Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The targeted audiences include small farmers, gardeners, small fruit growers, race horse owner, university swine farm, poultry farm, one (1) rural development center, sustainable agriculture producers, vegetables growers, and other limited resource farmers and small farmers. The interest and use of BCGM spans rural, urban, and suburban sectors. The target audiences cut across gender, orientation, racial, cultural, religious, and economical lines. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Approximately 114 producers were shown how to apply the BCGM in their soil management program . One (1) para professional was provided BCGM and shown how to apply it in a community garden program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? One research poster "Evaluation ofBurnt Corn Gluten Meal in Layers Diets" was presented at the 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Association of 1890 Research Directors, Tampa, Florida. April 7-10, 2013. Informational research highlights have been developed and shared with colleagues in both the 1890 and 1862 communities. Additional information about thefindings of this researchproject has been shared with research and extension colleagues, students and clients of Southern University Ag Center. Plans are being made to develop some fact sheets and technical reports on BCGM. Participants’ positive views of BCGM have been another source for disseminating our results to their neighbors, fellow producers and their communities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The successful findings and high producer interest of this project helped the project director to secure one research grant for $150,000 and assisted in securing one extension grant ($4,500) dealing with alternative fertilizers such as BCGM and CWM. The testing of BCGM represents the first research reported on the effect of BCGM in Louisiana and the nation. BCGM is the product derived after CGM catches on fire on barges as it is shipped from Midwestern States to the Port of New Orleans for shipment to Europe. Each year, thousands of tons of BCGM are dumped in landfills. Our preliminary research shows that BCGM can be a viable low cost fertilizer source.The average level of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) is 4-2-2. Over 2,000 pounds of BCGM was packaged for various stakeholders. The research activities benefited 12 high school students and 10 undergraduate college students. Upon graduation from college, several of these students should be gainfully employed in USDA or other food and agricultural entities. One BCGM poster presentation was made at a national agricultural conference. One BCGM abstract was published in a national proceeding. One BCGM nutrient profile was published that has provided the first documented analysis of BCGM. Two research articles on BCGM in broiler chicks and pigs are being developed. Other significant accomplishments were: (1) providing an array of stakeholders (urban, suburban, and rural) a source for obtaining BCGM; (2) providing a locally abundant and low cost alternative feed and fertilizer source to producers; (3) one feed company is using the BCGM in one of the company’s feed formulations; (4) conducting the first chemical analysis of BCGM; (5) successfully testing BCGM in several experimental research trials; (6) conducting a chemical analysis of BCGM which showed that the average nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) of BCGM was 4-2-2; (7)determining that BCGM is available at a low cost of approximately $0 to $10/ton; and (8) at least 26 producers plus three producer groups from Louisiana (Agro Men, Inc., First Harvest Community Garden, and Earth Share) have endorsed and adopted BCGM as a fertilizer for their operations. The cost of purchasing BCGM can range from $0/ton to $10/ton. BCGM has an average nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) of 4-2-2, respectively. At least 26 stakeholders have adopted the use of BCGM as a fertilizer for their fields and gardens. Approximately 2,000 pounds of BCGM was packaged for gardeners and other stakeholders to sample at two community based field days in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Approximately, 340 stakeholders were in attendance. A change in knowledge results when these stakeholders were made aware of BCGM use as a feed and fertilizer at the summer field days. The BCGM samples were quickly picked up by producers and a clamor for more of the BCGM samples were made. Experimental Results: Several experiments were conducted using BCGM. In one experiment, pigs fed a conventional corn-soybean basal diet performed better that those pigs fed a 12.5% BCGM. In a second experiment, pigs live weight, dressing percentage, marbling, and percentage of four lean cuts were not statistically significant for the control (non-BCGM) and treatment (BCGM). However, the BCGM treatment group had a statistically significant higher U.S. Yield Grade. No statistically significant differences resulted in the parameters of final pig weight (239.75 pounds vs. 221.25 pounds), dressing percentage (82.8% vs. 79.6%), marbling (1.38 vs. 1.25), percentage of four lean cuts (63.7% vs. 57.8%), and control and treatment groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed for U.S. Yield Grade (3.5 vs. 2.2) for the control and treatment groups, respectively. The findings suggest that BCGM can provide a low cost protein supplement for inclusion in pig diets. In a third experiment, a research trial on flaming and use of BCGM to control weeds in organic soybean was conducted. The findings were inconclusive, further testing needs to be done. However, several experiments inclusive of using BCGM as a fertilizer in field corn, sugar cane, and hibiscus were successful. The pounds of theoretical recoverable sugar/ton of cane (TRS/TC) using the brix of juice obtained with a hand-held refractometer in the field were 244.5 pounds vs. 246.7 for BCGM and crawfish waste meal (CWM), respectively. The difference was not statistically significant at (P< 0.05). The BCGM’s TRS/TC was 244.5 pounds and second best in the trial; although not statistically significant (P<0.05). In one poultry layer experiment, the experimental grouping was fed a (1) Corn-Soybean basal diet (Control) and (2) BCGM diet. The control group was fed 100% of a commercial diet. The BCGM diet grouping was fed an experimental diet containing 85% of the commercial diet and 15% BCGM. The level of BCGM was adjusted during the first three months of an experiment to 5% of the protein source. Preliminary results show statistically significant (P< 0.05) difference in favor of the conventional diet (Control) in the numbers of eggs. The statistical difference in the number of eggs produced could be due in part to the adjustments in BCGM experimental diets that reduced the BCGM down to 5% of the diet and a high level of cracked eggs during the first three months. However, the BCGM diet layers had statistically significant (P< 0.05) less smaller eggs than the control diet. The percentage small eggs were 11.8% vs. 7.8%; control and BCGM diet groupings, respectively. BCGM layers had a statistically significant difference in laying large and extra-large eggs over a six (6) month period compared to the control. The percentage large eggs were 25.3% vs. 35.1%, control and BCGM diet groupings, respectively. For extra-large eggs laid, the percentage 1.3% vs. 3.8%, control and BCGM diet groupings, respectively. The result shows that BCGM is a viable alternative protein supplement for layer diets. In the pig experiment, live weight, dressing percentage, marbling percentage, and four lean cuts, was statistically not significant. However, the BCGM pig grouping U.S. Yield Grade was statistically different from the control. The final weight of (239.75 pounds vs. 221.25 pounds), dressing percentage (82.8% vs. 79.6%), marbling (1.38 vs. 1.25), percentage of four lean cuts (63.7 vs. 57.8), control and BCGM groups, respectively. The U.S. Yield Grade of 3.5 vs. 2.2 for the control and treatment group respectively was statistically significant. Our finding shows that BCGM can provide a low cost feed for inclusive in pig diets. Further nutritional trials are needed to further assess BCGM levels and seasonal effects. No significant differences were observed in okra fertilized with BCGM relative to two organic fertilizers as it relates to plant growth and yield. Also, the testing of BCGM on seed cane and hibiscus represent the first research reporting of BCGM on these crops in Louisiana and the nation. New applied knowledge has been obtained from a hibiscus research experiment using BCGM (4-2-2) and Nature Safe (8-5-5), a commercial organic fertilizer. Two (2) Hibiscus sabdariffa accessions (Liberia and Nigeria origin), respectively were used. BCGM used at a rate of 60 grams and 120 grams per container, respectively and pelletized Nature Safe increased yield significantly over that of the control (no fertilizer treatment). In the seed cane experiment, the experimental group fertilized with BCGM averaged 61 seed cane plants per 25 feet compared to 40 seed cane plants for the control (no fertilizer). These differences were statistically groups at (P< 0.05). No visible effects of pests and insects damage were observed among experimental groups.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Manuel, S., C.V. Chisley, R. Marshall, G.C. Simon, C. R. Walker, and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Evaluation of Burnt Corn Gluten Meal in Layers Diets. 17th Biennial Research symposium, Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. Page 515.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Walker, C. R. 2011. Nutrient composition of burnt corn gluten meal. Fact sheet # 4. Southern University and A & M College, Division of Agriculture, Fisher Hall, Room 118. Baton Rouge, LA. (Department publication)
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: BCGM was tested for its potential as a protein supplement in White Leghorn layer diets. The feeding of the product did not have any adverse effect on egg production or egg size. If this success continues, BCGM could be a potentially new low cost feed (less than $10 a ton) for use in sustainable or conventional small scale poultry diets. The trial will be replicated again in fiscal year 2012-13. At least, 25 stakeholders have visited the research farm to learn more about BCGM and possibly adopt. Significant interest in BCGM is continuing to occur. At least two (2) college students have benefited from the project. Upon graduation, these students will probably be gainfully employed in USDA or other food and agricultural entities. At least two stakeholders were shown how to use BCGM in the pellet and meal forms. The project director and other project staff have gained new knowledge and skills about BCGM techniques. PARTICIPANTS: The project director and co-project directors participated in various aspects of the project. Also undergraduate students from agricultural science and urban forestry gained knowledge on field layout and research through this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The targeted audiences include small farmers, limited resource farmers, vegetable growers, corn, and sugarcane growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The use of burnt corn gluten meal (BCGM) is a low cost alternative for sustainable farmers in Louisiana and the region. Finding and utilizing low cost feed are important to sustainable farm production operations. In Louisiana, feed and fertilizer are the two top costs of agricultural production. BCGM is relative high in protein. The protein range of 20-25% is common. BCGM can cost from $0 to $8/ton. BCGM is the end product of corn gluten meal (CGM) that catches on fire as it is transported in barges from the Midwest down the Mississippi River to the Port of New Orleans for shipment to Europe. A poultry research trial is ongoing on the assessment of BCGM in layer diets at Southern University Poultry Farm. A total of 150 pullets beginning at 18 weeks of age were randomly allocated to two experimental diet groupings. The experiment was replicated twice. The experimental grouping was (1) Corn-Soybean basal diet (Control) and (2) BCGM diet. The control group was fed a 100% of the commercial diet. The BCGM diet grouping was fed an experimental diet containing the 85% of the commercial diet and 15% BCGM. Preliminary results show that the number of eggs produced and egg weight were the highest in the BCGM diet. The result shows that BCGM is a viable alternative protein supplement for laying hens. A cost analysis and sensory evaluation of eggs by layers fed BCGM in the diet in 2013. Each year, thousands of tons of BCGM are dumped in landfills in Louisiana. Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) are assessing BCGM as a low cost protein source in layer diets. During fiscal year 2011-12, seven (7) stakeholders have adopted the use of BCGM as a fertilizer for their sustainable gardens. Approximately 300 pounds of BCGM was packaged for gardeners and other stakeholders to sample during the year in St. Landry and St. Martin parishes in Louisiana. During the field day in St. Landry parish approximately 110 stakeholders were in attendance. At least, 25 stakeholders have visited the research farm to learn more about BCGM and possibly adopt. Significant interest in BCGM is continuing to occur. At least two (2) college students have benefited from the project. Upon graduation, these students will probably be gainfully employed in USDA or other food and agricultural entities. It appears that stakeholders are seeking to use BCGM in many ways. One has stakeholder has adopted the feeding of BCGM to his race horse. The low cost and moderate protein levels are seemingly makes BCGM an alternative feed some stakeholders in Louisiana.
Publications
- Walker, C. R. 2012 and Mathieu. 2012. Burnt corn gluten meal fertilizer profile. Report #9. Southern University and A & M College, Division of Agricultural Sciences, Fisher Hall, Room 118. Baton Rouge, LA.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: BCGM was tested for its potential as a fertilizer source in seed cane, sweet corn, and field corn. The use of BCGM as a fertilizer is a potentially new fertilizer source for seed cane, hibiscus, and other plants. If successful, BCGM could be a potentially a new low cost fertilizer (less than $10 a ton) for use in sustainable or conventional plant production operations. The pounds of theoretical recoverable sugar per ton of cane (TRS/TC) using the brix of juice obtained with a hand-held refractometer in the field were 235.7, 246.7, and 244.5 pounds for treatments one, two, and three, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant at (P<.05). The BCGM's TRS/TC was 244.5 pounds and second best in the trial; although not statistically significant (P<.05). The trial will be replicated again in fiscal year 2011-12. The broach of the corn research test sites will hopefully be remedied by fencing and greater use of border rows. At least, 20 stakeholders have visited the research site. Significant interest in BCGM is occurring. At least three (3) college students have benefited from the project. Upon graduation, many of these students should be gainfully employed in USDA or other food and agricultural entities. PARTICIPANTS: The project director and co-project directors participated in various aspects of the project. Southern University's Division of Agricultural Sciences. At least 10 stakeholders were shown how to use BCGM in the pellet and meal forms. TARGET AUDIENCES: The targeted audiences include small farmers, limited resource farmers, vegetable growers, corn, and sugarcane growers. The efforts include donating BCGM to four (4) stakeholders. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
BCGM is from corn gluten meal by-product being burned due to barge fires as it is shipped from Midwestern states to the Louisiana. Each year, thousands of tons of BCGM are dumped in landfills. Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) are assessing BCGM as a low cost fertilizer. The cost of feed and fertilizer are the largest costs of agricultural production in Louisiana. SUAREC researchers continue to seek ways to reduce these production inputs. The cost of purchasing BCGM can range from $0-$10 per ton. BCGM has an average nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) of 4-2-1, respectively. During fiscal year 2010-11, several stakeholders have adopted the use of BCGM as a fertilizer and feed. Approximately 400 pounds of BCGM was packaged for gardeners and other stakeholders to sample. A change in knowledge resulted when these stakeholders were made aware of BCGM use as a feed and fertilizer. Further testing will be done using BCGM and Nature Safe as fertilizer sources in 2011 growing season.
Publications
- Walker, C. R. 2011. Nutrient composition of burnt corn gluten meal. Fact sheet #4. Southern University and A & M College, Division of Agriculture, Fisher Hall, Room 118. Baton Rouge, LA. (Accepted for publication)
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The objectives conducted for this reporting period were to: (1) ) to evaluate the effects of BCGM as a fertilizer source in hibiscus herb accessions in the greenhouse and (2) to evaluate the effects of burnt corn gluten meal (BCGM) as a fertilizer source in seed cane. BCGM was tested for its potential as a fertilizer source in seed cane and hibiscus. The use of BCGM as a fertilizer is a potentially new fertilizer source for seed cane, hibiscus, and other plants. If successful, BCGM could be a potentially new low cost fertilizer (less than $10 a ton) for use in sustainable or conventional plant production operations. The testing of BCGM on seed cane and hibiscus represents the first research reporting of burnt corn gluten meal (BCGM) on these crops in Louisiana and the nation. The BCGM is from corn gluten meal by-product being burned due to barge fires as it is shipped from Midwestern states to the Louisiana. Each year, thousands of tons of BCGM are dumped in landfills. Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) is assessing BCGM as a low cost fertilizer. The cost of feed and fertilizer are the largest costs of agriculture production in Louisiana. SUAREC researchers continue to seek ways to reduce these production inputs. The cost of purchasing BCGM can range from $0-$10 per ton. BCGM has an average nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) of 4-2-2, respectively. Plans are ongoing to develop and disseminate fact sheets about proper use of BCGM as fertilizer substitute. Findings of this research project have been shared with the scientific community especially the 1890 Community in the form of paper presentation. Information has been shared with the 1890 Extension Community through interaction such as demonstration, field days, workshops, and other direct contacts. PARTICIPANTS: The project director and co-project directors participated in various aspects of the project. Southern University's Division of Agricultural Sciences. Five (%) stakeholders were shown how to apply the BCGM in their soil management programs. TARGET AUDIENCES: The targeted audiences include small farmers, limited resource farmers, vegetable growers, corn, and sugarcane growers. The efforts include donating BCGM to five stakeholders. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Approximately 200 pounds of BCGM was packaged for gardeners and other producers to use as sample during a community based field day in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Generally, 115 producers gained new knowledge on the use of BCGM when they participated in the summer field day events where they were made aware of BCGM use as a feed and fertilizer. During fiscal year 2009-10, at least five (5) producers adopted and used of BCGM as a fertilizer for their fields and gardens. There is a great potential that savings on costs of fertilizers will be realized. Also, scientists involved in this project acquired new knowledge and skills by working on hibiscus research trial using BCGM (4-2-2) and Nature Safe (8-5-5), a commercial organic fertilizer. Two (2) Hibiscus sabdariffa accessions (Liberia and Nigeria origin respectively), were used. BCGM was used as an organic fertilizer at a rate of 60 grams and 120 grams per container, respectively and pelletized Nature Safe increased yield significantly over that of the control (no fertilizer treatment), regardless of the fact that crawfish waste meal was used as a soil amendment. Further testing needs to be conducted. In the seed cane trial, rows that were fertilized with BCGM averaged 61 seed cane plants per 25 feet compared to 40 seed cane plants for the control (no fertilizer). These differences were statistically different at (P<.05). No visible effect of pests and insects damage was observed among experimental groups. Moreover, researchers gained new knowledge of assessing seed cane performance prior to the frost under organic practices. Further testing will be done using BCGM and Nature Safe as fertilizer sources in 2011 growing season. Four undergraduate students gained knowledge and skills about conducting research by working with scientists in this project.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Three organic experiments were conducted using BCGM. The organic sugar cane research trial has commenced. A pork research trial has commenced. Data is still being collected. Preliminary results show that pigs fed a conventional corn-soybean basal diet performed better that those pigs fed a 12.5% BCGM diet. A feed additive or feeding the BCGM in meal form could alleviate the feed wastage. A student research trial on flaming and use of BCGM to control organic soybean weed was conducted. The findings are inconclusive; further testing needs to be done. Plans are being made to develop a fact sheet on BCGM as a possible low cost organic fertilizer. PARTICIPANTS: The project director and co-project directors participated in various aspects of the project. This is a multi-disciplinary project involving researchers from the disciplines of animal science, veterinary science, soil science, plant science, nutrition; and also farmers and undergraduate students. TARGET AUDIENCES: The targeted audiences include small farmers, limited resource farmers, students, vegetable growers, corn, soybean, and sugarcane growers. The efforts include (1) outreach in establishing an on-farm research trial and (2) donating BCGM to four (4) stakeholders. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Two (2) stakeholders were shown how to apply the BCGM in their soil management program. Magnaville Farm is a transitioning to organic farm. The farm provided labor and farm equipment for the BCGM studies on sugar cane and vegetables.
Impacts
The testing of BCGM represents the first research reporting on the effect of BCGM in Louisiana and the nation. BCGM is the product derived after corn gluten meal start fire on barges as it is shipped from Midwestern states to the Port of New Orleans. Each year, thousands of tons of BCGM are dumped in landfills or spreaded across fields. Our preliminary research has shown that BCGM can be a viable low cost organic fertilizer source. One 972 acre transitioning to organic farm has adopted BCGM in their fertilizer program due to the abundance and low cost. The average nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) is 4-2-2. It cost from $0-$8/ton. During the course of the test trials, it was discovered that BCGM was a viable low cost fertilizer. Four (4) stakeholders have adopted the use of BCGM as an organic fertilizer for their cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and okra. The adoption was encouraging due to the severe drought experienced in Louisiana this year. Results in the pork trial have not been promising. Further testing needs to be done. No significant differences were observed in okra fertilized with BCGM and relative to two (2) other organic fertilizers as it relates to plant growth and yield. A research trial on flaming and use of BCGM as an organic herbicide showed mixed results. Further testing will be done whereas a severe drought doesn't make any differences. However, a change in knowledge has resulted from still being able to produce a crop of organic okra. Further testing will be conducted using BCGM next year on field corn, sugar cane, layers and pig diets. Two (2) stakeholders were shown how to apply the BCGM in their soil management program.
Publications
- Upward Bound. 2009. Effect of Pre-Flaming Soil on Organic Soybean Germination and Plant Height. Contact: C. Reuben Walker, Department of Animal Sciences, Fisher Hall, and Rm. 118. Southern University , Baton Rouge, LA 70813 or Deidra James, College of Sciences Southern University , Baton Rouge, LA 70813
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