Progress 07/15/01 to 06/14/04
Outputs
During the project period we completed research on understanding temporal and spatial variability of weeds and reducing herbicide inputs as well as work on measures of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity in wetlands. Our work on Bt maize has been internationalized with external funds, hence it is no longer supported by this program. With emphasis on the theme of maintaining healthy soils, studies continued on soil quality indicators, cover crop management and metals, looking specifically at impacts on soil biology and crop quality. Under the other thematic area of this program, opportunities for agriculture to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, we analyzed greenhouse gas emissions and budgets associated with NY dairy farms, production of ethanol from corn grain and adoption of no-tillage agriculture. In addition work was carried out on improving nitrogen efficiency in maize and a series of meetings and seminars were held to explore additional opportunities for
agriculture to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in NY.
Impacts
Provide an understanding on how increased heavy metal concentrations in soil (through sewage sludge applications or draining metalliferous soils) can alter soil microbial community composition/function and thereby agroecosystem processes. Developed a precision agriculture web site for web-based dissemination of research information. Provided crop consultants and certified pesticide applicators with more accurate and reliable data on spatial/temporal distribution of weeds within crop fields, thereby reducing costly pest scouting expenses. Identified significant genotypic-environmental effects on early season soil N 'scavenging' and N use efficiency in maize with implications for varietal development and management. Identified the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the persistence of species-rich wetland plant communities. Confirmed that implemented water quality mitigation strategies have been effective in reducing phosphorus loading to Owasco Lake.
Publications
- Cox, W.J., W.A. Knoblauch, H.M. van Es, T.W. Katsvairo and M.A. Glos. 2004. Economics of purchasing a yield monitor for split-planter corn hybrid testing. Agron. J. 96:1469-1474.
- Devare, M.H., C.M. Jones, and J.E. Thies. 2004. Effect of Cry3Bb transgenic corn and tefluthrin on the soil microbial community: Biomass, activity and diversity. J. Environ. Quality. 33:837-843.
- McDonald, A.J., S.J. Riha, and C.L. Mohler. 2004. Mining the record: Historical evidence for climatic influences on maize (Zea mays L.) - Abutilon theophrasti M. competition. Weed Research. 44(6):439-445.
- Melkonian, J., D.W. Wolfe and T. Owens. 2004. Gas exchange and co-regulation of photochemical and nonphotochemical quenching in bean during chilling at ambient and elevated carbon dioxide. Photosynthesis Research 79:71-82.
- Mekonian, J., L.Yu, and T.L. Setter. 2004. Chilling responses of maize (Zea maize L.) seedlings: root conductance, abscisic acid and stomatal conductance. J. Exp. Botany 55(403): 1751-1760.
- Weishampel, P.A. 2004. The distribution and function of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in calcareous fen plant communities. Ph.D. Dissertation, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
To focus some of our activities in other areas, wetland plant community-hydrology activities were phased out along with watershed science, management of field scale spatial variability and the effects of elevated CO2 on plant growth. Work on the impacts of sewage sludge continued, which revealed evidence of delayed phytotoxicity with some sludges. Results from a second field season indicated no adverse effect of Cry1Ab toxin from Bt corn soil microbial activity. DNA from arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have been extracted and amplified for identification as a means to assess diversity under various wetland conditions. Temporal and spatial weed data from different tillage and weed management combinations have shown corn yield benefits to inter-row cultivation plus a 50% reduction in herbicide use. Historical velvetleaf weed density and climate data were evaluated to investigate climate trends and relative yield losses in maize-velvetleaf systems.
Impacts
Provide an understanding on how increased heavy metal concentrations in soil (through sewage sludge applications or draining metalliferous soils) can alter soil microbial community composition/function and thereby agroecosystem processes. Developed a precision agriculture web site for web-based dissemination of research information. Provided crop consultants and certified pesticide applicators with more accurate and reliable data on spatial/temporal distribution of weeds within crop fields, thereby reducing costly pest scouting expenses. Identified significant genotypic-environmental effects on early season soil N "scavenging" and N use efficiency in maize with implications for varietal development and management. Identified the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the persistence of species-rich wetland plant communities. Confirmed that implemented water quality mitigation strategies have been effective in reducing phosphorus loading to Owasco Lake.
Publications
- Bedford, B.L. and K.S. Godwin, 2003. Fens of the United States: Distribution, characteristics and scientific connection versus legal isolation. Wetlands. 23(3): 608-629.
- Chen, C.-T. and T.L. Setter. 2003. Response of potato tuber cell division and growth to shade and elevated CO2. Annals of Botany 91: 373-381.
- Katsvairo, T., W.J. Cox, and H.M. van Es. 2003. Spatial growth and soil responses of two corn hybrids to two N levels. Agron. J. 95(4): 1000-1011.
- Katsvairo, T., W.J. Cox, H.M. van Es, and M.A. Glos. 2003. Spatial yield responses of two corn hybrids to two N levels. Agron. J. 95(4): 1012-1022.
- Magri, A. 2003. Integral analysis of aerial images, soil type and grid sampling for site-specific management of fertilizer, lime and maize hybrids. M.S. Thesis, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 112 pp.
- McBride, M.B. and L.J. Evans. 2002. Trace metal extractability in soils and uptake by bromegrass 20 years after sewage sludge application. Can. J. Soil Sci. 82:323-333.
- McBride, M.B., E.A. Nibarger, B.K. Richards, and T. Steenhuis. 2003. Trace metal accumulation by red clover grown on sewage sludge-amended soils and correlation to Mehlich 3 and calcium chloride-extractable metals. Soil Sci. 168: 29-38.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Work on the wetland project continued to assess the hypothesis that species richness in rich fens are maintained by low levels of available phosphorus. Mycorrhizal fungal associations are a new area of exploration in this regard. Project activities on the effects of elevated CO2 on plant growth moved from leaf/shoot function to root growth and nitrogen fixation. Sewage sludge investigations continue to evaluate soil test measures of molybdenum and copper available to forage crops. The precision agriculture work focussed on evaluating and modeling temporal processes related to early season weather conditions to provide real-time adjustments to N fertilizer recommendations. Also included in this area were studies on spatial/temporal variability of weed populations within maize to help in reducing unnecessary herbicide applications. Efforts to evaluate the accuracy of citizen water quality monitoring was also accomplished during the project year. Finally first year field
data were collected for documenting the impacts of Bt toxin from genetically modified maize on soil biology.
Impacts
Guiding efforts to create more tolerant crop cultivars through increasing knowledge of the mechanisms of chilling-induced photodamage. Understanding the implications for groundwater quality of significant losses of heavy metals from topsoils amended with sewage sludge. Developing a new approach to nitrogen management in the precision agriculture context, focusing on annual adjustment of N rates, rather than the use of site-specific rates. Improving knowledge about climate and weed density relationships, which will contribute to decreases in herbicide use. Testing citizen monitoring protecols will help government agencies set policies/regulations on how to provide low cost and reliable preliminary water quality data for optimally targeting monitoring efforts. Quantifying the impacts of Bt maize growth and sewage sludge applications on functional soil biological properties will contribute to researcher-regulator dialogues are critical to sustainable agricultural
production.
Publications
- Delgado, J., C. Cox, H.M.. van Es, and W. Reeves. 2002. Nutrient Management in the USA: A Joint Symposium. J. Soil Water Conserv. 57 (6): 388.
- Drexler, J.Z., and B.L. Bedford. Pathways of nutrient loading and impacts on plant diversity in a New York peatland. 2002. Wetlands 22(2):263-281.
- Godwin, K.S., J. Shallenberger, D.J. Leopold, and B.L. Bedford. 2002. Linking landscape properties to local hydrogeologic gradients and plant species occurrence in New York fens: a hydrogeologic setting (HGS) framework. Wetlands 22(4):722-737.
- Jifon, J. and D. W. Wolfe. 2002. Photosynthetic acclimation of Phaseolus vulgaris to elevated CO2 is altered by growth response to nitrogen supply. Global Change Biol. 8(10):1018-1027.
- Katsvairo T.W., W.J. Cox and H.M van Es. 2002. Tillage and rotation effects on soil physical characteristics. Agron. J. 94: 299-304.
- McBride, M.B. and G. Spiers. 2001. Trace element content of selected fertilizers and dairy manures as determined by ICP-MS. Commun. Soil Science & Plant Analysis. 32: 139-156.
- Pierce, N. A. 2002. Genotype and nitrogen source modify photosynthesis, nitrogen allocation, and growth response of Phaseolus vulgaris grown at elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide. M.S. Thesis. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 60 pp.
- Sogbedji, J.M., H.M. van Es, S.D. Klausner, D.R. Bouldin, and W.J. Cox. 2001. Spatial and temporal processes affecting nitrogen availability at the landscape scale. Soil & Tillage. Research 58 (3-4) 233-244.
- van Es, H.M., K.J. Czymmek, and Q.M. Ketterings. 2002. Management effects on N leaching and guidelines for an N leaching index in New York. J. Soil Water Conserv. 57(6): 499-504.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
The nutrient processing by wetlands in agricultural landscapes activity continues to investigate how phosphorus from surrounding agricultural land affects plant species diversity in wetlands. Effects of elevated carbon dioxide on carbon and nitrogen cycling, crop growth and low temperature tolerance were studied to determine how crops grown in cool environments respond to elevated carbon dioxide levels and also to consider its impacts on carbon storage in soils. The agricultural and environmental impacts of sewage sludge activity is critically evaluating short and long-term risks to soil productivity, animal health and human health of land application of sewage sludge. The focus is on leaching of metals and on crop quality. Field scale spatial variability assessment and management aims to define spatially variable yield determining factors and developing methodologies for site specific management in the environment of the northeastern United States. Information from
herbicide and crop production trials coupled with plant competition models were developed to evaluate the need for post-emergence herbicides in maize. It will provide a template for application to other crops. The watershed science and management activity addresses the observation that 25% of watershed management has a scientific or technological element whereas 75% has the human element. Conferences, action forums, which integrate public and scientific/ technical inputs, education; and assessments of public perceptions are used to raise awareness and foster the development of successful watershed management plans. Finally a new activity has been initiated to document any impacts of genetically engineered Bt maize on soil biology and any tradeoffs that may occur compared to conventional practice.
Impacts
Providing Federal and and state agencies with strategies for measuring or mitigating anthropogenic impacts on native wetland ecosystems. Developing an analysis system for diagnosing broad spectrum changes in plant physiology as affected by climate change and environmental stresses. Measured residual bioavailability of molybdenum and sulfur from land-applied sewage sludges to important Northeast crops (forage legumes, grasses, corn, soybeans) provides a basis for limiting and possibly regulating the loading of these two elements particularly on dairy farms. Developed New York State guidelines for precision management of crop nutrients and lime, and included in the Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. Decreases in herbicide use concurrent with increases in farmer profitability are expected from the precision weed management and the weed-crop competition model work, which will greatly improve the economic and competitive position of U.S. producers.
Developed a model for combining educational programs with data and expertise needs of local watershed organizations/agencies that could be emulated by other educational institutionsor by volunteer service organizations. The Bt and soil biology work will produce good quality science-based information for the American public to address their concerns about the impacts of transgenic crops on the environment and human health.
Publications
- Al-Wardy, M.M. 2002. Elemental distribution in the surface and sub-surface soils of central and western New York. PhD. Dissertation. Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. 424 pp.
- Cornwell, W., B.L. Bedford, and C.T. Chapin. 2001. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in a phosphorus-poor wetland and mycorrhizal response to fertilization. Am. J. Botany 88:1824-1829.
- Kahabka, J.E. 2002. Potential for the use of precision agriculture technology in New York. M.S. Thesis, Cornell University.
- Karunatilake, U. and H.M. van Es. 2002. Temporal and spatial changes in soil structure from tillage and rainfall after alfalfa-corn conversion in a clay loam soil. Soil Tillage Res. (In press).
- Martinez, C.E., A. Jacobson and M.B. McBride. 2001. Thermally induced changes in metal solubility of contaminated soils is linked to mineral recrystallization and organic matter transformations. Environ. Sci. Techn. 35: 908-916.
- McBride, M.B. 2001. Cupric ion activity in peat soil as a toxicity indicator for maize. J. Environ. Qual. 30: 78-84.
- McBride, M.B. 2002. Cadmium uptake by crops estimated from soil total Cd and pH. Soil Sci. 167: 1-6.
- Nibarger, E.A. 2001. Plant availability of micronutrients, macronutrients and trace elements: Predictive ability of hot 0.01M calcium chloride compared with Mehlich-3. M.S. Thesis. Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. 105 pp.
- Sogbedji, J.M., and H.M. van Es. 2001. Fate of N fertilizer and green manure in clay loam and loamy and soils: II Validation of the LEACHM model. Plant Soil 229(1): 71-82
- Sogbedji, J.M., H.M. van Es, J.L. Hutson, and L.D. Geohring. 2001. Fate of N fertilizer and green manure in clay loam and loamy sand soils: I Calibration of the LEACHM model. Plant Soil 229(1): 57-70.
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