Progress 10/01/22 to 09/30/23
Outputs
PROGRESS REPORT Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop more sustainable long-term soil health management systems for improved yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. 1.1. Increase row crop yields in the upland soils of the South and Southeast by agronomic practices that improve soil physical and biological properties including application of organic- and inorganic- amendments and planting cover crops. 1.2. Develop soil water management strategies to increase the capture and storage of rain water in soil, minimize yield-robbing drought effects, and increase dryland and irrigated crop production in the South and Southeast. 1.3. Determine the environmental impact in soil, water, and air of proposed novel agronomic approaches on antibiotic resistance, emissions, and nutrient risks. 2. Develop improved decision support tools and technologies based on GxExM to optimize water use efficiency of rainfall and irrigation water for better yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. 2.1. Develop techniques that utilize and integrate high resolution row crop canopy spectral images gathered during the growing season for in- season water management in cropping systems and fields characterized by high soil variability. 2.2. Implement databases, modeling tools, and decision-making paradigms for optimizing water management and crop yield. 3: Develop, optimize, and streamline a UAS operational system for agricultural research and pilot a regional ARS resource for improved data collection from UAS. The system will include: UAV selection process; UAV sensor selection process; flight planning; holistic software system to generate mosaics; handling potential PII information; and UAS-agronomic software that produces specific agronomic data from mosaics. The goals of this holistic system include data standardization and integration, development and release of new UAS technologies and capabilities, and increased ability for our UAS research to rapidly adapt to evolving technologies and policies. (NP216 C1: P1A; C4: P4A, P4B) Approach (from AD-416): Several multi-year field plots will be established. These include a) cover crops for the major row cropping systems in then the southeast, b) planting various configurations of mixed cover crop species, c) cropping systems for land leveled fields, d) stabilizing dryland soybean production using cover crops and poultry litter, e) deep rooted cover crops and soil amendments and, f) cover crops and water use efficiency. From these field experiments we will measure effects on environmental quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and economics of each of the systems; environmental quality and antimicrobial resistance in each of the systems; contribution of soil organic matter to plant available water content in each of the systems; we will optimize yield by managing field variability, we will utilize high resolution thermal imaging to optimize irrigation management and we will model soil water requirements in each of the systems. Results from the first-year harvest were affected by a dry corn growing season but clearly showed that both vetch and crimson clover supplied substantial amount of N to corn. Preliminary data so far collected suggest that the practice of planting corn without killing the cover crop is a feasible practice to partially meet the N need of corn from legume cover crops. This experiment was designed to test whether competition between two cover crop species when planted as a mixed stand can be reduced if planted in alternate drill rows. Preliminary results show that cotton reflected the residual effect from the cover crop and poultry litter treatments imposed in the previous two years. But this effect seemed somewhat muted due to the extremely dry June and July the cotton experienced. The study aimed to achieve a balance between nitrogen supply and crop demand to optimize yield, improve soil health, and protect the environment. To evaluate the leaching loss of nutrients as a function of the cover crop growth period, suction cup lysimeters were installed in the field. Before cover crop termination, aboveground biomass was collected, dry matter yield recorded and analyzed for nutrient contents. In-situ litter bags were used to determine cover crop residue decomposition rate during the cash crop growing season. At the end of the growing season, an electrical conductivity mapper and digital penetrometer will be used to map the soil carbon and soil resistance, respectively. The residual effects of soil amendments applied in previous years on corn nutrient utilization and grain yield were evaluated as the presence of cover crop residues. Field sampling and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys were completed on three additional agricultural field sites in 2022 with three more planned for summer of 2023. Altogether, the dataset will include soil carbon stock estimates to 120 cm depth and 2,160 individual soil samples, coinciding with sensor estimates, and spanning nine farms distributed across the Red River Valley in North Dakota. Soil biological measurements were made on Exp C and E. Samples were collected throughout the cover crop and growing seasons. An investigation into the spatial variability was completed in conjunction with Mississippi State University, while additional samples were collected for an investigation on the effect of anthropogenic and environmental pressures on soil health biological indicators. Extracted DNA was processed for all studies. Fecal indicator bacteria were quantified and isolated from a collaborative study with Mississippi State University (MSU). A study on the presence and spatial distribution of wildlife (bear, duck, vulture, turkey, rabbit, and deer) antimicrobial resistance and genes was expanded. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to be monitored in Mississippi cropping systems integrating the efforts of the USDA-ARS Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture and Mississippi State University (MSU) Geosystems Research Institute (GRI). Recent progress includes uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV)-carbon dioxide (CO2) system development and application, as well as new simultaneous ground measurement of nitrous oxide (N2O) and CO2 flux. In addition, a recent experiment investigating the effect of cover crop coverage percentage on the evolution of CO2 flux. Mississippi State University (MSU) - Conducted seven in situ flights to compare the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration above a corn field and its adjacent bare soil field using the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)-CO2 system. Over seven flights of low altitude, the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration above the bare field consistently showed significantly higher values than that above the corn field. The preliminary analysis on nitrous oxide (N2O) emission during cover crop season revealed that pea was prone to increase soil N2O emission. A small-size uncrewed aerial system (UAS) was outfitted with surface reflected Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. We used a U- blox application board and a linear polarized antenna as the GNSS receiver to receive and record the reflected GNSS signal. To collect ground truth soil moisture (SM) measurements, 26 SM probes were deployed. For each observation, specular reflection points are calculated using the current UAS location and the orbit data of GNSS satellites. The study results show that the collected data from a GNSS receiver is enough to estimate surface SM in relatively low vegetated conditions. This experiment was designed to develop irrigation management with high resolution crop thermal images collected using uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)s. For this to be effective, a dry period of about 2 to 3 weeks during which the cotton crop enters some degree of water stress after the flowering stage would be ideal. Such a period did not occur in all four years this study was carried out. There was no visible water stress on the cotton in any of the years during the flowering or later growth stages. Further simulation modeling using model root zone water quality model (RZWQM2) under long-term diverse weather conditions assisted field experiments to determine the following results which were difficult or impossible for field studies to obtain. As compared with no CC scenario, model estimates indicated planting CC increased soybean yield. Long-term use of winter wheat CC, if managed similarly, can increase soil water storage. The root zone water quality model (RZWQM2) also determined the effect of wheat winter cover crop (WCC) on net nitrogen (N) mineralization and nitrate leaching in a 80-yr (1938 to 2017) corn-soybean rotation and soil water balance and dynamic under future 60-yr (2020-2079) climate conditions, in Mississippi Blackland Prairie. North Dakota State University (NDSU) - Additional data was collected in the greenhouse and at three field locations contributing to the large image dataset with different sensors red, green, blue (RGB), multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal, six different weed species, and eight crops. This image database is key to development of effective machine learning algorithms for weed identification. A new version of the multifunctional robotic platform (patent pending) was developed to conduct research on this objective. Mississippi State University (MSU) - We collected uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) data at The R. R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS. We collected a total of four initial datasets in corn and cotton rows. These datasets will be used to assess the trajectory quality from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) unit, point cloud density, and quality from light detection (LIDAR), red, green, blue (RGB), and multispectral camera calibration and orientation. Uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Imaging: In accordance with the research Objectives 1 and 2 of this project, UAS remote sensing has been focused to continue establishing multisource remote sensing analytics to enhance crop field monitoring and control. Images have been acquired continuously from UAS in accordance with the imagery collected from satellite platforms for studies of cover crops and other agronomic treatment and measurements. The UAS data are for field analysis and scale up/down from the satellite data. North Dakota State University (NDSU) - The Big Data Pipeline Unit (BDPU) developed R scripts that allow users with little or no programming experience to run genomic prediction models using frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Genovix, a commercial database management platform for breeding trials and varietal selection, was successfully launched and released across the state at multiple NDSU Research Extension Centers where experimental trials are grown. The BDPU successfully deployed v1.3. 1 of FielDHub, the Design of Experiments (DoE) App with advanced features such as sparse allocation algorithm and multi-location partially replicated designs to further optimize resource allocation on the field. A graduate student thesis was completed on assessing economic viability of site-specific weed management technology. The results from this work will aid in guiding future research direction for the technology and can be crafted into decision tools for farmers considering adoption. Data Management: Data collection, following ARS data integrity, from the unit wide NP 216 research project is a core objective. Additionally, throughout the year, raw data collection implementation is the major focus. Three raw data collection engines have been defined. For field operation data, Farm Management App has been successfully deployed along with the Research Tool, both from ARS PDI. The challenge is how to download the historical data from the APP efficiently and with research unit specific security. A relational database for laboratory data collection was initiated, and their integrated data format has been established. Site Scan for ArcGIS from Esri was evaluated as a raw drone data collection system and is good to move forward for formal implementation after the licenses are available from ARS PDI. Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) ARS scientist at the Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture unit at the Mississippi State, Mississippi location started to develop machine learning (ML) from artificial intelligence (AI) for crop production process modeling and analysis mainly based on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) remote sensing. Multispectral imagery was used to estimate soil moisture relative to in-situ measurements. This development is associated with two aspects: 1. Approaches to innovative process modeling and analysis mainly through transfer learning, explainable learning, and ensemble learning for multi- stage crop growth process analysis; and 2. Graphic user interface (GUI) system for ML algorithm packaging and model ensembling for innovative approach development The AI work was done using local computing hardware and commercial cloud services. AI methods have helped correlate in field physical data collections to remote sensing datasets, potentially reducing the need to collect costly physical datasets. North Dakota State University (NDSU) Deep learning algorithms (YOLOv7 and YOLOv7-E6E) for object detection (soybean pods) using the transfer- learning technique, PointCNN, a deep learning module was used to classify uncrewed aerial system-light detecting and ranging (UAS-LiDAR) point clouds and for comparison of algorithms e.g., Cloth Simulation function (CSF), progressive morphological filter (PMF), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Visual Group Geometry (VGG16), and Residual Network (ResNet50) deep learning architectures were used to build weed classification models. Local computing resources were utilized including Lambda Vector workstations with NVIDIA RTX A5000 GPUs. AI allows real- time object detection (and yield estimation) with acceptable accuracy. This technique can automatically learn from data using a multi-layer architecture, learn from the hierarchical outputs of the previous layers, and deal with non-linearities between crop traits and yield estimation. A goal is for crop breeders to find the best-performing varieties in their trials through images and videos collected in the plots. The PointCNN trained model is being used to automate point cloud classification in a wide area capacity to improve data analysis. AI is an enabling technology for site-specific weed management in real-time. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 01 Runoff in upland soils is very likely. Upland soils have low organic matter and are prone to water and nutrient losses during rainfall events, which can adversely affect non-irrigated crops, leading to reduced yields and economic losses. The insufficient availability of soil moisture during the critical growth stage of corn, particularly during grain filling, poses a significant limitation to production and consistent yield. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers at Mississippi State University, discovered that integration of soil amendments such as lignite and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum with poultry litter and inorganic fertilizer N in the presence of cover crop residues increased soil organic carbon, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil infiltration and water storage capacity, conserved soil moisture and increased corn grain yield. This innovative management practice offers a novel approach for sustainable agricultural practices that promote both environmental and agronomic benefits for the growers. 02 An integrated scheme of remote sensing data and algorithms is suggested for advanced crop field monitoring, analysis, and interpretation. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, suggest this scheme for systemically conducting crop growth process modeling and analysis. This scheme includes data integration, algorithm integration and the pipeline between them. The data integration is to aggregate multisource remote sensing data, especially from UAS remote sensing, for developing a remote sensing big data platform. The algorithm integration is packages algorithms (statistics, pattern recognition and machine/deep learning) and their combinations and ensembles, which is pipelined with data integration for advanced crop growth process modeling, optimization, and control. 03 Correlating the effects of agronomic decisions at the molecular and chemical level to agronomic yields is difficult but possible. For this reason, it is often difficult to suggest one conservation practice to all land managers. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, in collaboration with MSU researchers utilized a structured decision- making paradigm to elucidate the effects of agronomic decisions at the molecular level and predict agronomic potentialities. Empirically collected data from a small plot field study was utilized in predictive models to suggest which indicator was most useful in ultimate model performance. Ultimately, soil carbon, genes predicting enzyme presence, and other environmental parameters were useful in the model and suggested that farmers/managers could utilize this approach to predict outcomes based on agronomic management, for example, the use of cover crop practices were most beneficial in a no till management to minimize losses and maintain soil C sequestration. Carbon credit systems could offset losses in yield when adopting climate-smart actions. As the need for yield outcomes balanced with ecosystem benefit increases in soil health research, the use of models more traditionally utilized in ecological management can be employed to predict outcomes of management practices. These outcomes can be based on fine resolution datasets such as carbon dioxide (CO2), soil carbon (C), and deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) to improve models at the molecular or chemical level which may provide the granularity needed to explain difficulties in management implementation. 04 Incorporating litter increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, but gypsum and lignite mitigated the effect. Agroecosystem resiliency seems a lofty goal but combined best management practices like soil amendments, organic fertilizer, and cover crops show promise although soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are expected to increase with cover crops. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, incorporated flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and lignite with broiler litter application in a no-till corn study and found reduced soil CO2 emission with the amendments compared to litter alone. After the 3rd year of study, soil CO2 emission was greater in cover crops versus no cover crop, but the cover crop plots had more total carbon indicating increased carbon storage. In addition, cover crop plots had lower soil temperature, increased soil moisture, better soil infiltration, and higher corn yield. Use of FGD gypsum, lignite, and broiler litter enhanced soil properties and crop yield as a strategy for long term sustainability. 05 Poultry litter proved to be a superior fertilizer for dryland soybean production but incorporating cover crops into soybean cropping systems may be challenging. Dryland soybean farmers in the southeastern US face the challenge of poor production due to rainfall shortage. Incorporating cover crops and possibly poultry litter into their production systems may reduce the risk of yield loss and increase the profitability of soybean farming. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, and Mississippi State University researchers recently completed a 5-year study investigating the benefits of four different cover crop species in combination with two fertilizers to dryland soybean production in an eroded marginally productive upland soil in Mississippi. Each of the five years, the cover crops were planted in the fall and soybean was planted in the spring after chemically killing the cover crops and applying either poultry litter or synthetic fertilizers recommended based soil test results. The results showed that soybean fertilized with 2 ton/acre poultry litter grew much larger and produced 13% (7 bu/acre) more seed yield than soybean fertilized with four fertilizers (phosphorus, potash, sulfur, and zinc). But the commonly discussed benefits of cover crops did not manifest in soybean growth or yield in any of the 5 years. Winter planting any of the cover crops which included winter wheat, cereal rye, vetch, or mustard + cereal rye, relative to planting no cover crop which is the most common practice by soybean farmers, did not lead to any clear soybean yield increase. This shows that, without a clear soybean yield advantage, the adoption of cover crops for sustainable soybean cropping systems by soybean farmers in the region will be challenging. The 7 bu/acre yield advantage from fertilizing with poultry litter, however, is a good incentive that will likely lead to the inclusion of poultry litter as a key component of sustainable cropping systems in the southeastern United States. 06 Identifying indicators that are important for assessing soil health. Monitoring soil health and understanding the importance of specific indicators is necessary to apply a measurable metric to agronomic managements. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, location collected data for chemical, physical and biological indicators obtained from three treatments (no-fertilized control, no-organic fertilizer and poultry litter) in five different field experiments were used to screen a Minimum Data Set (MDS). The methodology followed a combination of principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and expert⿿s opinion (EO) method. Results showed that the correlation between the MDS and total data set (TDS) was high (R2 =0.94). The chosen MDS included four chemical indicators (pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen and Mehlich-3 phosphorus), three physical indicators (bulk density, water-stable aggregate stability, available water capacity), and two soil biological indicators (dehydrogenase activity, heterotrophic plate count). When the selected chemical MDS was applied to all treatments of the five experiments, the MDS and TDS data fitted well (R2 =0.81), indicating that the soil indicators included in the MDS were the most important for soil health in this study. In conclusion, a MDS for soil health assessment was established for the experiments in northeast Mississippi. The results can provide fundamental guidance for researchers, growers, and stakeholders to evaluate soil health and optimize soil management. 07 Utilizing 80 years of cropping demonstrated winter cover crop increased annual N mineralization. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, location used 80 years of root zone water quality model (RZWQM2)- simulation demonstrated that, compared to winter fallow system, planting winter wheat cover crop (CC) into a corn-soybean system increased annual Nitorgen (N) mineralization by 15% (19 Ibs N ac-1), improved annual denitrification by 9% (1 Ibs N ac-1), and reduced annual nitrate loss to deep percolation by 20% (15 Ibs N ac-1). On the basis of a full year simulation, the wheat winter CC grown from early October to early April led to a 24% reduction in nitrate-N leaching (14 Ibs N ac-1). The efficacy of wheat winter CC in reducing nitrate leaching was better in wetter than dry winter months. Incorporating wheat winter CC into corn-soybean rotation is effective for promoting nitrogen mineralization and reducing nitrate loads to drainage deep percolation in humid regions. 08 End-to-end workflow tested for Site-Specific-Weed Control (SSWC). Herbicide application for weed control is a significant input cost for farmers. Traditional practice has been to apply herbicide across the entire field. New technology is emerging for SSWC, but at significant cost as it requires a new sprayer be purchased. North Dakota State University researchers through a cooperative agreement with ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, developed and demonstrated a workflow using imagery captured by uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to discern weeds from crop plants (corn in this case), produce a prescription weed control map, and apply herbicide using existing commercial sprayer technology (with individual nozzle control) according to the prescription. A 50% reduction in the amount of herbicide applied was achieved in the field trial. The successful outcome has led to a larger scale test in 2023 by a cooperating North Dakota farmer to evaluate the workflow for other row crops and weed control methods. 09 Design of experiment (DoE) application for crop breeding trials achieves milestone. Development of new crop varieties is a well- established and methodical, but time-consuming process. Many years of development and testing precede the release of a new variety. Advanced software tools, databases, and analytics can improve efficiency and accelerate this process. North Dakota State University researchers through a cooperative agreement with ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, in collaboration with partners have developed a suite of applications for this purpose. An updated version of FielDHub (v1.3.1), a design of experiments application, was released this year with advanced features to further optimize resource allocation in field trials. This open-source application recently surpassed 10,000 downloads with users worldwide since the initial version was released. This metric indicates a significant impact that extends far beyond the university⿿s own crop variety development programs. 10 Impact of soil moisture stress on leaf reflectance properties. Physiological, biochemical, and plant health factors influence leaf reflectance properties in response to stressors. Moisture stress imposed during maize pollination and grain filling had adverse effects on leaf reflectance properties associated with plant health and yield potential. Researchers at Mississippi State University through a cooperative agreement with ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, assessed the influence of these factors on remote sensing. Further, drought stress-induced changes in greenness-related vegetation indices (CIgreen, CIred-edge, and Chlorophyll vegetation index) had an agreement with variations noted with manually measured plant health traits. Significant correlations between vegetation indices and yield components indicated that ear-leaf spectral reflectance properties can be used as proxy indicators to capture stress-induced variations in plant health. This study highlights the potential of using proximal sensing as a reliable and efficient screening platform for stress tolerance in crops. 11 Predicting yield under cropping systems. Using high-resolution temporal uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery data, over 50 vegetation indices (VIs) were extracted at different growth phases of corn over three years. Researchers at Mississippi State University through a cooperative agreement with ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, used a combination of either blue or red, Red Edge and near infra red (NIR)-based vegetative index (VI)s had a strong correlation with corn yield under rainfed cover cropping systems. Three-year results showed the best time to collect UAV data for yield estimation is around the reproductive and early-grain filling. Similarly, imagery data from three cotton growing seasons were used to determine how well canopy cover or fiber pixel area index explained yield variability. The canopy cover of cotton was moderately correlated with a yield (R2 of 0.44 to 0. 68) under cover cropping systems. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.80) between the fiber pixel area index and cotton yield showed the potential applicability of UAV for estimating in-season cotton yield, as well as for monitoring cotton growth and development. Depending on the growth stage and crop, different VI's are important. Based on remote sensing data, pea is the most beneficial cover crop to be planted during fallow periods, as it can significantly improve the health of any cash crop. 12 Row crops⿿ response to stressors. Trait-based breeding relies on the identification of contrasting genotypes with specific secondary traits linked with yield. Projected climate change scenarios, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and soil quality, pose challenges to crop production. Researchers at Mississippi State University through a cooperative agreement with ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, investigated these row crop responses. Exposure of cotton to these stressors substantially reduced the early- season growth and development processes. In response to stressors, there was a shift in resource partitioning towards roots rather than shoots. Tolerant genotypes exhibited less disruption in physiology and growth compared to susceptible genotypes. Natural variation in phenotypic traits related to plant health and biomass production is another potential source for crop improvement. The trade-off between pigment concentration and leaf size is evident in soybean, where chlorophyll content is significantly and negatively correlated with specific leaf area. A positive correlation was observed between above- ground biomass variability and both plant height and node numbers, highlighting their role in biomass accumulation. The soybean accessions exhibited extensive phenotypic diversity related to plant vigor, demonstrating the significant potential for enhancing crop performance in rainfed environments. 13 Uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) based soil moisture retrieval. One of the necessities of site-specific precision agriculture (PA) management is accurately measuring surface soil moisture (SM). This measurement provides better planned and managed irrigation water systems. However, high-resolution SM observations through SM probes can be time-consuming, costly, and inefficient for large heterogeneous areas. Researchers at Mississippi State University through a cooperative agreement with ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, investigated the measurement of SM using UAV. The correlation between surface reflected soil moisture and measured in situ soil moisture values were assessed. The consistency and reliability of measurements were investigated concerning different elevation angles and crop cover. The study results show that the collected data from a receiver is enough to estimate surface SM in relatively low vegetated conditions. However, increased vegetation canopy attenuates signals and makes the SM estimation a more complex function.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Firth, A.G., Brooks, J.P., Locke, M.A., Morin, D.J., Brown, A., Baker, B.H. 2022. Soil microbial community dynamics in plots managed with cover crops and no-till farming in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, USA. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 134(2); 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/ lxac051.
- Hu, J., Miles, D.M., Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Podrebarac, F.A., Smith, R.K. , Lei, F., Li, X., Jenkins, J.N., Moorehead II, R.J. 2023. Effects of cover crops and soil amendments on soil CO2 fluxes in Mississippi corn cropping system on upland soil. Environments. 10(2): 19. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/environments10020019.
- Kumar, C., Mubvumba, P., Huang, Y., Dhillon, J., Reddy, K.N. 2023. Multi- stage corn yield prediction using high-resolution (UAV) multispectral data and machine learning models. Agronomy Journal. 13(5):1277. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/agronomy.
- Ramamoorthy, P., Samiappan, S., Wubben, M., Brooks, J.P., Shrestha, A., Rajendra, P., Reddy, R., Bheemanahalli, R. 2022. Drought and root-knot nematode effect on cotton plant growth and detecting its health status using hyperspectral reflectance features. Remote Sensing. 14(16). https:// doi.org/10.3390/rs14164021.
- Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Read, J.J., Feng, G.G., Miles, D.M., Shankle, M.W. , Jenkins, J.N. 2019. Corn and soybean grain yield responses to soil amendments and cover crop in upland soils. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 42(19):2484-2497. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2019.1655046.
- Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Read, J.J., Feng, G.G., Miles, D.M., Shankle, M.W. , Barksdale, D.N., Jenkins, J.N. 2020. Management strategies on an Upland soil for improving soil properties. Soil Science. 51(3); 413-429.
- Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Read, J.J., Barksdale, D.N., Jenkins, J.N. 2021. Pelleted biosolid and cover crop effects on major southern row crops. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 44(18); 2677-2690. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 01904167.2021.1927090.
- Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Feng, G.G., Mozaffari, M., Jenkins, J.N. 2021. Integration of pelleted biosolids with cover crops for improving soil properties. Soil Science. 44(18); 2677-2690. https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2. 20341.
- Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Miles, D.M., Todd, M., Feng, G.G., Jenkins, J.N. 2022. Combined effects of organic amendments and fertilization on cotton growth and yield. Agronomy Journal. 2022;1-12. https://DOI.org/10.1002/ agj2.21178.
- Miles, D.M., Brooks, J.P., Adeli, A., Moore Jr, P.A. 2022. Broiler litter ammonia: caked, surface, and base moisture effects on emissions. International Journal of Poultry Science. 21(3):129-135. https://doi.org/ 10.3923/ijps.2022.129.135.
- Tang, Q., Feng, G.G., Fisher, D.K., Zhang, H., Ouyang, Y., Adeli, A., Jenkins, J.N. 2017. Rain water deficit and irrigation demand of major row crops in the Mississippi Delta. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 61(3):927-935.
- Brooks, J.P., Smith, R.K., Aldridge, C., Chaney, B., Omer, A., Dentinger, J., Street, G.M., Baker, B.H. 2020. A preliminary investigation of Feral Hog (Sus scrofa) impacts on water quality. Journal of Environmental Quality. 49; 27-37. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20036.
- Firth, A.G., Brooks, J.P., Locke, M.A., Morin, D.J., Brown, A., Baker, B.H. 2022. Dynamics of soil organic carbon and CO2 flux under cover crop and no-till management in soybean cropping systems of the Mid-South. Environments. 9(109). https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9090109.
- Firth, A.G., Baker, B., Brooks, J.P., Smith, R.K., Iglay, R.B., Davis, B.J. 2020. Low external input sustainable agriculture: Winter flooding in rice fields increases bird use, fecal matter and soil health, reducing fertilizer requirements. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2020.106962.
- Song, P., Xiao, Y., Brooks, J.P., Freguia, S., Zhou, B., Li, Y. 2020. Electrochemical biofilm control by remolding microbial community in agricultural water distribution systems. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 403. Article 123616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123616.
- Mukherjee, M., Gentry, T., Mjelde, H., Brooks, J.P., Harmel, R.D., Gregory, L., Wagner, K. 2020. Escherichia coli antimicrobial resistance variability in water runoff and soil from a remnant native prairie, an improved pasture, and a cultivated agricultural watershed. Water. 12(5) :1251. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12051251.
- Mukherjee, M., Laird, E., Gentry, T.J., Brooks, J.P., Karthikeyan, R. 2021. Increased antimicrobial and multidrug resistance downstream of wastewater treatment plants in an urbanizing watershed. Frontiers in Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.657353.
- Miles, D.M., Branton, S.L., Peebles, D.E., Burnham, M.R., Brooks, J.P., Moore Jr, P.A. 2021. Effects of supplemental dietary phytase & 25- hydroxycholecalciferol on excreta characteristics and nutrient content from commercial layers inoculated before or at the onset of lay with the F- strain of Mycoplasms gallisepticum. International Journal of Poultry Science. 20:209-214. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2021.209.214.
- Mukherjee, M., Kocian, L., Liles, C., Mustafa, N., Bullerjahn, G., Gentry, T., Brooks, J.P. 2021. Elevated incidences of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance in the Maumee River (Ohio, USA), a major tributary of Lake Erie. Microorganisms. 9(5): 911. https://doi.org/10.3390/ microorganisms9050911.
- Ghimire, U., Gude, V.G., Brooks, J.P., Smith, R.K., Deng, D.D. 2021. Co- existing anammox, ammonium-oxidizing, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in biocathode-biofilms enable energy-efficient nitrogen removal in bioelectrochemical desalination process. Chemical Engineering Journal. 9(14):4967-4979. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c07883.
- Ouyang, Y., Feng, G.G., Parajuli, P., Leininger, T., Wan, Y., Jenkins, J.N. 2018. Assessment of surface water quality in the Big Sunflower River Watershed of Mississippi Delta using nonparametic analysis. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. 229. Article 373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018- 4022-8.
- Gao, F., Feng, G.G., Ouyang, Y., Jenkins, J.N., Lui, C. 2019. Simulating weekly available streamflow and pond water resources potential in Mississippi Delta. Water. 11:1271. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11061271.
- Ouyang, Y., Feng, G.G., Renninger, H., Leininger, T., Parajuli, P., Grace, J. 2021. A STELLA-based model to simultaneously predict hydrological processes, N uptake and biomass production in a eucalypt plantation. Forests. 12:515. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12050515.
- Ouyang, Y., Parajuli, P.B., Feng, G.G., Leininger, T.D., Wan, Y., Dash, P. 2018. Application of Climate Assessment Tool (CAT) to estimate climate variability impacts on nutrient loading from local watersheds. Journal of Hydrology. 563:363-371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.06.017.
- Xua, H., Li, A., Feng, G.G., Li, Y., Qin, Y., Lei, G., Cui, Y. 2018. The effects of asymmetric diurnal warming on vegetation growth of the Tibetan Plateau over the past three decades. Sustainability. 10:1103-1116.
- Zhao, F., Ma, W., Kohler, P., Ma, X., Sun, H., Verhoef, W., Zhao, J., Huang, Y., Li, Z., Ratul, A.K. 2022. Retrieval of red solar-induced Chlorophyll fluorescence with TROPOMI on the Sentinel-5 precursor mission. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing. 60:1-13. https://doi. org/10.1109/TGRS.2022.3162726.
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Progress 10/01/21 to 09/30/22
Outputs
PROGRESS REPORT Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop more sustainable long-term soil health management systems for improved yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. 1.1. Increase row crop yields in the upland soils of the South and Southeast by agronomic practices that improve soil physical and biological properties including application of organic- and inorganic- amendments and planting cover crops. 1.2. Develop soil water management strategies to increase the capture and storage of rain water in soil, minimize yield-robbing drought effects, and increase dryland and irrigated crop production in the South and Southeast. 1.3. Determine the environmental impact in soil, water, and air of proposed novel agronomic approaches on antibiotic resistance, emissions, and nutrient risks. 2. Develop improved decision support tools and technologies based on GxExM to optimize water use efficiency of rainfall and irrigation water for better yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. 2.1. Develop techniques that utilize and integrate high resolution row crop canopy spectral images gathered during the growing season for in- season water management in cropping systems and fields characterized by high soil variability. 2.2. Implement databases, modeling tools, and decision-making paradigms for optimizing water management and crop yield. 3: Develop, optimize, and streamline a UAS operational system for agricultural research and pilot a regional ARS resource for improved data collection from UAS. The system will include: UAV selection process; UAV sensor selection process; flight planning; holistic software system to generate mosaics; handling potential PII information; and UAS-agronomic software that produces specific agronomic data from mosaics. The goals of this holistic system include data standardization and integration, development and release of new UAS technologies and capabilities, and increased ability for our UAS research to rapidly adapt to evolving technologies and policies. (NP216 C1: P1A; C4: P4A, P4B) Approach (from AD-416): Several multi-year field plots will be established. These include a) cover crops for the major row cropping systems in then the southeast, b) planting various configurations of mixed cover crop species, c) cropping systems for land leveled fields, d) stabilizing dryland soybean production using cover crops and poultry litter, e) deep rooted cover crops and soil amendments and, f) cover crops and water use efficiency. From these field experiments we will measure effects on environmental quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and economics of each of the systems; environmental quality and antimicrobial resistance in each of the systems; contribution of soil organic matter to plant available water content in each of the systems; we will optimize yield by managing field variability, we will utilize high resolution thermal imaging to optimize irrigation management and we will model soil water requirements in each of the systems. Sub objective 1.1 Exp. A: Buckwheat a winter sensitive crop and two legumes were planted as cover crops. Corn was planted in the spring without killing the winter-hardy cover crop. Early frost killed the buckwheat before attaining meaningful growth. In the spring, both vetch and crimson clover had excellent growth. The cover crop was killed after the corn emerged and after both cover crops reached flowering stage. Preliminary results show clear differences between the two cover crops vs the no cover crop. The practice of planting corn without killing the cover crop may be practical. Exp B: Planting two cover crop species separately in alternating drill rows reduces the domination of one species when planted as a mixed stand. Growth of cotton reflected the effect of the competition when planted as a mixed stand. Cotton regardless of cover crop species grew excessively in the 2021. In the 2022, cotton was planted to measure the residual effect of the cover crops and poultry litter. Exp C: Cool season cover crops, winter peas, cereal rye, and mixed cover crop (peas+ radish + rye), were planted after fall-applied poultry litter. One treatment to mimic current common farmers⿿ practice was included. Suction cup lysimeter collected leachate water samples after each rain event. To determine cover crop residue decomposition rate during cash crop growing season, In-situ litter bag procedure was used. Dry matter litter residue (100 grams) was inserted inside a mesh bag, incubated in the field, and collected to record mass reduction during corn and cotton growing seasons. At the time of litter bag collection, soil samples were collected under the litter bags and analyzed to determine the contribution of cover crop. Corn was planted green to allow cover crop and produce more biomass. Cotton was planted two weeks after termination of cover crops. After termination of cover crops, soil samples were collected and analyzed for pre-planting available soil Nitrogen for cash crops. Data loggers were installed in the plots and soil moisture and temperature were recorded during corn and cotton growing season. Performance indicators include plant height, vegetation water content, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll, aboveground biomass and yield data were recorded every two weeks during corn and cotton growing season. Soil samples will be collected after harvest and soil health indicators will be measured. Soil samples were collected after the termination of cover crops in Exp C on May 2022. In each plot, we have collected 3 undisturbed core soil sampling at depths of 0-5 and 5-10 centimeters (cm), and also disturbed soil samples at depths of 0-5, 5-10, 10-15 and 15-30 cm using soil auger. We randomly selected 8 native vegetation plots near the experiment site, and collected both 3 undisturbed and 3 disturbed soil samples at the same depths as the experiment plots. In total, we collected 640 undisturbed and 128 disturbed soil samples. Currently, we are measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil aggregate size and stability, soil water retention curve, particle size distribution, bulk density, soil pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, total nitrogen, extractable macro- and micro-nutrients. Sub objective 1.2 EXP D involves five cover crop treatments and three fertility treatments is in its fifth year. Data collected in collaboration with Mississippi State University included cover crop biomass, soil chemical analysis, soybean leaf are index, chlorophyll index, and yield. Soybean fertilized with 2 ton/acre poultry litter grew much larger than soybean fertilized with four fertilizers (phosphorus, potash, sulfur, and zinc) based on soil test. Fertilizing soybean in this poor upland soil with 2 ton/acre poultry litter is superior to fertilizing with synthetic fertilizers. No soybean yield or growth advantage with any of the cover crops were shown in any of the five years. Poultry litter has consistently shown its benefits to soybean yield. Exp. E. The 4th year study has been conducted in a marginal eroded upland soil in Pontotoc experiment station to test if integration of cover crop with animal and industrial byproducts improves soil health and corn yield. Cool season deep-rooted multispecies mixed cover crop including cereal rye, crimson clover and daikon radish were planted after harvesting corn in the fall of 2021. Suction pen lysimeters were deployed vertically and leachate volume and soil water storage following rain events were recorded. Leachate waters were collected during cover crop growing season from November 2021 to April 2022. Two weeks before planting corn the cover crop was chemically terminated. Before termination, above ground cover crop biomass was collected, and dry matter recorded. After planting corn, five litterbags containing 100 g cover crop biomass were left in the plots and were collected every three weeks during the corn-growing season and mass loss was recorded. Soil samples were collected beneath each litterbag for determination of inorganic Nitrogen (N) concentration as the function of cover crop residue decomposition. Data logger with soil moisture and temperature sensors were deployed to monitor soil moisture and temperature during corn growing season. At the eight-leaf stage, inorganic N fertilizer and poultry litter with/without gypsum and lignite were applied. Plant height and chlorophyll contents were measured every three weeks during corn growing season. At physiological maturity, corn plants were collected from 30 cm in row, dry matter recorded and analyzed for nutrient concentrations. At harvest, corn grain yield will be recorded. Soil physical and hydrological indicators will be measured after harvest. Sub objective 1.3 Exp G, H & I: Greenhouse gas emissions were monitored. These efforts integrate the efforts of the USDA-ARS Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture and Mississippi State Geospatial Resources Institute teams. In addition to the ground infrared carbon dioxide flux measurements performed for 3 years, recent progress includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) carbon dioxide (CO2) system development and application, as well as new simultaneous ground measurement of nitrous oxide and CO2 flux. These compliment soil property, soil biological, and crop data in addition to regular UAV flights using multispectral, thermal, and Lidar imaging. Samples were collected from all experiments (B, C, E & others) including soil, water, and wildlife feces. Samples where culture and enzymatic analysis were necessary, were processed throughout the ⿿maximize telework time that personnel were available in the laboratory. This allowed us to triage those critical samples and extract and/or archive environmental Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA). E. coli and enterococci antimicrobial resistance isolates were collected from a collaborative study, while wildlife fecal samples were characterized for antimicrobial resistance genes and E. coli and enterococci in collaboration with Mississippi State (MSU) and Geospatial Resources Institute (GRI). Antibiotic resistance genes were characterized from vulture samples in collaboration with MSU scientists. Water samples were analyzed for the presence of E. coli, enterococci, and C. perfringens and archived. Soil samples were collected from experiments B, C, and E. The samples were analyzed for enzymatic activity and moisture content, while DNA was either extracted or the raw sample was archived for future extraction. New experiments were begun with MSU and GRI to deduce the spatial variability of soil health biological indicators. Unit experimental sites from Pontotoc and North Farm were visited and soil samples were collected and processed for enzymatic analysis, moisture content, water activity, and extracted for DNA. High throughput sequencing on DNA samples have been returned and preliminary bioinformatic analysis have been conducted. Sub objective 2.1 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Imaging: Work continue to establish multisource remote sensing analytics to enhance crop field monitoring at sites in Pontotoc, Mississippi and Mississippi State, Mississippi. A new system prototype with remote sensing big data of operational and analytic protocols was created in Microsoft Cloud- based high-performance computing platform and standalone workstations with selected software and tools from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). Images have been acquired from UAS in accordance with the imagery collected from satellite platforms for studies of cover crops and other agronomic treatment and measurements. UAS imaging has been routinely performed to cover the fields of experiment A, B, C, D, E and K. The imaging sensor used for experiment A, B and E is a digital red-green- blue (RGB) camera. The imaging sensor used for experiment D is a RGB and multispectral (green, red, red edge and near infrared) integrated camera. The imaging sensor used for experiment C and K is a multispectral and thermal integrated camera. The UAS data are for field analysis and scale up/down from the satellite data, especially from PlanetScope with relatively high spatial resolution (3 m) and revisit frequency (1/day). Data management across multiple scientists and objectives have been conducted through maximizing ARS data management capabilities, thus benefitting the unit wide NPL 216 research project and ARS data integrity. This year, a data collection solution was the major focus. Three data collection engines have been defined through USDA-ARS Partnerships for Data Innovations (PDI) workbench: In the field, Farm Management Application (app) has been successfully deployed along with the Research Tool. Field Map associated with this app is in the development stage. A relational database for laboratory data collection was initiated. Site Scan is preliminary identified for a raw drone data collection system. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 01 A combination of remote sensing data is suggested for crop field monitoring. This investigation indicated that it can be beneficial if different sources of remote sensing data are integrated for crop field monitoring in the region of interest covering the experimental sites. ARS researchers in Mississippi State,Mississippi, identified that satellite imagery is good for observing the region of interest that covers the experiment sites for agroecosystem analysis. However, it may be limited by low revisit frequency, low spatial resolution and cloud covers. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) has great potential for monitoring of individual crop fields, but it is also limited to image processing (radiometric and geometric) errors and cloud shadows even only for monitoring a small field. So, it is beneficial to compliment both data sources, imaging sensors on satellites and UAS, for complete agroecosystem monitoring and analysis. 02 A consumer grade digital camera can detect differences in corn growth. ARS scientists in Mississippi State, Mississippi, utilized a consumer- grade Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with an RGB digital camera in corn field monitoring to detect corn growth differences. The system helps detect corn growth differences by using the normalized difference of photosynthetic vigor ratio, a vegetation index extracted from the RGB image data, even when visual identification, for example, among plots with and without cover crops is not able to be differentiated. Compared with control, Broiler Litter, and litter plus Flue Gas Desulfurization treatments had the largest positive effect on corn growth. The cover crops had a larger positive impact on the corn growth in control plots than the plots receiving fertilizer. 03 Conservation practices and their effects on soil biology are often region specific. For this reason, it is often difficult to suggest one conservation practice to all land managers. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with Mississippi State University researchers, determined that conservation practices such as minimal tillage and cover crop select for specific changes in the soil biology. Cover crop practices were found to select for increased bacterial diversity, based on a season, while no till practices decreased diversity. These changes as evidenced by sequencing of the soil microbiome indicate differences in biogeochemical outcomes in the soil, which ultimately impact how well a conservation practice performs in cropping systems, particularly based on regional differences. As the need for more resolution in soil health research increases, the use of soil microbiome sequencing will help identify practices more suited towards region-specific gains and help explain difficulties in implementing practices on a broad basis. 04 Poultry litter applied to fertilize cotton continues to supply potassium up to four years after ending poultry litter application. Poultry litter is a proven cotton fertilizer for the same season it is applied. It also has a carryover effect, but what component of the litter brings about this effect has not been well known. Nitrogen (N) is one element that gets carried over from year to year but its effect beyond the first year is small. In a recent study, ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, found that potassium is a key element that carried over from year to year for up to four years to increase cotton lint yield above the normally fertilized cotton. They tested this after eliminating the effect of N by supplying all plots with equal amounts of N so that N is not limiting. The results show cotton planted in plots that received litter two to four years ago had greater leaf K concentration and produced more lint yield every year for three years than cotton planted in soil that received synthetic fertilizers. This shows the potassium from poultry litter carried over from year to year and met the potassium need of cotton. The results show that fertilizing cotton with poultry litter eliminates or reduces the need to apply potash fertilizers for cotton production long after stopping poultry litter applications. 05 Potassium (K) is required in large amounts by cotton for normal crop growth and fiber development. Shortage will result in poorer fiber quality and lowered yields. Nitrogen-based poultry litter applications to cotton adds substantial amount of K at the time of application. In an acidic upland soil marginal in organic matter, three years after termination of broiler litter, soil test K at 0-15 cm depth was greater by 38% in plots had received poultry litter than plots did not receive litter. However, cotton yield was not affected by K in residual poultry litter plots as compared to the plots did not receive litter. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, found out that addition of Flue Gas Desulurization (FGD) gypsum, CaSO4, to the residual poultry litter plots appeared to increase K in the soil solution as evidenced by greater cotton leaf K concentration. Cotton lint yield was greater in residual poultry litter plots received FGD gypsum than plots did not receive FGD gypsum, indicating Ca++ in FGD gypsum replaced K+ from the soil layers into the soil solution as the function of cation exchange. 06 Cover crops play important role in mediating N retention and supply to agroecosystems. Integrating cover crops into farming systems may contribute to meeting Nitrogen (N) demands of succeeding crops and reduce dependence on commercial fertilizer N inputs and environmental concerns. ARS researchers in Starkville, Mississippi, have discovered that the effectiveness and fertilizer value of cover crops for cash crops depends on the types, biomass yields and decomposition rate. The concentration of carbon and nitrogen in cover crop shoot and root biomass influences the rate of nitrogen release from decomposing cover crops. Results indicated that cereal rye had the slowest rate of mass loss and nitrogen release, and legumes include Australian peas and crimson clover released most of their nitrogen during early growth period of corn and cotton. The mixture of grass and legumes had intermediate rates of mass loss and release of nitrogen, most likely making it more synchronous with cash crops N demand under southeast agroecosystems. 07 Cover crop species or cash crops of corn and cotton did not affect carbon dioxide (CO2)flux from soil. Adoption of cover crops for soil health benefits has been slow in the humid southeastern United States. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, demonstrated in a long-term study, the effect of cover crop strategies in a cotton-corn rotation and the farmers⿿ best management practice of fall broiler litter application for sustainable performance and improved soil quality. Cover crops of radish, cereal rye, and winter peas have treatments of single, mixed, continuous, and rotating species. Measurements included soil CO2 flux and additional soil parameters (moisture, temperature, nitrogen and carbon compounds). Initial results for CO2 flux comparing 2020 and 2021 growing seasons indicate no significant differences in cover crop treatments or cash crops, but there are significant differences between measurements over time that are related to moisture and temperature. Conclusions are expected to yield recommendations for minimization of carbon loss for the 33° N, 88° W region with quantification of crop performance and cumulative CO2 flux for the respective growing seasons. 08 The use of poultry litter and cover crop increased soil water holding capacity. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, establish field studies to determine the effect of poultry litter, municipal biosolids, biochar, and cover crop on soybean yield, soil water holding capacity, plant water availability in soil, rain-water use efficiency and soil health: 1) Continuous application of poultry litter to a soil under a corn-soybean rotation improves soil total carbon by 17%, bulk density by 6%, and water infiltration by 44% and water retention by 11%; 2) Compared to the inorganic fertilizer treatments, poultry litter applications improved aggregate stability by 17%, saturated hydraulic connectivity were two to three times greater in the poultry litter treatments. The poultry litter addition increased field capacity of water and plant available water by 20%. In other words, soil was less compacted and could hold significantly more water because the litter allowed rainwater to soak into the ground more quickly; 3) Soybeans planted in the test fields produced better yields in the years following the addition of poultry litter. One year later, soybean yields were eight percent higher and three years later they were 11 percent higher than in fields treated with synthetic fertilizers. The study pointed to a clear value of poultry litter to both crop farmers and poultry farmers; and 4) Cover crops (CC) can increase soil organic matter by 15% and storage of rainwater in soils by 13% during the crop growing season within two months after terminating cover crop. 09 The use of the model RZWQM2 under long-term diverse weather conditions can assist in determining results difficult or impossible for field studies to ascertain. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, utilized the model to determine the following results: 1) planting cover crop (CC) reduced drainage deep percolation by 69 mm (11%), 53 mm (15%), and 51 mm (21%) and increased evapotranspiration by 79 mm (55%), 81 mm (57%), and 73 mm (56%) in wet, normal, and dry years, respectively; and 2) planting CC decreased surface evaporation by 38 mm (24%) for soybean growth periods. As compared with no CC scenario, model estimates indicated planting CC increased soybean yield by 4% (134 kg ha-1; approximately 2 bu acre-1) and improved soybean water use efficiency (WUE) by 9% (0.64 vs. 0.59 kg m-3). Long-term use of winter wheat CC, if managed similarly, can increase soil water storage and improve rain water use efficiency without sacrificing soybean growth. This research directly impacts 51% of the total soybean production in Mississippi state which is not irrigated (1.12 million acres with a value of $0.56 billion). With a 4% and 8% increase by cover crop and poultry litter in dryland yield and 5% decrease in costs, the profitability can be expected to rise by about $32 and $64 per acre. Beyond the economic impact, soil organic matter and soil health were also improved. 10 Optical sensors calibrated to relate to spring wheat yield and protein. ARS reseachers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers at North Dakota State University, found that optical sensor calibrations were highly related to spring wheat yield (p<0.0001) and protein (p<0.0001) at the V5 growth stage. Ground optical sensor algorithms were tested for side-dress nitrogen status and yields in corn and explored for use with drone imagery. The practical application of improved in-season nitrogen side-dress will increase nitrogen use efficiency. 11 Geospatial proximally sensed soil maps. ARS reseachers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers at North Dakota State University, used Laboratory soil analysis results to construct geospatial soil maps that are now being compared to the new technologies that provide geospatial proximally sensed data. The results of these comparisons will be used, by ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, to develop calibrations for the proximal sensors (FarmLab & Topsoil mapper) and improve assessment of soil health status. Additionally, a special emphasis was placed on developing efficient spatial sampling approaches and proximal measurements to assess soil carbon levels. Efficient assessment of carbon is essential for the successful development of carbon sequestration markets, and engaging producers in these markets. 12 Weed identification via remote images. ARS reseachers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers at North Dakota State University, collected over 1 million images using different sensors (Red, Green, Blue, multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal) on six different weed species and eight crop species in greenhouse and field studies. Also, ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, created a third version of an autonomous platform (miniWeedbot) and used it to collect data. For sugarbeets, we used precision agriculture technologies to implement strip tillage and cover crops for waterhemp suppression and to improve soil conservation. Finally, for the first- time last season we were able to implement the whole workflow, from unmanned aerial system (UAS) data collection to field weed control, for site-specific weed management based using a commercial size sprayer. 13 Three software applications successfully deployed. ARS reseachers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers at North Dakota State University, deployed three computer apps. FieldHub, to assist with field design of experiments for traditional, unreplicated, augmented and partially replicated experiments for plant breeding, forestry, and animal sciences. MrBean, developed to accurately predict the genetic potential of newer genotypes coming out of our breeding pipelines. Ag.Q.Hub, to generate reports for variety advancements. 14 Soil carbon dioxide emissions measured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) . ARS reseachers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers Mississippi State University Geospatial Resources Institute (MSU-GRI), conducted regular ground measurements on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission with ancillary soil properties, including temperature and moisture during crop growing seasons. The team also developed a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based system to monitor CO2 concentration along with meteorological parameters in the low- altitude atmosphere above cropping fields. The three-year ground measurements (Experiment E, 2019-2021) reveal that cover crops did not have significant effects on soil CO2 emissions while organic amendments consisting of broiler litter often increased soil CO2 emissions, with emission peaks observed between mid-June and mid-July. Test flights of the UAV-CO2 system show the UAV-based system was able to detect the difference in atmospheric CO2 concentration above cropping and bare soil systems when the flights were lower than 8-10 feet above crop top or soil surface. The results of the test flights ensure the feasibility of applying UAV-based systems to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in agroecosystems. Overall, our ground and UAV-based studies on greenhouse gas emissions will provide mechanistic understandings of how agricultural practices for Mississippi cropping systems affect greenhouse gas emissions, and advanced technologies to monitor agroecosystem greenhouse gas in less labor and time-consuming manners. 15 Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based high-resolution soil moisture. ARS reseachers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers at Mississippi State University, developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based high-resolution soil moisture measurement technology for precision agriculture. The system utilizes signals of opportunity like global navigation satellite system (GNSS) transmissions that are already available and repurposes them together with multispectral camera and Lidar observations. We develop an artificial intelligence (AI) technique that learns to transform observations from the UAV into soil moisture values of the field. This way we can obtain the very critical soil moisture map of an agricultural field covering larger areas at only a few meter resolutions in a short amount of time with a single flight of the developed UAV, saving from costly, time-consuming, and labor intensive in-situ field observations. Our developed technology will also provide informed precision agriculture and irrigation decisions saving the precious resource of water.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Brooks, J.P., Durso, L.M., Ibekwe, A.M. 2021. Editorial: Exposure, risks, and drivers of the mobile antimicrobial resistance genes in the environment ⿿ a global perspective. Frontiers in Microbiology. 12:1-3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.803282.
- Li, Y., Tewolde, H., Miles, D.M., Munyon, J.W., Brooks, J.P., Feng, G.G., Yang, M., Zhang, F. 2021. Decomposition of poultry litter organic matter may be slowed by co-applied industrial and agricultural byproducts. Journal of Environmental Quality. 50:364-374. DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20189.
- Huang, Y., Zhao, X., Pan, Z., Reddy, K.N., Zhang, J. 2022. Hyperspectral plant sensing for differentiating Glyphosate-resistant and Glyphosate- susceptible Johnsongrass through machine learning. Pest Management Science. 78:2370-2377. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6864.
- Yang, W., Feng, G.G., Miles, D.M., Gao, L., Jia, Y., Li, C., Qu, Z. 2020. Impact of biochar on greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon sequestration in corn growth under drip irrigation with mulching. Science of the Total Environment. 729:138752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv. 2020.138752.
- Tewolde, H., Buehring, N., Way, T.R., Feng, G.G., He, Z., Sistani, K.R., Jenkins, J.N. 2021. Yield and nutrient removal of cotton-corn-soybean rotation systems fertilized with poultry litter. Agronomy Journal. 113:5483-5498. https://doi.10.1002/agj2.20857.
- He, Z., Liu, Y., Kim, H.J., Tewolde, H., Zhang, H. 2022. Fourier transform infrared spectral features of plant biomass components during cotton organ development and their biological implications. Journal of Cotton Research. 5:11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42397-022-00117-8.
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Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21
Outputs
PROGRESS REPORT Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop more sustainable long-term soil health management systems for improved yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. 1.1. Increase row crop yields in the upland soils of the South and Southeast by agronomic practices that improve soil physical and biological properties including application of organic- and inorganic- amendments and planting cover crops. 1.2. Develop soil water management strategies to increase the capture and storage of rain water in soil, minimize yield-robbing drought effects, and increase dryland and irrigated crop production in the South and Southeast. 1.3. Determine the environmental impact in soil, water, and air of proposed novel agronomic approaches on antibiotic resistance, emissions, and nutrient risks. 2. Develop improved decision support tools and technologies based on GxExM to optimize water use efficiency of rainfall and irrigation water for better yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. 2.1. Develop techniques that utilize and integrate high resolution row crop canopy spectral images gathered during the growing season for in- season water management in cropping systems and fields characterized by high soil variability. 2.2. Implement databases, modeling tools, and decision-making paradigms for optimizing water management and crop yield. 3: Develop, optimize, and streamline a UAS operational system for agricultural research and pilot a regional ARS resource for improved data collection from UAS. The system will include: UAV selection process; UAV sensor selection process; flight planning; holistic software system to generate mosaics; handling potential PII information; and UAS-agronomic software that produces specific agronomic data from mosaics. The goals of this holistic system include data standardization and integration, development and release of new UAS technologies and capabilities, and increased ability for our UAS research to rapidly adapt to evolving technologies and policies. (NP216 C1: P1A; C4: P4A, P4B) Approach (from AD-416): Several multi-year field plots will be established. These include a) cover crops for the major row cropping systems in then the southeast, b) planting various configurations of mixed cover crop species, c) cropping systems for land leveled fields, d) stabilizing dryland soybean production using cover crops and poultry litter, e) deep rooted cover crops and soil amendments and, f) cover crops and water use efficiency. From these field experiments we will measure effects on environmental quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and economics of each of the systems; environmental quality and antimicrobial resistance in each of the systems; contribution of soil organic matter to plant available water content in each of the systems; we will optimize yield by managing field variability, we will utilize high resolution thermal imaging to optimize irrigation management and we will model soil water requirements in each of the systems. Field studies were designed to study integrated diverse winter cover crops with fall-applied poultry litter coupled with cotton or corn cash crops. Soil samples were collected from all studies. Soil biological analysis from all samples collected in FY 21 were processed for critical assays only. Critical litter bags were collected from in situ incubations to determine mass reductions. Soil samples were collected after harvest and analyzed for residual nitrate-N. Hundreds of samples have been archived for future DNA extraction and analysis. Only limited samples were extracted for DNA and processed. Samples were processed for enzyme and culture-based work for all studies, since these are critical assays. Sample DNA from a previous study were sequenced and analyzed. For Exp C, emission (soil CO2 flux via LiCor survey chamber) measurements have been taken at significant crop growth stages to coincide with litter bag collection as well as soil nutrient and biological evaluations. Similar methods at a reduced frequency were conducted for Exp B. A complete dataset of this first year study has been gathered. These data include cover crop biomass separate by species, initial soil chemical properties, and cotton yield and growth. The data show the level of competition between the two cover crop species in the study (cereal rye and crimson clover) when planted as a mixed stand and the reduction of the competition when planted separately in alternating rows. Cotton planted after growing a cereal rye cover crop produced less and did not grow as tall as cotton planted on soil that did not have cover crop. This yield drag due to the cereal rye cover crop was also evident when the cotton received 2 ton/acre poultry litter in the fall. Cotton performed best after the legume crimson clover as the cover crop with or without poultry litter. The second year test has been started after taking soil samples and cover crop planted according to plan following fall poultry litter application. The second-year cover crop has been terminated and cotton has been planted as the second-year cash crop. In accordance with the research objectives of this project works began to establish multisource remote sensing analytics to enhance crop field monitoring and control in the region of concern covering the experimental sites spread in eastern Mississippi. The new system with remote sensing big data operational and analytic protocols are creating in high- performance computing platform and standalone workstation with selected software and algorithms. Imagery of satellite and unmanned aerial system (UAS) have been acquired for potential studies of cover crops and other agronomic treatment and measurements. NASA SMAP L3 soil moisture products (36km, 9km and 1km (USDA NASS)) have been investigated over the state of Mississippi. Also, NASA MODIS LAI (500m) and NDVI (250m) products have also been investigated over the state of Mississippi. USGS Landsat 8 (30m) , ESA Sentinel 2 (10m) and PlanetScope (3m) images have been investigated for classification of crop types in the regions within Mississippi based on the data of SMAP and MODIS. UAS imaging has been routinely performed to cover the fields of experiment B, C, D and E. The sensor used for experiment B, D and E has the broad bands of RGB and narrow bands of green, red, red edge and near infrared (NIR) while the senor used for experiment C has the narrow bands of blue, red, red edge and NIR in addition to thermal. The UAS data are for field analysis and scale up/ down from the satellite data. A field study was established to study integration of cover crop with animal and industrial byproducts to improve soil quality and crop yield. Cover crop was planted and killed, while treatments were applied prior to corn planting. Cover crop biomass was collected and recorded, while soil samples post cover crop kill and during the season were collected. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for critical biological and nutrient analyses. Lysimeter were deployed and water volumes were collected. Corn yield was recorded, and dry matter was recorded. Sensors were deployed to monitor soil moisture and temperature. Exp E emission (soil CO2 flux via LiCor survey chamber) measurements have been taken at significant crop growth stages to coincide with litter bag collection as well as soil nutrient and biological evaluations. For Exp D., 30 tubes of PR2 soil moisture measuring probes were installed. Biweekly soil moisture, leaf area index, plant height, plant cover, phenology, biomass, and leaf N using SPAD will be measured. Undisturbed soil core samples were collected at multiple depths from 30 plots early in the summer, and soil physical and hydrological properties were measured. This relatively long-term study that involves five cover crop treatments and three fertility treatments is in its fourth year. In the fourth year as in the previous years, these cover crops and the fertility treatments were imposed in the fall and soybean planted in the spring at two planting dates. Data collected in collaboration with Mississippi State University included cover crop biomass, soil chemical analysis, soybean leaf area index, soybean chlorophyll index, and soybean yield. The data show that soybean fertilized with 2 ton/acre poultry litter grew much larger than soybean fertilized with four recommended fertilizers (phosphorus, potash, sulfur, and zinc). This suggests using poultry litter at this low rate in poor soils may be more effective and profitable than using multiple synthetic fertilizers. The cover crops showed some effects on soybean but these effects were not consistent and distinct after four years of testing. Benefits of continuing planting cover crops for more than four years is not indicated in this study at this point. The positive effects of poultry litter on soybean yield and growth have been immediate, distinct, and likely profitable. Intact soil cores were extracted from field plots that received either no fertilization (control) or pelleted biosolids at a single, high rate of 37 Mg ha-1 (1,500 kg ha-1 total N and 10,180 kg ha-1 total C). The first cycle of a greenhouse study has begun. Soil samples from all experiments have been collected and archived for future DNA extraction and ARG assays. A study that tests whether poultry litter alleviates Mn toxicity in cotton was continued in the same field. Limed and unlimed plots from a year ago were fertilized with either poultry litter, recommended synthetic N and other fertilizers, or left unfertilized. Data collected included soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient content, leaf are index, chlorophyll index, cotton lint yield, and plant height. The results show that liming is effective for reducing leaf manganese content in the acidic soil whether the cotton was unfertilized or fertilized with poultry litter. But this reduction in tissue manganese content did not lead to improved cotton yield. Fertilizing with poultry litter greatly increased cotton yield but the increases may not be due to the reduction in manganese alleviation. The ability of poultry litter to provide all nutrients needed for healthy plant growth and production probably alleviated nutrient shortage undiagnosed by typical soil testing. Data collection protocols were developed and enhanced for high-throughput data streams with appropriate quality control procedures and innovative data management strategies were reviewed. In conjunction with NPS, three data collection software with unique data entry templates were preliminarily selected: 1) Farm Management (FM) for field operation event and background data collection, 2) Sample Master® Laboratory Information Management System from Accelerated Technology Laboratories (ATL-SM-LIMS) for GSARU Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, 3) ArcGIS Velocity from Esri for UAS/Drone Data collection. As software as a service (SaaS), these tools will connect with Microsoft Azure cloud, where the Decision Support Information (DSI) Platform of PDI will benefit GSARU scientists for scientific data mining, data integrity, and decision making. FM has been customized within the GSARU research environment and preliminarily optimized. GPS coordination data and field event data loading to the system is ongoing. Specification and functionality of ATL-SM-LIMS is carefully reviewed by most of potential users, and AAR is approved for the purchasing. ArcGIS Velocity will be introduced when the new GIS scientist is on board. Through a Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NACA) Mississippi State University studied management and stress-induced changes in plant health, influence of cover crops on cash crop, early detection of root-knot- nematode infestation, impacts of temperature on cover crop vegetative growth, applying radio frequency microwave using remote sensing from UAS for soil moisture mapping, and machine learning algorithms to estimate soil moisture from hyperspectral imagery. Through a NACA North Dakota State University validated and optimized current active-optical sensor algorithms using GreenSeeker RNDVI and Holland Scientific crop circle sensors with RNDVI and RENDVI for corn for spring wheat they developed algorithms for in season Nitrogen to optimize for yields during tillering, for protein at flag leaf, and began collecting data for yield enhancement algorithms for barley. Working with Grant Farm test site where research is translated into technology transfer via public-private partnerships. Established partnerships with 3 cooperating farmers in Red River Valley on fields with severe variability due to poor drainage and salt accumulation. Using remotely sensed data in determining variety qualities in breeding. An automous weed bot is learning to phenotype six major weeds Near InfraRed, multispectral, 3D and Red, Green, Blue. Developing a dataset to compare with revenue and cost to develop a model to estimate stochastic returns from adopting precision ag technologies. Record of Any Impact of Maximized Teleworking Requirement: Maximized telework severely hindered research progress throughout all experiments and ultimately project objectives within the laboratory. The impact was manifest through: 1) limited access to the laboratory by technicians and scientists, 2) onboarding of newly hired technicians, and 3) finally by impromptu experiment and potential study discussions which take place in person. Limited access to the lab most likely resulted in, at best, 50% of necessary assays and data collection completed throughout the entirety of the pandemic. Only critical assays were conducted during this time. This will result in significant delays in data analysis and ultimately manuscript authoring going forward. This effect could potentially manifest itself over the next 2 years. This was compounded when factoring in position vacancies, thus preventing the commencing or completion of critical research. Additionally, post-data acquisition, the use of more powerful PC workstations was limited because access to the workstations was not possible via remote and maximized telework. This impacted analyses such as DNA sequence and image processing. Maximized telework posture reduced the ability to onboard newly hired technicians, which may hurt retention, as ARS or unit-specific culture has yet to be established within these new hires. While onboarding a new technician can be accomplished via zoom, it pales in comparison to in- person interactions, particularly for someone new to the organization or city. Additionally, limited interactions with newly hired technicians and scientists, meant limited scientific training by either on-hand personnel or instrument-specific personnel. Organizing the entry of instrument- specific personnel to coincide with maximum telework limited instrument hands-on time and will slow data acquisition for at least one-year post- pandemic. The loss of research discussions between technician and scientist will lead to a feeling of being ⿿lost or ⿿thrown to the wolves, particularly for newly hired personnel or attempting to start an experiment. Finally, collaborative discussions between ARS unit(s) or within the unit, and university-associated collaborators has been curtailed by maximized telework posture. While discussions occur electronically, many thought-provoking and innovation-sparking discussions are limited. Administratively, maximized telework limited purchasing efficiency for both scientific and general supplies. For example, there may be a backlog, on behalf of the purchaser, to complete a unit order. Under maximize telework, the purchaser/receiver may not be in the office for a few days, while packages pile up for them to check in and receive. Finally, the maintenance of two offices between home and building undoubtedly led to disorganization and will result in loss in productivity. For administrative personnel, perhaps telework was normal, but for scientists and technicians, telework is ⿿unnatural and is antithetical to field, greenhouse, bench, or lab-based training and work. Overall, the restriction(s) of maximized telework posture made every aspect of our work more difficult and stress-ridden, which reduced productivity, efficiency, and possibly quality; however its impact is hard to quantify, but will surely be felt over the next few years. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 01 Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is a costly agriculture input for cotton growers and has narrowed grower's profits. Interest in using poultry litter as an alternative source of pant nutrients for cotton production has increased in the region. However, litter applications decompose rapidly, particularly in hot and humid south, and its derived-N losses through volatilization and leaching, reduces crop N use efficiency and poses a threat to the environmental pollution. Biochar and lignite have the potential to reduce N loss due to their cation and anion exchange capacity and water holding capacity. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, in collaboration with researchers at Mississippi State University, have discovered that the combination of biochar and lignite with poultry litter resulted in greater lint yield and N utilization and lower NO3-N in drainage as compared to poultry litter alone treatments. This management practice offers a novel approach to promote crop productivity, while reducing the environmental risk, could be used as a sustainable agronomical strategy. 02 Hen age affected manure characteristics but vaccination and dietary supplements did not. To sustain commercial egg production, innovative dietary inputs, their interaction with disease control agents, and effects on all aspects of the production system and bird health must be investigated. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, studied commercial layer chickens⿿ inoculation with F-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum (FMG) and having diets supplemented with phytase (to make phosphorus in corn more available) and vitamin D3 (for improved performance and Ca retention) to determine the effects on manure characteristics. Of the studied parameters, only hen age affected the manure parameters by decreasing moisture content (4%) and generally increasing nitrogen (53%), carbon (7%), potassium (19%), and Zn (44%). The potential impact is that integrators need not be concerned that the supplemented diets or FMG inoculation will incur manure handling changes, but that changes in mineral excretion can be significant as hens age. Further, the data provide a resource for national manure inventories. 03 DNA sequencing reveals impact of fertilizer. Choice of fertilizer has an influence on the soil quality as well as crop yields. Fertilizer choice is often dictated by location and proximity to fertilizer sources, such as concentrated animal feeding operations or municipal wastewater treatment plants. However, the selection of fertilizer can also influence the soil microbiota as well as pathogen release into the environment. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, determined that use of various solid and liquid waste fertilizer products selects for specific soil microbiota beneath forage, as well as introduced pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Land application typically begins in the spring, followed by harvest in early fall. Overall, pathogen levels dropped to control levels within weeks of application, while the influence on the soil microbiota was established early in the season. Antimicrobial resistance and associated genes dropped to control levels by the end of the season, however some elevated levels persisted. Returning to the site 4 years later showed little influence on the microbiota as qualitative and quantitative data suggested a return to near baseline levels. This indicates that fertilizer choice has a strong influence on the soil microbiota during season but requires reoccuring input. 04 Potassium-deficient wheat leaves have few if any sensitive spectral indicators of physiological stress. Leaf reflectance at specific wavelengths is associated with nitrogen (N) deficiency, but studies on spectral reflectance and potassium (K) deficiency are lacking. Two winter wheat varieties, Coker and Magnolia, were grown with and without N and K for 35 days in a greenhouse by ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi. Withholding K from the nutrient solution induced a 70% reduction in leaf K and a 8% reduction in carotenoids, without affecting total chlorophyll. As a result, a weak correlation was obtained between leaf K and chlorophyll (r2=0.15; P<0.05). Approximately 20% of the variation in leaf K was accounted for by reflectance (R) at 655 nm, with 24% of variation accounted for by a single-band ratio, R655/R380. Measurements of spectral properties in wheat are useful for detecting early nutrient deficiencies if the specific mineral deficiency is known. 05 Napiergrass is a highly productive forage and bioenergy crop with swine- effluent fertilization. In a three-year study (2011-2013) at a private swine farm in northeast Mississippi by ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, ⿿Merkeron⿿ napiergrass harvested in November removed 92% of nitrogen (N) and 73% of phosphorus (P) applied in lagoon effluent in 2013, the peak year of production (59 Mg ha-1). This can benefit swine farms that apply effluent to summer forage grasses grown for hay, as irrigation rates are determined by crop nutrient requirements coupled with soil N and P levels. Leaves harvested from mature plants are a forage product that would meet nutritional standards as animal fodder, but corresponding stems had lower forage nutritive value. Ethanol yield was approximately 36% lower in stems than leaves (98 vs. 153 g kg-1) and xylose yield was 7% lower (170 vs 183 g kg-1); however, stems account for a larger amount of lignocellulosic biomass. Potential ethanol yield was approximately 109 g kg-1 grass biomass, which corresponds to 139 L Mg-1 biomass. 06 Cover crop is considered as one of strategies to reduce rain-water loss and mitigate rainfed crop water stress. The impact of cover crop (CC) on soil water balance and agricultural production is closely depended on rainfall amount and distribution. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, applied RZWQM2 to investigate the impact of wheat CC on rainwater balance and use efficiency (WUE, grain yield per unit of evapotranspiration) in rainfed corn and soybean rotation under different rainfall patterns in eastern Mississippi. 07 Remote sensing data can be integrated into crop field monitoring.. Monitoring frequency needs to be adjusted for cloud cover, since this can be a problem for use of satellite imagery with relatively long revisiting cycles, such as 16 days of Landsat 8. MODIS and Planet both have high revisiting cycles (daily for raw data) to ensure the capture of images of some clear days from June to August in this area. 08 A new alternative method of poultry litter management strategy.. Approximately 15 to 20% of poultry litter is composed of mineral elements needed for healthy plant growth. When litter is applied to the same field continuously for several years as a fertilizer, some of these elements such as phosphorus (P) accumulate in the soil and become a concern for environmental contamination if washed off to non-target surfaces such as water bodies. Currently, the most recommended management practice to prevent excess nutrient buildup in the soil is to apply just enough litter to meet the P need of the crop 09 Decomposition of manure in soil can be slowed with inorganic byproducts. One important purpose of applying manures to soils is to increase its level of organic matter since soils with high organic matter are productive. But manures, once applied and mixed with the soil, decompose quickly, and dissipate as carbon dioxide (CO2) leaving very little trace of organic matter in the soil.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Li, G., Huang, Y., Chen, Z., Chesser Jr, G.D., Zhao, Y., Purswell, J.L., Linhoss, J. 2021. Practices and applications of convolutional neural network-based computer vision systems in animal farming: a review. Sensors. 21(4):1492. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21041492.
- Read, J.J., Adeli, A., Fairbrother, T.E. 2020. Harvest management effects on bermudagrass yield and nutrient utilization in a swine-effluent spray field. Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. 65:3.
- Read, J.J., Adeli, A., Lang, D.J., Oldham, J.L. 2017. Nutritive value and nutrient uptake of summer-active and summer-dormant tall fescue under different broiler litter rates. Agronomy Journal. 109:473-482. 10.2134/ agronj2016.08.0445.
- Thakali, O., Tandukar, S., Brooks, J.P., Sherchan, S.P., Sherchand, J.B., Haramoto, E. 2020. The occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in an urban river in nepal. Water. 12:450. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12020450.
- Firth, A.G., Baker, B.H., Brooks, J.P., Smith, R.K., Iglay, R.B., Davis, J. B. 2020. Investigation of pathogenic bacterial transport by waterbirds: A case study of flooded and non-flooded rice systems in Mississippi. Water. 12:1833. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12061833.
- Ouyang, Y., Zhang, J., Feng, G.G., Wan, Y., Leininger, T.D. 2020. A century of precipitation trends in forest lands of the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. Scientific Reports. 10:12802. https://doi.org/10. 1038/s41598-020-69508-8.
- Miles, D.M., Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P. 2020. Lignite coal and biochar reduce ammonia emissions from broiler litter. Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Science. 19(3):137-141. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2020. 137.141.
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Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1. Develop more sustainable long-term soil health management systems for improved yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. Sub-objective 1.1. Increase row crop yields in the upland soils of the South and Southeast by agronomic practices that improve soil physical and biological properties including application of organic- and inorganic- amendments and planting cover crops. Sub-objective 1.2. Develop soil water management strategies to increase the capture and storage of rain water in soil, minimize yield-robbing drought effects, and increase dryland and irrigated crop production in the South and Southeast. Sub-objective 1.3. Determine the environmental impact in soil, water, and air of proposed novel agronomic approaches on antibiotic resistance, emissions, and nutrient risks. Objective 2. Develop improved decision support tools and technologies based on GxExM to optimize water use efficiency of rainfall and irrigation water for better yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. Sub-objective 2.1. Develop techniques that utilize and integrate high resolution row crop canopy spectral images gathered during the growing season for in-season water management in cropping systems and fields characterized by high soil variability. Sub-objective 2.2. Implement databases, modeling tools, and decision- making paradigms for optimizing water management and crop yield. Approach (from AD-416): Several multi-year field plots will be established. These include a) cover crops for the major row cropping systems in then the southeast, b) planting various configurations of mixed cover crop species, c) cropping systems for land leveled fields, d) stabilizing dryland soybean production using cover crops and poultry litter, e) deep rooted cover crops and soil amendments and, f) cover crops and water use efficiency. From these field experiments we will measure effects on environmental quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and economics of each of the systems; environmental quality and antimicrobial resistance in each of the systems; contribution of soil organic matter to plant available water content in each of the systems; we will optimize yield by managing field variability, we will utilize high resolution thermal imaging to optimize irrigation management and we will model soil water requirements in each of the systems. Sub objective 1.1. A field study has been identified to test whether integration of diverse winter cover crop with fall-applied poultry litter balancing nitrogen supply and crop demand to optimize yield, profit, and environmental protection. Cool season cover crops include winter peas, cereal rye and daikon radish were planted separately after fall-applied poultry litter at Plant Science Center. Background soil samples for biological measurements were collected in fall 2019, followed by samples collected during the cover crop season. Water activity was measured for samples collected during the cover crop season. One treatment to mimic current accepted practice was also included. Suction cup lysimeters were installed and leachate water samples collected after each rain event. Before cover crop termination, aboveground biomass was collected, and dry matter yield recorded. After termination of cover crops, soil samples were collected and analyzed for pre-planting available soil N for cash crops. Cotton and corn were planted at both locations. Litter bags from cover crop biomass were used for in situ incubation, collected frequently and mass reduction was recorded during corn and cotton growing seasons. Samples were collected for soil biological measurements at the root zone and below litter bags, including enzymatic analysis, Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA), and archived for future measurements such as metagenomics. Cotton and corn performance indicators include crop canopy height, vegetation water content, leaf area index, and leaf chlorophyll, leaf N content, total aboveground biomass and yield data were recorded. Emission [soil carbon dioxide (CO2) flux via LiCor (this is not an abbreviation) survey chamber] measurements were taken every 3 weeks to coincide with litter bag collection as well as soil nutrient and biological evaluations. The cereal rye or winter pea cover crop provided excellent early control of pigweed with the best control provided by winter pea. A high early season population of pigweed was observed in the daikon radish plots and the no cover crop plots. A new grain drill that enables the planting of multiple cover crop species on the same pass was designed, built by ALMACO, tested, and used to plant two cover crop species in row configurations as planned. Background soil samples were collected, and poultry litter applied before planting the cover crops. After maximum cover crop growth and before applying burn-down chemicals in preparation to plant cotton, aboveground cover crop samples were collected, separated by species, and placed in a drier to determine the cover crop biomass. Soil biological and nutrients samples were collected during the middle and end of the growing season. Sub objective 1.2. A field study has been identified in an eroded upland soil to test if integration of cover crop mixes with animal and industrial byproduct improve soil physical and hydrological properties and stabilize crop yield. Cool season deep-rooted multispecies mixed cover crop including winter wheat, crimson clover and daikon radish were planted mixed after harvesting corn in Pontotoc experiment station in the fall 2019. After planting corn, inorganic fertilizer N, soil amendment including poultry litter with/without FGD gypsum and lignite were applied. Litter bags were placed in field to determine cover crop residue decomposition. Before cover crop termination, aboveground biomass was collected, and dry matter yield recorded. A total of five litter bags were left in the plots and were collected every three weeks during the corn growing season. Soil samples were collected beneath each litter bag to analyze for total inorganic N concentration as the function of residue decomposition. Suction pen lysimeters were deployed vertically into experimental plots to monitor leachate volume as an indicator of soil infiltration and soil water storage following rain events. Sensors were deployed to monitor ambient environmental conditions. Corn growth parameters and grain yield were recorded. Soil physical and hydrological properties were evaluated. Soil enzyme and genomic DNA was collected, and cores initially screened for Deoxyribose Ncleic Acid based gene indicators and microplate analysis of enzymes have been conducted. Emission (soil carbon dioxide (CO2) flux via LiCor survey chamber) measurements have been taken every 3 weeks to coincide with litter bag collection as well as soil nutrient and biological evaluations. The field experiment at MSU Pontotoc Experiment Station in Pontotoc County was conducted. In the fall of 2019, five different cover crop species were planted with three different fertilizer treatments. The five cover crops consisted of: wheat, cereal rye, vetch, mustard/cereal rye, and native vegetation. The three fertilizer treatments were poultry litter, standard pelletized fertilizer, and no fertilizer. We sampled 45 of the 60 plots to measure initial conditions of soil physical properties, soil moisture and nutrients before the spring planting of the soybeans. We also installed soil matric potential sensors in the wheat treatment plots and native plots. The sensors included watermark sensors of Irrometer Inc. and time domain reflectometry (tdr) sensors from Acclima Inc. We also have canopy temperature sensors in these treatments to measure the effects of crop water stress throughout the 2020 growing season. Cover crop dry biomass was measured after cover crop kill. Sub objective 1.3. Samples were analyzed for antibiotic resistance gene presence from all experimental samples. Sub samples were archived for further analysis using Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid and RiboNucleic Acid based approaches. Samples were collected from high throughput screening of antimicrobial resistance genes. Antibiotic resistance genes were analyzed from extracted Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA). Based on initial results, it was deemed not necessary for use of cultivation assays for pathogenic bacteria. Sub objective 2.1. An existing field that was planted with soybean in the previous three years was modified to study whether poultry litter would alleviate Mn toxicity in cotton. Plots were split into two subplots in which one half received recommended lime, while the other did not receive lime. The plots were fertilized with poultry litter, with recommended synthetic N and other fertilizers, or left unfertilized. All fertilizer applications were carried according to plan. Leaf samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients. Cotton yield and plant growth data were collected according to plan. Preliminary results show that liming an acidic soil reduces cotton leaf manganese levels regardless of whether the cotton was unfertilized or fertilized with poultry litter or normal synthetic fertilizers. But this reduction in tissue manganese content did not lead to improved cotton yield. Fertilizing with poultry litter, however, increased cotton yield suggesting that poultry litter may counter the detrimental effect of low pH soils. Sub objective 2.2. Sample data was collected for all relevant experimental sites (A-F, J, K). Data were input into GOSSYM and compiled in SSURGO from across Mississippi sample sites. Weather and soil database data were incorporated into RZWQM2 and determined how much and under what condition cover crop would have benefits. Accomplishments 01 Flooded rice fields improve soil biology. Because rice is a staple of food around the world, a large amount of land is required for production and agricultural sustainability is necessary to further protect the environment and maintain productivity. The current study investigated sustainable rice production using annual flooding to create waterfowl habitat as a benefit to soil quality compared with conventional production systems. Flooding occurs in winter, thus allowing for waterfowl to establish habitats, depositing fecal matter as well as further the breakdown of rice stubble. ARS researchers at Mississippi State, Mississippi, in conjunction with university researchers determined that this system is potentially sustainable, at least on a short-term basis, based on soil health parameters such as soil biology and nutrients. The team measured soil biological activity, microbial group members, and plant nutrient levels. Overall, flooded fields with greater waterfowl activity had higher levels of soil nutrients and biological activity. Some microbial groups indicated that fecal depositions were greater in flooded fields, while bird monitoring stations also indicated flooded fields had increased bird activity. Results indicated as much as a 33% less nitrogen fertilization would be needed for rice production and a potential doubling of soil organic matter when fields are flooded in winter and used by waterfowl. 02 Pelleted biosolid benefits row crop growers. Land application of animal and industrial by-products with high organic matter content helps to establish optimal soil fertility conditions for crop growth and development and potentially reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Consequently, this practice contributes to reduced nutrient levels found in surface water. Information on soil and crop responses to pelleted biosolids under different cropping systems will benefit growers who are using this alternative fertilizer. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, evaluated the long-term impacts of pelleted biosolids on corn, soybean and cotton yield and Nitrogen utilization. No difference in corn grain yield and cotton lint yield were obtained between pelleted biosolid and inorganic fertilizer Nitrogen at equivalent plant available Nitrogen rate. This indicated that pelleted biosolids is an effective fertilizer for row crops when applied at the agronomic rate without the potential for groundwater contamination. After repeated four years of application, Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-N) percolation beyond the root zone in plots treated with pelleted biosolids was similar to percolation in background soil Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration. The practice of applying pelleted biosolids reduces the need for more costly inorganic fertilizers and enables growers to maximize the return on their nutrient management practices, potentially saving money while minimizing the adverse impact on water quality. 03 Managing forage bermudagrass hay harvests for safe and effective use of manure as fertilizer. Wide adaptation and ability to produce hay with high nutritive value make bermudagrass an ideal forage for livestock farming in the southeastern United States. Two studies determined the response of forage nutritive value and phosphorus removal in biomass to the combined effects of harvest interval and stubble height in bermudagrass fertilized routinely with poultry litter or swine lagoon effluent and associated changes in soil test phosphorus. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, tested this system�s effective removal of soil P on commercial swine and experimental farms. Results indicate a best management practice is cutting every 35 days at 1.2-inch residual stubble height, which has long been considered a standard for economical forage production. A cutting height of 1.2 inch consistently increased yields of biomass and nutrients, as compared to 3.5 inch. If the goal is to maximize nutrient removal, harvest should be at 6 to 10 week-intervals and as close to the ground as possible to maximize forage yield. Additionally, harvesting bermudagrass at an advanced stage of maturity is a best management practice in situations where high soil test phosphorus (manure nutrient management) is of greater concern than forage nutritive value. Results inform and provide land managers on methods to enhance bermudagrass removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in biomass and thereby reduce loss of these nutrients from hay fields receiving swine-lagoon effluent or poultry litter. 04 Lignite coal and biochar reduce ammonia emissions from broiler litter. Ammonia loss from broiler litter compromises production efficiency and potentially impacts bird health inside barns. When litter is used as a crop fertilizer, ammonia loss also equates to a lower fertilizer value and is a negative input to the biosphere. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, compared locally sourced lignite coal to commercially available biochar in laboratory tests with broiler litter. Higher application rates of either amendment reduced ammonia losses the most as did the smaller particle sizes studied. Broadcasting either amendment performed better than mixing it into the broiler litter. Overall, ammonia losses were reduced 47-91% by lignite, 18-42% by the larger size biochar, and 29-58% by the smaller size biochar. The potential impact is that both lignite coal and biochar are effective at reducing ammonia losses for both meat and crop production, benefiting producers and the environment. Further, producers can save labor costs by broadcasting the amendments. 05 Evaluation and calibration of soil moisture sensors in undisturbed soils. There is increasing interest and demand for growers and researchers in the state of Mississippi to use electronic soil moisture sensors for crop water management. Previous studies demonstrated large variability in soil type and associated soil properties present great challenges in the selection and deployment of sensors for accurate monitoring of soil moisture. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, evaluated and calibrated three soil moisture sensors on- site in fields and in undisturbed (intact) soil samples in the laboratory. Six predominant soil types from across Mississippi were selected. Results indicated the built-in factory calibrations for each of the sensors overestimated soil moisture, but generally performed better in sandy loam than clayey soils. It is imperative to calibrate sensors in situ or in undisturbed soils. Understanding that calibrations are necessary will improve model accuracies and predictive capabilities, which ultimately will aid customers and stakeholders. 06 Conserving water with cover crop in no-till systems. Because grain yield of rainfed corn�soybean annual rotation systems in the Mid-South United States of America is dependent on rainfall, minimizing water loss is key to sustainable crop productivity. Quantifying water conservation and grain yield improvements, when using winter cover crops in no-till systems, is difficult due to complex interactive effects of diverse soil types, various weather conditions, topography, and crop management practices. ARS researchers in Mississippi State, Mississippi, accounted for these interactive and long-term effects, and classified the past 80 years as �wet,� �normal,� and �dry� rainfall years and assessed water balance in the two summer crops under different rainfall patterns with and without a cover crop. In the analysis of dry years following a winter cover crop, the team found grain yield increased by 41 kg per hectare in soybean and 144 kg per hectare in corn, as compared with no cover crop. Overall estimates for a rainfed, no-till corn�soybean rotation system indicated that planting a cover crop reduced deep drainage by 16% and evaporation by 24%, and increased soil organic matter by 15% and soil water storage by 13%. This study assists growers in determining whether or not planting winter wheat could benefit corn and soybean water productivity in a given rain category year and how to optimize such benefits.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1. Develop more sustainable long-term soil health management systems for improved yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. Sub-objective 1.1. Increase row crop yields in the upland soils of the South and Southeast by agronomic practices that improve soil physical and biological properties including application of organic- and inorganic- amendments and planting cover crops. Sub-objective 1.2. Develop soil water management strategies to increase the capture and storage of rain water in soil, minimize yield-robbing drought effects, and increase dryland and irrigated crop production in the South and Southeast. Sub-objective 1.3. Determine the environmental impact in soil, water, and air of proposed novel agronomic approaches on antibiotic resistance, emissions, and nutrient risks. Objective 2. Develop improved decision support tools and technologies based on GxExM to optimize water use efficiency of rainfall and irrigation water for better yields from humid, Southeast Agroecosystems. Sub-objective 2.1. Develop techniques that utilize and integrate high resolution row crop canopy spectral images gathered during the growing season for in-season water management in cropping systems and fields characterized by high soil variability. Sub-objective 2.2. Implement databases, modeling tools, and decision- making paradigms for optimizing water management and crop yield. Approach (from AD-416): Several multi-year field plots will be established. These include a) cover crops for the major row cropping systems in then the southeast, b) planting various configurations of mixed cover crop species, c) cropping systems for land leveled fields, d) stabilizing dryland soybean production using cover crops and poultry litter, e) deep rooted cover crops and soil amendments and, f) cover crops and water use efficiency. From these field experiments we will measure effects on environmental quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and economics of each of the systems; environmental quality and antimicrobial resistance in each of the systems; contribution of soil organic matter to plant available water content in each of the systems; we will optimize yield by managing field variability, we will utilize high resolution thermal imaging to optimize irrigation management and we will model soil water requirements in each of the systems. Sub objective 1.1: A new grain drill that enables the planting of at least three cover crop species on the same pass was designed and is under construction by a contractor. A field for the study has been identified to test whether a planting pattern of two cover crop species in alternating drill rows leads to a desired species composition, a reduction in competition among the species, and a greater cover crop biomass of the weaker species. The cover crops will be planted as soon as the planter is delivered by the contractor in the fall of 2019. A land leveled degraded field low in fertility has been identified and the study was initiated to evaluate if long-term integration of cover crop and organic amendment into cropping systems can restore soil fertility level to pre-leveling conditions. Background soil samples were collected for determining the initial soil chemical, physical and biological characteristics. Cool-season multispecies cover crop will be planted early fall of 2019. Sub objective 1.2: Experiments D, E, and F of Sub obj 1.2 have been established and currently nutrient, biological, emission, and physical data have been collected where appropriate. For Experiment E, cool-season deep rooted multispecies cover crop including winter wheat, crimson clover and daikon radish were planted in October 2018. Before cover crop termination, aboveground biomass was collected, and dry matter yield recorded, followed by corn planting. Fertilizer and soil amendment including inorganic fertilizer and broiler litter with/without FGD gypsum and lignite were applied. Litter bags were placed in field to determine cover crop residue decomposition. A total of five litter bags were left in the plots and were collected every three weeks during the corn growing season. Pen lysimeters were deployed vertically into experimental plots to monitor leachate volume as an indicator of soil infiltration following rain events. Soil samples were collected beneath each litter bag to analyze nutrient concentrations. Sensors were deployed to monitor ambient environmental conditions. Corn growth parameters were recorded and harvested. Soil enzyme and genomic DNA has been collected for Exp E. Initial screening for DNA based gene indicators and microplate analysis of enzymes have been conducted. Emission (soil CO2 flux via LiCor survey chamber) measurements have been taken every 3 weeks to coincide with litter bag collection as well as soil nutrient and biological measurements. For Experiment D, cover crop and fertilizer treatments were imposed according to plan. In the fall of 2018, five different cover crop species were planted with three different fertilizer treatments followed by cover crop termination and soybean planting. Soil and plant samples have been collected and have been processed for laboratory analysis. Samples were collected to measure initial conditions of soil physical properties, soil moisture and nutrients before the spring planting of the soybeans. Sensors were installed at multiple depths in the majority of plots to monitor water potential and moisture level. Sensors were installed to measure canopy temperatures to monitor crop water stress. Cover crop dry biomass was measured. Plant height and cover, soil water content, and plant physiological measurements were made throughout the growing season. Soil and plant samples were collected and measured 7 times since February 2019. For Experiment F, a furrow-irrigated field with clay soil was established with experimental plots and irrigation treatments were imposed. Winter wheat cover crop was planted in cover crop treatment plots. Cover crop biomass was measured prior to cover crop burn down. Soil moisture and water potential sensors were installed at multiple depths. Soybean was planted on schedule and soybean canopy temperature sensors were installed. A water balance was calculated to determine cover crops effect on soil moisture and soybean water consumption. Plant phenology and plant height were measured throughout the growing season. Sub objective 1.3: Background DNA has been extracted from field plots associated with Experiment H for Sub obj 1.3. Initial screening for antibiotic resistance genes has been conducted on selected samples and DNA archived for high throughput sequencing as well as further PCR based analyses. A growth chamber-based study was initiated to determine influence of abiotic factors on antibiotic resistance development. For Experiment I, a bench was constructed to begin the greenhouse study, as well as ordering of parts for the Giddings probe to begin soil core collection. Sub objective 2.1: New plots have been established to quantify the degree of cotton water stress using high resolution crop thermal maps acquired by unmanned aircraft system for purposes of irrigation management. Thermal imagery will be collected on cotton plots with three irrigation levels. A weather station has been secured to determine daily evapotranspiration to determine irrigation treatment levels. Current summer weather has prevented any irrigation due to an abundance of precipitation. Sub objective 2.2: Sample data was collected for all relevant experimental sites (A-F, J, K). Historical weather data from the previous 100 and future 50 years was collected for Brooksville, Macon, N. Farm (Mississippi State), Verona, Pontotoc, Coahoma-Clarksdale, Onward, Sidon Leflore, and Stoneville, Mississippi. Soil data was collected from a cotton growth simulation model. Soil data was compiled from a national soil survey database with a focus on Mississippi, while locally collected data was added to the system. A weather and soil database for experimental sites (A-F, J, K) is currently in development for the location. Outgoing Agreement 58-6064-8-023 with North Dakota State University: To date, the principal investigators have hired 2 research assistant professors, 2 research specialists, 4 graduate students, and 3 undergraduate research assistants. With these hires, the project has established a research team with a broad set of expertise that includes plant science, agronomy, robotics, software, electrical control systems, artificial intelligence, big data, image analysis, and geographic information systems. In addition, collaborations are established or are being developed with experts across the university in weed science, soil science, nutrient management, chemical application, and spray technology. Achievements for Objective 1 include the acquiring and testing of equipment, and establishing and planting fertility field trials. Three unmanned aircraft (two DJI Matrice 600 Pro and one Phantom 4 RTK), two multispectral cameras (MicaSense RedEdge-RX), and one thermal camera (DJI Zenmuse XT2) were purchased for the purpose of remote sensing. Also, experimental designs were finalized and implemented for the nitrogen fertility trials for corn and wheat. Research plots were recently planted at three locations across North Dakota. Additionally, protocols were developed for data collection and organization in order to ensure metadata is recorded and retained properly during campaigns. The major accomplishment for Objective 2 was the construction of an automated data acquisition platform that utilizes multiple optical sensors to collect image data (Figure 1). This platform allows for more efficient image acquisition as it enables automated positioning of the sensors to desired locations in 3D space. The hyperspectral imagery is being investigated for unique spectral signatures that may help differentiate plant groups of interest. The RGB video data is being used to construct 3D point- clouds to distinguish weed species in soybean fields. Thermal images will be used to evaluate resistant and susceptible weed populations, and to identify susceptible versus resistant individuals after herbicide application. Figure 1 presents the 3D point cloud, thermal, and hyperspectral images collected in the greenhouse. Outgoing Agreement 58-6064-9-007 with Mississippi State University: The agreement was only finalized late in the year and there have been several seminars where we brought together ARS and MSU scientists and engineers to discuss and select areas for the collaborator to interface with the ARS scientists. Mississippi State University Geosystems Research Institute will work in the area of remote sensing, image analysis, machine learning, and algorithm development. Accomplishments 01 Integration of mixed winter cover crop into no-till dryland cotton sustains yield and improves soil health. Rapid decomposition of low cotton residue under a no-till system in the sub-humid southeastern USA enhances the potential of nutrient loss and limits the benefits of a no- till system. Offsite movement of nutrients is a great concern, as it represents an economic loss of applied fertilizers, loss of soil fertility, and downstream environmental degradation. Addition of cool season mixed (grasses and legumes) cover crops to no-till cotton may compensate for low cotton residue, by improving soil water dynamics, soil health, no-till performance and yield. ARS scientists at Mississippi State, Mississippi evaluated the residual effect of cool season cover crops in no-till cotton and soybean fertilized with broiler litter. Results indicated the presence of cover crop residue in no-till cotton improved soil physical characteristics and increased water infiltration, retained nutrients, and increased cotton yield, particularly in drier seasons. Differences in soil moisture content and cotton lint yield between residual mixed cover crop and no cover crop in no-till cotton was more evident in drier periods, with 24.8% and 8. 5% greater moisture and yield, respectively, with cover crop than no cover crop management. Additionally, percolation and evaporation during crop growth periods were decreased while water use efficiency increased. These results not only provide useful information for cotton farmers, who are showing interest in cover crop integration, but also provides scientific knowledge to create growers⿿ confidence in adopting management practices. 02 Optimizing nitrogen fertilization may be the best way to produce nutrient-rich corn grain. Enriching the corn grain with mineral elements, Fe and Zn in particular, would have human and animal nutrition implications. Currently, the most accepted approach to enriching grains of corn and other cereal crops is through biofortification by genetic manipulation or application of the mineral elements directly on the plant. Poultry litter use as a fertilizer in crops such as cotton and corn is known to enrich the soil and plant parts with phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and other mineral elements. ARS researchers at Mississippi State, Mississippi, investigated whether fertilizing corn with poultry litter increases the levels of mineral elements in the grain beyond that possible with conventional fertilization with synthetic fertilizers. The results showed that elevating the level of N and therefore protein in the corn grain by supplying optimal N fertilization, regardless of the source, was key to enriching the grain with mineral elements including P, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, and manganese (Mn). The levels of these elements in the corn grain increased in direct proportion to the level of protein or N in the grain regardless of whether these elements were added to the soil. Grain protein in turn was a direct function of the amount of N the corn plant received from poultry litter or synthetic sources. The results suggest that optimal N fertilization may be the best approach to produce not only optimal corn grain yield but also nutritious grain. The results have direct implications for corn produced for food and feed particularly in countries with chronic mineral nutrient deficiencies in human diets. 03 Traditional soil health physical parameters are not indicative of proper soil biological recovery. Recovery of degraded soil such as mine overburden have traditionally relied on soil health indicators such as addition of organic matter, pH, and physical compaction. However, these indicators are not suitable to measure soil biological recovery. Additionally, a best management practice (BMP) for mine soil recovery is to rapidly replace the lost organic matter to the surface soil. ARS researchers at Mississippi State, Mississippi, conducted this research on an active surface coal mine, whereby reclaimed mine overburden is recovered to approximate pre-mine conditions using standard and best management practices. Soil samples were collected from a chronosequence within the recovered mine and high throughput sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, nutrient analysis, and physical measurements were made. The research showed that while soil physical conditions were recovered to near pre-mine conditions, indicating suitable abiotic soil health, soil bacterial community structure was not yet recovered, and possibly will never recover to pre-mine conditions. Soil bacterial membership remained similar to pre-mine conditions, but community structure was different, even 13 years later, suggesting that reclaimed mine overburden will possess some differences in functional biology (e. g. cycling of organic matter, biogeochemical cycling) relative to reference soils. The team also determined that use of 10 ton/acre poultry litter annually improved soil fertility and supported plant establishment and growth over other forms of organic matter. This study demonstrated that soil biology should also be assessed when determining the soil health of agricultural soils, which has broad implications to recovery of degraded or marginal soils, such as those found throughout the Southeastern United States. 04 Pelletized poultry litter (PPL) provides residual nitrogen and increased moisture retention after applications cease. Sustainable agriculture is reliant upon keeping soil healthy enough to maintain water holding capacity and adequate nutrients for crop productivity. Sub-surface application of pelletized poultry litter is a relatively new and effective application method since it delivers nutrients in direct proximity of the root zone, while also maintaining a residual soil nutrient level which can be exploited in subsequent years. ARS researchers at Mississippi State, Mississippi, conducted a multi-year study to determine the impact of pelletized poultry litter on cotton lint yield, soil nutrients, and soil physical and hydraulic properties. Cotton leaf qualities were increased by applying urea to plots with residual poultry litter during boll-filling stages. Plots with residual pelletized poultry litter and applied urea increased lint yield by as much as 10% compared with standard fertilization. Annual pelletized poultry litter application also increased soil aggregate stability, plant available water, field capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and infiltration. Taken in its entirety, these results indicate that pelletized poultry litter offers a sustainable practice for increasing cotton yield in the humid Southeastern United States. 05 Novel broiler chicken dietary components reduce farm gate imports of phosphorus.. Population growth, greater income and urbanization are driving the demand for animal derived food and poultry is the fastest growing agricultural sub-sector, especially in developing countries. Research around poultry production strives to meet these challenges to formulate better strategies for sustainability, requiring a combination of approaches. ARS researchers at Mississippi State, Mississippi, studied the effect of alum litter treatment and dietary inclusion of High Available Phosphorus Corn (HAPC) and Phytase enzyme on cholesterol, bone ash and yield. This study, combined with others from the same flocks of broilers, demonstrates that combining HAPC and Phytase in diets is one way to reduce farm gate imports of phosphorus and thus improve the overall sustainability of poultry production. The lack of significant differences across flocks suggests that the performance of broilers was not consistently negatively impacted by dietary modification or use of alum litter treatments. Use of clavicle ash was a novel method to determine the impact of these treatments to possible impacts on boneless meat products; however, due to issues with the fragility of the clavicle, other bones are likely to provide more complete information. The potential impact is that the combination diet (HAPC + Phytase) shows promise for sustainable broiler production by maintaining comparable cholesterol and meat yield as well as reducing excretion of water-soluble phosphorus. 06 Strategy to diminish groundwater depletion. Groundwater in the Mississippi Delta has declined to an alarming level due to irrigation, threatening irrigated agriculture sustainability. ARS scientists at Mississippi State, Mississippi, investigated alternative water resources which could be used to replace groundwater for irrigation. Rainwater deficit from the past 120 years of weather records and irrigation demand of cotton, corn and soybean were determined. The coupled Soil and Water Assessment Tool⿿Modular Groundwater Flow model (SWAT⿿MODFLOW) was used to estimate weekly amounts of surface water available in ponds and streams. It was determined that weekly surface water resources are sufficient for major crop irrigation demand. These studies suggest that the conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater for agriculture irrigation is a feasible method to maintain groundwater management in the Mississippi Delta.
Impacts
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Publications
- Tewolde, H., Shankle, M.W., Way, T.R., Pote, D.H., Sistani, K.R. 2018. Poultry litter band placement in no-till cotton affects soil nutrient accumulation and conservation. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 82:1459-1468.
- Miles, D.M., Moore Jr, P.A., Brooks, J.P., Smith, D.R., Stilborn, H.L., Rice, D.W., Branton, S.L. 2019. Cholesterol, yield, tibia and clavicle ash of broilers fed high available Phosphorus corn and/or Phytase with/without Alum litter treatment. International Journal of Poultry Science. 18(7)349- 352.
- Read, J.J., Adeli, A., McCarty Jr, J.C., Feng, G.G. 2018. Cotton response to residual poultry litter: leaf area, nitrogen removal, and yield. Agronomy Journal. 110(6):2360-2368.
- Tewolde, H., Sistani, K.R., Feng, G.G., Menkir, A. 2019. Does fertilizing corn with poultry litter enrich the grain with mineral nutrients. Agronomy Journal. 111:1-3.
- Yang, W., Feng, G.G., Tewolde, H., Li, P. 2018. Soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emission from spring- and fall-applied poultry litter in corn production as simulated with RZWQM2. Journal of Environmental Quality. 209:1285-1293.
- Read, J.J., Adeli, A., Lang, D.J., Mcgrew, N.R. 2019. Use of poultry litter, swine mortality compost, and FGD gypsum on reclaimed lignite mine soil in Mississippi. Journal of the American Society and Mining and Reclamation. 8(2):31-51.
- Song, P., Feng, G.G., Brooks, J.P., Zhou, B., Zhou, H., Zhao, Z., Li, Y. 2019. Environmental risk of chlorine-controlled cloffing in drip irrigation system using reclaimed water: the perspective of soil health. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. 232:1452-1464.
- Song, P., Zhou, B., Feng, G.G., Brooks, J.P., Zhou, H., Zhao, Z., Liu, Y., Li, Y. 2019. The influence of chlorination timing and concentration on microbial communities in labyrinth channels: implications for biofilm removal. BIOFOULING. 35:401-415.
- Lamori, J.G., Xue, J., Rachmadi, A.T., Lopez, G., Kitajima, M., Gerba, C.P. , Pepper, I.L., Brooks, J.P., Sherchan, S. 2019. Removal of fecal indicator bacteria and antibiotic resistant genes in constructed wetlands. Journal of Environmental Management. 26(10):10188-10197.
- Brooks, J.P., Adeli, A., Smith, R.K., McGrew, R., Read, J.J. 2019. Recovery of bacterial community structure in a chronosequence of reclaimed coal mined soil under two vegetative regimes. Journal of Environmental Quality. 48:1029-1037.
- Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Read, J.J., Shankle, M.W., Feng, G.G., Jenkins, J. N. 2019. Poultry litter and cover crop integration into no-till cotton on upland soil. Agronomy Journal. 111:2097-2107.
- Adeli, A., Brooks, J.P., Read, J.J., McGrew, R., Jenkins, J.N. 2018. Post- reclamation age effects on soil physical properties and microbial activity under forest and pasture ecosystems. Land Degradation and Development. 50(1):20-34.
- Yang, W., Feng, G.G., Adeli, A., Kersebaum, K.C., Jenkins, J.N., Li, P. 2019. Long-term effect of cover crop on rainwater balance components and use efficiency in the no-tilled and rainfed corn and soybean rotation system. Agricultural Water Management. 219:27-39.
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