FIELD ESTIMATION OF NITRATE LOAD FROM VEGETABLE FIELDS IN THE CARIBBEAN BASIN

The development of best management practices (BMP) and the alloca-tion of pollution among land users in a watershed (TMDL) requires an understanding of the effect of cultural practices on both yields and nutrient leaching below the root zone. `Florida 47' tomato and `La Estrella' tropical pumpkin were grown on plasticulture using combinations of UF–IFAS recommended N and irrigation rates in a 1-ha field in 2004. Average N and irrigation rates over the whole field were 100% and 80%, respectively. Nitrate movement was assessed with twenty-four 1-m-long drainage lysimeters in each plot and ten 7-m-deep wells in and around the field Lysimeters and wells were sampled every 2 and 3 weeks throughout the year, respectively. Leachate volume and concentration in the drainage lysimeters were highly variable. Except shortly after the 25-cm rain due to hurricane Jeanne, most leachate volumes were <1 L·m–1. Annual NO3-N mean treatment load ranged between 7 and 15 kg·ha–1, but these differences were not significant due to high variability (CV = 175%). Single-lysimeter annual highest load was 39 kg·ha–1 of NO3-N (17.5% of N applied). In 2004, NO3-N concentration in well water was <1, ranged between 15 and 35, ranged between 0 and 10 mg·L–1 NO3-N in the up-stream control, inside, and perimeter wells, respectively. These concentrations are in the same ranges as those observed in this field in previous years (1997–2003) and often exceeded the 10 mg/L drinking water standard. Because NO3-N discharge into the environment may occur after the growing season, BMPs should be implemented on a year round basis. The methodology used in load measurement should be improved to better account for spatial variability.

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Best Management Practices for Florida Citrus

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.16.3.0389 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 389-393 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Larry Parsons ◽

Brian Boman

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Root Zone ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Runoff Water ◽

Cost Share ◽

Central Florida ◽

Best Management ◽

Drinking Water Standard ◽

Florida Citrus

Best management practices (BMPs) started in Florida citrus (Citrus spp.) in the 1990s and have evolved to play a major role in production practices today. One of the earliest BMPs in Florida arose from concerns over nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in some surficial groundwater aquifers exceeding the 10 mg·L-1 drinking water standard. This occurred in an area of well-drained sandy soils known as the Central Florida Ridge that extends north and south through the central part of the Florida peninsula. State agencies could have used a strictly regulatory approach and restricted how much nitrogen growers could apply. Instead of setting arbitrary regulations, the agencies promoted a scientific-based BMP approach. A nitrogen BMP for Central Florida Ridge citrus was established, and research is now validating the earlier groundwater work on more grower field sites. The purpose of this BMP was to minimize the risk of leaching nitrates from fertilizer into the groundwater. Several important aspects of the BMP involve: 1) limiting the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied at any one time, 2) increasing the frequency of fertilizer applications, 3) reducing fertilizer applications during the summer rainy season, and 4) managing irrigation to reduce leaching below the root zone. Since this Central Florida Ridge nitrogen BMP was established, major BMP actions to improve water quality and reduce the quantity of runoff water have taken place in the Indian River production area of Florida's east coast. BMPs continue to be set up in other parts of the state for a variety of plant and animal agricultural practices. In some cases, cost-share funds have been provided to help implement BMPs. With voluntary BMPs, growers have scientifically based guidelines, a waiver of liability, and an avoidance of arbitrary regulations.

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A Survey of Nursery Water Quality Best Management Practices

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.33.3.501e ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 501e-502

Author(s):

Cody J. White ◽

Michael A. Schnelle ◽

Gerrit W. Cuperus

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Plant Materials ◽

Best Management ◽

Employee Safety ◽

Current Water ◽

Management Approaches ◽

Environmentally Sound

A survey was designed to assess high-risk areas with respect to environmental contamination, specifically how it relates to water quality. Oklahoma growers of all economic levels, retail and/or wholesale, were queried at their place of business for their current state of implementing best management practices (BMPs) and other strategic actions that could potentially affect current and future water quality standards. Specific areas such as the physical environment of the nursery, primary pesticides and fertilizers used, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, and employee safety training were covered as well as other aspects germane to preserving and protecting current water quality and related environmental issues. More than 75 nurseries were surveyed and given the opportunity to participate in future training at Oklahoma State Univ. Results indicated that nurseries have not fully implemented many BMPs, but have adopted fundamental IPM approaches. The stage is set for the implementation of the next phase of expansion and refinement into ecologically based programs such as propagation and sale of low pesticide input plant materials, improved cultural practices, and the integration of environmentally sound management approaches. As an example, many growers are in the process of phasing out calendar-based pesticide application programs in favor of aesthetic and/or economic threshold-driven pesticide spray programs.

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Adoption of Best Management Practices for Herbicide-Resistant Weeds in Midsouthern United States Cotton, Rice, and Soybean

Weed Technology ◽

10.1614/wt-d-13-00087.1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 788-797 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Dilpreet S. Riar ◽

Jason K. Norsworthy ◽

Lawrence E. Steckel ◽

Daniel O. Stephenson ◽

Thomas W. Eubank ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Direct Mail ◽

Rice Seed ◽

Planting Dates ◽

Row Crops ◽

Herbicide Resistant ◽

Best Management

In fall 2011, cotton and soybean consultants from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee were surveyed through direct mail and on-farm visits, and rice consultants from Arkansas and Mississippi were surveyed through direct mail to assess the importance and level of implementation of herbicide resistance best management practices (HR-BMPs) for herbicide-resistant weeds. Proper herbicide timing, clean start with no weeds at planting, application of multiple effective herbicide modes of action, use of full labeled herbicide rates, and prevention of crop weed seed production with importance rating of ≥ 4.6 out of 5.0 were perceived as the most important HR-BMPs in all crops. Purchase of certified rice seed was on 90% of scouted hectares. In contrast, least important HR-BMPs as perceived by consultants with importance ratings of ≤ 4.0 in cotton, ≤ 3.7 in rice, and ≤ 3.8 in soybean were cultural practices such as manual removal of weeds; tillage including disking, cultivation, or deep tillage; narrow (≤ 50 cm)-row crops, cover crops, and altered planting dates. Narrow crop rows and cover crops in cotton; altered planting dates in cotton and soybean; and cleaning of farm equipment and manual weeding in rice and soybean is currently employed on ≤ 20% of scouted hectares. Extra costs, time constraints, adverse weather conditions, lack of labor and equipment, profitability, herbicide-related concerns, and complacency were perceived as key obstacles for adoption of most HR-BMPs. With limited adoption of most cultural practices that reduce risks of herbicide-resistant weeds, there are opportunities to educate growers concerning the proactive need and long-term benefits of adopting HR-BMPs to ensure sustainable weed management and profitable crop production.

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Georgia Homeowner Survey of Landscape Management Practices

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.11.2.326 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 326-331 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

S. Varlamoff ◽

W.J. Florkowski ◽

J.L. Jordan ◽

J. Latimer ◽

K. Braman

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Ornamental Plants ◽

Landscape Management ◽

Nutrient Runoff ◽

Outreach Programs ◽

Best Management ◽

Frequent Use

A survey of Georgia homeowners provided insights about their use of fertilizers and pesticides. Knowledge of current homeowner practices is needed to develop a best management practices manual to be used by Master Gardeners to train the general public through the existing outreach programs. The objective of the training program is to reduce nutrient runoff and garden chemicals and improve the quality of surface water in urban water-sheds. Results showed three of four homeowners did their own landscaping and, therefore, fully controlled the amount of applied chemicals and the area of application. Fertilizers were primarily applied to lawns, but a high percentage of homeowners also applied them to trees, shrubs, and flowers. Insecticides were applied by a larger percentage of homeowners than herbicides. Control of fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) was likely the reason behind the frequent use of insecticides. The desire for a weed free lawn was the plausible motivation behind the use of herbicides, which were used mostly on lawns. Fungicide use was infrequently reported by Georgia homeowners. The pattern of fertilizer and pesticide use suggests that the developed manual should emphasize techniques and cultural practices, which could lower the dependence on chemicals, while ultimately assuring the desired appearance of turf and ornamental plants.

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017 Evaluating Best Management Practices for Spring Dead Spot Suppression in Bermudagrass

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.35.3.390f ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 390F-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

F. Iriarte ◽

J. Fry ◽

N. Tisserat

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Disease Suppression ◽

Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽

Spring Dead Spot ◽

Best Management ◽

Turf Quality ◽

Moderate Disease ◽

Plot Design

Bermudagrass turf quality is commonly reduced in the transition zone by Ophiosphaerella herpotricha, a root-infecting fungus that causes spring dead spot (SDS). Fungicides applied in autumn typically result in poor to moderate disease suppression. Earlier research has indicated that some cultural practices, including core aerification or fertilization with soil acidifying nitrogen fertilizers, may suppress SDS. Our objective was to evaluate several treatment combinations for reducing disease severity. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design, with whole plots being aerification + verticutting, or no cultivation. Subplots within whole plots consisted of a factorial arrangement of azoxystrobin (one September application of at 0.6 kg·ha-1), trinexapac-ethyl (three summer applications at 6.1 kg·ha-1), and ammonium sulfate (three summer applications with N at 49 kg·ha-1). After 1 year of treatment, spring turf quality was improved in all treatments that included trinexapac-ethyl. Diseased area was reduced from 34% to 21% in plots receiving azoxystrobin + trinexapac-ethyl.

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(127) Effects of Substrate on Nutrient Uptake and Nitrate Leaching in Lilies

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.40.4.1085e ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 1085E-1086

Author(s):

Donald J. Merhaut ◽

Julie P. Newman

Keyword(s):

Nitrate Leaching ◽

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Ion Exchange Resin ◽

Nitrate Content ◽

Nutrient Runoff ◽

State Regulations ◽

Best Management ◽

The Media

Lilies are produced throughout the year in coastal areas of California. Cultural practices involve daily applications of water and fertilizer, using both controlled release fertilizers (CRF) and liquid fertilizers (LF). However, many production facilities are in proximity to coastal wetlands and are therefore at greater risk of causing nitrogen pollution via runoff and leaching. Due to federal and state regulations, nurseries must present a plan of best management practices (BMPs) to mitigate nutrient runoff and leaching and begin implementing these practices in the next 2 years. In the following studies, we determined the potential for nitrate leaching from four different types of substrates (coir, coir: peat, peat, and native soil). There were four replications of each treatment, with a replication consisting of one crate planted with 25 bulbs. Two cultivars were used in two separate experiments, `Star Fighter' and `Casa Blanca'. Nitrate leaching was determined by placing an ion-exchange resin bag under each crate at the beginning of the study. After plant harvest (14–16 weeks), resin bags were collected and analyzed for nitrate content. Plant tissues were dried and ground and analyzed for nitrogen content. Based on the results of these studies, it appears that the use of coir, peat, and soil may not influence plant growth significantly. Substrate type may mitigate the amount of nitrate leaching through the media. However, the cultivar type may also influence the degree of nitrate mitigation, since leaching results varied between the two cultivars.

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Thailand Performance and Best Management Practices that saved lives against Covid-19: a comparison against ten critical countries

International Journal for Innovation Education and Research ◽

10.31686/ijier.vol8.iss11.2725 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 119-154

Author(s):

Jonas Gomes da Silva

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Public Information ◽

International Travel ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Information Campaigns ◽

Best Management ◽

Innovative Products ◽

Start Ups

After 265 days, since the first reported case of Covid-19, the world has reported the lost of almost one million (969.018) precious lives (WORLDOMETERS, 2020). The pandemic is a challenge for all countries, most of them eager to learn from nations that are successful against the virus. In addition, an international survey, published on April/20, by Silva (2020, p. 600), concluded that although no country is prepared to face epidemics and pandemics (NTI, JHU, and EIU, 2019), among the 16 countries investigated, Thailand, Finland, Australia, South Korea, Denmark, and Sweden are cases that Brazil could study so as not to repeat the scenarios of China, USA, Italy, and Spain. Thus, this study investigates the performance and the best management practices adopted in Thailand to save lives against Covid-19, during the first 180 days facing the pandemic. The research is useful for academy, government policymakers and authorities. It is descriptive, with the application of an online questionnaire, bibliographic and documentary research, involving the study of official sites, articles, reports, manuals, and other technical documents. A new indicator was developed (Fatality Total Index), which allowed to identify that among 20 nations with the highest number of fatal cases, the ten most critical are 1st) Mexico; 2nd) Peru; 3rd) Italy; 4th) Ecuador; 5th) Iran; 6th) Chile; 7th) UK; 8th) Belgium; 9th) Colombia; and 10th) Brazil. Some conclusions are: first) Thailand`s FTI180 is the very low, indicating that this country has learned from the lessons of the past, reason by which is the best at saving lives against the Covid-19; Third) for 86 respondents living in Thailand, wear mask, not shake hands, not hug in public, wash hands, and not wearing shoes in the house, were the five most decisive cultural practices that saved lives; Fourth) For 96 respondents living in Thailand, the ten main policy measures adopted by Thailand Government that saved lives against the Covid-19 are: first) international travel control; 2nd) public event cancellations; 3rd) schools closures; 4th) restriction on internal movement; 5th) workplaces closures; 6th) public information campaigns; 7th) effective public-private collaboration; 8th) increase the medical and personal equipment capacity; 9th) support the expansion of testing system, and 10th) wage subsidies for workers; Fifth) to save lives against Covid-19, 28 innovative products or services were identified in Thailand, with majority led by Corporations, Universities, followed by Public Sector, Start Ups, and Others.

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Implementation of best management practices in agriculture: modelling and monitoring of impacts on nitrogen leaching

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2002.0201 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 45 (9) ◽

pp. 43-50 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

A. Joelsson ◽

K. Kyllmar

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Time Perspective ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Root Zone ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Nitrogen Leaching ◽

Best Management ◽

Indexing Technique ◽

The Impact

In Kattegat and the coastal water of the Baltic Sea, high nitrogen input from agricultural land is considered to be the main reason for eutrophication. International agreements and governmental programs have set a target to reduce the anthropogenic nitrogen load by 50 percent. Improved nitrogen removal in treatment plants and efforts in agriculture have so far not decreased nitrogen transport to a sufficient extent. In this project the impact of agricultural practices on nitrogen leaching was investigated in two small agricultural catchments in Southwest Sweden. The root-zone leaching was estimated by an indexing technique. Simultaneously the transports in the stream outlets were monitored. During 1995 and 1999 the agricultural practices in the catchments were surveyed. Field data from the first survey indicated that fertilisation did not always match crop requirements, the area of undersown catch crop can be increased and autumn cultivation can be reduced. The second survey was preceded by an advisory campaign where each farmer was visited and presented with an environmental plan including fertilisation, cultivation, and crop rotation for the farm. The plan summarised the best management practices that could be realised under actual conditions. Results from the second survey showed that some changes in the agricultural practices were carried out after the advisory campaign. The nitrogen leaching from the root-zone was then estimated by the indexing technique, both for the time before and after the advisory program. The results showed that the estimated nitrogen leaching, as a mean value for 330 fields, decreased from 53 to 50 kgN ha−1, due to adjustments of the agricultural practices. Monitoring of stream transports showed values of the same magnitude after correction for retention and other sources. In this short time perspective, decreases in transport due to changes in agricultural practices could not be separated from influence of weather conditions. In comparison to results from the Swedish monitoring programme for agriculture, the measured transports were normal for the region, where annual variation in precipitation and runoff is large. Theoretically, nitrogen leaching could be reduced by one third without any major economic constraints for the farmers. In general, the farmers were positive to advice and willing to try new farming techniques even if some measurements were not fully implemented during the investigation period.

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(215) From Recommendation to Implementation: Involving Vegetable Growers in Best Management Practices

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.40.4.1072d ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 1072D-1073

Author(s):

Eric Simonne ◽

David Studstill ◽

Robert Hochmuth ◽

Justin Jones ◽

Cynthia Stewart

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Water Movement ◽

Root Zone ◽

Average Rate ◽

Irrigation Management ◽

Educational Process ◽

Adoption Process ◽

Vegetable Crops

The Federal Clear Water Act and Florida legislation have mandated the clean-up of impaired water bodies. The BMP manual for vegetable crops lists the cultural practices that could maintain productivity while minimizing environmental impact. BMPs focus on increased fertilizer and irrigation efficiency, but growers must be involved in the demonstration and adoption process if this voluntary program is to be successful. Three commercial vegetable fields from farms recognized as leaders in fertilizer and irrigation management were selected to demonstrate how irrigation and fertilizer management are linked together and how management may prevent water movement below the root zone of melons grown with plasticulture. In Spring 2004, dye (Brilliant blue FCF) was injected into the irrigation water three times during the growing season and soil profiles were dug to determine the depth of dye movement. Similar results were found at all three locations as the dye moved below at an average rate of 1.9 to 3.6 cm per day. Water movement was greater early in the season as irrigation was applied for transplant establishment. These results suggest that some leaching is likely to occur on light-textured soils, even when sophisticated irrigation and fertilization practices are followed. Based on these observations, cooperators spontaneously proposed to use two drip tapes, reduce preplant fertilizer, use a 100% injected N/K program, and/or add organic matter to the soil as attempts to slow water movement below the root zone of their crops. This project shows that growers are more likely to try and adopt sustainable practices when they actively participate in the educational process than when production changes are mandated through legislation.

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Preventing Death and Taxus: Review and Recommendations for Managing Taxus in the Landscape with Overview on Phytophthora cinnamomi, Soil, and Nutrition Status

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry ◽

10.48044/jauf.2014.032 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 40 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Taylor

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Root Pathogen ◽

Best Management ◽

The Usa ◽

Longterm Survival

At least three major gardens or arboreta in the USA have experienced periods of significant decline and death of mature Taxus (yews) in the landscape. The symptoms displayed on declining plants are described as chlorosis of the needles, partial defoliation, and death of some of the branches. Eventually, the entire plant may die, but they are typically removed before reaching this stage. Information on managing mature Taxus in the landscape is limited. The objective of this article is to review the literature on Taxus cultural practices and use the information to develop best management practices for Taxus in the landscape. Soil moisture is the most critical factor for health of plants in the landscape. Saturated soils create anaerobic conditions for roots and create an environment ideal for root infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi, the major root pathogen affecting Taxus. During planting, proper site selection and well-drained soil are crucial for the longterm survival of plants. After planting, irrigation should be managed to avoid saturated soil. Management from a nutritional standpoint is poorly understood. Maintaining an appropriate pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and fertilizing plants based on soil and tissue testing is recommended. More research needs to be done to determine optimal fertilization rates and appropriate nutrient concentration in tissue and in soil. When plants become symptomatic, soil should be tested for P. cinnamomi. If the fungus is present, appropriate chemical controls should be used.

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