Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results: Multistate Extension Activities and Integrated Activities

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results: Multistate Extension Activities and Integrated Activities ANNUAL REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND RESULTS THE COMPREHENSIVE ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM Alabama A&M University Auburn University Tuskegee University FISCAL YEAR 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART ONE: ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY / AUBURN UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATION……………………………………………………….…………..PAGE 03 PREFACE……………………………………………………………………..........PAGE 04 INTRODUCTION………..................................................................................PAGE 05 Planning and Reporting Refinements……………………………….…...PAGE 06 NATIONAL GOALS: PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS………..………….…PAGE 07 Goal One…………………………………………………………………….PAGE 07 Goal Two…………………………………………………………………….PAGE 47 Goal Three………………………………………………………………..…PAGE 50 Goal Four........................................................................................…...PAGE 67 Goal Five…………………………………………………………………..…PAGE 90 ALLOCATION OF FISCAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES…………………….…PAGE 152 STAKEHOLDER INPUT…………………………………………………………….PAGE 153 PROGRAM REVIEW PROCESS…………………………………………………..PAGE 155 INTEGRATED RESEARCH & EXTENSION AND MULTISTATE ACTIVITIES………………………………………………………….PAGE 157 PART TWO: TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………..……...PAGE 168 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS, RESULTS, AND IMPACTS…..………….PAGE 170 Goal One………………………………………………………………….….PAGE 170 Goal Two……………………………………………………………………..PAGE 176 Goal Three………………………………………………………………...…PAGE 183 Goal Four........................................................................................…...PAGE 188 Goal Five…………………………………………………………………..…PAGE 191 ALLOCATION OF FISCAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES……………………….PAGE 198 STAKEHOLDER INPUT PROCESS…............……………………....……..…....PAGE 199 PROGRAM REVIEW PROCESS……………………………………….……….…PAGE 200 EXTENSION TEAM PROJECT SUCCESS STORIES…………………………..PAGE 201 CONTACTS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM………………………………………………………………PAGE 217 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ANNUAL REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND RESULTS: MULTISTATE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AND INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES.......................................................................................................PAGE 218 2 CERTIFICATION The Alabama Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results has been reviewed and approved by the1862 Extension Director - Auburn University, the 1890 Administrator - Alabama A&M University, and the 1890 Administrator - Tuskegee University. The 2002 Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results was electronically transmitted by a duly sanctioned designee (Ronald L. Williams, Extension Head, Program Planning and Development). By separate correspondence the required Letter of Certification for the Alabama Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results has been directed to the Administrator, CSREES. 3 PREFACE The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is in its second century of helping the people of Alabama improve their lives. The more than 900 members of our Extension System team have every right to be proud of their accomplishments over the past year. Cooperative Extension professionals have generated positive impacts to the lives of thousands of Alabama residents as they fulfilled Extension's mission of making the latest in university-based research, knowledge, information and technological innovation available to all Alabamians. In response to locality relevant needs, concerns, and priorities, program content has changed greatly over the years. One element, however, has never changed—our focus on the individual. Our organization has never lost sight of the importance of helping individuals make positive changes in their lives. Program contents have expanded and program delivery methods have evolved since our beginning. Necessary improvements to our program content and delivery process will continue to evolve but at the end of the day, Extension professionals will always continue the focus on the individual Alabama residents who benefit from our services. This year, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System launched a new initiative to carry us into the future. The strategic plan encompasses a continued vision of transformation into a world-class organization—one that is fully equipped to provide real-life solutions that improves the lives of all Alabamians. As our new motto so succinctly expresses, Extension professionals are "Your Experts for Life." The reports and success stories that follow illustrate just how Extension is fulfilling our new slogan. Evidence will be provided to explain just how Extension touches lives from the youngest to the oldest citizens of the state. Our System looks forward to a future filled with documentation of how Extension professionals significantly, and positively, affect quality of life for our individuals, families, communities, and businesses. 4 INTRODUCTION The Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act (AREERA) Annual Report of Accomplishment and Results from the State of Alabama reflects the program accomplishments of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) and of the Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program. This AREERA Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results provides detailed information that documents outcomes and impacts that result from Cooperative Extension programs in the State of Alabama. The programs and related outcomes and impacts, as contained in this report, reflect the positive and mutually supportive program-planning interface among the three institutions. Where appropriate, institutional identification associated with specific outcomes is noted. Given that the three institutions (Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, and Tuskegee University) cooperated fully in the development and implementation of the AREERA Plan of Work the Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results is by definition, evidence of inter-institutional program planing, program implementation, and program accountability. The Alabama Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results reflects the Cooperative Extension programs funded by Federal agricultural extension formula funds and any required matching funds. In addition, it should be noted that many of these same programs are subject to the benefits of fiscal inputs leveraged from other sources, to include additional state appropriations and a significant amount of entrepreneurial dollars. This Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results is constructed consistent with the design and format of the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act (AREERA) Plan of Work from the State of Alabama. Alabama remains appreciative of the flexibility allowed in the design of our AREERA Plan of Work. Such flexibility of design was beneficial in that it allowed Alabama Cooperative Extension to produce a program plan that was foremost in addressing the critical needs of our citizens and that also met the stated needs of our Federal partner. This Annual Report of Accomplishments and is aligned with the five (5) National Goals and includes impact data and success stories for each included program. As in prior submissions, this document addresses the stated components of Planned Programs, Stakeholder Input Process, Program Review Process, and Evaluation of the Success of Multistate Extension and Integrated Research and Extension Activities. The stated request for brevity and concise reporting, as noted on the AREERA web page, has been noted and is reflected in this report. Extension work in Alabama is organized under twenty-four (24) “Statewide Major Programs” (SMPs) which have emerged from our six (6) base program areas. The SMPs are the broadly defined areas in which the System conducts educational 5 programs, provides research-based information and carries out all of its activities. Under the twenty-four SMPs there exist a set of “Extension Team Projects” (ETPs). An ETP is defined as a combination of clearly related, preplanned educational activities which occur over a specified period of time (usually several years), and geographic area (usually statewide) and which involve several Extension-funded employees working together to accomplish specific, highly-focused, measurable results based on the organizations objectives and goals. Each of the Alabama Extension team projects are all linked to one or more of the five (5) national goals. For each Goal there is a set of Extension Team Project Reports. Each report defines project intent, methods, and related impacts. The listed activities are representative of Alabama Cooperative Extension programs that address the National Goals and which have significant impacts for the 2002 program year. PLANNING AND REPORTING REFINEMENTS As previously reported, for program year 2002 Alabama implemented a more rigorous and useful on-line planning and reporting system that greatly enhanced the capacity to document program accomplishments and impacts as well as capturing contacts and days worked data. For each of the ETPs there is a unique set of quantitative and qualitative questions developed by the ETP leader. Each agent and/or specialist who signed up to work under each ETP was required to provide responses to the quantitative and qualitative questions. Responses to the questions provided the ETP leader the data necessary to conduct a thorough project evaluation and to produce a comprehensive report reflecting all of the FTEs devoted to the project and explaining the measurable impacts and results. The on-line reporting system also allowed for narrative success stories associated with both SMPs and ETPs. Each agent and full-time specialist was required to submit
Recommended publications
  • Chapter 9: Historic Preservation
    CHAPTER 9: HISTORIC PRESERVATION 9.1 Auburn Historic Preservation Commission he City of Auburn has a rich and diverse history. Organized efforts to preserve locally significant historic and cultural resources allow the City to recognize and protect its past, while T simultaneously planning for future development and growth. Preservation planning, or a lack thereof, can have a significant impact not only on aesthetic appearance, but on the unique sense of place created by a community. The Auburn Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC), the City’s governing body concerning issues of preservation, was created on March 2, 1999 with the passage of Ordinance 1818 by City Council. The Commission is comprised of seven members, and is intended to meet several essential needs. For the community, it assures that Auburn’s historic resources are maintained in a manner appropriate to the City’s heritage. For property owners, residents and contractors, it provides primary guidance in the planning and design of projects that are sympathetic to the special character of the historic district; and that will, in turn, assure that property values are maintained and enhanced. 9.2 North College Historic District On June 21, 2005 the City Council passed Ordinance 2302, which gave the AHPC the task of recommending designation of historic districts and properties in the city. These recommendations are presented to the Council, which then reviews them for final action. The City’s first locally designated district, the North College Historic District, contains 37 parcels north of downtown Auburn and was officially designated by Ordinance 2377 on March 21, 2006. All of the properties in the North College Historic District lie within the boundaries of the Old Main and Church Street District, a National Register of His toric Places District designated in 1978.
    [Show full text]
  • December 2015
    AA LL AA BB AA MM AA FarmersFarmers andand ConsumersConsumers BulletinBulletin Volume 63 No. 12 December 2015 McMillan’s 2015 AlAbAmA Century & Message HeritAge FArms AnnounCed Since the Commissioner Century and Heritage Farm John McMillan program began in 1976, the Supporting Gulf Seafood Department In early November, I of Agriculture expressed by appreciation to & Industries the Alabama Congressional has recognized delegation for their tireless almost 600 farms efforts on the passage of in Alabama. H.R. 774. The Illegal, This year 16 farms qualified Historical Commission If you feel your family farm Unreported, Unregulated for the program. Each farm Executive Director and Fishing Enforcement Act of qualifies for this program, be 2015 strengthens maritime has been in operation as a the Governor, officially sure to check the Alabama law enforcement’s ability to family farm for at least 100 designating their farm as an Farmers and Consumers stop foreign illegal fishing. years and reflects interesting Alabama Century and/or Bulletin next summer for It also implements the Port and important historical and Heritage Farm. Each family an announcement that States Measures Agreement agricultural qualities. These also receives an exterior farm applications are available for that denies port entry to farms demonstrate a durability sign to display at their farm the 2016 Century and Heritage foreign vessels engaged in Some Gulf shrimp go through the and love of the land that is gate. illegal fishing and protects the Farm program. Alabama Seafood Tissue Testing the heritage of the State of seafood industry by prohibiting Program, a long-term sampling The farms that received Alabama.
    [Show full text]
  • Auburnuniversity Crops
    Auburn University Crops: Soybean Research Report 2016 Research Report No. 43 Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, 2017 Paul Patterson, Director Auburn University Auburn, AL In cooperation with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) Editors K. S. Lawrence Professor Entomology & Plant Pathology Auburn University, AL D. Delaney Extension Specialist Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Auburn University, AL Authors Abbreviations: ACES, Alabama Cooperative Extension System; AAES, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station; AFNR, Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources. K. Balkcom B. Dillard Research Agronomist Regional Extension Agent I National Soil Dynamics Lab Geneva County Extension Center Auburn University, AL Geneva, AL C. Hicks D. Dodge Regional Extension Agent II Graduate Student EV Smith Research Center Entomology & Plant Pathology Shorter, AL Auburn University, AL J. Coleman J. Kelton Assistant Professor Regional Extension Agent I Entomology & Plant Pathology ACES-AFNR-Field Auburn Univeristy, AL Headland, AL K. Conner Y. Feng Extension Specialist Professor Plant Pathology Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Auburn University, AL Auburn University, AL J. A. Tredaway B. Guertal Extension Specialist /Assistant Professor Professor Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences Auburn University, AL Auburn University, AL D. Delaney M. Hall Extension Specialist Extension Specialist Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Alabama Cooperative Extension System Auburn University, AL Auburn, AL M. Delaney J. Howe Entomology & Plant Pathology Associate Professor (retired) Auburn University, AL Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Auburn University, AL 1 A. Jacobson J. Murphy Assistant Professor Professor Entomology & Plant Pathology Entomology & Plant Pathology Auburn University, AL Auburn University, AL T. Knappenberger B. Ortiz Assistant Professor Ext.
    [Show full text]
  • Genomics of Energy & Environment Meeting
    THE 11TH ANNUAL DOE Joint Genome Institute Genomics of Energy & Environment Meeting March 21-24, 2016 • Walnut Creek Marriott • Walnut Creek, California User Meeting Abstracts All information current as of March 15, 2016 JGI Contact: Denise Yadon DOE Joint Genome Institute [email protected] The Joint Genome Institute is a user facility of the Department of Energy Office of Science DOE Joint Genome Institute: www.jgi.doe.gov DOE Office of Science: science.energy.gov THE 11TH ANNUAL DOE Joint Genome Institute Genomics of Energy & Environment Meeting March 21-24, 2016 • Walnut Creek Marriott • Walnut Creek, California User Meeting Abstracts Sponsored By U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science Table of Contents Speaker Presentations .....................................................................................................1 Poster Presentations ......................................................................................................10 Index ..............................................................................................................125 Attendees ..............................................................................................................135 Speaker Presentations Speaker Presentations Abstracts alphabetical by speaker The Nature of Scientific Publishing Bahcall, Orli* ([email protected]) Nature. Tara Oceans: Eco-Systems Biology at Planetary Scale Bowler, Chris* ([email protected]); Tara Oceans Consortium Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Field Experiments Around the World
    Long-term Field Experiments Around the World Year established: 1843 Soil: Aquic Paleudalfs (Stagnogleyic paleo-argillic brown earth, silty clay loam) Location: Hertfordshire, UK Annual rainfall: 708 mm Name: Broadbalk Experiment Elevation: 167 m N 51°48’35” The Broadbalk Experiment at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, UK, is the oldest, W 0°22’24” continuously running agricultural experiment in the world. It had its first winter-wheat crop sown in autumn 1843, and this crop has been sown and harvested on all, or part, of Current contact: Dr. Andrew Macdonald, Rothamsted Research Station, UK (andy. the field every year since then. The experiment tests the effects of various combinations [email protected]) and Dr. Paul Poulton ([email protected]). of inorganic fertilizer (supplying the elements N, P, K, Na, and Mg) and farmyard manure on the yield of wheat: a control strip has received no fertilizer or manure since 1843. Year established: 1876 Soil: Flanagan silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Aquic Argiudolls) Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA Annual rainfall: 1009 mm Name: Morrow Plots Elevation: 229 m N 40°6’16.44” The Morrow Plots, located in the heart of the Urbana-Champaign campus of the W 88°13’33.96” University of Illinois, are the oldest continuous agricultural research fields in the United States. Established in 1876, they are predated only by the Rothamsted Field Current contact: Dr. Robert Dunker, Agronomist and Superintendent, Crop Sciences in England, which was started in 1843. The trials were originally started by Dr. Manley Research and Education Center, University of Illinois ([email protected]) Miles, Professor of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
    [Show full text]
  • Feed the Future Soil Fertility Technology (SFT)
    Feed the Future Soil Fertility Technology (SFT) Adoption, Policy Reform and Knowledge Management Project Semi-Annual Performance Report April 1, 2019 – September 30, 2019 Cooperative Agreement No. AID-BFS-IO-15-00001 Contents Progress Toward Cooperative Agreement Award Objectives...................................................1 1. Workstream 1 – Developing and Validating Technologies, Approaches, and Practices ....................................................................................................................................4 Technologies Developed, Refined, and Adapted for Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency ........................................................................................................................4 1.1.1 Development and Evaluation of Enhanced Efficiency N Fertilizers............... 5 1.1.2 Scaling Fertilizer Deep Placement Technology through Mechanization ............................................................................................... 18 1.1.3 Climate Resilience and Mitigating GHG Emissions ..................................... 21 1.1.4 CO2 Mitigation Role of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers and Practices ........ 23 Activated Phosphate Rock .............................................................................................23 1.2.1 Complete and Analyze Ongoing Field Trials ................................................ 24 1.2.2 Activated PR Demonstrations ....................................................................... 27 Balanced Crop Nutrition (Cross-Cutting
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Field Experiments Around the World
    Long-term Field Experiments Around the World 1 Long-term Field Experiments Around the World 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Photographs are provided by each respective university/experiment station for authorized use. Year established: 1843 Soil: Aquic Paleudalfs (Stagnogleyic paleo-argillic brown earth, silty clay loam) Location: Hertfordshire, UK Annual rainfall: 708 mm Name: Broadbalk Experiment Elevation: 167 m N 51°48’35” The Broadbalk Experiment at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, UK, is the oldest, W 0°22’24” continuously running agricultural experiment in the world. It had its first winter-wheat crop sown in autumn 1843, and this crop has been sown and harvested on all, or part, of Current contact: Dr. Andrew Macdonald, Rothamsted Research Station, UK (andy. the field every year since then. The experiment tests the effects of various combinations [email protected]) and Dr. Paul Poulton ([email protected]). of inorganic fertilizer (supplying the elements N, P, K, Na, and Mg) and farmyard manure on the yield of wheat: a control strip has received no fertilizer or manure since 1843. 1 Year established: 1876 Soil: Flanagan silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Aquic Argiudolls) Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA Annual rainfall: 1009 mm Name: Morrow Plots Elevation: 229 m N 40°6’16.44” The Morrow Plots, located in the heart of the Urbana-Champaign campus of the W 88°13’33.96” University of Illinois, are the oldest continuous agricultural research fields in the United States. Established in 1876, they are predated only by the Rothamsted Field Current contact: Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Hfn— - — ______/Signature of Certifying Official Date
    NPS Form 10-900 0MB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior -6 National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM 1. Name of Property historic name Cullars Rotation other names/site number Alvis Field 2. Location street & number Woodfield Drive, approx. 200 feet east of US Hwv 29 . not for publication N/A city or town Auburn_________________________ vicinity N/A state Alabama_______ code AL county Lee___ code 081 zip code 36830 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination __ request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In y opinion, the property X meets __ does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be onsidered significant _ nationally X statewide _ locally. ( _ See continuation sheet for additional comments.) hfn —- —_______ /Signature of certifying official Date Alabama Historical Commission (State Historic Preservation Office) _ State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property __ meets does not meet the National Register criteria. ( _ See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification hereby certify that this property is: Signature of the Keener A An Date of Action [/f entered in the National Register [ ] See continuation sheet. [ ] determined eligible for the National Register [ ]See continuation sheet.
    [Show full text]
  • Auburnuniversity Crops
    Auburn University Crops: Soybean Research Report 2013 & 2014 Research Report No. 45 Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, 2015 Art Appel, Director Auburn University Auburn, AL 1 Authors Y. Feng Professor D. Bailey Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Graduate student Auburn University, AL Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University, AL J. P. Fulton Associate Professor K. Balkcom Biosystems Engineering National Soil Dynamics Lab Auburn University, AL Auburn University, AL W. Griffith A. Brooke County Extension Coordinator Technician I Fayette County Biosystems Engineering Auburn University, AL M. Hall Extension Specialist C. H. Burmester Renewable Fuels, Agronomist Alabama Cooperative Extension System Tennessee Valley Research and Auburn, AL Extension Center Belle Mina, AL J. Howe Associate Professor K. Conner Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Extension Specialist Auburn University, AL Plant Pathology Auburn University, AL C. Hicks D. Delaney Regional Extension Agent, I Extension Specialist Alabama Cooperative Extension System Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Auburn, AL Auburn University, AL G. Huluka M. Delaney Associate Professor Entomology & Plant Pathology Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Auburn University, AL Auburn University, AL D. Derrick K.S. Lawrence Regional Extension Agent III Professor Cherokee County Entomology and Plant Pathology Centre, AL Auburn University, AL C. Dillard P.L. Mask Extension Specialist Asst. Director Agriculture, Forestry and Cooperative Extension System National Resources Auburn University, AL Assistant Dean for Extension Auburn University, AL P. Donald Adjunct Professor Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University, AL 2 C.C. Mitchell M. Runge Extension Specialist Professor Extension Program Associate Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology Auburn University, AL Auburn University, AL C.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Cullars Rotation: the South’S Oldest Continuous Soil Fertility Experiment by Charles C
    ALABAMA Cullars Rotation: The South’s Oldest Continuous Soil Fertility Experiment By Charles C. Mitchell, Dennis Delaney, and Kipling S. Balkcom Long-term fertility research with major crop rotations provides valuable nutrient management information in addressing sustainable production. The South’s oldest fertility experiment is located in Auburn, Alabama. It continues to illustrate the ben- efits of balanced plant nutrition and fertilizing for the needs of the crop rotation. labama’s “Cullars Rotation” experiment (established in 1911) A was placed on the National Regis- ter of Historical Places in 2003 as the old- est continuous soil fertility experiment in the South. Along with its nearby prede- cessor on the National Register, “The Old Rotation,” which started in 1896, these experiments contain the oldest cotton re- search plots in the world. Both are located on the campus of Auburn University in east-central Alabama. Treatments on the Cullars Rotation View of experiment looking toward the east with plots dramatically demonstrate the long-term A, B, and C on the right. effects of fertilization and the lack of spe- cific nutrients on non-irrigated crop yields on this site led to the discovery of K defi- over a 95-year period. The Cullars Rota- ciency in cotton, which had been referred tion is one of the few sites where controlled to earlier as “cotton rust” (Atkinson, 1891, nutrient deficiencies can be observed on 1892). Today, the experiment is a 3-year five different crops during the course of a rotation of: 1) cotton followed by crimson year (cotton, crimson clover, corn, wheat, clover, 2) corn harvested for grain and fol- and soybean).
    [Show full text]
  • Response of Diazotrophic Microbial Community to Nitrogen Input and Glyphosate Application in Soils Cropped to Soybean
    Response of diazotrophic microbial community to nitrogen input and glyphosate application in soils cropped to soybean by Lu Fan A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Auburn University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Auburn, Alabama December 14, 2013 Keywords: diazotrophic microbial community, glyphosate, ARA, DGGE, qPCR Copyright 2013 by Lu Fan Approved by Yucheng Feng, Chair, Professor, Dept. of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences Mark Liles, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences Andrew Price, Affiliate Associate Professor, Dept. of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences Dongye Zhao, Elton Z. and Lois G. Huff Professor, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering Abstract Diazotrophic bacteria play a critical role in biological N fixation by converting atmospheric nitrogen to ammonium that can be used by plants. About 80% of biological N fixation can be attributed to diazotrophs in symbiosis with legumes. Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), a leguminous food crop, is the second largest crop (by value) in the U.S., with 93% of the planted soybean being genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide glyphosate. Inclusion of leguminous crops in crop production systems reduces the need for nitrogenous fertilizer and thus reduces cost, possible N pollution and fossil fuel consumption. Many factors affect symbiotic N fixation. This work examined the effects of two important factors—N input and glyphosate application—on the soil diazotrophic community and N fixation associated with soybean. The first study assessed the response of the diazotrophic community to N input in a century-old crop rotation experiment, the Cullars Rotation, located in Auburn, Alabama.
    [Show full text]
  • Centennial of Alabama's Cullars Rotation, the South's Oldest
    Bulletin 676 Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station An appropriation by the Alabama Legislature in 1911 enabled the Ala­ June 2011 William Batchelor, Director bama Agricultural Experiment Station to conduct on-farm research throughout Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama the state. Williams and Funchess (1923) summarized 226 soil fertility experi­ ments on farmers’ fi elds throughout Alabama. Williams (1929) added to the data available from these tests. An extensive cotton, corn, and legume fertility test begun in 1911 on the Auburn farm of Mr. Cullars and Mr. Alvis is the only one Centennial of Alabama’s Cullars Rotation, of these experiments that has been continued. Unlike the nearby Old Rotation the South’s Oldest, Continuous Soil Fertility Experiment experiment which was begun by Professor J.F. Duggar, records do not credit any single researcher with designing the Cullars Rotation experiment. Names of professors and researchers that have been associated with the Cullars Rota­ C. C Mitchell, D. P. Delaney, and K. S. Balkcom tion, chronologically, include J. F. Duggar, E. F. Cauthen, J. T. Williamson, M. J. Funchess, D. G. Sturkie, E. M. Evans, L. E. Ensminger, J. T. Touchton, C. C. INTRODUCTION Mitchell, and D. P. Delaney. The site of the Cullars Rotation became known as Alabama’s Cullars Rotation experiment (circa 1911) was placed on the the Alvis Field. National Register of Historical Places as the oldest, continuous soil fertility ex­ In 1938, the Alvis Field was sold to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now periment in the South in 2003. Along with its nearby predecessor on the Nation­ Auburn University) by Bessie Alvis Emerick and Lillian Alvis Miller, daughters al Register, the Old Rotation (circa 1896), these experiments contain the oldest and heirs of Mr.
    [Show full text]