scholarly journals A Nursery and Greenhouse Online Knowledge Center: Learning Opportunities for Sustainable Practice

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Lea-Cox ◽  
Cindy Zhao ◽  
David S. Ross ◽  
Theodore E. Bilderback ◽  
J. Roger Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Learning Modules

Increasing environmental concerns and legislation in many states and in other countries require that we take a more comprehensive sustainable “best management” approach to production techniques in nursery and greenhouse operations. This is particularly important because these production facilities are typically intense users of resources that are applied to relatively small land areas. We have developed an online knowledge center to facilitate the implementation of more sustainable practices within the nursery and greenhouse industry. A web-based knowledge center provides the most cost-effective mechanism for information delivery, as our potential audiences are extremely diverse and widespread. We currently have a registered user database of over 450 educators, growers, and industry professionals, and undergraduate and graduate students. A gateway website provides an overview of the issues and the goals of the project. The associated knowledge center currently has 25 in-depth learning modules, designed in a Moodle learning management framework. These learning modules are designed to actively engage learners in topics on substrate, irrigation, surface water, and nutrient and crop health management, which are integral to formulating farm-specific strategies for more sustainable water and nutrient management practices. Additional modules provide assessment and implementation tools for irrigation audits, irrigation methods and technologies, and water and nutrient management planning. The instructional design of the learning modules was paramount because there can be multiple strategies to improve site-specific production practices, which often require an integration of knowledge from engineering, plant science, and plant pathology disciplines. The assessment and review of current practices, and the decision to change a practice, are often not linear, nor simple. All modules were designed with this process in mind, and include numerous resources [pictures, diagrams, case studies, and assessment tools (e.g., spreadsheets and example calculations)] to enable the learner to fully understand all of the options available and to think critically about his/her decisions. Sixteen of the modules were used to teach an intensive 400-level “Principles of Water and Nutrient Management” course at the University of Maryland during Spring 2008 and 2009. The water and nutrient management planning module also supports the nursery and greenhouse Farmer Training Certification program in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Agriculture provides continuing education credits for all consultants and growers who register and complete any module in the knowledge center. Although these learning resources were developed by faculty in the eastern region of the United States, much of the information is applicable to more widespread audiences.

scholarly journals A Water and Nutrient Management Planning Process for Container Nursery and Greenhouse Production Systems in Maryland

2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 230-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Lea-Cox ◽  
David S. Ross ◽  
K. Marc Teffeau
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Many states throughout the United States are now concerned about the impact of non-point source pollution on the declining quality of water in their watersheds. In 1998, the state of Maryland adopted one of the toughest nutrient management planning laws in the nation, requiring virtually all agricultural operations to write and implement nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) based management plans by December 31, 2002. The nursery and greenhouse industries are faced with a complicated task to write these nutrient management plans, since these operations grow a large number of plant species utilizing a range of fertilization and irrigation strategies. A nutrient management planning strategy has been identified that will provide an assessment of nutrient loss potential from a wide variety of production scenarios, identify the specific factors that contribute most to nutrient leaching and runoff, and enable targeted best management practices to be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient run-off.

scholarly journals A Phased Assessment of Restoration Alternatives to Achieve Phosphorus Water Quality Targets for Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogesh Khare ◽  
Ghinwa Naja ◽  
G. Stainback ◽  
Christopher Martinez ◽  
Rajendra Paudel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Lake Okeechobee ◽  
Stormwater Treatment ◽  
Maximum Daily Loads

Achieving total phosphorus (TP) total maximum daily loads (TMDL) for Lake Okeechobee (Florida, FL, USA), a large freshwater lake, is a key component of the greater Everglades ecosystem restoration and sustainability of south Florida. This study was aimed at identification of a cost-effective restoration alternative using four TP control strategies—Best Management Practices (BMPs), Dispersed Water Management (DWM), Wetland Restoration, and Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs)—to achieve a flow-weighted mean TP concentration of 40 µg/L at lake inflow points, through a phased scenario analysis approach. The Watershed Assessment Model was used to simulate flow and phosphorus dynamics. The 10-year (1998–2007) ‘Base’ scenario calibration indicated ‘acceptable’ to ‘good’ performance with simulated annual average flows and TP load of 2.64 × 109 m3 and 428.6 metric tons, respectively. Scenario results showed that TP load reduction without STAs would be around 11–40% with respect to Base compared to over 75% reduction requirement to achieve TMDL, indicating STAs as a necessary component to achieve restoration. The most cost-effective alternative to achieve TP target consisted of implementation of nutrient management BMPs, continuation of existing DWM projects, and the construction of ~200 km2 of STAs for a total project cost of US $4.26 billion.

Extension and knowledge transfer: adaptive management approaches for timely impact

2013 ◽  
Vol 152 (S1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q. M. KETTERINGS
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Dimensions ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Regional State ◽  
Management Approaches

SUMMARYIn recent years, the term ‘adaptive management’ has become integrated in government agriculture and conservation programmes in the United States. Adaptive management is described as ‘a process of developing improved management practices for efficient production and resource conservation by use of participatory learning through continuous systematic assessment’, by the NEERA1002 Coordinating Committee on Adaptive Nutrient Management. Such developments reflect recognition by government agencies of (1) the need for continuous improvement in managing agricultural systems to enhance productivity and environmental protection at farm, state, watershed and federal levels, and (2) the effectiveness of continuous systematic assessment and an outcome-based evaluation in achieving and documenting such progress. Various methods have existed for knowledge development and transfer in the past, some effective, others less successful. The present paper presents and discusses lessons learned from three different adaptive management approaches, implemented at field, whole farm and regional/state levels, which contributed to improvements in field, farm and regional/state balances for nitrogen and phosphorus in New York. These examples show that a combination of governmental regulations and an innovative, outcome-focused adaptive management approach that includes research, extension, and a focus on human dimensions (a people-based approach) will be most effective in obtaining greater sustainability of agriculture in future years.

scholarly journals Vegetable Production Best Management Practices to Minimize Nutrient Loss

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 398-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.K. Hartz
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Environmental Water ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Best Management

Nutrient loss from commercial vegetable fields has become a significant environmental issue in all the major vegetable-producing regions of the United States. Growers are facing potentially disruptive regulations aimed at improving the quality of both surface and ground water. Significant improvement in nutrient management will be required to meet this regulatory challenge. This paper discusses five practical, low-cost nutrient best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs are widely applicable, relatively inexpensive to implement, and can dramatically reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss from vegetable fields. However, even with careful application of these BMPs, runoff and leachate from vegetable fields may periodically exceed environmental water quality standards, which are very stringent.

scholarly journals Survey of cow-calf producer perspectives on management strategies and industry challenges. Part 1: handling practices, and health and industry challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-203
Author(s):  
Miriam S Martin ◽  
Scott A Grau ◽  
Burt W Rutherford ◽  
Temple Grandin ◽  
Lily N Edwards-Callaway
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Herd Health ◽  
Cow Calf

Abstract The objectives of this study were to benchmark cow-calf producer perspectives on management strategies and challenges, and to determine if demographic differences and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification status influenced the frequency of certain management strategies. A total of 1,414 responses from cow-calf producers in 44 states were collected through an online survey conducted in partnership with BEEF, a producer-focused magazine. Survey recipients were asked 30 questions to gather demographic information, respondents’ current handling and health management practices, and how they prioritized industry challenges. The frequency of management methods and decisions such as preconditioning and identification methods were impacted by respondent age, operation size, location, and BQA certification (Ps ≤ 0.009). BQA-certified respondents more frequently used electronic ear tags and freeze branding (Ps = 0.009). Overall, 74.5% of respondents were preconditioning their calves. Respondents who were BQA certified more frequently preconditioned their calves (449; 81.5%) compared with those who were not BQA certified (582; 70.4%) (P < 0.001). BQA training seems to be having a positive impact on production practices. Respondents identified cow-calf health as the biggest beef industry challenge and identified land availability or price as the biggest challenge to producers’ own operation. Respondents identified bovine respiratory disease, flies, pinkeye, and reproductive health as the most important animal health issues on producers’ operations. Health challenge responses varied significantly by producer age, beef cow inventory, and region of the United States (Ps < 0.001). Calf or neonate health was most commonly identified as the biggest challenge for respondents under the age of 30 years. Producers between the ages of 55 and 70 years most commonly responded that the Veterinary Feed Directive or regulations were more of a challenge than other age groups. Respondents clearly identified managing herd health as a challenge throughout the survey. Respondents with similar herd health challenges were identified based on demographic categorization, such as age of respondent and region.

Authentic Empathy and the Role of Victim Service Providers in (De)stigmatizing Male Sexual Victimization

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052094815
Author(s):  
Chuka N. Emezue ◽  
Tipparat Udmuangpia
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Constructionist ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Male Victims ◽  
Material Forces ◽  
Stigma Management ◽  
Male Victim

Male victims of rape and sexual violence (SV) constitute a highly stigmatized group who doubly suffer the trauma of SV and hegemonic notions of real masculinity that punishes weakness and vulnerability in men. This double exposure produces a stigmatizing identity (i.e., male victim stigma) that is embedded in grand narratives about male SV. However, helping professionals have been implicated in this (de)stigmatizing process. Few studies describe the role victim service providers (VSPs) play as (de)stigmatizing agents. This study is among the first to explore VSP narratives on their stigma awareness and stigma management practices. Story-focused interview methods elicited responses from 11 VSPs (nine females and two males, age: 29–65 years) across the United States representing diverse victim-serving professions. Interviews were face-to-face or by phone, lasting between 45 and 90 minutes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using power-sensitive Foucauldian discourse analysis (or FDA, suitable for analyzing language and meanings linked to power dynamics). Our analysis was guided by a meaning-forming social constructionist approach. With some narrative convergence and disconvergence, three strings of narratives with supporting excerpts were identified, namely (a) stigma awareness shaped by discursive and material forces, (b) labeling as a (de)stigmatizing tool, and (c) connecting through authentic empathy (AE). The concept of AE is recommended as a possible model of care and stigma management approach in therapeutic spaces. We define AE as an aptitude to credibly provide nonjudgmental, stigma-free care, based on personal histories with trauma, membership in a stigmatized group, or an earned involvement with members of the same group. Findings bear implications for stigma-informed practices and future research to address the unique unmet needs of stigmatized male victims.

scholarly journals Mapping Conservation Management Practices and Outcomes in the Corn Belt Using the Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS) and the Denitrification–Decomposition (DNDC) Model

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Hagen ◽  
Grace Delgado ◽  
Peter Ingraham ◽  
Ian Cooke ◽  
Richard Emery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Corn Belt ◽  
Field Scale ◽  
Wide Range

Identifying and quantifying conservation-practice adoption in U.S. cropland is key to accurately monitoring trends in soil health regionally and nationally and informing climate change mitigation efforts. We present the results of an automated system used across 645 counties in the United States Corn Belt from 2005 to 2018, mapped at field-scale and summarized for distribution at aggregated scales. Large-scale mapping by OpTIS (Operational Tillage Information System), a software tool that analyzes remotely sensed data of agricultural land, provides trends of conservation tillage (defined as >30% residue cover), cover cropping, and crop rotations, while modeling by DNDC (Denitrification–Decomposition), a process-based model of carbon and biogeochemistry in soil, provides estimates of the ecosystem outcomes associated with the changes in management practices mapped by OpTIS. Ground-truthing data acquired via OpTIS mobile, a roadside field-surveying app, were used for verification in 30 counties. OpTIS results for the Corn Belt show adoption of cover crops after planting corn and soy increased from 1% to 3% of the mapped area when comparing 2006 to 2018. Comparison of trends for conservation tillage use from 2006 to 2018 shows a slight decrease in conservation tillage adoption, from 46% to 44%. Results from DNDC show these soils sequestered soil organic carbon (SOC) at an area-weighted mean change in SOC (dSOC) rate of 161 kgC/ha/year. Comparatively, in a scenario modeled without the adoption of soil health management practices, the same soils would have lost SOC at an area-weighted rate of −65 kgC/ha/year. As many factors affect changes to SOC, including climate and initial SOC in soils, modeling counterfactual scenarios at the field scale demonstrates outcomes of current soil health management in comparison to regional management practices and best management practices, with respect to SOC sequestration. Regional trends in adoption rates of conservation agriculture and resulting soil health implications are of great use for a wide range of stakeholders. We demonstrate the capability of OpTIS remote sensing to deliver robust, large-scale, multi-sensor, ground-verified monitoring data of current and historical adoption of conservation practices, and of DNDC process-based modeling to provide assessments of the associated environmental outcomes across regions in U.S. cropland.

Nutrient budgets of Ontario organic dairy farms

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
C J Roberts ◽  
D H Lynch ◽  
R P Voroney ◽  
R C Martin ◽  
S D Juurlink
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
The United States ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Organic Dairy ◽  
Organic Dairy Farms

The sustainability of organic dairying in Canada, with respect to nutrients, remains unexamined. To assess how management affects nutrient status, we documented whole farm nutrient (NPK) budgets over 2 yr (2003 to 2005) and soil (0 to 15 cm) P and K status on 15 long-term Ontario organic dairy farms. Farm size, livestock density and herd productivity averaged 110 ha, 1.00 livestock units ha-1 and 5656 kg milk cow-1 yr-1, respectively. Annual farm nutrient surpluses of 75 (N), 1 (P) and 11 (K) kg ha-1 yr-1 were lower than those reported for confinement-based dairy farms in the United States, pointing to possible environmental benefits from reduced off farm impacts on air and water quality. Weighted average soil test P levels were low (< 10 mg kg-1) on approximately 50% of farms, while exchangeable K levels were moderate to high (76 to 160 mg kg-1) on all farms. Four farms adopting a "self-sufficient" approach, producing most feed on-farm, imported little P as feed (1.37 to 1.90 kg P ha-1 yr-1) and had negative average farm P balances (avg. -1.54 kg P ha-1 yr-1). An integrated nutrient management approach, along with a flexible feed import strategy, fosters the sustainability of organic dairying systems. Key words: Organic dairying, nutrient budget, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, soil fertility

scholarly journals A Review of the Federal Clean Water Act and the Maryland Water Quality Improvement Act: The Rationale For Developing a Water And Nutrient Management Planning Process For Container Nursery And Greenhouse Operations

2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 226-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Lea-Cox ◽  
David S. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Clean Water Act ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clean Water ◽  
State Laws ◽  
Water Quality Improvement

Abstract Newly enforced provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 and new state laws like the Maryland Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998 are forcing agriculture to develop effective procedures to show that they are not polluting our nation's water resources. Formulating a water and nutrient management process for nursery and greenhouse operations that takes both water and nutrient applications into account is very important. Many operations already have implemented improved management practices to conserve water and nutrients. For those operations that do not have these procedures in place, it will be necessary to find cost-effective ways to ensure that these operations can comply with laws, and document that they can effectively reduce the risk of nutrient movement from their operations to a minimum.

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