Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Over the last ten years many projects were undertaken to address economic, environmental and/or social dimensions of sustainability. Often these projects focused on identification and evaluation of technologies and best management practices for their potential to efficiently use and/or conserve resource quantity/quality while enhancing profitability for a sustainable agriculture; 2) investigation of economic incentives and disincentives to firms and households for resource use and protection in the presence of actual and potential environmental policies; and 3) identification of business skills and other risk management practices that enable members of the agricultural production and agricultural business communities to balance the demands of family, business and community. A multitude of techniques and tools - surveys, stochastic dominance, dynamic optimization, econometrics, genetic algorithm, and input output analyses - were employed throughout the studies. Some projects targeted row crop, livestock and specialty crop producers or limited resource/socially disadvantaged (Native American and Hispanic) producers. Some focused on the collection of Arkansas' agricultural operators as a whole. Other projects targeted households or industry. In addition to dozens of scholarly publications, programs and products were produced. Annual Arkansas Women in Agriculture conferences were developed and convened with a purpose of bringing financial and production management skills to Arkansas' most rapidly growing producer demographic. Risk management workshops, guide books and a website (www.manageyourrisk.net) were developed to provide financial, production, marketing, legal and environmental risk management tools to agricultural producers. Finally, a train the trainer curriculum was developed to provide risk management training for those interested in direct marketing of their agricultural products. PARTICIPANTS: The following is a list of project directors and project investigators: Jim Ascough, PhD; William Baker, PhD; Barbara Bellows, PhD; Indrajeet Chaubey, PhD; Penguin Chen, PhD; Malcolm Cleveland, PhD; Carol Dillon, PhD; Gerald Doeksen, PhD; Claude Dorminey, PhD; Edward Gbur, PhD; Margaret Gitau, PhD; HL Goodwin, PhD; Janie Hipp, JD; Dana Hoag, PhD; Paul Huszar, PhD; Eric Hyatt, PhD; Donn Johnson, PhD; Terry Kiesling, PhD; Bernie Kurz, MS; Marty Matlock, PhD; Wayne Miller, PhD; Mark Nelson, PhD; Doris Newton, MS; John Pennington, MS; Harrison Pittman, JD; Michael Popp, PhD; Ronald Rainey, PhD; Luis Ribera, PhD; Curt Rom, PhD; Mary Savin, PhD; E ric Wailes, PhD; Brad Watkins, PhD; G. Westberry, PhD; Keith Willet,PhD; Ken Young, PhD. The following individuals served as research associates for at least one the studies: Amuri Nabalyla, PhD; Ingrid Arinez, PhD; Brittany Cioni, MS; Heather Friedrich, MS; Terry Griffin, PhD; Jason Hill, MS; W Intarapapong, PhD;Kyle Karr, MS; Nathan Kemper, MS; Sarah Lewis, PhD; Chetan Maringanti, PhD; Zara Neidermann, MS; Stephan Pollard, PhD; German Rodriguez, PD; Brian Schaefer, MS; Jim Smart, MS; Tarra Verkler, MS; Gina Vickery, MS; TARGET AUDIENCES: The projects targeted a variety of audiences. Some projects targeted one or more of a specific type of row crop (rice, soybean, cotton), livestock (cattle, poultry) or specialty crop (apples, peaches, grapes, raspberries, blackberries) producers. Risk management projects speficially targeted socially disadvantaged/limited resource producers, including women, Hispanic (non-English speaking) producers and producers who were members of federally recognized Tribes living in Southern states. Efforts for dissemination of results included conferences, workshops, websites, guide books and curriculums. Annual Arkansas Women in Agriculture conferences were developed and convened with a purpose of bringing financial and production management skills to Arkansas' most rapidly growing producer demographic. In the first three years of its existence, a website was maintained to reach women who could not attend the conferences. Risk management workshops, guide books and a website (www.manageyourrisk.net) were developed to provide financial, production, marketing, legal and environmental risk management tools to agricultural producers. Finally, a train the trainer curriculum was developed to provide risk management training for those interested in direct marketing of their agricultural products. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Highlights of selected impacts are presented below. 1. Best management practices (BMPs) for both row crop and livestock producers were identified that can reduce environmental degradation (water quality issues) and maintain/improve net returns compared to current practices. Risk assessments suggest the likelihood of achieving environmental and economic goals simultaneously. 2. Results of an analysis using the Modified Arkansas Off-stream Reservoir Analysis (MARORA) model showed that on farm reservoir systems can be an economically efficient way to reduce dependence on ground water sources for producers who have limited access to ground water sources. This model was distributed to rice and soybean producers in Eastern Arkansas who used it in conjunction with NRCS information to spec new reservoir/tailwater recovery systems for their farms. 3. Studies found that high tunnels can provide a means to generate early and late season production of raspberries and blackberries, thus providing more income stability for producers throughout the year. With this knowledge producers have expressed interest in participating in the NRCS High Tunnel Pilot program available in 38 states including Arkansas. 4. Waste audits of multi-family dwelling complexes in NW Arkansas determined that over half of the MDF weekly solid waste was recyclable. As a result a MFD recycling program was developed for two complexes in Fayetteville and resulted in collection of over 90% of all recyclable waste during a two year study period. 5. Surveys of households identified households 1) understanding (or lack thereof) of agriculture's potential contribution to water quality issues and factors that influence their willingness to pay to support water quality improvements in their region. These results were used to develop educational outreach materials by cooperative extension personnel in Northwest Arkansas. 6. Results of annual studies show that agriculture consistently contributes to 13-20% of jobs, income and value added to the state economy. This has provided incentives for the development of policies that protect the environment while maintaining agriculture activity in the region. 7. Over 100 risk management presentations were developed that provided tools and tips to producers seeking to minimize production, marketing, legal and financial risks associated with their agricultural operations. Additionally nearly half of those materials were also developed in the Spanish language, providing Spanish-speaking producers with information not readily accessible before. 8. The creation of the annual Arkansas Women in Agriculture Conferences (that drew 400-500 participants annually) led to the creation of a non-profit, Arkansas Women in Agriculture Inc., that now specializes in providing Arkansas's women in agricultural production and processing with information needed to succeed in their businesses.
Publications
- Popp, J., N. Kemper, W. Miller, K. McGraw and K. Karr. 2010. The Economic Contribution of the Agricultural Sector to the Arkansas Economy in 2008. University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Research Report 989. 46 pp.
- Rom, C.R., M.E. Garcia, J. McAfee, H. Friedrich, H.S. Choi, D.T. Johnson, J. Popp and M. Savin. 2010. The effects of groundcover management and nutrient source during organic orchard establishment. Acta Hort. 873: 105-113.
- Rom, C.R., M.E. Garcia, D.T. Johnson, J. Popp, H. Friedrich, and J. McAfee. 2010. High tunnel production of organic blackberries and raspberries in Arkansas. Acta Hort. 873: 269-276
- Rodruguez, H.G., J. Popp, C. Maringanti and I. Chaubey. Selection and Placement of Best Management Practices Used to Reduce Water Quality Degradation in Lincoln Lake Watershed. Journal Water Resources Research. (Manuscript 2009WR008549).
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1) An increased loss of agricultural nutrients is a growing concern for water quality in Arkansas. Several studies have shown that best management practices (BMPs) are effective in controlling nutrient runoff. Methodologies and tools that help to find solutions for incorporation into water management plans are needed that take into consideration BMPs selection, placement and affordability. 2) Agriculture has been a primary stimulus of economic growth in Arkansas since statehood. While agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production and value-added processing, it also plays an important role through its interactions with other sectors. The use of non-agricultural goods and services as inputs into the agriculture sector promotes diversified growth in the economy, thereby allowing agriculture to remain a vital part of the state economy. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audience for research include other agricultural researchers, agricultural producers and policy makers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
1) The objective of this study was to provide policy-makers with quantitative information about the costs and water quality benefit trade-offs associated with different watershed water management strategies. .A genetic algorithm (GA) model was used to identify a mix of BMP practices that reduces pollution in a cost effective manner. The GA identified a variety of solution sets, but most often included BMPs with buffer zones and low litter and fertilizer application rates as those most cost effective in reducing total nutrients in the watershed. The presence of alternative solutions allows decision makers to weigh tradeoffs between total nutrient load reduction and costs. 2) The total economic impact (direct, indirect and induced effects) of agriculture (production and processing for crop, animal agriculture and forestry) on value added, employment and wage income was estimated for the latest year data are available for extensive analysis, 2007. Agriculture is responsible for the creation of 68,617 jobs, or 17.0% the state's jobs, $9.2B or 15.4% of the state labor income and $15.2B or approximately 16.3% of the state's value added. While agriculture generates value added, employment and wages in all of the study sectors, roughly 48% of agriculture's contribution occurs in industries outside of agriculture such as Wholesale and Retail Trade, Transportation, and Government/Non-NAICS. Individually, the crop, animal agriculture and forestry sectors provide the catalyst for the direct creation of $2.8B, $2.2B and $2.8B, respectively, in value added and 59,314 crop sector jobs, 57,610 animal agriculture sector jobs and 33,259 forest sector jobs.
Publications
- Hoag, Dana L. and Jennie S. Hughes-Popp. 2009. Theory and practice of pollution credit trading in water quality management. In: R. Q. Grafton, Ed. Economics of Water Resources. Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Kemper, N. J. Popp, and W. Miller. 2009. Contribution of the Agricultural Sector to the Arkansas Economy. Research Report 987, Arkansas Experiment Station, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville.
- Maringanti, C. I. Chaubey, and J. Popp. 2009. Development of a Multi-Objective Optimization Tool for the Selection and Placement of BMPs for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control. Water Resources Research 45 (W06406):1-15.
- Verkler,T.K, K.R. Brye, J.H. Popp, E.E. Gbur, P. Chen, and N. Amuri. 2009. Soil properties, soybean response, and economic return as affected by residue and water management practices. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. 33(7): 716-744.
|
Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1)Soil, water, and air quality can be positively impacted by alternative crop residue management practices that return residue to the soil. Double-crop production systems, particularly those with a grass included in the rotation, rely on successful residue management practices. Soil quality and overall soil tilth are often low in regions with a long history of intense cultivated row crop production, such as in the Mississippi River Delta region of the mid-South. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of alternative-residue (i.e., tillage, residue burning, and residue level) and water management practices on soil properties, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production, and net returns, over two consecutive rotations in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-soybean double-crop system in the Mississippi River delta region of eastern Arkansas. 2)Beaver Lake is the primary water supply for a rapidly growing region in Northwest Arkansas. The lake is a popular tourist destination and land surrounding it is highly sought after for development. Some voice concern that development could affect lake water quality negatively and threaten future regional growth. PARTICIPANTS: K. Brye, University of Arkansas N. Kemper, University of Arkansas T. Verkler, University of Arkansas E. Gbur, Univerisity of Arkansas W. Miller, University of Arkansas P. Chen, University of Arkansas N. Amuri, University of Arkansas TARGET AUDIENCES: Producers, City Planners, and academics serve as the targeted audience reached through workshops, presentations and scholarly journals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
1)Residue management effects were inconsistent among soil properties and years, and differences were generally agronomically non-significant. Averaged across irrigation treatments, soybean yield was unaffected by tillage, burning and residue level either year. Within the non-irrigated treatment, conventionally tilled (CT) soybean yielded 38 % greater (P < 0.05) than no-tillage (NT) in 2005, but not 2006. In 2005 and 2006, irrigated soybean yield was 34 and 26 % greater (P < 0.05), respectively, in the burned than non-burned treatment. In 2006, the estimated net return from the high residue/burned/NT/irrigated treatment combination was 51 % greater than the traditional combination of high residue/burned/CT/irrigated soybean. By years four and five following conversion from CT to NT, the more environmentally sustainable practice of NT appears to be a viable, and potentially more profitable, alternative to the more common practice of CT. 2)The results of the study presented here suggest the spending of 2.4 million annual visitors to Beaver Lake generates 600 jobs, US$12.9 million in income and US$20.9 million in value added to the region. However, this economic activity is not likely to offset the costs to the region of maintaining the water supply and the water quality of the lake.Other efforts will be needed to ensure water quantity and quality are maintained as population grows.
Publications
- Amuri,N. K. Brye, E. Gbur, J. Popp, and P. Chen. 2008. Soil property and soybean yield trends in response to alternative wheat residue management practices in a wheat-soybean, double-crop production system in eastern Arkansas. Journal of Integrated Bioscience. 6(1):64-86.
- Kemper, N., Popp, J., and W. Miller. 2008. Regional Growth and Beaver Lake: A Study of Recreation Visitors. Tourism Economics: 14:409-426.
- Verler, T.L., K.R. Brye, E.Gbur, J. Popp and N. Amuri. 2008. Residue Management and Water Delivery Effects on Season-Long Surface Soil Water Dynamics in Soybean. Soil Science. 173(7):444-455.
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
1) As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow at a rapid pace, viable options for household waste disposal are decreasing. Currently many of the cities, such as Fayetteville offer a curbside recycling program for single family households but these programs fail to capture recyclable materials that may be generated at the nearly 14,000 apartment units and other multifamily dwellings within that city alone. A full sampling of a Fayetteville apartment complex residents' disposal activities was studied over 4-8 week intervals during a two year period. Using the City of Fayetteville's approved recycables list, a complete inventory of recyclable items was quantified during the study period. 2) Agriculture is a primary stimulus of economic growth in the Arkansas Delta. However, large acreages of rice and soybean employ high levels of fertilizers, pesticides and water for production. Without proper management, use of these inputs could lead to sediment and nutrient movement off
the farm and into nearby rivers and streams, further exacerbating water quality issues that already exist in the region. A stochastic simulation model of a combination of 54 best management practices (BMPs) scenarios including two levels of tillage, three fertilization rates and three filter-strip widths was used to address total phosphorous (TP) loading in the L'Anguille Watershed in Arkansas. The purpose of this study was to identify the efficient set of BMPs in terms of its effectiveness to reduce TP and its relative costs to rice and soybean producers. Scenarios were ranked in terms of their relative cost-effectiveness of reducing TP per dollar spent using stochastic efficiency techniques under a wide range of risk aversion levels 3) The Lincoln Lake Watershed in Northwest Arkansas is a rapidly growing area that is home to farms, urban residents and industry. Researchers recognize the importance of widespread inclusion of, and collaboration among, stakeholder groups in the
development of effective water management policy. Meaningful collaborations first require an understanding of the perceptions of agricultural and non-agricultural stakeholders regarding 1) water quality issues and 2) interactions with policymakers in the management process. Survey data was collected to better understand opinions regarding agricultural producers, other watershed residents and water quality specialists throughout the state regarding these issues.
Impacts
1) The waste audit found that he average total recyclable generation rate ranged from 1.97 kg/person/wk to 2.77 kg/person/wk across the periods. Fifty-two percent of the average resident's generated weekly solid waste was recyclable, an amount that would likely have been higher had compostable materials been included under recyclable categories. Cities looking to promote sustainability initiatives as well as to identify potential new sources of income generation may be interested in the development of multi-family dwelling recycling programs. However, such programs come with their own costs. Policy makers need empirical knowledge of the composition, variability, and generation rates of recyclables associated with the waste disposal behavior of such residents. This study offers some of the first such information available to policy makers in Northwest Arkansas. 2) Results suggested that five BMP combinations consistently out rank all others, regardless of sub-basin size
or amount of land devoted to agriculture in the sub-basin. Scenario 10 (rice conservation-till, soybeans no-till, low level of phosphorous (P) fertilization for both crops and a filter strip of 5 meters wide for soybeans) was the most preferred regardless of the decision maker's risk preferences. The economy of the Arkansas Delta region relies greatly upon production of row crops, Few studies have analyzed crop revenue risk in the state of Arkansas but no one has specifically addressed the issue of cost-risk incurred by producers when implementing BMP practices as a possible solution to water degradation. However, it is important to highlight that the effectiveness of BMPs should be rated not only in terms of their impact on pollutant loads but also by their acceptability to producers. Considering this last point, this study aims to enhance the body of water conservation literature by evaluating the risk faced by crop producers when they need to deal with the joint effects of water
regulations and the cost of implementing BMPs in their farm operations. 3) Results suggest that opinions vary widely between groups regarding water quality and the sources of water pollution. Agricultural stakeholders point to new construction and industry as the largest polluters while non-agricultural stakeholders (which include developers and industry) point to agriculture. Furthermore, stakeholder groups identified a disconnect between government officials' ability to represent the needs of stakeholders and their ability to effect policy. Survey data also provide insights regarding perceptions of best management practices' effectiveness that was heretofore unsubstantiated. Together all results suggest that work is needed to improve the knowledge base of stakeholders and their interaction with appropriate government officials if stakeholder involvement is to contribute to effective environmental policy. It further supports the need to involve stakeholders from the planning to the
implementation stage to develop relevant water quality policy. The methods used here can be applied where water quality management is a challenge in embattled watersheds impacted by excess application of animal manure.
Publications
- Pollard, S. , J. Popp, E. Gbur and M. Cleaveland. 2007. Resident generated compost target, household hazardous waste, and cat litter at a multi-family dwelling. The Journal Of Solid Waste Technology And Management. 33:115-126
- Popp, J., N. Kemper and W. Miller. 2007. The Impact of the Agriculture Sector on the Arkansas Economy in 2003. University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Research Report 981.
- Popp, J., H. G. Rodriguez, E. Gbur and J. Pennington. 2007. The role of stakeholders perceptions in addressing water quality disputes in an embattled watershed. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Restoration. 3:253-261.
- Pollard, J, Popp, E. Gbur and M. Cleaveland. 2007. Multi-family dwelling recyclables generation and composition The Journal Of Solid Waste Technology And Management. 33:158-170.
- Rodriguez, G. J. Popp, L. Ribera, I.Chaubey and B. Schaffer. 2007. Implementation of best management practices under cost risk to control phosphorus pollution in a crop based watershed in Arkansas. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Restoration. 3:193-205
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
1) The specific objectives of this study are to estimate the reduction in poultry production necessary to achieve the reduction in phosphorus runoff under a set of phosphorus constraints, including soil text phosphorus, and to estimate the opportunity costs of reducing poultry production in the basin under each phosphorus constraint on the economic activity in the Illinois River watershed. The opportunity cost for the entire basin was shown to range from approximately $1.5 million with the 20% reduction in phosphorus to $7.7 million with the limit corresponding to concentration of 0.02 mg/L. The difference between these two limits represents a 517% increase in the opportunity cost for the entire river basin. A regional disaggregation of the opportunity costs reveals that the majority of these costs were borne by the sub-basin located in Arkansas. It was also shown that the opportunity cost per ton of litter reduction for the phosphorus restrictions ranged from $52 per
ton of litter reduced to $65 per ton of litter reduced. These costs reflect the assumption that land-based application is the only alternative for disposal of litter in the basin and provide a benchmark for comparing alternative options for dealing with litter. An economic impact assessment of the basin-wide phosphorus limitations was also conducted for the Arkansas counties only, the Oklahoma counties only, and all five affected counties. It was shown that economic activities related to poultry grower activity were substantial in the region. Moreover, it was shown in this analysis that the more restrictive phosphorus limits imposed relatively large losses on the regional economy. 2) Alternative water conservation investment choices for the Grand Prairie Region of eastern Arkansas have been proposed. In particular, the cost-share and river water diversion components of the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration Project were analyzed in this study to determine their ramifications to area
farms and water use. The cost-share alternative was deemed most effective given trade offs between ground and surface water use, income redistribution and farm income considerations. Effects of earlier reductions in rice production on the Arkansas economy may, however, justify water diversion and thus this study suggests the importance of further review of the Grand Prairie project.
Impacts
Water quality and quality issues related to agricultural production remain a concern major concern across many watersheds in Arkansas. Information regarding both 1)the relationships between agricultural practices and water quantity/quality impacts and 2) the economic impact to agricultural producers to policy proposals is critical to developing economically and environmentally sustainable policies for the region. This research seeks to provide the economic information needed in the policy process.
Publications
- Hill,J., E. Wailes, M. Popp, J. Popp, B. Watkins J. Smartt, and K. Young. 2006. Surface water diversion impacts on farm income and sources of irrigation water: the case of the Grand Prairie in Arkansas. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. 61(4):185-190.
- Kemper, N.P., J. S. Popp, H. L. Goodwin, Jr., W. P. Miller, and G. A. Doeksen. 2006. The Economic power of poultry in the Ozarks. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 15: 502-510.
- Willet, K., D. Mitchell, H.L. Goodwin, B. Vieux and J. Popp. 2006. The opportunity cost of regulating phosphorus from broiler production in the Illinois Basin. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. 49(2) 181-207.
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
1)The poultry and water recreation industries are important to a 30 county area in Oklahoma(OK), Arkansas (AR) and Missouri (MO). The poultry industry generates roughly 4 percent of all regional jobs, income and value added while watre recreation generates roughly 0.50 percent. Given current technologies, requiring the poultry industry to meet a 0.037mg/l limit of phosphorus in surface waters, poultry activity would have to cut back, resulting in a loss of 33,910 jobs, $911M in income and $1,313M in value added. In order to offset these losses the water recreation industry would need an increase in visitors of 507 percent in the region. 2) A five state study of organic fruit production in the south identified three major barriers to organic fruit production : 1) lack of research and outreach activities to establish and support organic production and markets, 2) lack of knowledge and information on organic fertilizers and nutrient processing and 3) a lack of knowledge
and information on organic management of pests, diseases, weeds and rodents. As a result, the Southern Organic Fruit Working Group was formed that will coordinate collaborative efforts in organic research and outreach among stake holders, extension workers, agricultural economists, entomologists, horticulturists, plant pathologists, and soil scientists in the southern region. 3) Results from a study of apartment dwellers in Northwest Arkansas residents found that nearly 50% of total discarded materials (by weight) are recyclable. Recycling programs are not currently offered to aprtment dwellers in this city. Should these data be representative of other apartment complexes, this research suggests that cities that do not offer recylcing programs to apartment dwellers may be missing a significant quantity of recyclable materials and therefore foregoing a substantial revenue stream.
Impacts
As cities and regional governments struggle to develop policies that will minimize degradation to our natural resources (such as land and water) it is important to understand attitudes and perceptions of the regional society towards pollution and pollution control. This research seeks to uncover attitudes and other factors that influence participation in natural resource preservation programs. This information can be used to develop the most efficient society-embraced policies directed towards resource management and pollution control.
Publications
- Pollard, S.P., J.S. Popp. 2005. Measurement of recyclables and solid waste generation in a 28-unit apartment complex: Going where few have gone before. Proceedings of the Air and Waste Management Association 98th Annual Conference and Exhibition, Minneapolis, MN, June 21-24, 2005.
- Rom, C.R. H. Friedrich, D. Johnson, J. Popp, B. Bellows. 2005. The Southern organic fruit initiative. Oklahoma-Arkansas Horticulture Industry Show Proceedings, 93-95.
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/30/04
Outputs
1)The contributions of the agricultural sector of the economy were measured. Results show that agriculture contributes over 20 percent of the state jobs, 20 percent of the state value added and 13 percent of the state total payroll. 2) The effectiveness of three best management practices in meeting water quality targets was analyzed for one NW Arkansas watershed. The study showed that buffer strips were generally effective in meeting water quality targets while posing little economic cost or loss of revenue to the producer. BMPs for litter, including treating litter with alum or reducing litter and supplementing with commercail N were both effective at meeting water quality targets, however use of alum imposed greater costs to producers. 3) The first phase of a two phased (Fall 2004 and Spring 2005) study of waste generation composition at a multip-family dwelling (MFD) complex in Fayetteville was completed. Over an 8 week period in Fall 2004, an audit was taken of
materials recycled through the program as well as a full count of recyclable materials discarded . During the eight weeks of measurements 1125 pounds of recyclables were discarded of which 921 pounds (or 82 percent) were recovered through the recycling program. This high capture rate is attributed in part to the extensive recycling education efforts at the complex.
Impacts
The impact of agriculture study highlights the importance of agriculture to the Arkansas economy. This provides justification for the development of best management practices that allow protection of the environment while continuing agriculture activity in the region.
Publications
- Popp, J. and C. Dorminy. 2004. Orchard business records. In: D. Horton and D. Johnson, Eds. Southeastern Peach Growers Handbook. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and Cooperative Extension Service. Currently released on the web at www.ent.uga/peach/peach_handbook/hbk.htm . To be released in hardback in early 2005.
- Popp, J. and G. Westberry. 2004. Conducting a cost analysis. In: D. Horton and D. Johnson, Eds. Southeastern Peach Growers Handbook. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and Cooperative Extension Service. Currently released on the web at www.ent.uga/peach/peach_handbook/hbk.htm . To be released in hardback in early 2005.
- Popp, M., C. Dillon and J. Popp. 2004. Transferability issues of soybean research: A regional example. Agricultural Systems. 81:213-226.
- Young, K., E. Wailes, J. Popp and J. Smartt. Use of MARORA to value Arkansas rice farms. Journal of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. 2004:119-126.
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
1) Recreationists at the lower Illinois River was surveyed to determine their attitudes towards current water quality and willingness to pay for water quality improvements. Results showed little differences in opinions between river floaters from Oklahoma and from other states. Mean willingness to pay was roughly $8.00 above the current fees charged to float the river. 2) The Modified Arkansas Off-Stream Reservoir Analysis (MARORA) model was further modified to improve representation of sediment movement off of a field. When coupled with other best management practices such as underground pipe, and laser leveled land, reservoirs and tail water recovery systems can improve profits and reduce the movement of sediment into nearby surface waters. 3) Preliminary results from a study of apartment dwellers in Northwest Arkansas with no access to curb-side recycling suggests these residents would like access to the recycling services currently available to single family
dwelling residents. However, apartment dwellers have cited program cost, convenience and cleanliness as factors that must be considered before a program is put into place. The importance of each of these factors to the apartment residents is currently being assessed.
Impacts
As cities and regional governments struggle to develop policies that will minimize degradation to our natural resources (such as land and water) it is important to understand attitudes and perceptions of the regional society towards pollution and pollution control. This research seeks to uncover attitudes and other factors that influence participation by society in natural resource preservation programs. This information can be used to develop the most efficient society-embraced policies directed towards resource management and pollution control.
Publications
- Popp, J., E. Wailes, K. Young, J. Smartt and W. Intarapapong. 2003. Use of On Farm Reservoirs in Rice Production: Results from the MARORA Model. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics. 35(2): 371-379.
- Popp, J. S., T. W. Griffin, M. P. Popp, and W. H. Baker.2003. Profitability of Variable Rate Phosphorus in a Two Crop Rotation. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science. 56:125-133.
- J. Popp, K. Young, E. Wailes and J. Smartt. 2003. Using MARORA to Assess Economic and Environmental Impacts of On-Farm Reservoirs. In SRDC Series #232 Natural Resource Economics Meeting: Aquaculture and Effluents. Proceedings of a Regional Workshop SERA-IEG-30 2002 Proceedings Starksville, MS, May 16-17, 2002. Available on the web at http://srdc.msstate.edu/publications/232.htm.
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
1) The use of on farm reservoirs and tail water recovery systems was evaluated using the Modified Arkansas Off-stream Reservoir Analysis (MARORA) model with respect to economic returns and water usage. Results showed that on farm reservoir systems can be an economically efficient way to reduce dependence on ground water sources for producers who have limited access to ground water sources. 2) The Modified Arkansas Off-stream Reservoir Analysis (MARORA) model was further modified to account for sedimentation movement on farm. Further analysis showed that on farm reservoirs and tail water recovery systems can be an effective way to reduce sediment movement off farm. This can be important in areas impacted by surface water quality degradation. 3) Access to sustainability and environmental education information is critical to the eventual attainment of sustainable systems. 4) Methods were developed to provide environmental information to highschool students in an
efficient and timely fashion. 5) A study of the impacts of agriculture in the state found that agriculture is responsible for the creation of 20% of all jobs, wages and value added in the state.
Impacts
Environmental stewardship is becoming increasingly important in the survival of agricultural production systems. This is particularly important in agricultural-dependent states like Arkansas. This research offers insights into some best management practices that can be used to address profitability, resource management and pollution control concerns and also provides a means to inform interested parties of pertinent information in a timely manner.
Publications
- Goodwin, Jr., H.L., Jennie H. Popp, Wayne Miller, Gina Vickery and Z. Clayton-Niederman. "Impact of Agriculture on the Arkansas Economy." Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Division of Agriculture. Research Report 969, October, 2002.
- Goodwin, Jr., H.L., Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller, Gina Vickery and Z. Clayton-Niederman. "Impact of the Agricultural Sector on the Arkansas Economy." University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture. SP 04 2002. July, 2002.
- Popp, J., D. Annis and T. Keisling. 2002. Using Digital Information Technologies to provide Envirothon Educational Materials to Contestants. J. of Natural Resource and Life Science Education.31:1 - 4.
- Popp, J., D. Hoag and J. Ascough. 2002. Targeting Soil Conservation Policies for Sustainability: New Empirical Evidence. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. 57(2):66-74.
- Popp, J. T. Griffin and E. Pendergrass.2002. How Cooperation May Lead to Consensus Assessing the Realities and Perceptions of Precision Farming in Your State. Journal of the American Association of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. 2002:26-31.
|
Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
1) Responses from a survey of peach producers in six states indicated the reason most often cited for using IPM practices were yield improvements, cost reductions, and reductions in health risks. Risk of crop loss, expense of practice, and limited available information were most often cited as reasons not to employ IPM practices. 2) An analysis was conducted to determine whether current US conservation programs that subsidize marginal land in production promote three notions of sustainability (profitability, soil quality conservation and production preservation). Results suggest that sustainability goals could not be met on marginal soils even when conservation practices were applied. 3) Farmers, extension personnel and agricultural industry representatives who participated in a 1999 survey on the status of precision agriculture in Arkansas were resurveyed in 2001 to determine if opinions had changed. All respondents cited benefits to adopting these technologies.
However, most now believe that the cost of the technology will likely limit adoption to those farmers with large acreages, as required technology investment costs can be spread across more acres.
Impacts
Agricultural producers are operating in an ever-changing environmental policy climate. This research provides some insights into expected impacts of potential policies, therefore helping producers determine if steps (best management practices) should be adopted in order to offset any anticipated negative consequence associated with such policies.
Publications
- Griffin, T.,J.Popp and D. Buland.2001.Economics of Variable Rate Applicaitons of Phosphorus on a Rice and Soybean Rotation in Arkansas. In: P.C. Robert, R.H. Rust, and W.E. Larson(eds.) Proceedings of the fifth International conference on Precision Agriculture, Bloomington/Minneapolis, MN. July 16-19, 2000.
- Popp,J.S. and T.W. Griffin. 2001 Adoption Trends of Early Adopters of Precision Agriculture in Arkansas. In:P.C. Robert, R.H. Rust, and W.E. Larson (eds.)Proceedings of the fifth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Bloomington,Minneapolis, MN. July 16-19,2000.
- Popp,J.,D. Hoag and D.E.Hyatt. 2001 Sustainability Indices with Multiple Objectives. Ecological Indicators. 1(1):37-37
- Popp,J.,D.Hoag and J.Ascough. 2001. Sustainable Soil Management: A Framework for Analysis. In:Stott, D.E., R. Mohtar and G.Steinhardt (eds.). The Global Farm - Selected papers from the 10th International Soil Conservation Organization Meeting. National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, May 24-29, 1999, West Lafayette, IN.
|
Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
1)Responses from a survey of peach producers in six states indicated that producers have not dramatically changed their use of pest management practices since 1996. Analysis has begun to study the factors (including potential environmental regulation) that have influenced their decision to use or avoid pest management practices. 2) An analysis was conducted to determine if a defined use of improved environmental quality existed which could offset the negative impacts of an environmental policy targeted at reducing the amount of poultry production in Northwest Arkansas. While retirees would likely be attracted into an area with improved environmental quality, the economic benefits associated with increased in-migrating retirees cannot offset the expected economic losses associated with such a policy.
Impacts
Agricultural producers are operating in an ever-changing environmental policy climate. This research provides some insights into expected impacts of potential policies, therefore helping producers determine if steps (best management practices) should be adopted in order to offset any anticipated negative consequence associated with such policies.
Publications
- Cioni, Britteny, Jennie Popp, Martin Redfern and Wayne Miller. 2000. 'Estimating the Benefits Needed to Offset Economic Impacts of Environmental Regulations Imposed on the Livestock Sector.' In: Proceedings of the 2000 National IMPLAN User's Conference, Fort Collins, Colorado, October 12-13.
- Popp, Jennie, D. Eric Hyatt and Dana Hoag. 2000. 'Modelling Environmental Condition with Indices: A Case Study of Sustainability and Soil Resources.' Ecological Modelling.130: 131-143.
|
Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
1)A survey of Arkansas producers, extension personnel and agricultural industry representatives revealed that precision farming has been adopted by young, educated, innovative farmers who control a relatively large acreage of predominantly rice and soybean production. 2) An evaluation of the profitability of variable rate phosphorus applications in a rice-soybean rotation showed merit under limited soil combinations. 3)A mail survey of peach producers in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina was designed to identify the extent of integrated pest management practices employed in the orchards since 1996 4)An evaluation of soil conservation programs revealed that initial soil condition and location determines whether programs are economically efficient. 5) An evaluation of soil conservation practices revealed that initial soil condition determines whether conservation is consistent with multiple sustainability objectives.
Impacts
Information provided in this research will enable producers to manage their operations more sustainably by improving profitability while preserving the quality of their natural (in this case, soil) resources
Publications
- Griffin, T. In Search of Precision: The Assessment of Arkansas's Early Adopters of Precision Farming and An Economic Analysis of the Profitability of Variable Rate Technology in a Simulated Rice and Soybean Rotation on Arkansas Silt Loam and Clay Soils. 1999. Masters thesis. Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.
- Hoag, D., J. Hughes-Popp, and P. Huszar. Is U.S. soil conservation policy sustainable development? 1999. Chapter 11, in T. Napier, S. Napier and J. Tvrdon (Editor), Soil and Water Conservation Policies: Successes and Failures, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, : p. 127-142.
- Hughes-Popp, J., P. Huszar, and D. Hoag. Reducing wind erosion damages and the Conservation Reserve Program. 1999 Chapter 12, in T. Napier, S. Napier and J. Tvrdon (Editor), Soil and Water Conservation Policies: Successes and Failures, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida: p. 143-154.
|
|