Thirty individuals have been recognized for their professional achievements and meritorious service in the field of agronomy. The American Society of Agronomy has chosen these outstanding members as Fellows, based on their contributions to advancing the disciplines and practices of agronomy, crop and soil sciences.
A new study by Kevin Bronson and colleagues found that in-season nitrogen monitoring can reduce fertilizer use without affecting crop yields. By adjusting nitrogen application rates based on soil moisture and plant growth, farmers can save money and minimize nitrate contamination of waterways.
Researchers evaluated rice varieties for their allelopathic potential, finding that certain parts of the plant can inhibit barnyardgrass growth. This study suggests the possibility of developing rice-based natural herbicides to improve weed control.
Scientists investigate rice genome for clues on seed dormancy, a key trait to fight preharvest sprouting. They develop populations segregating for dormancy and identify genetic attributes associated with heritability.
Scientists investigated how day length affects soybean flowering, finding early flowering is more active and controlled by small developing leaves or buds. The study's results could help develop cultivars adapted to short growing seasons for northern Canadian soybean producers.
Researchers have developed a numerical model for simulating the waveform in soil, improving field measurements of water content. The new method uses Time Domain Reflectometry and takes into account various factors such as soil types, bulk density, and probe parameters.
New guidelines published in Agronomy Journal provide a standardized approach to soil surveying and mapping, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions. The technology is expected to revolutionize the agricultural industry within the next one to two decades.
Researchers found that surfactants can cause contaminants to move more rapidly through the vadose zone and reach the water table more quickly. This knowledge advances understanding of unsaturated flow processes and will aid in designing effective clean-up systems.
Lyman Briggs was a highly influential soil scientist who also pioneered work on high-speed wind tunnels and military technology. His experiments explored water behavior under low pressure, demonstrating the paradoxical fact that water can remain liquid even with minimal pressure.
A new approach suggests using nitrification inhibitors to reduce nitrate leaching to groundwater. Researchers developed management zones based on soil properties and crop yield maps, showing increased yield in wet seasons without affecting grain yield or nitrate leaching in dry seasons.
The book, written by Dr. Georges Stoops, provides a system of analysis and description of soil and regolith materials seen in thin sections. It aims to standardize descriptions of features found in thin section analysis, facilitating communication among scientists using micromorphology.
A simple lab exercise introduces students to exploring catena soils, recognizing horizon changes, and associating auger holes with soil descriptions. The exercise helps students understand the impact of topography on soil properties and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
A study found that organic production practices had a slight impact on corn and soybean yields, with reductions of up to 19% compared to conventional methods. The organic strategy also had lower production costs, but net returns were equivalent to the conventional strategy.
Researchers developed a model predicting water redistribution in soils following irrigation or rainfall. Coarse-textured soils exhibit finger formation, leading to deep chemical movement and potential groundwater contamination. Longer, less frequent watering may decrease fingering near the surface.
A study published in Vadose Zone Journal reveals that temperature measurements can accurately determine the rate of water movement towards the groundwater table. This information can help optimize irrigation practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of ground-water resources in the region.
Scientists found that increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels in corn hybrids boosts Bt toxin production, potentially affecting pest management. The study suggests that early-season nitrogen applications may impact the effectiveness of Bt hybrids in reducing insect damage.
Researchers found liquid sewage sludge to be just as effective as traditional synthetic fertilizers in improving crop yields and nutrient content. The study also showed low levels of heavy metals in crops, groundwater, and soil, making it a promising environmentally safe alternative for waste disposal.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality found that compost can reduce lead levels in contaminated soil by 20-38%. This approach has been implemented in pilot programs in Baltimore and East St. Louis, showing promising initial results.
Researchers found that variable rate technology (VRT) with GPS and zone soil sampling reduces lime need by 60% and improves soil pH variability. The study suggests a combination of these technologies provides reasonable and efficient management of soil acidity and lime application.
Researchers have identified two microorganisms, Fusarium and Pandoraea spp., that can degrade the toxicity of endosulfan, a persistent organic pollutant. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for detoxifying contaminated sites, reducing toxic residues in soil.
Scientists at North Carolina State University developed a remote sensing technique to accurately time nitrogen fertilizer applications in wheat, resulting in an 86% success rate across various environmental conditions. This technology allows growers to make informed decisions that balance profitability and environmental stewardship.
The new Methods of Soil Analysis Book, Methods 4, expands on previous editions with comprehensive techniques for carrying out soil physical measurements. It features advanced methods such as geostatistics, fractals, and fuzzy sets, providing a standard reference for soil physics technology.
The Crop Science Society of America partners with Pioneer Hi-Bred International to create the Pioneer Fellowship in Plant Sciences, providing $25,000 annual stipends for four years. The fellowship aims to advance plant improvement through education and research.
Climate change is expected to increase winter temperatures, leading to greater risks for perennial forage crops in Eastern Canada. The study used agro-climatic indices to analyze the effect of climate conditions on winter survival, finding increased risks due to warmer winters and reduced cold hardiness.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory confirmed that waters migrating from the surface to the water table in drier regions can take many tens of thousands of years. These waters, which began their migration at the last ice age, hold a scientific and historical record of global climate change.