Funding for these grants has been renewed for another year beginning July 1, 2001. When inquiring about a specific grant, please refer to the number in parentheses at the end of the project description.
Agriculture and Community
Establishment of a Local Food System in Eastern Iowa, year 3 of 3, $25,800; W. Jones, Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Iowa City—Activities in this project include linking producers and restaurants, serving all-Iowa meals, developing a producer directory, and collecting sales and cost data to help build a local food system in Johnson and surrounding counties. Investigators hope to increase commerce between local producers and consumers, strengthen rural-urban ties, and help the public better understand the environmental, economic and social implications of sustainable local food production. (2000-26)
Sustainability and Community Food Systems in Four Iowa Counties, year 3 of 3, $20,005; C. Hinrichs, Department of Sociology, ISU—Statewide there is increasing interest in niche markets and local food, but little is known about the nature and dynamics of local food systems, or about how a broader community food system might be developed. Investigators are working in Benton, Audubon, Marshall and Johnson counties to collect information about food and food retailers (production, processing, distribution, service, consumption, security, education, and policy). They are conducting field interviews of food system ventures (farmers markets, small-scale processors, community supported agriculture groups, etc.) and traditional food system outlets (lockers, independent grocers, congregate meal programs). (2000-69)
Institutional and Commercial Food Service Buyers' Perceptions of Benefits and Obstacles to Purchase of Locally Grown and Processed Foods, year 2 of 2, $16,224; C. Strohbehn and M. Gregoire, Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management, ISU—Preliminary findings indicated the greatest perceived benefits of purchasing food locally were good public relations, fresher products, the ability to purchase smaller quantities, and aiding the local economy. The greatest obstacles were availability of a year-round and adequate supply, local and state regulations, and dealing with more vendors. Food safety was of some concern to food buyers, but was not rated as the greatest concern. During the next year investigators will visit 10 sites within 120 miles of Ames for in-depth evaluation of these issues. They also will collect food samples for bacterial analysis. (2001-38)
Planning for Grass-Based Dairies and Dairy Networks/Promotions, year 2 of 2, $35,000; B. Beaman, Ag Connect, Lenox—Ag Connect is leading an initiative to promote, provide information for, and help establish a grass-based dairy network in southern Iowa. They have helped four producers start new grass-based dairy operations, and are working with two other area producers. The grant provides funds for investigators to visit farms and related dairy businesses, to enlist "mentor" operations, to collect input and expertise from dairy specialists and analysts, and to conduct interviews to identify strong candidates for the goal of successfully establishing 12 grass-based dairies in southern Iowa. (2001-32)
An Internship Program to Help Institutional Food Buyers Develop Links to Local Farms in Northeast Iowa, year 2 of 3, $17,000; K. Enshayan, Center for Energy and Environmental Education, University of Northern Iowa—The primary goal in this project is to facilitate a stable local food-buying process by placing trained interns in several hospitals and nursing homes, and with other large food buyers. Investigators are monitoring farmer income and satisfaction, and preparing a manual that summarizes the barriers and opportunities for incorporating local food into institutions. Five institutions are interested in joining the project in addition to five who already are a part of the program. (2001-13)
Crop an/or Forage Systems
Evaluating the Adaptability of Forage Species and Varieties in Northwest and South Central Iowa, year 2 of 3, $4,200; D. Haden, ISU Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, Sutherland—Stands of legumes and grass species are being evaluated at Doone and McNay research farm sites to determine regional adaptation, longevity and forage traits. In the legume studies, 'Rhizo' kura clover, 'Windsor' cicer milkvetch and 'Bigbee' berseem clover are being compared to 'Marathon' red clover, 'Jade II' alfalfa and 'Norecen' birdsfoot trefoil. The eight grass species and varieties include 'Pete' Eastern gamagrass, 'Barenbrug' perennial ryegrass, 'Sikem' annual ryegrass and 'Cheyenne' bermudagrass to be evaluated against 'Bounty' smooth bromegrass, 'Duke' orchard grass, 'Climax' timothy and an endo-free tall fescue. Stands were established last year, and first forage harvest is scheduled in June of 2001. (99-41)
Local Ecotype Prairie Seed—An Alternative Agricultural Product for Increasing the Viability of Smaller Farming Operations, year 4 of 4, $14,894; J. Selby and K. Fletcher, The Nature Conservancy, Des Moines—Investigators plan to assess the potential for local ecotype prairie seed as an alternative agricultural product for Iowa through market analysis and on-farm production demonstrations. A diverse seed mix of 45 species typical of the Loess Hills tallgrass prairie was gathered by machine and hand in the fall of 1998 for use in the 1999 plantings (which occurred both fall and spring). The project has established demonstration sites at Broken Kettle Grasslands on a portion of the Briar Cliff College campus adjacent to the Sioux City Prairie, and on private lands of area cooperators E. Schoenfelder, C. Bobier and R. Stowe. Ongoing maintenance activities include mowing and a prairie burn. A Practical Guide to Prairie Reconstruction was published in cooperation with Carl Kurtz. Market analysis will be completed this year. (99-45)
Improving Productivity of Warm-Season Pastures by Interseeding Legumes, year 2 of 3, $25,175; K. Moore, Department of Agronomy, ISU—Growing legumes in mixtures with warm-season grasses could improve the quality of forage to grazing animals, and potentially reduce or eliminate nitrogen fertilizer requirements of a pasture. Twelve annual, biennial and perennial legumes (hairy and crown vetch; crimson, red, white, kura and berseem clover; white and yellow sweetclover; alfalfa; cicer milkvetch and birdsfoot trefoil) were interseeded into existing switchgrass and big bluestem pastures at the ISU Western Research Farm near Castana as part of earlier Leopold-funded work. Using data from strip grazing of beef cattle, cattle weights, forage and soil quality, and legume density and persistence, the investigators are developing site-specific recommendations to optimize warm-season grass pastures for cattle production in western Iowa. (2001-35)
Development of Dormancy Breaking Mechanisms in Eastern Gamagrass, Tripsacum dactyloides L., year 2 of 3, $20,000; L.R. Gibson and A.D. Knapp, Department of Agronomy, ISU—Interest in gamagrass has resurfaced in recent years because of its potential value as a forage that livestock prefer, as a possible silage replacement for corn on marginal land, as a grass hedge for control of soil erosion, for wildlife habitat, for biomass production and for reclamation of certain lowland areas and disturbed sites. Unfortunately, eastern gamagrass also boasts a robust seed dormancy mechanism, making it very difficult to establish. Researchers are working with several seed conditioning procedures to find a way to break seed dormancy in a practical manner, increase germination rate, and speed seedling development. The practical result of the work will be to supply a high-germination dry seed for producers and conservationists. (2001-19)
Evaluating Pork Production Systems for Niche Markets, year 2 of 3, $4,000; D. Stender, Cherokee County Extension—Furthering work begun with an Iowa Pork Industry Center grant, the investigator is working with area producers to establish on-farm baseline data for side-by-side hoop and confinement operations. The investigator is tracking detailed production records including nutrition, labor, bedding and carcass characteristics. Genetic lines will be identified when possible and data kept by season and type of operation. Antibiotic use will be tracked, and on-farm odor and water quality assessment and a building audit will be available for each participant. Three producers signed up for the first year and another three will be added this year. Problems in setting up new farm data tracking software slowed initial work. (2001-10)
Demonstration and Technology Transfer to Producers Implementing Sustainable Rotational Grazing Systems, year 2 of 2, $9,550; M.D. Boswell, Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee, Corning, and B.C. Peterson, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Creston—Using the Adams County CRP farm and producer acres in a multi-county area, investigators plan a series of demonstrations to address issues related to rotational grazing systems. 'Hands-on' demonstrations (with attendee participation) include stream crossing/water access, use of Kura clover, establishment and maintenance of legumes into grass-based forage using a no-till drill, incorporation of warm-season grasses into an existing grazing system, installing water distribution systems, and materials and methods for installing electric fence, including New Zealand-style electric fence. (2001-02)
Nutrient Management
Soil Amendment Effects on Crop-Weed Interactions, year 3 of 3, $19,115; M. Liebman, Department of Agronomy, and T. Richard, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU—This research is investigating how amending soil with compost made from hog manure and cornstalks affects the growth and competitive ability of three weed species commonly found in Iowa corn fields (giant foxtail, velvetleaf and waterhemp). The manure and cornstalk bedding come from swine hoop structures. Investigators are using both field experiments and laboratory analyses to (1) characterize manure properties and application rates; (2) evaluate the impacts of composted manure on corn and weed growth, yield and competitive interactions; and (3) integrate information into a broader study of manure, legume residues, and tillage effects of soils, crops and weeds. Early results suggest that compost application can enhance corn growth and may shift the relative proportions of species within weed communities. (2000-11)
Reducing Anhydrous Ammonia Application by Optimizing Distribution, year 3 of 3, $29,754; M. Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU—In ongoing work to minimize inconsistent application by anhydrous ammonia equipment, researchers are comparing field distribution by a conventional manifold, a vertical dam manifold, a Cold-flo® device and newly available manifolds and pump systems. They also have planned and tested two research manifolds. A wide variation was found between commercial models. This year they will conduct spring and fall manifold tests, including testing of a new manifold designed by the research team, and continuation of the yield study started last year. The yield study helps assess the performance of different manifolds by looking at effective yields under different N rates. (2000-34)
Livestock and the Environment Project in Sioux County, year 3 of 3, $ none requested; K. Kohl and J. DeJong, Buena Vista and Plymouth County ISU Extension, Storm Lake and LeMars—Members of the Northwest Iowa Extension environmental team are determining how producers use manure as a crop nutrient, what barriers deter producer use of manure as a nutrient, and if a new pit-sampling method is useful for producers. Survey work showed that Sioux Country producers reduce their commercial fertilizer applications when manure is applied; producers who tested their manure were much more likely to take credit for the manure nutrients and made greater reductions in commercial fertilizer; and most producers who tested their manure believed that manure was better than or equal to commercial fertilizer. Early results of the surface pit sampling method showed it to be a better predictor of nitrogen and potassium than profile samples, and showed the profile samples to be a better predictor of phosphorus levels. (2000-36)
Environmental Impacts of the Use of Poultry Manure for Agricultural Production Systems, extended to year 4 of 3, $12,500; R. Kanwar, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU—The project is monitoring two application rates of poultry manure and commercial fertilizer nitrogen on corn and soybeans for leaching of NO3-N (nitrate-nitrogen), PO4-P (phosphate-phosphorus), and pathogenic bacteria to subsurface drainage water and shallow groundwater. The work shows that excessive use of poultry manure may increase pollution potential of water resources from nutrients and bacteria. However, poultry manure applications at a rate of 168 kg-N/ha resulted in the lowest NO3-NO, PO4-P in subsurface drain water, and had a higher corn and soybean yield than the other treatments. This is a significant finding for use of poultry manure as a nutrient source for agricultural crops. Variations in rainfall, land slope, and hydraulic properties of the plots have made it difficult to identify significant trends in runoff concentrations. (99-68)
Nutrient Management/Soil Quality
Optimizing Swine Hoop Manure Management for Soil Quality and Crop System Performance, year 3 of 3, $28,676; T. Richard and M. Liebman, Departments of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Agronomy, ISU; D. Exner, Practical Farmers of Iowa and ISU Agronomy; C. Cambardella, USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Lab—Researchers plan to continue on-farm and research station experiments to evaluate the impacts of alternative hoop manure management strategies (corn/soybean rotation, composted manure, bedded manure, spring and fall applications) on soil quality and cropping system performance. Data is being collected on farm management, compost and bedding composition, soil biochemical properties, soil microbial biomass, crop biomass and macronutrient content, and seed yield data. Six on-farm cooperators and research stations at Rhodes and Boone are included in the project. (2000-42)
Optimizing Solid Manure Application by Improving Distribution, year 2 of 3, $29,400; M. Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU—Solid manure application, which has environmental benefits and could substitute for commercial fertilizers, would be more acceptable to farmers if they could rely on uniform application. Researchers are evaluating the uniformity of existing spreaders, make recommendations for operating strategies that will improve uniformity, and developing a prototype solid manure applicator with improved application performance. Initial work shows trends based on load phase, apron delivery speed and swath overlap. Most application occurred directly behind the spreader, so overlapping swaths by using travel lanes of similar width to the spreader was required to improve lateral distribution. Using overlapping patterns at reduced application rates may require reduced apron delivery speed or increased tractor ground speed to avoid overapplication. (2001-24)
Agronomic and Environmental Soil Testing for Phosphorus and Threshold Levels in Soils, year 2 of 3, $24,000; A. Mallarino, Department of Agronomy, ISU—The overall goal of the project is to provide practical information for more efficient use of phosphorus (P) resources in agronomic settings. Preliminary results suggest that incorporating fertilizer or manure into the soil by chisel plowing or disking after a broadcast application, or by subsurface banding or injection in no-till or chisel-plow systems, will markedly reduce the accumulation of P in the top 2 to 3 inches of soil without affecting grain yield. Agronomic and environment soil P tests could both be similarly correlated to dissolved P in field plot runoff. No test was not correlated with P loss in the tile water, probably because P loss through this mechanism was very low this first year. Relationships of rates and methods of P application, soil P, and P concentration in water are being used to help develop the Iowa P index. (2001-11)
Pest Management
Managing Weeds by Integrating Smother Plants, Cover Crops and Alternate Soil Management, year 4 of 4, $34,460; D. Buhler and K. Kohler, USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory—This research looks at weed management alternatives: encouraging "untimely" weed emergence through tillage soil disturbance, management of the light environment, and management of cover crop and surface residue; and on developing spring-seeded smother plant systems that can provide consistent weed control without sacrificing crop yield. Results in 1999 and 2000 were encouraging for tillage timing and use of smother/cover plants as weed control options. Cover crops, especially rye, tend to reduce corn yield. Upcoming work will focus on cover crop densities. (99-03)
Effects of Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis Corn Pollen on the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), year 2 of 2, $24,120; J. Obrycki, Department of Entomology, ISU—The monarch butterfly is a species likely to be affected by the increasingly widespread plantings of Bt corn. Previous research has shown that Bt insecticide sprays can have negative affects on nontarget moth and butterfly species. The objectives of the research are to 1) determine the sub-lethal effects of Bt corn pollen exposure on monarch larval development and adult characteristics, 2) quantify the use of milkweeds adjacent to Bt and non-Bt corn fields by monarchs, and 3) compare the survival of experimental cohorts and natural populations of monarchs adjacent to Bt and non-Bt corn fields. During the first year, higher than expected incidences of natural mortality occurred in the monarchs, precluding any preliminary conclusions on the objectives. (2001-58)
Investigation of the Influence of Tillage for Management of Wooly Cupgrass, year 2 of 4, $10,375; M. Owen, Department of Agronomy, ISU—Woolly cupgrass continues to be a problem weed in corn and soybeans. This research will look at woolly cupgrass response to various management practices such as tillage methods, tillage timing and chemical control, and make recommendations for effective management systems. Experiments include a tillage/herbicide field experiment to determine woolly cupgrass seed production, soil profile placement and seedbank number; and a tillage timing experiment to look at cupgrass mortality, germination and emergence. No management recommendations are expected until the experiment is further along. (2001-56)
Biotic Interference of Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), year 2 of 3, $8,290; J. Obrycki, Department of Entomology, ISU—In an earlier grant, the Leopold Center and Iowa Department of Natural Resources funded a biological control program to develop a mass rearing and release program for Galerucella beetles, natural enemies of an invasive, exotic wetland plant (purple loosestrife) that is overpopulating water features in the state. However, the expected reduction in plant density has not been recorded. This project is investigating several ecological interactions, such as identifying arthropod predators and quantifying predation at different life stages, to identify strategies that will improve the effectiveness of the beetles as a biocontrol agent. (2001-33)
Development of Sporidesmium sclerotivorum as a Biocontrol Agent for Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Soybean, year 2 of 2, $9,875; C.A. Martinson, Department of Plant Pathology, ISU—Current management schemes for white mold in soybeans involve the application of pesticides, use of wide rows and/or planting lower-yielding tolerant varieties. Prior Leopold Center research has found that Sporidesmium spores applied to soybean fields after a white mold epidemic will reduce the amount of disease in a subsequent soybean planting by 50 to 100 percent. Further management information for farmers is needed, as is a better method of mass producing the spore itself. Work during the first year included: evaluation of control of white mold over four years of prior application of S. sclerotivorum spores; evaluation of the survival and spread of those same spores; work on improved methods for inoculum production; and establishment of additional field experiments. (2001-26)
Evaluating Sustainable, Integrated Management of Muskmelon Diseases, Weeds and Insect Pests in Partnership with Iowa Growers, year 2 of 3, $20,361; M. Gleason, Department of Plant Pathology, ISU—Muskmelons are one of the most widely grown and highest-value crops in Iowa, offering producers the opportunity to rapidly diversify and enhance cash flow. Using research plots and commercial grower farms, investigators are testing management techniques to reduce synthetic chemical use without sacrificing crop quality and yield. First-year results were very positive for the "Melcast" weather-based disease warning system, and also gave some strategic direction to effective sticky trap use. Soil dwelling bacterium that combat anthracnose (B. acillus subtilis) had good results, and hairy vetch and winter rye cover crop plots were established. (2001-21)
Water Quality
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Restored Wetlands for Reducing Nutrient Losses from Agricultural Watersheds, year 2 of 3, $26,637; A. Van der Valk, Department of Botany, ISU—The goals of this project are to examine the effectiveness of restored wetlands within the Iowa Great Lakes watershed to reduce nutrient losses; to determine if subwatershed nutrient exports can be reduced further by altering the location, size, design and/or management of restored wetlands; and to recommend workable guidelines for using wetlands as effective nutrient sinks. Initial work has included nutrient loss estimations, selection of restored wetlands for sampling, and collection of digital data layers for the modeling effort that would describe nutrient action in the subwatersheds. (2001-60)
Impact of Swine Manure Applications on Phosphorus, NO3-N and Bacterial Concentrations in Surface Runoff and Subsurface Drainage Water, year 2 of 3, $27,010; R. Kanwar, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU—The goal of this research is to demonstrate the impact on surface and groundwater quality of liquid swine manure application when application is based on nitrogen and phosphorus needs of crops. Comparisons are being made between sources of nitrogen (liquid swine manure and liquid urea-ammonium nitrate, UAN, fertilizer), N application timings, and improved methods of application on six N experimental treatments. The treatments are: N application from liquid swine manure and UAN at rates of 150-lb./acre; P applications from liquid swine manure to meet P-uptake requirements for corn and soybean with supplemental N application of UAN to meet N-uptake needs of corn; 150-lb./acre application of N from UAN to corn using a Localized Compaction and Doming applicator; and a 150-lb./acre application of N from swine manure using no-tillage conditions. The study is tracking transport of NO3-N, PO4-P and bacteria to surface runoff and subsurface drainage water. The work is being conducted at ISU's Northeast Research Farm near Nashua. (2001-55)
Soil Carbon Quality and Interactions in Iowa Wetlands, year 2 of 2, $26,000; T. Fenton, Department of Agronomy, ISU—Wetlands provide many useful economic and environmental traits, from fishing to wildlife to water quality improvement. But significant changes in land use may have altered the natural potential of wetlands to participate in nutrient cycling and water quality maintenance. Researchers are examining soil chemical and physical variability, carbon sequestration, water movement, microbial processes and denitrification in three north central Iowa wetlands in the Des Moines Lobe to assess the ecology of similar Iowa wetlands. The wetlands contain sites under natural conditions and also under restoration management periods of 1, 5 and 15 years. Researchers hope to use data to assess the ecology of similar Iowa wetlands. (2001-47)