Source: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
TILLAGE, SILVICULTURE, AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
SPECIAL GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0207322
Grant No.
2006-34335-17485
Project No.
LAB03811
Proposal No.
2006-06207
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
JS
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2006
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2009
Grant Year
2006
Project Director
Morrison, D. G.
Recipient Organization
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE,LA 70803-0100
Performing Department
ADMINISTRATION
Non Technical Summary
Production agriculture has been implicated as a source of nonpoint source pollution. In Louisiana, the primary production systems that may cause negative environmental impacts are agronomic cropping systems such as cotton and rice and intensive livestock production such as dairy and poultry. This multi-faceted research project relates to both agronomic and livestock production systems. One purpose of this research for improving water quality is to determine the effects of various treatments under conservation tillage including preplant and early season vegetation management plus crop rotation strategies in rice; and crop residue, covercrop, and insect pest management strategy combinations in cotton. Another purpose is to reduce phosphorus, sediment, and coliform loading to the environment from livestock waste through poultry diet modification, improved poultry litter disposal strategies, water body exclusion from livestock and improved dairy waste management and beneficial use strategies.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
70%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1120611106010%
1121530106010%
1121710106010%
1333299200010%
1333499110010%
2161710106010%
3023220101010%
4033299200010%
4033499202020%
Knowledge Area
133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals; 403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
3299 - Poultry, general/other; 3499 - Dairy cattle, general/other; 3220 - Meat-type chicken, live animal; 0611 - Conifer forests of the South; 1710 - Upland cotton; 1530 - Rice;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 2020 - Engineering; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 2000 - Chemistry; 1100 - Bacteriology;
Goals / Objectives
1. Determine the short and long term effects of voluntary BMP implementation and related technologies to reduce nutrients, sediments, and pesticide load in the environment in reduced tillage cotton and rice cropping systems; 2. Develop poultry diet modification strategies to minimize nutrient excretion of environmentally problematic nutrients in the litter; 3. Develop effective poultry litter disposal strategies focusing on beneficial and environmentally sound uses; 4. Determine the effects of watershed buffer zones, livestock access management, and streamside management zones for water quality improvement in livestock and forestry production systems; 5. Develop improved dairy waste management and use strategies using traditional aerobic/anaerobic lagoons with constructed wetlands for tertiary treatment and through creation of revenue generating products such as fertilizer pellets, bioenergy, and bio-oil.
Project Methods
Replicated experiments will be conducted to evaluate various treatment effects involving conservation tillage for rice and cotton cropping systems to minimize environmental impact. For rice, preplant and early-season vegetation management strategies will be evaluated including timing of pre-plant vegetation termination and vegetation management during the seedling stage where the emphasis will be on emerging herbicide resistant technology. In addition, the long term effects of reduced tillage on continuous rice culture compared to 1:1 rotations of rice with soybeans, or grain sorghum, or fallow ground will be determined. For cotton, 13 year-round cropping systems that provide ground cover from crop residues and winter cover crops will be evaluated. Recommended insect pest management strategies will be applied to each cropping system resulting in an overall evaluation of combinations of cultural, plant resistance, and insecticidal practices in IPM. Non-point source pollution from livestock production practices from dairy and poultry operations is a key concern in Louisiana. Poultry production is the largest animal industry in the state and thus, reducing phosphorus (P) loading to the environment is paramount. One approach will be dietary modification. Experiments will include : 1) determining the minimum dietary P requirement for broilers, 2) determining the effect of phytase in nutrient modified diets, and 3) developing low crude protein diets supplemented with amino acids. Another approach is improved poultry litter disposal management. Experiments will include : 1) evaluating five pasture grass species for their potential to phytoremediate pasture soils with excessively high P levels from previous poultry litter application, 2) determining the effect of poultry litter for maintaining forest soil fertility where pine straw is annually harvested, 3) evaluating the effectiveness of bauxite residue added to poultry litter and to high P soils for reducing soil P runoff, and 4) determining the effect of field edge buffer strips (9 meters wide) to reduce runoff from surface-applied poultry litter. In another series of experiments, beef cattle accessibility or exclusion will be compared to determine livestock effects on water quality in stock ponds. Also, five streamside management harvest intensities will be applied to a loblolly pine plantation by removing from zero to 100% of the trees in 25% increments. Sediment loss to the receiving stream from each harvest intensity will be determined. Finally, dairy waste management strategies will include: 1) evaluating the effect of modifying the anaerobic lagoon inlet to load waste water below surface level on abatement of nutrients and coliforms in replicated sequential anaerobic/aerobic lagoons with constructed wetland systems, 2) verifying seasonal variability of coliforms and nutrient loads in the influent compared with the constructed wetland, 3) exploring alternative potential uses of dairy manure for bio-energy and byproducts using engineering to construct a manure/sand separator, a field-scale solar drier, a gasifier, and bio-oil production reactor.

Progress 09/01/06 to 08/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research outputs include refereed articles (18), research bulletins, (6), conference proceedings (12), abstracts (8), popular articles (4), and a thesis (1) that detailed soil and water phosphorus dynamics as impacted by high and/or chronic applications of phosphorus as part of pasture and forest management and novel management protocols to prevent phosphorus contamination of ground and surface waters. Tillage system interactions with seeding and nitrogen (N) rates were incorporated into the LSU AgCenter's official recommendations for rice production and are available in the Louisiana Rice Production Handbook and Rice Varieties and Management Tips 2010 publications. Experiments were conducted to determine the order of limiting amino acids in low crude protein, amino acid supplemented diets for pigs and broilers. Arginine and Val are equally limiting after Met, Lys, Thr, and Gly in a diet with 0.25% L-Lys.HCl for broilers. Isoleucine and Val are nearly equally limiting in low crude protein, amino acid supplemented diets afer Lys, Thr, Trp, and Met in growing pigs, but the diets with Ile and Val supplementation does not support optimum growth in pigs. Recent research suggests that Gly and/or Arg may be necessary to overcome the growth reduction. The optimum Ca:P may be 1.9:1 and not 2.2:1 and the P requirement is affected by previous P level in the diet. Project results were used in educational materials and presentations in the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, resulting in Master Farmer certification for more than 200 farmers. Other outputs centered on group presentations attended by producers and Extension agents in local, state, regional and national meetings, and 4-H programs. Presentations were given at 9 LSU AgCenter Master Farmer Field Days, 4-H programs, NRCS Soil Quality Workshops, 7 Research Station Field Days, the National Cotton and Rice Conservation Systems Conference, the Louisiana Crops Forum, the Southern Region Exchange and Information Group 33, the Northeast Agricultural and Natural Resources Faculty training meetings, the Soil Management and Plant Nutrition Technical Conference at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences, and the Northeast Louisiana Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meeting. Further dissemination of outputs was accomplished through printed 20 Extension newsletters and other media including Louisiana Agriculture and Farm Press publications directed toward producers and agribusinesses. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Productivity and economic returns/ac were highest in BMP cropping systems. Fertilizer inputs were 30-50% lower than in monocrop systems and efficiency improved by scheduling applications. Cotton yield following winter legume cover crop required no inorganic N and yielded more than inorganically fertilized cotton. BMP cropping systems incorporating conservation tillage and winter cover crops were more economic and sustainable than monocrop systems. In loblolly pine plantations, soil compaction and reduced soil water holding capacity and microbial activity were greatest when annual straw harvesting coupled with inorganic fertilizer application; fertilization with poultry litter (PL) did not alter soil properties but increased mineralization and nitrification relative to inorganic fertilizer. Annual fertilization with up to 10 Mg PL/ha kept soil test P concentrations below runoff potential thresholds but increased N and P leaching risks. Hay harvests can phytoremediate soil with elevated P. Most effective were bermudagrass/ryegrass followed by switchgrass and crabgrass. Bahiagrass and bermudagrass alone were least effective. Bauxite refining residue (red mud) reduces P solubility in soil and lowers solubility of P from PL, but less so than 10% alum. Effect of combined alum and red mud is additive. In annually-raked loblolly pine plantations, applying PL rather than inorganic fertilizer can better sustain soil microbial popultations and nutrient cycling. Applying PL to loblolly pine plantations and agroforests at rates lower than 10 Mg/ha/yr will minimize risks of N and P pollution of groundwater. Concentrations of P, nitrate, nitrite, total N, and total coliforms did not differ in pasture plots fertilized with poultry litter with and without buffer strips. Fecal coliforms were lower in ponds with limited or no access to ponds by cattle. Using current BMP's for an unfertilized buffer zone around water bodies can reduce water contamination with exchangeable N and P. In rice, conventional tillage (CT) reduced plant density compared with fall-stale seedbed (FSS) tillage. Grain yield was highest for Jupiter at 323 seed/m2, while Cheniere required greater seeding rate. Panicle density was the most influential yield component on rice yield. Rice tillering ability is a yield compensatory measure when suboptimal rice densities exist. Yield increased using FSS vs CT for Catahoula but was similar for Neptune. Optimal N rate was 156 and 151 kg/ha for Catahoula and Neptune, respectively. Total N uptake and recovery efficiency were similar under CT and FSS, and that needed for optimal yield was 198 kg/ha for Catahoula and 213 kg/ha for Neptune. Rice producers need not alter current CT based on state N recommendation guidelines for Neptune, Catahoula, Cheniere, or Jupiter rice varieties when grown using FSS. Minimizing N loss to the environment will decrease atmospheric ammonia. The most cost effective, and perhaps the only, way to do this in livestock diets is to decrease dietary N content. Our research on maximizing crystalline amino acid use with no effects on animal performance is the key to minimizing N lost in the waste and to the environment.

Publications

  • Waldron, G., and L. Gaston. 2007. Sorption and transport of phosphorus in soil / bauxite residue mixtures. Abstracts, 2007 International Meetings, ASA-CSSA-SSA, November 4-8, New Orleans, LA. CD.
  • Felicien, W., L. Gaston, D. Cooper, S. Hotard and M. Blazier. 2006. Effects of pine straw raking and fertilization on runoff water quality. Abstracts, 2006 International Annual Meetings, ASA-CSSA-SSSA, November 12-16, Indianapolis, IN. CD.
  • Ryan, V. 2006. Phytoremediation of a high phosphorus soil by summer and winter hay harvest. Thesis. Louisiana State University. URL: http://edt.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-071206-125540/
  • Ryan, V., L. Gaston, D. Cooper, and M. Stephens. 2006. Phytoremediation of high phosphorus soil by summer and winter hay harvest. Abstracts, 2006 International Meetings, ASA-CSSA-SSA, November 12-16, Indianapolis, IN. CD.
  • Waldron, G., L. Gaston, D. Cooper and M. Stephens. 2006. Phosphorus sorption and soil variability in Louisiana coastal plain soils. Abstracts, 2006 International Annual Meetings, ASA-CSSA-SSSA, November 12-16, Indianapolis, IN. CD.
  • Harrell, D.L., Leonards, J. P., Regan, R.P., and Walker, D.M. 2009. Rice agronomy. In 100th Annual Research Report. Rice Research Station, La. Agric. Exp. Stn., LSU AgCenter, Crowley, LA, pp. 86-181.
  • Harrell, D.L. 2009. Evaluation of conventional and reduced tillage practices on optimum seeding rate, nitrogen fertilization rate and yield components. Proc. 12th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference. Jan. 26-27, 2009. Marksville, LA. p. 16-17.
  • Harrell, D.L. 2009. Evaluation of conventional and reduced tillage practices on optimum seeding rate, nitrogen fertilization rate and yield components. Proc. 32nd Rice Tech. Wrkg. Grp., Feb. 18-21, 2008. San Diego, CA. p.117-118.
  • Harrell, D.L., Leonards, J.P., Regan, R.P., and Walker, D.M. 2007. Rice agronomy. In 98th Annual Research Report. Rice Research Station, La. Agric. Exp. Stn., LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Saichuk, J., Harrell, D.L., et al. 2007. Rice varieties and management tips 2008. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Pub. 2270.
  • Bond, J.A. 2006. Weed control in reduced tillage rice culture. p. 46-47 In Proc. Conservation Syst. Cotton and Rice Conf., 9th, Tunica, MS, 1-2 Feb. 2006. MidAmerica Farm Publications, Perryville, MO.
  • Robbins, K.R., A.M. Saxton and L.L. Southern. 2006. Estimation of nutrient requirements using broken-line regression analysis. J. Anim. Sci. 84(E. Suppl.):E155-E165.
  • Saichuk, J.K., Hollier, C.A., Groth, D.E., Harrell, D.L., Webster, E.P., White, L.M., Rush, M.C., Stout, M.J., Blanche, S.B., Linscombe, S.D., Sha, X., and Hummel, N. 2009. Rice varieties and management tips, 2010. La. Coop. Ext. Pub. 2270. LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge.
  • Harrell, D.L. and Bond, J.A. 2009. Evaluation of tillage and rotation system effects on rice yield and selected chemical and physical properties: First three years. 32nd Rice Technical Working Group. San Diego, CA. Feb. 18-21, 2008. p. 125-126.
  • Saichuk, J.K., Schultz, B., Hollier, C.A., Groth, D.E., Harrell, D.L., Webster, E.P., White, L.M., Rush, M.C., Salassi, M., Stout, M.J., Levy, Jr., R.J., Blanche, S., Linscombe, S.D., Reagan, T.E., Sha, X., and Hummel, N. 2009. Louisiana Rice Production Handbook. La. Coop. Ext. Ser. Pub. #2321.
  • Stout, J.M., Harrell, D.L., Tendall, K.V., and Bond, J. 2009. Impacts of seeding rate on interactions between rice and rice water weevils. J. Econ. Entomol. 102(5):1837-1845.
  • Saichuk, J., Harrell, D.L., et al. 2008. Rice varieties and management tips 2007. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Pub. 2270.
  • Harrell, D.L. 2008. Conventional vs. reduced tillage practices in rice. Rice Research Station News. 5(3):3-4. Harrell, D.L., Leonards, J. P., Regan, R.P., and Walker, D.M. 2008. Rice agronomy. In 99th Annual Research Report. Rice Research Station, La. Agric. Exp. Stn., LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Harrell, D.L. and Bond, J. 2008. Evaluation of tillage and rotation system effects on rice yield and selected chemical and physical properties: first three years. Louisiana Agricultural Sciences Association (LASA) ann. mtg., Mar. 28, Baton Rouge, LA. [CD] p. 39.
  • Shelton, J.L. and L.L. Southern. 2006. Effect of phytase addition with or without the trace mineral premix on growth performance, bone response variables, and tissue mineral concentrations in commercial broilers. J. Appl. Poultry Res. 15:94-102.
  • Watson, B.C., J.O. Matthews, L.L. Southern and J.L. Shelton. 2006. The effects of phytase on growth performance and intestinal transit time of broilers fed nutritionally adequate diets and diets deficient in calcium and phosphorus. Poultry Sci. 85:493-497.
  • Koopmans, S.J., A.C. Guzik, J. van der Meulen, R. Dekker, J. Kogut, B.J. Kerr and L.L. Southern. 2006. Effects of supplemental L-tryptophan on serotonin, cortisol, intestinal integrity, and behavior in weanling piglets. J. Anim. Sci. 84: 963-971.
  • Guzik, A.C., J.O. Matthews, B.J. Kerr, T.D. Bidner and L.L. Southern. 2006. Dietary tryptophan effects on plasma and salivary cortisol and meat quality in pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 84:2251-2259.
  • Dean, D.W., Southern, L.L., B.J. Kerr and T.D. Bidner. 2007. The lysine and total sulfur amino acid requirements of six- to twelve-kilogram pigs. Prof. Anim. Sci. 23:527-535.
  • Dean, D.W., Southern, L.L. and T.D. Bidner. 2007. Low crude protein diets for late finishing barrows. Prof. Anim. Sci. 23:616-624.
  • Powell, S., S. Johnston, L. Gaston and L.L. Southern. 2008. The effect of dietary phosphorus level and phytase supplementation on growth performance, bone breaking strength, and litter phosphorus concentration in broilers. Poult. Sci. 87:949-957.
  • Waguespack, A.M., S. Powell, T. D. Bidner, R. L. Payne and L.L. Southern. 2009. Effect of incremental levels of L-lysine and determination of the limiting amino acids in low crude protein corn-soybean meal diets for broilers. Poult. Sci. 88:1216-1226.
  • S. Powell, T.D Bidner and L.L. Southern. 2009. The interactive effects of glycine, total sulfur amino acids, and lysine supplementation to corn-soybean meal diets on growth performance and serum uric acid and urea concentrations in broilers. Poult. Sci. 88:1407-1412.
  • Johnston, S.L., E.D. Fruge, T.D. Bidner and L.L. Southern. 2009. Effect of phytase addition on growth and carcass traits of pigs fed diets deficient in lysine, calcium, and phosphorus. Prof. Anim. Sci. 25:161-168.
  • Waguespack, A.M., S. Powell, T.D. Bidner and L.L. Southern. 2010.The glycine plus serine requirement of broiler chicks fed low crude protein, corn-soybean meal diets. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 18:761-765.
  • Boquet, D.J. and K.W. Paxton. 2008. Cropping systems as best management practices. In Proc. National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conf. 21-22 Jan. Tunica, MS. Tillage Digest. Perryville, MO.
  • Boquet, D.J. and K.W. Paxton. 2007. Economics of BMP cropping systems. Louisiana Agric. 50(1):20-21.
  • Huizhen Niu, K.W. Paxton and D.J. Boquet. 2007. Assessing the impact of BMP cropping systems on returns and risks. Southern Assoc. Agric. Scientists Annual Meeting. 3-6 Feb. Mobile, AL.
  • Boquet, D.J., B.S. Tubana, H.J. Mascagni, Jr., M. Holman, and S.Hague. 2009. Cotton yield responses to fertilizer nitrogen rates in a cotton-corn rotation. Agron. J. 101:400-407.
  • Boquet, D.J. 2008. Double-cropped cotton as a BMP. p. 7-9. In (S. Stewart, ed. ) Louisiana Cotton Bulletin. Vol 5: 7-9.
  • Boquet, D.J., G.A. Breitenbeck, and J.S. Kruse. 2008. Fertilizer nitrogen formulation and rate effects on cotton yield. p. 1589-1594. In Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Nashville, TN. 8-11 Jan. National Cotton Council. Memphis TN. CD ROM and online at www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings
  • Mascagni, H.J. and D.J. Boquet. 2007. Influence of starter fertilizer on corn yield and plant development on Mississippi River alluvial soils. Better Crops. 91(2):8-10.
  • Leonard, B. R., K. Emfinger, P. Price, K. Fontenot, and J. Hardke. 2008. Cotton aphid management issues in Louisiana. pp. 1262-1264. In Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conferences. 8-11 Jan. Nashville, TN. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
  • Leonard, B. R. and D. R. Cook. 2008. Insecticide use strategies in Mid-South cotton fields for tarnished plant bug. In Proc. (Goodell and Ellsworth eds) Second International Lygus Symposium, Pacific Grove, CA. 15-19 April 2007. J. Insect Science 8(49): 17-18 (www.insectscience.org accessed Oct. 10, 2008).
  • Willrich-Siebert, M., K.V. Tindall, B. R. Leonard, J. Van Duyn, and J. Babcock. 2008. Evaluation of corn hybrids expressing Cry 1F (Herculex I) against fall armyworm (Lepidopteran: Noctuidae) in the southern United States. J. Entomol. Sci. 43:41-51.
  • Leonard, B. R. 2008. Insect control strategies, p. 193. In Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Nashville, TN. 8-11 Jan. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN. CD ROM and online at www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings.
  • Leonard, B. R. 2008. Recognizing potential cotton pest problems in a multi-crop environment, pp. 10-12. In Proc. National Conserv. Tillage Cotton and Rice Conf. National Conservation Tillage Digest, Perryville, MO.
  • Blazier, M.A., Liechty, H.O., Ellum, K.A. 2009. Annual Straw Harvesting and Fertilizer Source Modify Nitrogen and Carbon Dynamics in a Loblolly Pine Plantation in the Mid-South USA. ASA-CSSA-SSSA, October 31-November 4, Pittsburgh, PA. CD.
  • Ellum, K.A., Liechty, H.O., Blazier, M.A. 2009. Seasonal Dynamics of Soil Nitrogen Following Five Years of Pine Straw Harvesting and Fertilization. ASA-CSSA-SSSA, October 31-November 4, Pittsburgh, PA. CD.
  • Liechty, H.O., Blazier, M.A., Wight, J.P., Gaston, L.A., Richardson, J.D., Ficklin, R.L. 2009. Assessment of repeated application of poultry litter on phosphorus and nitrogen dynamics in loblolly pine: Implications for water quality. Forest Ecology and Management. 259(10): 2294-2303.
  • Blazier, M.A., Patterson, W.B., Hotard, S.L. 2008. Straw harvesting, fertilization, and fertilizer type alter soil microbiological and physical properties in a loblolly pine plantation in the mid-South USA. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 45:145-153.
  • Blazier, M.A., Gaston, L.A., Clason, T.R., Farrish, K.W., Oswald, B.P., Evans, H.A. 2008. Nutrient dynamics and tree growth of silvopastoral systems: impact of poultry litter. Journal of Environmental Quality. 37:1546-1558.
  • Patterson, W.B., Blazier, M.A., Hotard, S.L. 2007. Pinestraw raking, fertilization, and poultry litter amendment effects on soil physical properties for a mid-rotation loblolly pine plantation. Proceedings of the 14th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. 26 Feb-1 Mar 2007. Athens, GA.


Progress 09/01/07 to 08/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Practices and inputs to promote greater efficiency of crops within and among cropping systems and to reduce production costs are being incorporated into existing Best Management Practices (BMP's) to maintain crop productivity with fewer negative effects on the environment. The successful adoption of BMP production systems for southern row crops requires system integration of environmentally-friendly plant protection strategies in response to changes in pest status and diversity. Minimizing nitrogen loss to the environment will decrease atmospheric ammonia. The most cost effective, and perhaps the only, way to do this in livestock diets is to decrease dietary nitrogen content. Our research on maximizing crystalline amino acid use with no effects on animal performance is the key to minimizing nitrogen lost in the waste and to the environment. Slow desorption of P from bauxite residue or mixtures of this material with soil suggest some promise for its use to limit P mobility in soil. As a single treatment for poultry litter, however, it does not retain P as well as the recommended treatment, alum, but in combination with alum, it significantly decreases P loss from poultry litter compared to alum alone. Continued work on maintaining forest soil fertility and quality where pine straw is annually removed further supports poultry litter as superior to inorganic fertilizer. This project is serving as a foundation for future water quality research in the North Central Region. Techniques, procedures and expertise learned in the planning and implementation of this project will be used to guide continuing research on water quality and waste management in this area. A biomass gasifier was designed and built at LSU. A non-provisional patent was filed in June 08. A larger (500 lb/hr) gasifier unit will be constructed by an investor in early 2009. A novel technique of producing crude-type oil from wet dairy slurries was also researched. Rice tillage systems and rotations can have considerable impacts on agronomic and soil physical and chemical properties over time. No-till plots from this study were associated with increased total soil C and OM and decreased surface Na and Mg levels. No-till rice production can produce equivalent yields to conventionally tilled rice when managed properly. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Tests in 2008 were severely impacted by flooding and winds of Hurricane Gustav that lowered overall yields by 30 to 50 percent, which requires caution in interpreting 2008 results. No till cotton yields were increased by application of N up to 67 kg per ha on Commerce silty clay loam and 101 kg per ha on Gigger silt loam. Split applications based on plant growth stage or in-season crop and leaf greenness readings did not increase fertilizer N efficiency. BMP cropping systems incorporating conservation tillage and winter cover crops performed as well as, or better, than monocrop systems, apart from doublecrop cotton that was storm damaged. Studies examined the order of limiting amino acids in low crude protein, amino acid supplemented diets for pigs and broilers. Arginine and Val are equal limiting after Met, Lys, Thr, and Gly in a diet with 0.25 percent L-Lys-HCl for broilers. Isoleucine and Val are nearly equally limiting in low crude protein, amino acid supplemented diets afer Lys, Thr, Trp, and Met in growing pigs, but the diets with Ile and Val supplementation does not support optimum growth in pigs. Recent research suggests that Gly and/or Arg may be necessary to overcome the growth reduction. Earlier work with bauxite residue as a soil amendment for enhanced phosphorus (P) sorption / reduced P mobility has been extended to examine sorption kinetics and possible use of this material as a treatment for poultry litter to reduce P loss from litter. Further studies on effects of pine straw raking + fertilization with either inorganic or poultry litter sources on soil quality have been undertaken. Effects of buffer strips on surface water quality after poultry litter application on test plots are being evaluated and data collection will continue through 2008. Results thus far suggest no differences for phosphorous, nitrate, nitrite, total nitrogen and total coliforms. Mean fecal coliforms were lowest in control plots receiving no litter application. Evaluation of farm ponds with full access, limited access and no access by cattle indicated that fecal coliforms were lowest in ponds with no or limited access to ponds by cattle. Limiting access of cattle to ponds is more management intensive than traditional free access methods. Additional fencing and brush and weed control issues must be weighed against potential gains in water quality. In rice, two tillage treatments (no-till and conventional-till) and four rotation treatments (rice-rice, rice-fallow, rice-soybean, rice-sorghum) were used in the study. In 2008, only the rotational crops were grown. Rice yield from the rice-rice rotation were not significantly different in 2008. The most notable tillage and rotation main effects were associated with the basic soil cations Mg and Na. Cations Na and Mg were higher in conventional till compared with no-till plots during both samplings in 2007 and in the spring of 2008. Furthermore, Na levels were consistently higher from fall 2005 to spring 2008. Soil organic C was increased when no-tillage was used as compared with conventional tillage across all rotations during the spring 2008 sampling.

Publications

  • Theegala, C.S., Small, D., Monroe, T.W. 2008. Oxygen Electrode-Based, Single Antibody Amperometric Biosensor for Qualitative Detection of E.coli and Bacteria in Water. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A. Volume A43, No.5.
  • Harrell, D.L., J. P. Leonards, R. P. Regan, and D. M. Walker. 2008. Rice agronomy. In 99th Annual research report. Rice Research Station, La. Agric. Exp. Stn., Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Harrell, D.L. and J. Bond. 2008. Evaluation of tillage and rotation system effects on rice yield and selected chemical and physical properties: first three years. 32nd Rice Tec. Working Group. Feb. 18-21, San Diego, California. Proceedings (in press).
  • Harrell, D.L. and J. Bond. 2008. Evaluation of tillage and rotation system effects on rice yield and selected chemical and physical properties: first three years. Louisiana Agricultural Sciences Association (LASA) ann. mtg., Mar. 28, Baton Rouge, LA. [CD] p. 39.
  • Leonard, B. R., K. Emfinger, P. Price, K. Fontenot, and J. Hardke. 2008. Cotton aphid management issues in Louisiana. pp. 1262-1264. In Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conferences. 8-11 Jan. Nashville, TN. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
  • Leonard, B. R. and D. R. Cook. 2008. Insecticide use strategies in Mid-South cotton fields for tarnished plant bug. In Proc. (Goodell and Ellsworth eds) Second International Lygus Symposium, Pacific Grove, CA. 15-19 April 2007. J. Insect Science 8(49): 17-18 (www.insectscience.org accessed Oct. 10, 2008).
  • Willrich-Siebert, M., K.V. Tindall, B. R. Leonard, J. Van Duyn, and J. Babcock. 2008. Evaluation of corn hybrids expressing Cry 1F (Herculex I) against fall armyworm (Lepidopteran: Noctuidae) in the southern United States. J. Entomol. Sci. 43:41-51.
  • Jason Midgett. 2007. Assessing a hydrothermal liquefaction process using biomass feedstocks. MS Thesis. Louisiana State University.
  • Christopher Akudo. 2007. Characterization of tars and particulates from a downdraft-biomass gasifier. MS Thesis. Louisiana State University.
  • Saichuk, J., D.L. Harrell, et al. 2008. Rice varieties and management tips 2007. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Pub. 2270.


Progress 09/01/06 to 08/31/07

Outputs
A long term tillage and rice rotation study was established in 2005 to compare tillage treatments (no-till and conventional-till) and crop rotations (rice-rice, rice-fallow, rice-soybean, and rice-sorghum). Rice yields in 2007 were greater in the no-till as compared to the conventional till system, but rice yields were comparable for the various rotation systems. Similarly, total soil nitrogen (N) and organic matter (OM) were both higher in the no-till as compared to the conventional till rice, but these variables were not affected by crop rotation. In another study evaluating corn, cotton, and soybeans both in mono-crop and crop rotations, commodity yields were highest for the conservation tillage cropping systems. When double-cropped behind wheat, yield reductions were as high as 21% for cotton and 30% for soybean. Compared with mono-cropping, double-crop cotton yields were reduced an average 120 kg lint/ha each year and double-crop soybean yields were reduced an average of 440 kg per ha annually. Some of the most profitable systems were the no-till systems that maintained year-long ground cover with crops and crop residues. Experiments were conducted to determine the order of limiting amino acids in low crude protein, amino acid supplemented diets for pigs and broilers. Arginine and Val are equal limiting after Met, Lys, Thr, and Gly in a diet with 0.25% L-Lys HCl for broilers. Isoleucine and Val are nearly equally limiting in low crude protein, amino acid supplemented diets after Lys, Thr, Trp, and Met in growing pigs. Studies on the comparative potential of bermudagrass, bahiagrass, crabgrass, and switchgrass, and a summer bermudagrass / winter ryegrass system on P uptake and removal were concluded. Despite lower tissue P concentrations in switchgrass, its much larger biomass production resulted in the greatest P removal rate (around 60 kg P/ha annually). Annual application of poultry litter to an agroforest system that included bahiagrass and loblolly pine revealed that such land use systems are ecologically viable for relatively high levels of poultry litter application on upland Coastal Plain soils. Poultry litter stimulated growth and value of loblolly pine, and a higher proportion of applied P was sequestered than has been found on pastures and agricultural crops on comparable soils. The viability of generating bioenergy from animal wastes using inclined gravity screens, solar drying, biomass gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction were evaluated. In screen-separated dairy manure the separated solids had a nitrogen content of 1.6% (dry basis, with volatile ammonia accounted) and average C:N ratio of 26.5:1 with very low concentrations of phosphorous and potassium. Several strains of bacteria following solar still drying were tolerant to temperatures above 210 F. However, a new sterilization protocol was developed in the lab which totally eliminated fecal coliforms in field studies. Producing crude-like oil from biomass is technically viable but the economical viability has not been assessed.

Impacts
Over time, conservation tillage practices such as drill seeding rice into a no-till seedbed have the potential to increase total soil nitrogen, organic matter, and rice grain yields as compared to continuously drill seeding into a conventional tilled seedbed, regardless of the crop rotation used. The conservation systems evaluated were highly productive with potential to improve soil and water quality. The results demonstrate which environmentally-protective crop options are most likely to also be productive and economically beneficial, providing distinct choices to growers and land owners. Despite their value for environmental protection, conservation practices such as winter cover crops reduced net returns per ha, at least in the short term. To promote implementation of cover crop practices and retain their valuable environmental benefits, public funding sources are needed. Minimizing nitrogen loss to the environment will decrease atmospheric ammonia. The most cost effective, and perhaps the only, way to do this in livestock diets is to decrease dietary nitrogen content. Our research on maximizing crystalline amino acid use with no effects on animal performance is the key to minimizing nitrogen lost in the waste and to the environment. Removal of soil P in hay harvest may lower soil P by more than 25 ppm annually. While this strategy would be appropriate for managing soil P levels where not excessive, soil amendments such as bauxite residue that increase P retention in soil may be needed. Annual raking of pine straw can negatively impact soil strength and porosity due to compaction of soil via equipment traffic. If these compaction effects lead to declines in loblolly pine plantation growth and development or soil nutrient turnover, annual raking would not be ecologically sustainable unless management practices to ameliorate compaction are implemented. The ability to supplement income by generating bio-energy or additional revenue from animal wastes would be beneficial to the ailing animal agriculture industry by improving overall profitability of animal farms. Revenue generating options being investigated are production of bacteria-free fertilizer pellets, production of synthesis gas from waste gasification and subsequent heat or electricity generation, and bio-oil production from animal waste.

Publications

  • Boquet, D.J. and K.W. Paxton. 2006. Yield and economics of soil conservation systems for water quality preservation. P. 2157-2164. In Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conf. San Antonio, TX. 3-6 Jan. National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
  • Boquet, D.J. and K. W. Paxton. 2007. Economics of BMP cropping systems. Louisiana Agric. 50(1):20-21.
  • Boquet, D.J. 2007. Productivity and net returns from BMP cropping systems. In Proc. 10 annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conf. 29-30 Jan. Houston, TX. MidAmerica Publications. Online at www.Cottoninc.com/agresearch.
  • Guzik, A.C., J.O. Matthews, B.J. Kerr, T.D. Bidner, and L.L. Southern. 2006. Dietary tryptophan effects on plasma and salivary cortisol and meat quality in pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 84:2251-2259.
  • Harrell, D.L., J. P. Leonards, R. P. Regan, and D. M. Walker. 2007. Rice agronomy. In 98 Annual research report. Rice Research Station, La. Agric. Exp. Stn., Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Kaller, M.D., J.D. Hudson, E.C. Achberger, and W.E. Kelso. 2007. Feral pig research in western Louisiana; Expanding populations and unforeseen consequences. Human-Wildlife Conflicts 1:168-177.
  • Koopmans, S.J., A.C. Guzik, J. van der Meulen, R. Dekker, J. Kogut, B.J. Kerr, and L.L. Southern. 2006. Effects of supplemental L-tryptophan on serotonin, cortisol, intestinal integrity, and behavior in weanling piglets. J. Anim. Sci. 84: 963-971. Robbins, K.R., A.M. Saxton, and L.L. Southern. 2006. Estimation of nutrient requirements using broken-line regression analysis. J. Anim. Sci. 84(E. Suppl.):E155-E165.
  • Saichuk, J., D.L. Harrell, et al. 2007. Rice varieties and management tips 2003. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Pub. 2270.
  • Shelton, J.L. and L.L. Southern. 2006. Effect of phytase addition with or without the trace mineral premix on growth performance, bone response variables, and tissue mineral concentrations in commercial broilers. J. Appl. Poultry Res. 15:94-102.
  • Waldron, G. and L. Gaston. 2007. Sorption and transport of phosphorus in soil / bauxite residue mixture. Currently available at: http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2007am/ techprogram/P36576.HTM
  • Watson, B.C., J.O. Matthews, L.L. Southern, and J.L. Shelton. 2006. The effects of phytase on growth performance and intestinal transit time of broilers fed nutritionally adequate diets and diets deficient in calcium and phosphorus. Poultry Sci. 85:493-497.
  • Akudo, C. and C.S. Theegala. Tar and particulate characterization from a downdraft, biomass gasifier. Conference paper for ASABE, June 17-20, 2007, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minnesota.