The new attractants would also be used to develop better traps for control, especially in areas such as parks, where there are nuisance mosquitos. With Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria, IL, to develop improved technologies and soil compaction characteristics related to rubber-belted tracks and tires used on farm tractors. ARS scientists will compare belted tracks and tires and provide information to improve traction systems. Better traction systems on agricultural tractors will reduce soil compaction and improve tractor performance. The tractors' heavy weight can degrade the soil and reduce crop yields by making it difficult for plant seedlings to push their way through the soil.
Compaction also restricts root growth and prevents the plants from getting water and nutrients.
Improving agriculture tractor performance reduces fuel needed for field operations, such as tillage, planting, cultivating and harvesting. Reduced fuel use lowers energy costs and decreases the environmental impact of exhaust emissions. With Water Resources Publications, LLC, Englewood, CO, to enhance an environmentally friendly computer model, make it easier to use, publish documentation and a user's manual and market the package. Within 3 to 5 years, farmers should have the model to help them pick the best tillage method, the safest types of fertilizers and the best times to apply pesticides and irrigate. Researchers could have it as early as fall of this year.