A study was conducted to determine if a 100% or 50% harvest intensity of ‘Topbunch’ collards leav... more A study was conducted to determine if a 100% or 50% harvest intensity of ‘Topbunch’ collards leaves could be a recommended practice for Tunnel House producers. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot design with harvest dates as main plots, and harvesting intensity of 100% or 50% of leaves as sub-plots. All treatments were replicated three times, drip irrigated, and fertilized according to soil test recommendations. The results showed significant interactions between harvest methods and dates for number and weight of leaves harvested. There were also significant differences for the weight of leaves harvested and numbers. The leaf recovery rates were greater for plants that had 50% of their leaves harvested compared to those which had 100% of their leaves harvested. This higher recovery rate for the former suggests that the harvest interval could be reduced in the future from 21 to 15 or 18 days
A split-plot study was conducted to evaluate the yield response of 'Whatley-Loretan' swee... more A split-plot study was conducted to evaluate the yield response of 'Whatley-Loretan' sweetpotato when planted in single and double rows at four planting dates (March, April, May, and June) in a Wiregrass Tunnel House located at S&B Farm in Eufaula, Alabama. The main plots consisted of planting dates, sub-plots single, and double rows, with each treatment combination, replicated three times. The results showed a significant linear and quadratic effect for US#1 grade of sweetpotato and total marketable yields. Yields were highest at the first and second planting dates and declined at the two later planting dates. Single vs. double row planting significantly affected canner grade of sweetpotatoes, while the other grades were unaffected.
The Walmart Initiative was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on... more The Walmart Initiative was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on best practices in marketing produce to larger companies and corporations like Walmart. This support was provided through specialized training, workshops, informational group meetings, and overall awareness of market opportunities. The specialized training included Food Safety Standards and Food Safety Certification requirements, effective production techniques, harvesting, grading, packaging, refrigeration/cold chain requirements, transportation, fiscal responsibility, financial management, record-keeping, and insurance and product liability. As part of a five state initiative, Tuskegee University identified and assisted in the formation of the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative comprised of members from several regions throughout the State of Alabama. The Cooperative received training necessary to understand the importance of farmers working together, internal management and contro...
This paper focuses on providing sustainable irrigation opportunities to socially and historically... more This paper focuses on providing sustainable irrigation opportunities to socially and historically disadvantaged farmers (SHDFs). The ability to provide steady production capacity through the use of renewable energy sources and microirrigation is innovative, in that it demonstrated how to develop and utilize a sustainable irrigation system in both energy and water conservation. This venture is also innovative in that it sought to provide SHDFs with irrigation in a state in which irrigation in agriculture is minimal, while at the same time, offsetting the energy costs that normally accompany irrigation. Several farmers are profiled in their participation in the irrigation program. The lessons learned will provide a starting point for a more permanent research, educational, and outreach partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and SHDF clientele. This relationship will lead to further strengthening the relationships between Tuskegee University and both par...
Ensuring a sustainable future for socially and historically disadvantaged farmers (SHDFs) remains... more Ensuring a sustainable future for socially and historically disadvantaged farmers (SHDFs) remains a central mission of many 1890 land grant universities. As major corporations adopt socially responsible and sustainable policies they are exploring new partnerships, including those with the aforementioned farmers and institutions. This article explores the opportunity presented by the partnership between Tuskegee University and Walmart during 2011, 2012, and 2013 that focused on assisting SHDFs to work together to expand their produce marketing opportunities to include large commercial retailers. This article provides perspective for the articles that follow in this issue of the Professional Agricultural Workers Journal (PAWJ). The articles focus specifically on microirrigation and solar powered pumps, integrated pest management, farm and food safety certification, challenges of forming the new cooperative, the role of Black women farmers, and progress made by the Sustainable Agricult...
The study was conducted in a Wiregrass Model Tunnel House to evaluate the response of two sweetpo... more The study was conducted in a Wiregrass Model Tunnel House to evaluate the response of two sweetpotato cultivars ("Carver" and "TU-1892") and two different planting methods (Conventional and Trellised) at S & B Farm in Eufaula AL., during the summer of 2015. Sweetpotato varieties were the main plots and planting methods were the subplots, each treatment combination was replicated four times. Results indicated that there were significant interactions between sweetpotato varieties and planting methods for US#1, Canners, and total marketable yield. There were also significant differences between varieties and planting methods for Canners and between varieties and total marketable yield. The results indicated that the response of sweetpotatoes under tunnel house conditions maybe varietal related, and influenced by high ambient temperature prevalent in tunnel houses during the summer months. Further studies will be required to test other varieties of sweetpotatoes and ...
A study was conducted to determine if 100% or 50% harvesting of collard leaves was a suitable rec... more A study was conducted to determine if 100% or 50% harvesting of collard leaves was a suitable recommendation for Tunnel House producers. The experiment was conducted as a split-split plot design with varieties as the main plots, harvesting 100% or 50% of leaves as the sub-plots, and days after transplanting as the subplots. All treatments were replicated three times, drip irrigated, and fertilized according to soil test recommendations. The results showed significant interactions between varieties and method of harvest, for leaf numbers and weight. Conversely, the varieties showed significant differences for yield but not leaf numbers. Both varieties showed significant increases in leaf numbers and yield at each harvest period when 50% of the leaves were harvested, instead of 100%. This approach led to higher leaf recovery rates suggesting that a 50% leaf harvest would result in higher yields, and reduce the harvest intervals from the present 21 to 12 or 18 days.
Many agriculturalists have been focusing on the most efficient farming method that would produce ... more Many agriculturalists have been focusing on the most efficient farming method that would produce the maximum yield while still sustaining the soil ecosystem. Soil samples were collected from the " Old Rotation " area (Auburn University, Auburn, AL ), and were assessed for soil biochemical, chemical and biological characteristics related to soil quality. Treatments of the experimental site were a control with no legumes or N fertilizer; cotton every year with winter legumes ; a 3 - yr cotton - corn - soybean rotation with wheat and winter legumes ; and cotton every year with N fertilizer . Impacts of irrigation were also tested between the sites. Assays were performed measuring phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activity, soil organic carbon , soil pH , and microbial diversity. The 3 - year and winter legume rotation s showed significant differences in the structure and membership of microbial communities and differences in biochemical activity. These results further...
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the origin... more which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Eighteen Kiko-cross meat goats (
Farming in clusters is an economically viable practice to sustain small, limited resource, and so... more Farming in clusters is an economically viable practice to sustain small, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers and forestland owners with their agricultural operations. The objectives of the study were to strengthen the capacity of clientele on cluster farming and to lower production and marketing costs by sharing input costs. Clusters were created and interventions were provided by project partners through several activities, including workshops, meetings, field days, loans, and materials/equipment. The results showed that 29 clusters involving 224 farmers, and 14 cooperatives involving 410 farmers were formed and strengthened. The number of farmers participating in workshops, training programs, field days, and meetings were, respectively, 4,921, 3,095, 1,426, and 1,285. The results also revealed that 190 producers received access to farm loans, mobile and stationary cold storage facilities, and marketing materials. Additionally, 930 farmers strengthened their knowle...
A study was conducted to determine the effects of a 50% leaf harvest from ‘Heirloom’, ‘Georgia’, ... more A study was conducted to determine the effects of a 50% leaf harvest from ‘Heirloom’, ‘Georgia’, and ‘Hi-Crop Hybrid’ collards on yield, when leaves were removed at 18-, 21-, and 25day intervals, over four harvest periods of 102, 127, 152, and 177 days after transplanting in a Wiregrass Tunnel House. The experimental design used was a split-split plot with three replications, where harvest periods were main plots, cropping intervals (3) were sub-plots, and varieties were sub-sub-plots. Yield data (lbs./acre) showed significant interactions between harvest periods x cropping intervals for leaf numbers and yield, harvest periods x varieties, and cropping intervals x varieties. The 18-day cropping interval had the highest yields over all harvest periods; while varieties responded differently for each harvest period, and cropping intervals. ‘Hi-Crop Hybrid’ had the highest yield over all harvest periods and cropping intervals, followed by ‘Georgia ‘and ‘Heirloom.’
This study was conducted at S & B Farm located in Eufaula, AL in 2014. The treatments were Inorga... more This study was conducted at S & B Farm located in Eufaula, AL in 2014. The treatments were Inorganic fertilizer/“Farmer’s Mix” (NPK 13:13:13 + ammonium nitrate mixed in 3:1 ratio); Inorganic fertilizer/“Farmer’s Mix” (NPK 13:13:13 + ammonium nitrate mixed in 3:1 ratio + Bio-grow) plus microbe mix; and Organic Fertilizer – Mighty Grow (4-3-4) with a microbe mix. All fertilizers were applied prior to mulch application after which the following crops squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) were directly seeded in a complete randomized design. The results showed that the inorganic fertilizer had higher yields (lbs/acre) than organic fertilizer. The addition of microbes to the inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the numbers of cucumbers and okra per acre. Overall, the “Farmer mix” with or without the addition of microbes significantly increased yields for all crops compared to the organic-based fertilizer.
This study focused on the impact of the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, an agri... more This study focused on the impact of the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, an agribusiness opportunity for small and limited resource farmers in rural Alabama. The Project provided a package of programs that strengthened the farmers’ entrepreneurial capacity and secured a market with Walmart for contracted produce. The study applied the triangulation approach to collect field data, and conducted a case study using quantitative and qualitative tools to measure socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The results revealed that the target group benefitted enormously, as desired variables, namely, family income; technical knowledge; agribusiness entrepreneurial skill; leadership quality; factor productivity; direct, indirect, and induced impacts; and employment in the community, changed positively.
The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project was designed to provide technical support to... more The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on best practices in marketing produce to large companies such as Walmart. Activities included specialized training, workshops, and informational group meetings, and overall awareness of market opportunities. The specialized trainings included food safety standards and food safety certification requirements, efficient production techniques, harvesting, grading, packaging, refrigeration/cold chain requirements, transportation, fiscal responsibility, financial management, record-keeping, and insurance and product liability. As part of the process, Tuskegee University assisted with the formation of the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, which is comprised of members from Central and South Alabama. Cooperative training included the benefits of farmers working together; internal management and controls; sharing of knowledge, resources and experience; doing bus...
The change in land-use systems due to new management practices and confined agricultural space le... more The change in land-use systems due to new management practices and confined agricultural space leads to a major shift in soil health. Soil microbial community composition, enzyme activities, and soil physiochemical properties are considered as important indicators of soil health. Past research has focused on soil health in response to major land-use systems such as forest, pasture, and cultivated land. However, the response of soil health indicators specifically, biological indicators to silvopasture systems remains understated. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess the impact of silvopasture (SPS) and woodland (WS) land-use systems on the soil health indicators. The study site consists of 5-years-old southern-pine silvopasture developed from existing woodland and 13-years old southern-pine/hardwood mixed woodland plots. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for microbial analysis using the MiSeq platform next-generation sequencing, enzyme assay using a microplate fluorimetric method, and soil physiochemical properties. Significantly higher soil organic carbon (2.6 ± 0.12%), total nitrogen (0.09 ± 0.002%), Mehlich phosphorous (26.9 ± 3.09 mg kg −1 ), nitrate (4.8 ± 0.24 mg kg −1 ), and pH (6.5 ± 0.10) were observed in SPS. SPS had a significantly higher acidic phosphatase (169.5 ± 6.59), alkaline phosphatase (43.6 ± 3.39), phosphodiesterase (10.5 ± 0.71), and β-glucosidase (61.7 ± 3.34) activity, measured in nmol g −1 hr −1 , as compared to WS. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the most dominant bacterial phyla while Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the most dominant fungal phyla in both systems. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria (43.3%) was significantly higher in SPS while that of Acidobacteria (17.5%) was significantly higher in woodland (WS). Similarly, Basidiomycota were dominant ( p < 0.0001) in WS while SPS was dominated by Ascomycota ( p < 0.0001). Microbial diversity and the microbial community at the class and genus taxonomic levels were also impacted by the SPS. Copiotrophs and phytopathogens were higher in SPS while oligotrophs, decomposers, and ectomycorrhizae were higher in WS. In conclusion, our study found strong evidence that the nutrient input and vegetation composition in southern-pine SPS led to changes in soil physiochemical properties which further caused a shift in soil microbial community composition in these systems identified by principal component analysis.
Dietary intake of a variety of vegetables is very important for disease prevention and may help i... more Dietary intake of a variety of vegetables is very important for disease prevention and may help in the treatment of certain maladies. Experiments were conducted to evaluate yield and the content of antioxidants and phenolics of vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus), Celosia (Celosia argentea), Gboma (Solanum macrocarpon), and Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata) in response to poultry litter (PL) and a hydrolyzed fish fertilizer [Megabloom (MB)]. The experiments were conducted as a randomized complete block design with a four × three factorial treatment and four replications. The treatments were applied based on soil test recommendations in a single band 15 to 20 cm away from the plants 1 week after transplanting. Plants were harvested sequentially during the season as foliage and fruits became physiologically mature and once over at the end of the season. Species were analyzed for vitamin C content, total phenolics, and β-carotene content as well as antioxidant capacity. Organic amendm...
Background/Question/Methods . Wetlands provide essential functions to the ecosphere that range fr... more Background/Question/Methods . Wetlands provide essential functions to the ecosphere that range from water filtration to flood control. These wetlands have also been reported to contain diverse assemblages of various organisms that greatly distinguish them from other ecosystems. During the 20th century about 53% of the nation’s original wetland acreage was destroyed as a result of agricultural and urban development. Current methods of evaluating the quality of wetlands include assessing vegetation, soil type, and period of inundation. Although these and other assessments have gained notoriety, some researchers have begun to question their efficacy in indicating ecological impact. Identifying sensitive indicators of ecological change that allow for the distinction of the unique ecosystems has become an important area in soil ecology. With recent advances in molecular and bioinformatic techniques, measurement of the structure and composition of soil bacterial communities has become an ...
Background/Question/Methods Soil enzymes have been shown to be primary in the functional ecology ... more Background/Question/Methods Soil enzymes have been shown to be primary in the functional ecology of soil ecosystems. These enzymes have also been associated with the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous in the ecosphere at large. Because of the sensitivity of soil enzymes to changes in the environment, and their association with plant and microbial communities, their importance have been consistently suggested as ecological indicators within the soil system. This study utilized a survey methodology in which 45 samples were taken from three distinct land use types (pine plantation, grazed pasture, and cultivated vegetable crops) across one agricultural landscape. Soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, and phosphatase enzyme activities were measured and subjected to t-tests in order to determine significant differences between the means. Results/Conclusions Results show that the forested and grazed pasture areas were most distinctive in measured soil properties. In the ...
A study was conducted to determine if a 100% or 50% harvest intensity of ‘Topbunch’ collards leav... more A study was conducted to determine if a 100% or 50% harvest intensity of ‘Topbunch’ collards leaves could be a recommended practice for Tunnel House producers. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot design with harvest dates as main plots, and harvesting intensity of 100% or 50% of leaves as sub-plots. All treatments were replicated three times, drip irrigated, and fertilized according to soil test recommendations. The results showed significant interactions between harvest methods and dates for number and weight of leaves harvested. There were also significant differences for the weight of leaves harvested and numbers. The leaf recovery rates were greater for plants that had 50% of their leaves harvested compared to those which had 100% of their leaves harvested. This higher recovery rate for the former suggests that the harvest interval could be reduced in the future from 21 to 15 or 18 days
A split-plot study was conducted to evaluate the yield response of 'Whatley-Loretan' swee... more A split-plot study was conducted to evaluate the yield response of 'Whatley-Loretan' sweetpotato when planted in single and double rows at four planting dates (March, April, May, and June) in a Wiregrass Tunnel House located at S&B Farm in Eufaula, Alabama. The main plots consisted of planting dates, sub-plots single, and double rows, with each treatment combination, replicated three times. The results showed a significant linear and quadratic effect for US#1 grade of sweetpotato and total marketable yields. Yields were highest at the first and second planting dates and declined at the two later planting dates. Single vs. double row planting significantly affected canner grade of sweetpotatoes, while the other grades were unaffected.
The Walmart Initiative was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on... more The Walmart Initiative was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on best practices in marketing produce to larger companies and corporations like Walmart. This support was provided through specialized training, workshops, informational group meetings, and overall awareness of market opportunities. The specialized training included Food Safety Standards and Food Safety Certification requirements, effective production techniques, harvesting, grading, packaging, refrigeration/cold chain requirements, transportation, fiscal responsibility, financial management, record-keeping, and insurance and product liability. As part of a five state initiative, Tuskegee University identified and assisted in the formation of the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative comprised of members from several regions throughout the State of Alabama. The Cooperative received training necessary to understand the importance of farmers working together, internal management and contro...
This paper focuses on providing sustainable irrigation opportunities to socially and historically... more This paper focuses on providing sustainable irrigation opportunities to socially and historically disadvantaged farmers (SHDFs). The ability to provide steady production capacity through the use of renewable energy sources and microirrigation is innovative, in that it demonstrated how to develop and utilize a sustainable irrigation system in both energy and water conservation. This venture is also innovative in that it sought to provide SHDFs with irrigation in a state in which irrigation in agriculture is minimal, while at the same time, offsetting the energy costs that normally accompany irrigation. Several farmers are profiled in their participation in the irrigation program. The lessons learned will provide a starting point for a more permanent research, educational, and outreach partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and SHDF clientele. This relationship will lead to further strengthening the relationships between Tuskegee University and both par...
Ensuring a sustainable future for socially and historically disadvantaged farmers (SHDFs) remains... more Ensuring a sustainable future for socially and historically disadvantaged farmers (SHDFs) remains a central mission of many 1890 land grant universities. As major corporations adopt socially responsible and sustainable policies they are exploring new partnerships, including those with the aforementioned farmers and institutions. This article explores the opportunity presented by the partnership between Tuskegee University and Walmart during 2011, 2012, and 2013 that focused on assisting SHDFs to work together to expand their produce marketing opportunities to include large commercial retailers. This article provides perspective for the articles that follow in this issue of the Professional Agricultural Workers Journal (PAWJ). The articles focus specifically on microirrigation and solar powered pumps, integrated pest management, farm and food safety certification, challenges of forming the new cooperative, the role of Black women farmers, and progress made by the Sustainable Agricult...
The study was conducted in a Wiregrass Model Tunnel House to evaluate the response of two sweetpo... more The study was conducted in a Wiregrass Model Tunnel House to evaluate the response of two sweetpotato cultivars ("Carver" and "TU-1892") and two different planting methods (Conventional and Trellised) at S & B Farm in Eufaula AL., during the summer of 2015. Sweetpotato varieties were the main plots and planting methods were the subplots, each treatment combination was replicated four times. Results indicated that there were significant interactions between sweetpotato varieties and planting methods for US#1, Canners, and total marketable yield. There were also significant differences between varieties and planting methods for Canners and between varieties and total marketable yield. The results indicated that the response of sweetpotatoes under tunnel house conditions maybe varietal related, and influenced by high ambient temperature prevalent in tunnel houses during the summer months. Further studies will be required to test other varieties of sweetpotatoes and ...
A study was conducted to determine if 100% or 50% harvesting of collard leaves was a suitable rec... more A study was conducted to determine if 100% or 50% harvesting of collard leaves was a suitable recommendation for Tunnel House producers. The experiment was conducted as a split-split plot design with varieties as the main plots, harvesting 100% or 50% of leaves as the sub-plots, and days after transplanting as the subplots. All treatments were replicated three times, drip irrigated, and fertilized according to soil test recommendations. The results showed significant interactions between varieties and method of harvest, for leaf numbers and weight. Conversely, the varieties showed significant differences for yield but not leaf numbers. Both varieties showed significant increases in leaf numbers and yield at each harvest period when 50% of the leaves were harvested, instead of 100%. This approach led to higher leaf recovery rates suggesting that a 50% leaf harvest would result in higher yields, and reduce the harvest intervals from the present 21 to 12 or 18 days.
Many agriculturalists have been focusing on the most efficient farming method that would produce ... more Many agriculturalists have been focusing on the most efficient farming method that would produce the maximum yield while still sustaining the soil ecosystem. Soil samples were collected from the " Old Rotation " area (Auburn University, Auburn, AL ), and were assessed for soil biochemical, chemical and biological characteristics related to soil quality. Treatments of the experimental site were a control with no legumes or N fertilizer; cotton every year with winter legumes ; a 3 - yr cotton - corn - soybean rotation with wheat and winter legumes ; and cotton every year with N fertilizer . Impacts of irrigation were also tested between the sites. Assays were performed measuring phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activity, soil organic carbon , soil pH , and microbial diversity. The 3 - year and winter legume rotation s showed significant differences in the structure and membership of microbial communities and differences in biochemical activity. These results further...
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the origin... more which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Eighteen Kiko-cross meat goats (
Farming in clusters is an economically viable practice to sustain small, limited resource, and so... more Farming in clusters is an economically viable practice to sustain small, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers and forestland owners with their agricultural operations. The objectives of the study were to strengthen the capacity of clientele on cluster farming and to lower production and marketing costs by sharing input costs. Clusters were created and interventions were provided by project partners through several activities, including workshops, meetings, field days, loans, and materials/equipment. The results showed that 29 clusters involving 224 farmers, and 14 cooperatives involving 410 farmers were formed and strengthened. The number of farmers participating in workshops, training programs, field days, and meetings were, respectively, 4,921, 3,095, 1,426, and 1,285. The results also revealed that 190 producers received access to farm loans, mobile and stationary cold storage facilities, and marketing materials. Additionally, 930 farmers strengthened their knowle...
A study was conducted to determine the effects of a 50% leaf harvest from ‘Heirloom’, ‘Georgia’, ... more A study was conducted to determine the effects of a 50% leaf harvest from ‘Heirloom’, ‘Georgia’, and ‘Hi-Crop Hybrid’ collards on yield, when leaves were removed at 18-, 21-, and 25day intervals, over four harvest periods of 102, 127, 152, and 177 days after transplanting in a Wiregrass Tunnel House. The experimental design used was a split-split plot with three replications, where harvest periods were main plots, cropping intervals (3) were sub-plots, and varieties were sub-sub-plots. Yield data (lbs./acre) showed significant interactions between harvest periods x cropping intervals for leaf numbers and yield, harvest periods x varieties, and cropping intervals x varieties. The 18-day cropping interval had the highest yields over all harvest periods; while varieties responded differently for each harvest period, and cropping intervals. ‘Hi-Crop Hybrid’ had the highest yield over all harvest periods and cropping intervals, followed by ‘Georgia ‘and ‘Heirloom.’
This study was conducted at S & B Farm located in Eufaula, AL in 2014. The treatments were Inorga... more This study was conducted at S & B Farm located in Eufaula, AL in 2014. The treatments were Inorganic fertilizer/“Farmer’s Mix” (NPK 13:13:13 + ammonium nitrate mixed in 3:1 ratio); Inorganic fertilizer/“Farmer’s Mix” (NPK 13:13:13 + ammonium nitrate mixed in 3:1 ratio + Bio-grow) plus microbe mix; and Organic Fertilizer – Mighty Grow (4-3-4) with a microbe mix. All fertilizers were applied prior to mulch application after which the following crops squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) were directly seeded in a complete randomized design. The results showed that the inorganic fertilizer had higher yields (lbs/acre) than organic fertilizer. The addition of microbes to the inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the numbers of cucumbers and okra per acre. Overall, the “Farmer mix” with or without the addition of microbes significantly increased yields for all crops compared to the organic-based fertilizer.
This study focused on the impact of the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, an agri... more This study focused on the impact of the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, an agribusiness opportunity for small and limited resource farmers in rural Alabama. The Project provided a package of programs that strengthened the farmers’ entrepreneurial capacity and secured a market with Walmart for contracted produce. The study applied the triangulation approach to collect field data, and conducted a case study using quantitative and qualitative tools to measure socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The results revealed that the target group benefitted enormously, as desired variables, namely, family income; technical knowledge; agribusiness entrepreneurial skill; leadership quality; factor productivity; direct, indirect, and induced impacts; and employment in the community, changed positively.
The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project was designed to provide technical support to... more The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on best practices in marketing produce to large companies such as Walmart. Activities included specialized training, workshops, and informational group meetings, and overall awareness of market opportunities. The specialized trainings included food safety standards and food safety certification requirements, efficient production techniques, harvesting, grading, packaging, refrigeration/cold chain requirements, transportation, fiscal responsibility, financial management, record-keeping, and insurance and product liability. As part of the process, Tuskegee University assisted with the formation of the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, which is comprised of members from Central and South Alabama. Cooperative training included the benefits of farmers working together; internal management and controls; sharing of knowledge, resources and experience; doing bus...
The change in land-use systems due to new management practices and confined agricultural space le... more The change in land-use systems due to new management practices and confined agricultural space leads to a major shift in soil health. Soil microbial community composition, enzyme activities, and soil physiochemical properties are considered as important indicators of soil health. Past research has focused on soil health in response to major land-use systems such as forest, pasture, and cultivated land. However, the response of soil health indicators specifically, biological indicators to silvopasture systems remains understated. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess the impact of silvopasture (SPS) and woodland (WS) land-use systems on the soil health indicators. The study site consists of 5-years-old southern-pine silvopasture developed from existing woodland and 13-years old southern-pine/hardwood mixed woodland plots. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for microbial analysis using the MiSeq platform next-generation sequencing, enzyme assay using a microplate fluorimetric method, and soil physiochemical properties. Significantly higher soil organic carbon (2.6 ± 0.12%), total nitrogen (0.09 ± 0.002%), Mehlich phosphorous (26.9 ± 3.09 mg kg −1 ), nitrate (4.8 ± 0.24 mg kg −1 ), and pH (6.5 ± 0.10) were observed in SPS. SPS had a significantly higher acidic phosphatase (169.5 ± 6.59), alkaline phosphatase (43.6 ± 3.39), phosphodiesterase (10.5 ± 0.71), and β-glucosidase (61.7 ± 3.34) activity, measured in nmol g −1 hr −1 , as compared to WS. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the most dominant bacterial phyla while Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the most dominant fungal phyla in both systems. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria (43.3%) was significantly higher in SPS while that of Acidobacteria (17.5%) was significantly higher in woodland (WS). Similarly, Basidiomycota were dominant ( p < 0.0001) in WS while SPS was dominated by Ascomycota ( p < 0.0001). Microbial diversity and the microbial community at the class and genus taxonomic levels were also impacted by the SPS. Copiotrophs and phytopathogens were higher in SPS while oligotrophs, decomposers, and ectomycorrhizae were higher in WS. In conclusion, our study found strong evidence that the nutrient input and vegetation composition in southern-pine SPS led to changes in soil physiochemical properties which further caused a shift in soil microbial community composition in these systems identified by principal component analysis.
Dietary intake of a variety of vegetables is very important for disease prevention and may help i... more Dietary intake of a variety of vegetables is very important for disease prevention and may help in the treatment of certain maladies. Experiments were conducted to evaluate yield and the content of antioxidants and phenolics of vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus), Celosia (Celosia argentea), Gboma (Solanum macrocarpon), and Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata) in response to poultry litter (PL) and a hydrolyzed fish fertilizer [Megabloom (MB)]. The experiments were conducted as a randomized complete block design with a four × three factorial treatment and four replications. The treatments were applied based on soil test recommendations in a single band 15 to 20 cm away from the plants 1 week after transplanting. Plants were harvested sequentially during the season as foliage and fruits became physiologically mature and once over at the end of the season. Species were analyzed for vitamin C content, total phenolics, and β-carotene content as well as antioxidant capacity. Organic amendm...
Background/Question/Methods . Wetlands provide essential functions to the ecosphere that range fr... more Background/Question/Methods . Wetlands provide essential functions to the ecosphere that range from water filtration to flood control. These wetlands have also been reported to contain diverse assemblages of various organisms that greatly distinguish them from other ecosystems. During the 20th century about 53% of the nation’s original wetland acreage was destroyed as a result of agricultural and urban development. Current methods of evaluating the quality of wetlands include assessing vegetation, soil type, and period of inundation. Although these and other assessments have gained notoriety, some researchers have begun to question their efficacy in indicating ecological impact. Identifying sensitive indicators of ecological change that allow for the distinction of the unique ecosystems has become an important area in soil ecology. With recent advances in molecular and bioinformatic techniques, measurement of the structure and composition of soil bacterial communities has become an ...
Background/Question/Methods Soil enzymes have been shown to be primary in the functional ecology ... more Background/Question/Methods Soil enzymes have been shown to be primary in the functional ecology of soil ecosystems. These enzymes have also been associated with the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous in the ecosphere at large. Because of the sensitivity of soil enzymes to changes in the environment, and their association with plant and microbial communities, their importance have been consistently suggested as ecological indicators within the soil system. This study utilized a survey methodology in which 45 samples were taken from three distinct land use types (pine plantation, grazed pasture, and cultivated vegetable crops) across one agricultural landscape. Soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, and phosphatase enzyme activities were measured and subjected to t-tests in order to determine significant differences between the means. Results/Conclusions Results show that the forested and grazed pasture areas were most distinctive in measured soil properties. In the ...
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Papers by Raymon Shange