fish samples representing 8 species and 26 waterfowl samples of 3 species were collected from the Ball Lake area of the Wabigoon‐English River systems in northwestern Ontario and analyzed for total mercury levels by the flameless atomic absorption method. The average total mercury concentrations of walleye and pike were 3.24 and 5.55 mg/kg (wet Weight), respectively. The highest total mercury concentrations found during this study were 19.71 and 16.09 mg/kg (wet weight), respectively, in the muscle tissue of a walleye and pike. Frequency distributions of the total mercury concentrations in the fish are presented by species and sampling location. The highest average mercury levels in the breast muscle and liver tissue of three species of waterfowl were 8.36 and 98.56 mg/kg (wet weight), respectively.
A Two‐Step System for Revegetation of Surface Mine Spoils
Authors: Jones J. N. , Armiger W. H. , Bennett O. L.
Published: July 2010

A two‐step procedure for revegetating surface mine spoils was tested. It consists of: (i) establishment of a fast growing initial ground cover to minimize erosion, and (ii) chemical killing of this cover for use as an in situ mulch for establishment of persistent herbage of acceptable quality for pasturage or hay. Rye (Secale cereale L.) was drill‐seeded with fertilizer in September 1970 on spoil with pH 3.8 to 4.0. In May 1971, the rye was killed with a herbicide and then 3.6 metric tons of dolomitic limestone plus 56, 118, and 140 kg/ha of N, P, and K, respectively were broadcast as a blanket application. Selected forage legumes were surface seeded alone, and with a companion grass. Germination and seedling growth of the clovers and interseeded grasses were excellent. Over the 3‐year period, 1971–1973, herbage yields from red clovers averaged 3,000 kg/ha when established as a single species; with a companion grass, the combined yield increased to 4,400 kg/ha. Yields averaged 1,900 kg/ha for white clovers seeded alone, and 3,000 kg/ha with companion grasses. Highest yield in the third year was from crownvetch at 6,000 kg/ha. In the 0‐ to 7.6‐cm depth, pH ranged from 5.2 to 5.9 and in the 7.6‐ to 15.2‐cm depth, from 4.7 to 5.3. The results show that various forage legumes can be established on acid mine spoil and produce good ground cover and yields under this management system.
Municipal Sewage Sludge and Selected Element Applications to Soil: Effect on Soil and Fescue
Authors: Boswell Fred C.
Published: July 2010

Effects of additions of sewage sludge from a highly industrialized area of Atlanta, Georgia, N‐P‐K inorganic fertilizers, selected heavy metals, and trace elements were made on 3 by 9 m plastic‐divided plots sodded to fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) to evaluate accumulations and movement patterns in the soil. Fescue yields and elemental content were also determined. Soil samples taken 17 weeks after the initial sludge treatment showed only slight increases in Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn content. One year later (72 weeks after the initial treatment), two additional applications of sewage sludge (a total of 16.8 metric tons/ha had increased the levels of these elements in the surface 7.5‐cm soil layer approximately 7, 3, 4, 4, and 5 times, respectively. The Zn content was the highest (88 ppm), followed by Pb (12 ppm), Cu (3.2 ppm), Cr (2.0 ppm), and Cd (1.4 ppm). Adding selected elements to the sewage sludge, even at relatively high levels, resulted in little movement of Zn lower than 30 cm and other heavy metals lower than 15 cm.

Forage yields over the 2‐year period were increased, over control plots, approximately 30% by the sewage sludge and 150% by N‐P‐K fertilizer.

The sewage sludge additions significantly increased the heavy metal and P contents in fescue, but not of K, Ca, and Mg. The greatest increase was from 33 to 1,419 ppm of Zn as an average of 8 sampling periods. No toxic or detrimental effects on fescue were noted.
The Availability of Sludge‐Borne Metals to Various Vegetable Crops
Authors: Dowdy R. H. , Larson W. E.
Published: July 2010

The uptake of metals by seven vegetable crops was studied after 0, 112, 225, and 450 tonnes/ha (110C basis) of sewage sludge was applied to a coarse, sandy soil. Sewage sludge additions did not adversely affect either potato yields or specific gravity. Generally, metal contents of the vegetative tissue were higher than those of the fruiting, root, and tuber tissue. In most edible tissue heavy metal accumulations did not increase more than two‐ or threefold as a result of amending the soil with 450 tonnes/ha sludge. Lettuce tissue was an exception, with increases from 21 to 225 ppm, 1.6 to 11.9 ppm, and 0.61 to 2.67 ppm for Zn, Cu, and Cd, respectively. Lettuce is an accumulator of metals, whereas potatoes and carrots are excellent nonaccumulators and may be very desirable crops for utilizing sludge‐amended soils. Approximately three times as much Zn accumulated in pea vine tissue as in the edible fruit. The increased accumulation was linear over the sludge application range studied. The Cd/Zn ratios for edible portions of radishes, potatoes, peas, and corn grown on sludge‐amended soil did not exceed that of the applied sludge (0.007).
Response of Asparagus to Applications of Simulated Vegetable‐Processing Waste Water
Authors: Pearson George A.
Published: July 2010

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) might serve as a cash crop in fields to be used for food processing waste water treatment.

An experiment was conducted to determine the suitability of asparagus in such a situation. Well water and simulated waste waters representative of pea (Pisum sativum L.), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), corn (Zea mays L.), lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), and steam‐peeled sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) processing waste waters were applied at rates of 6.4, 12.7, and 19.0 mm/day, 5 days per week. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) values of the simulated waste waters ranged from 534 to 7,144 mg/liter.

Asparagus yield was adversely affected by the highest COD waste water applied at the highest rate only.
Dairy Cattle Manure—Its Effect on Yield and Quality of Coastal Bermudagrass
Authors: Lund Z. F. , Doss B. D. , Lowry F. E.
Published: July 2010

The effect of year‐round disposal of dairy cattle manure on Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) yield and quality was evaluated on small plots. It was applied as a solid at rates of 45 and 90 metric tons ha−1 year−1 and as a liquid at rates of 45, 90, and 135 metric tons ha−1 year−1, dry weight basis. The manure was applied six times annually at approximately 2‐month intervals. Check plots received N, P, and K at the rate of 470, 225, and 470 kg ha−1 year−1 from mineral fertilizer during the growing season. The soils were Lucedale sandy loam and Dothan loamy sand.

Yields were lower on the manure‐treated plots than on the mineral‐fertilized plots the first year except for the 90 and 135 metric tons ha−1 year−1 liquid manure treatments on the Dothan soil. Yields were lower on the solid‐manure treated plots than on plots treated with an equivalent rate of liquid manure on both test areas all 3 years except for the Dothan soil in 1973. The 90 metric tons ha−1 year−1 treatment yielded as much as the mineral‐fertilizer plots the second year on the Dothan soil, but this was not true until the third year on the Lucedale soil. The 90 metric tons ha−1 year−1 treatments, solid or liquid, outyielded the mineral fertilizer check by 25 to 40% on the Lucedale soil the second and third years.

Nitrate N and organic N were highly correlated. Nitrate N was accumulated when organic N contents in the tissue were 2.5% or higher. Concentration of K in the plant tissue was high, but K/(Ca + Mg) ratios were not above 2.2, so the forage was not considered tetanic. Manure could be disposed of at rates of 45 to 90 metric tons ha−1 year−1 on Coastal bermudagrass and without impairing quality of forage.