Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Shannon L. Speir, Jennifer L. Tank, Matt T. Trentman, Ursula H. Mahl, Lienne R. Sethna, Brittany R. Hanrahan, Todd Royer
Summary: Environmental impacts from excess fertilizer inputs in agricultural landscapes have long-lasting effects on freshwater ecosystems. Planting cover crops is encouraged as a conservation effort to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, but their effects on working lands are rarely documented. This study quantified the reductions of nitrate-N and soluble reactive phosphorus losses from cropland through widespread cover crop planting. The results showed consistent reductions in nitrate-N loss, but more variability in phosphorus reductions. Targeted implementation of cover crops may be necessary to reduce phosphorus export to streams. Overall, cover crops reduced watershed-scale nitrate-N and SRP exports, but interannual variability and spatial heterogeneity may necessitate regional-scale planting for consistent reductions in annual export and meaningful impacts on downstream water quality.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabrizio Gianni, Elisabetta Manea, Bruno Cataletto, Alessandra Pugnetti, Caterina Bergami, Lucia Bongiorni, Grgur Pleslic, Ivica Vilibic, Vinko Bandelj
Summary: Marine Natura 2000 (N2K) sites in the European Mediterranean Sea have established a large network of protected areas, but their management and monitoring effectiveness are generally weak. The Interreg Italy-Croatia ECOSS project aims to establish an ecological observing system (ECOAdS) in the Adriatic Sea, integrating research and monitoring activities to enhance conservation efforts. Currently, most sites lack management plans, monitoring activities are infrequent, and information on protected species is lacking. Proper management and monitoring are the key challenges for N2K sites.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Henrique G. Momm, Ronald L. Bingner, Katy Moore, Glenn Herring
Summary: The management of water resources plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural productivity and preserving ecosystems. The integrated AnnAGNPS-MODFLOW modeling technology is proposed to evaluate the impacts of irrigation strategies on surface-groundwater flow interactions.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Seung-Cheol Lee, Yera Shin, Young-Joon Jeon, Eun-Ju Lee, Jae-Sung Eom, Bomchul Kim, Neung-Hwan Oh
Summary: The study found that forest and agricultural land use impact the concentration and composition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in stream during storm events; agricultural streams have lower peak DOC values than forest streams, indicating weaker response to hydrological changes; agricultural watersheds export more protein-like DOM compared to forested streams.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Vivienne P. Groner, Jessica J. Williams, Richard G. Pearson
Summary: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services, but the contribution of rare and endangered species (RES) to these services is unclear. A systematic review found a lack of quantitative research on the role of RES in agricultural production, which is a major driver of biodiversity change. Further research is urgently needed to inform conservation and agricultural policies.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Samantha M. Noreen, David Klassen, Roger Brown, Yolanda Becker, Kevin O'Connor, Jennifer Prinz, Matthew Cooper
Summary: The study found that there was no significant change in the percentage of eligible donors accepted during the accelerated placement project, but the conversion rate from acceptance to transplant slightly increased. Waiting to accelerate placement after kidneys have been declined by multiple transplant programs may be too late to effectively increase utilization. Future research should continue to investigate how to improve transplant rates of nationally shared and marginal kidneys.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. J. Fox, T. R. Fisher, A. B. Gustafson, E. L. Koontz, M. Lepori-Bui, K. L. Kvalnes, D. E. Bunnell-Young, J. R. Gardner, J. Lewis, J. R. Winsten, K. A. Fisher, K. Silaphone
Summary: The study found that the current management approach of primarily voluntary, untargeted BMP implementation is insufficient to achieve detectable, widespread reductions in N, P, and TSS concentrations in agricultural watersheds of the Choptank basin. Greater outreach and more financial support for farmers to implement BMPs are required to achieve regional water quality goals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Ecology
L. Witzling, D. Wald, E. Williams
Summary: This systematic review of articles related to conservation in the United States found that farmers most commonly seek information and show preferences for specific information channels and sources. Recommendations were made to clarify communication wording and reduce respondent burden.
JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lienne R. Sethna, Todd V. Royer, Shannon L. Speir, Matt T. Trentman, Ursula H. Mahl, Leah P. Hagemeier, Jennifer L. Tank
Summary: Agriculture alters the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, leading to stoichiometric imbalance among nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in aquatic systems. Planting winter cover crops retains nitrogen and phosphorus, but its effect on silicon concentrations and stoichiometry is unclear. The study found that winter cover crops increased the Si:N ratios favoring diatom growth but did not reduce in-stream silicon concentrations as expected. Other factors also influenced algal community composition, and stoichiometric imbalance was more pronounced at high flows, increasing the risk of harmful algal blooms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Els Belmans, Lieve Borremans, Lone Soderkvist Kristensen, Nicoleta Alina Suciu, Eva Kerselaers
Summary: The research proposes a practical guide for water governance assessment and improvement, consisting of three steps: assessment, implementation of a multi-actor process, and evaluation. Implementing the guide in different action labs showed progress towards goals, with water managers appreciating the integrated approach and the leaders finding the guide hands-on and practical.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kelly L. Smalling, Olivia H. Devereux, Stephanie E. Gordon, Patrick J. Phillips, Vicki S. Blazer, Michelle L. Hladik, Dana W. Kolpin, Michael T. Meyer, Adam J. Sperry, Tyler Wagner
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of land management actions on contaminant mixtures and water quality in agricultural watersheds, finding that BMPs have potential benefits in reducing contaminant concentrations. Contaminant concentrations were often influenced by seasonal stream flow, but were also affected by other landscape variables and BMP intensity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kumar Anurag Bhaskar, Abdulrahman Al-Hashimi, Mahesh Meena, Vijay Singh Meena, Sapna Langyan, Manoj Shrivastava, Riyaz Zafar Sayyed, Hesham A. El-Enshasy, Bandar Mohsin Ahmed Almunqedhi, Renu Singh
Summary: Conservation agricultural practices, particularly conservation tillage, appear to be a sustainable approach for minimizing ammonia volatilization and improving wheat productivity. The cumulative emission of ammonia flux from wheat fields varied significantly between conservation tillage and conventional tillage practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Gordon, Tyler Wagner, Kelly Smalling, Olivia Devereux
Summary: Best management practices (BMPs) have been successful in reducing nutrient and sediment loads entering the Chesapeake Bay watershed. A study found that BMP intensity on agricultural land can reduce total estrogenic activity. Additionally, watersheds with high agriculture and low BMPs have a higher probability of exceeding an effects-based threshold.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Auvikki de Boon, Camilla Sandstrom, David Christian Rose
Summary: This study explores the legitimacy of agricultural transitions from normative and sociological perspectives, highlighting the importance of clarity and diversity in design to enhance the perceived legitimacy of the transition. It emphasizes the significance of broad problem formulation, diverse mix of policy instruments, and a transparent decision-making process that includes meaningful and equal participation of stakeholders. The conclusion underscores the usefulness of a combined lens of normative and sociological legitimacy for critically evaluating the normative and power dimensions of transition processes.
Article
Environmental Studies
Kaitlyn Lee Malakoff, Christoph Nolte
Summary: The rapid loss of farmland to development has long been a concern globally. Agricultural conservation easements are used to protect farmland from conversion to development in the United States. However, the extent of their effectiveness is rarely studied at the individual parcel level. A case study from six New England states found that these easements have reduced farmland loss to development, although the magnitude of the reduction is relatively small due to a low background rate of farmland loss and the allocation of easements not prioritizing the highest-threat locations.
Article
Soil Science
Hailin Zhang, Joao Antonangelo, John Grove, Deanna Osmond, Nathan A. Slaton, Shannon Alford, Robert Florence, Gobena Huluka, David Herring Hardy, Jason Lessl, Rory Maguire, Rao Mylavarapu, J. Larry Oldham, Eugenia M. Pena-Yewtukhiw, Tony Provin, Leticia Sonon, David Sotomayor, Jim Wang
Summary: Thirteen states agreed to share their soil test based P and K rate recommendations for nine major crops, with the aim of comparing fertilizer recommendations, rationalizing similar recommendations across state lines, and examining challenges to developing a cooperative regional approach to P and K recommendations. Differences in fertilizer recommendation philosophies among states were found to be the main reason behind discrepancies, leading to important recommendation differences due to different philosophies, numerical presentations, and extraction procedures. Despite widespread adoption of the Mehlich-3 extraction procedure, variation in fertilizer P and K rate recommendations among states has not been reduced, highlighting the need to examine and standardize the soil testing and recommendation process.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Soil Science
Nathan A. Slaton, Sarah E. Lyons, Deanna L. Osmond, Sylvie M. Brouder, Steve W. Culman, Gerson Drescher, Luciano C. Gatiboni, John Hoben, Peter J. A. Kleinman, Joshua M. McGrath, Robert O. Miller, Austin Pearce, Amy L. Shober, John T. Spargo, Jeff J. Volenec
Summary: The importance of soil-test correlation and calibration data in modern agriculture is highlighted, with efforts being made to establish a core set of required and recommended information for soil-test P and K studies. The development of a national database by the FRST project team and collaborators aims to support a soil-test-based nutrient management decision aid tool, ensuring the maximum utility and impact of correlation and calibration studies for crop nutrition recommendations.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. R. Williams, P. Welikhe, J. Bos, K. King, M. Akland, D. Augustine, C. Baffaut, E. G. Beck, A. Bierer, D. D. Bosch, E. Boughton, C. Brandani, E. Brooks, A. Buda, M. Cavigelli, J. Faulkner, G. Feyereisen, A. Fortuna, J. Gamble, B. Hanrahan, M. Hussain, M. Kohmann, J. Kovar, B. Lee, A. Leytem, M. Liebig, D. Line, M. Macrae, T. Moorman, D. Moriasi, N. Nelson, A. Ortega-Pieck, D. Osmond, O. Pisani, J. Ragosta, M. Reba, A. Saha, J. Sanchez, M. Silveira, D. Smith, S. Spiegal, H. Swain, J. Unrine, P. Webb, K. White, H. Wilson, L. Yasarer
Summary: Quantifying the fluxes of phosphorus (P) within and among agricultural production systems is crucial for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. The P-FLUX dataset, which includes detailed information on P inputs, outputs, and budgets, as well as uncertainties, was developed based on data collected from research sites and production systems across the United States and Canada. This dataset provides valuable insights into P use efficiency and environmental impacts in agricultural systems.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Austin W. Pearce, Nathan A. Slaton, Sarah E. Lyons, Carl H. Bolster, Tom W. Bruulsema, John H. Grove, John D. Jones, Josh M. McGrath, Fernando E. Miguez, Nathan O. Nelson, Deanna L. Osmond, Md Rasel Parvej, Eugenia M. Pena-Yewtukhiw, John T. Spargo
Summary: This study calculated relative yields using various methods and analyzed their effects on different soil test values and intercept coefficients. The results showed that the choice of method did not significantly affect these factors. After thorough discussions, the MAX method was selected as the most appropriate option for the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST), with reasons provided.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caela 'Connell, D. L. Osmond
Summary: Understanding farmers' decision-making in nutrient management is crucial to protect water resources. This study analyzed the decision-making process, consultation sources, and the influence of farmers' views on water quality and pollution on their choices among 105 farmers in Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. The results indicated that farmers used various resources, such as yield data, market prices, weather, prior experience, and social networks, to make nutrient management decisions. Additionally, the study found that location and age influenced farmers' decision-making, with younger farmers more open to improvement and older farmers more satisfied with current practices. Tailoring programs and education to regional contexts is essential to address diverse conditions and improve water quality.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Z. M. Respess, R. Austin, L. Gatiboni, D. Osmond
Summary: The study evaluated the utility and extensibility of ACPF in the Southern Piedmont region of North Carolina. It found that many of the conservation practices output by ACPF were not identified by local experts in the region due to differences in landscape characteristics and conservation priorities. The local experts primarily identified soil health practices, which were different from the practices output by ACPF.
JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Nelida Agramont Morales, Luke Gatiboni, Deanna Osmond, Rachel Vann, Stephanie Kulesza, Carl Crozier, David Hardy
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the critical soil test values (CSTVs) of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for soybean and corn in North Carolina. The results showed that the current recommendation for the CSTV of P is inconsistent with the actual situation, indicating a need for further research to more accurately estimate the CSTVs for the state.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Carl H. Bolster, Adrian A. Correndo, Austin W. Pearce, John T. Spargo, Nathan A. Slaton, Deanna L. Osmond
Summary: This article describes a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for calculating CSTV from soil test correlation data using the modified ALCC model. The spreadsheet is accessible and easy-to-use, providing a convenient tool for those who would like to use this method but may lack experience with more sophisticated coding programs.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Adrian A. Correndo, Austin Pearce, Carl H. Bolster, John T. Spargo, Deanna Osmond, Ignacio A. Ciampitti
Summary: The soiltestcorr R package is an open-source software that allows accessible and reproducible computation of correlation analyses between crop yield response to fertilization and soil test values. It provides various functions for analyzing soil test correlation data and offers a web application for users with no R programming background. It facilitates the correlation of crop response to soil nutrient availability and estimation of critical soil test values, along with visualization of results using ggplot.
Article
Agronomy
Cara Mathers, Joshua Heitman, Anders Huseth, Anna Locke, Deanna Osmond, Alexander Woodley
Summary: Understanding the impact of soil management choices on yield stability is crucial for agricultural resiliency in the face of global temperature increases and regional climate changes. Long-term studies are needed to assess the potential benefits of no-till and conservation tillage, as their effects on crop yields vary depending on the crop and location. Findings from a 28-year tillage study in the southeastern U.S. piedmont region suggest that surface residue management may be more important than overall soil health in determining system performance.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pauline Welikhe, Mark R. Williams, Kevin King, Janae Bos, Mark Akland, Claire Baffaut, E. Glynn Beck, Andrew Bierer, David D. Bosch, Erin S. Brooks, Anthony R. Buda, Michel Cavigelli, Joshua Faulkner, Gary W. Feyereisen, Ann-Marie Fortuna, Joshua Gamble, Brittany R. Hanrahan, Mir Zaman Hussain, John L. Kovar, Brad Lee, April B. Leytem, Mark A. Liebig, Daniel Line, Merrin L. Macrae, Thomas B. Moorman, Daniel Moriasi, Rose Mumbi, Nathan Nelson, Aline Ortega-Pieck, Deanna Osmond, Chad Penn, Oliva Pisani, Michele L. Reba, Douglas R. Smith, Jason Unrine, Pearl Webb, Kate E. White, Henry Wilson, Lindsey M. Witthaus
Summary: Phosphorus (P) budgets are useful for understanding nutrient cycling and evaluating nutrient management. This study assessed the uncertainty in P fluxes and its impact on annual P budgets across various cropping systems. The results showed a wide range of P budgets and high uncertainty, making it inconclusive to determine P trends in 39% of the budgets evaluated. The study highlights the need for better measurements and strategies to minimize uncertainty in P budgets, which is crucial for informing policy and reducing P pollution.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Sarah E. Lyons, Jason D. Clark, Deanna L. Osmond, M. D. Rasel Parvej, Austin W. Pearce, Nathan A. Slaton, John T. Spargo
Summary: Soil testing is crucial for fertilizer recommendations in the United States. However, there are inconsistencies in recommended protocols and methods among states, highlighting the need for improved collaboration and harmonization. A national survey revealed discrepancies in funding, collaboration, recommendation philosophies, and methods, underscoring the importance of multi-state efforts to update soil-test data and address modern concerns.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sarah E. Lyons, Dan K. Arthur, Nathan A. Slaton, Austin W. Pearce, John T. Spargo, Deanna L. Osmond, Peter J. A. Kleinman
Summary: The FRST database was created to consolidate and preserve U.S. soil test correlation and calibration data, initially including over 1,200 individual trials from various years, cropping systems, geographic regions, and management practices. It is being migrated to a relational database format housed within the USDA-ARS AgCROS system for easier access through the online FRST decision support tool. Data will be continually added through an online submission form following peer review, aiding in improving fertilizer recommendations for crops across the United States.
AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Daniel N. Moriasi, Lisa F. Duriancik, E. John Sadler, Teferi Tsegaye, Jean L. Steiner, Martin A. Locke, Timothy C. Strickland, Deanna L. Osmond
JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. L. Osmond, A. L. Shober, A. N. Sharpley, E. W. Duncan, D. L. K. Hoag
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2019)
