Welcome to the Crop and Soil Sciences Seminar Series. Following is a list of the seminars scheduled for the Fall of 2002 and Spring 2003. Unless otherwise noted, all seminars are on Tuesdays, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in 135 Emerson Hall.

Crop and Soil Sciences

9/17/02 - Plant Nutrient Use in North American Agriculture (Tom Bruulsema, Director, Eastern Canada & Northeast U.S., Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada). Abstract: Meeting the world's demands for food, fiber, and fuel has never been more critical... and has never been more closely scrutinized by an ever-watching public. People need safe, wholesome and affordable food, produced in a manner that does not degrade their environment. They understand that nutrients are needed for food production, but many are confused about the role, the source, and the management of plant nutrients. Misunderstandings about organic nutrients and organic production systems add to the confusion. The Potash & Phosphate Institute has recently compiled an extensive technical bulletin to help dispel myths and clarify misunderstandings regarding plant nutrients and their use in today's agriculture. It reviews current information on their sources, availability, and budgets, and their impacts on food quality and the environment. This presentation will feature highlights from the bulletin and other recent projects that illustrate successes and challenges for sustainable management of plant nutrients in North American agriculture

10/1/02 - Where Science Meets Policy: Using Organic Wastes in Agriculture (Ellen Harrison, Director, Cornell Waste Management Institute, Center for the Environment, Cornell University). Abstract: Application of organic wastes to farmland is increasing. It presents a low-cost option for managers of sewage sludges and other wastes and is potentially a source of revenue and nutrients for farmers. However it also poses risks to soils, livestock, human health and the environment. Cornell scientists play an important national role in this controversy. This seminar will discuss the research and outreach being done to address these issues. It will also provide a brief overview of other work of the Cornell Waste Management Institute.

10/22/02 - Bioavailability of Genotoxic Compounds in Soils (Renee Alexander, Visiting Scientist, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University). Abstract: The rate of disappearance of toxic compounds undergoing biodegradation in contaminated soils is usually monitored by bioassay and chemical analysis of extracts. Bioassays of extracts do not assess the toxicity of soils properly because many toxic compounds are extensively sorbed. Therefore, a solid-phase microbiological assay was developed that depends on growth and mutagenesis of a bacterium (Pseudomonas putida A11rUV) in soil containing toxic substances. P. putida A11rUV forms mutants resistant to rifampicin, an antibiotic, in direct proportion to the concentration of a mutagen in soil. This assay was used to assess the genotoxicity (a surrogate for carcinogenicity) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as they age in soil and to determine the bioavailability of several PAHs and pesticides in different soils. Co-Sponsored with the Dept. of Environmental Toxicology

10/29/02 - Plant Organic Nutrition and Sustainable Agricultural Technologies: A Chinese Perception (Dr. Lianghuan Wu, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China). Abstract: Traditional models of nutrient cycling in agricultural ecosystems assume that soil microorganisms must decompose soil organic matter, releasing inorganic N, before that N becomes available for plant uptake. But, there is growing evidence that crops can directly take up organic N (e.g. amino acid, nucleotide, etc.) in considerable amounts, which may short-circuit N mineralization and accelerate N turnover exerting significant effects on N cycling in agricultural environments.Rice production is often strongly limited by various factors including irrigation water scarcity, low temperature stress in temperate regions (where air temperature is low at the early growth stage), and frequent use of large amounts of chemicals (e.g. mineral fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide). These limitations to rice production consume many resources, increasing the farmer’s costs as well as causing serious environmental pollution. Growing lowland rice using film mulch under non-flooded conditions becomes one of the crop management options to effectively overcome many of these problems and consequently this a technology now being studied to increase rice yields in some areas of China while lowering production costs and improving the environment.There is an increasing interest in low-nitrate and high nutrient density (e.g. iron, zinc, vitamins, etc.) in vegetables in China to improve human health. How to meet this challenge in vegetable production becomes one of the important tasks for world agricultural research.

11/5/02 - Arsenic in Bangladesh: A Major Environmental and Food Security Disaster (John Duxbury, Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University). Abstract: Geogenic arsenic in the sedimentary materials that make up Bangladesh is being tapped through use of groundwater. Millions of tube wells that are used for drinking water are contaminated with inorganic arsenic and about half of the population, or 65 million people, are at risk for arsenic toxicity. This problem has prompted a large response from the World Bank and the international scientific community. Groundwater is also widely used for irrigation and this raises questions about transfer of arsenic through the food chain and the potential phytotoxicity of arsenic to rice. Results of an initial field study on arsenic in rice and effects on productivity are presented and evaluated. Preliminary data from a larger study of arsenic in irrigation wells, soils and rice grain will be discussed within the contexts of water and soil chemistry and plant physiology. Strategies to reduce arsenic transfer through rice are suggested.

11/18/02 - Calibration of a commercially Available Rising Plate Meter for Yield Estimation of Intensively Managed New York Pastures (Dan Demaine, M.S. Candidate, Department of Crop and soil Sciences, Cornell University). Abstract: Management Intensive Grazing (MIG) has become an important method for New York dairy farmers to capture high forage quality and reduce costs. However, MIG requires constant monitoring of pasture conditions to assure that animal requirements are met. Rising plate meters are objective measurement tools that provide farmers with important pasture management information but they require calibration for local conditions. Previous research in New York and elsewhere has indicated that time of year, botanical composition of the pasture, and individual growing season are important factors that affect calibration. During 2000 and 2001, a commercially available rising plate meter was calibrated on farms in the vicinity of Ithaca. A multiple linear regression technique was used to determine which factors are important for calibration in New York and to fit initial calibration equations. The methods used in this calibration and some preliminary results will be discussed.

11/26/02 - Agricultural and Environmental Management in New Zealand: Small-Country Approach to Big Problems (Harold van Es, Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University).

12/3/02 - Soil Carbon/Mineral Interactions: Biochemistry of Land Use Change (Laurie Osher, PhD., University of Maine)

12/17/02 - 10:00 AM - Towards Global Analysis of Abiotic Stress Responses at the Functional Protein Level (Dr. Jiaxu Li, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Genomics of Abiotic Stress faculty candidate in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University). 404 Plant Science

1/27/03 - 4:00 PM - Estimate of Plant Damage and Yield Loss of Lowland Rainfed Rice from Infection by the Rice Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Graminicola) in Rice-wheat Production fields of Northwestern Bangladesh (John Padgham, PhD Candidate, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University). Abstract: The role of soilborne pathogens in stagnating productivity of South Asia’s rice-wheat system is poorly understood. However, the results of recent field solarization trials in Bangladesh and Nepal, which demonstrated a consistently positive growth response of rice to soil solarization, suggests that soilborne pathogens may be a factor in poor rice yields. An investigation was therefore undertaken to identify and characterize soilborne pathogen problems in low yielding rice-wheat fields in northwestern Bangladesh. Extensive field surveys, which were conducted during the premonsoon period in 2000 and 2001, detected widespread infestations of the Rice Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) in farmer fields and rice nursery seedbeds. These findings are consistent with reports of M. graminicola from field surveys of rice-wheat areas in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This seminar will discuss the findings of the field survey as well as share results from a yield loss experiment on M. graminicola-infested production fields.

2/4/03 - Development of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Soil Sensor Technology (David A. Laird, USDA, ARS, National Soil Tilth Laboratory, Ames, IA). Abstract: Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid and convenient analytical technique that is widely used for product quality control in many industries. The goal of our research is to develop an on-the-go NIRS system for in-field analysis of soil properties. In phase I, we compared measured and NIRS-predicted soil property values using a laboratory-based NIRS instrument. NIRS analysis of incubated soil-compost-humic acid-CaCO3 mixtures (108 samples), containing diverse sources and concentrations of C and N, indicated that NIRS can be used to simultaneously and independently quantify soil organic C, inorganic C, total N, and C:N ratios. NIRS analysis of moist and air-dried soil samples from two agricultural fields (277 samples from a Iowa field and123 samples from a Minnesota field) confirmed that NIRS can be used to predict properties of agricultural soils. NIRS soil property predictions were slightly more accurate for the air-dried soils than the moist soils. And, the ability of NIRS to predict 33 soil properties on regional and National scales was assessed by analyzing over 800 soil samples collected from National Resource Inventory sampling points in four Major Land Resources Areas (9, 67, 77, and 105). The results indicated that NIRS can simultaneously estimate soil moisture, total C, total N, % sand, % silt, CEC, Mehlich III Ca, and 15 bar water with acceptable accuracy (r2>0.8). Other soil properties can also be estimated by NIRS, but with less accuracy. In phase II of our research we are evaluating a prototype of an on-the-go NIRS soil sensor designed by Veris Technologies, Salina, KS. Preliminary results suggest that the on-the-go system is capable of collecting high quality NIRS spectra in agricultural fields. The challenge for the future is to develop agronomic and environmental applications of this emerging technology.
In addition, Dr. Laird will be available for discussions on Tuesday from 10:30 AM to 12 in 133 Emerson around the topic of Sorption mechanisms of organic molecules (incl. pesticides) on clay minerals. He will give a brief presentation on his work in this area, followed by informal discussion. All are welcome, and students are especially encouraged to join.

2/11/03 - Conservation Agriculture in South Asia (Peter Hobbs, Adjunct Professor, Department of Crop & Soil Sciences) Abstract: South Asia, especially the Indo-Gangetic Plains is one of the most densely populated areas of the World with a high proportion of poor. Food security is necessary to feed its still growing population and this must come from higher yield per unit area since growth in agricultural land is expected to not contribute to future production growth. Resource efficiency and minimizing impacts on the environment must also figure into the equation while increasing profitability and the welfare of farmers. This seminar looks at the exciting new conservation technologies now becoming popular in the World as possible technologies to address this complex situation. Farmers are eager to use these technologies as it results in more food at less cost. This second tillage revolution is and will make a difference in South Asia.

2/13/03 - 1:00 PM, 135 Emerson Hall - Functional Analysis of the SOS2 Family of Protein Kinases (PKS) in Arabidopsis (Dr. Yan Guo, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Faculty Candidate Seminar, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences/Genomics of Abiotic Stress) Abstract: Soil salinity is one of the most significant abiotic stresses that impair plant growth and productivity. The SOS2 (for SALT OVERLY SENSITIVE2) protein kinase and SOS3 calcium binding protein are required for sodium ion homeostasis and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. SOS3 interacts with and activates the SOS2 protein kinase. Two-hybrid assays revealed interaction between the N-terminal kinase domain and the C-terminal regulatory domain within SOS2, suggesting that the regulatory domain may inhibit kinase activity by blocking substrate access to the catalytic site. A 21-amino acid motif (FISL) in the regulatory domain of SOS2 serves as the kinase autoinhibitory domain and is also required for interaction of SOS2 to SOS3. Database search revealed presence of a large family of SOS2-like protein kinases (PKS) containing the FISL motif. Removal of the FISL motif or changing Thr168 to Asp in the activation loop of the SOS2 kinase domain resulted in constitutive activation of SOS2, independent of SOS3. Both SOS2/SOS3 complex and active SOS2 could phosphorylate and activate SOS1, a plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter. Active SOS2 kinase complements sos2 and sos3 phenotype and increases wild-type salt tolerance. SOS2-like protein kinases (PKS) have different expression profiles, biochemical features, and interact with different SOS3-like calcium binding proteins (SCaBP). By knock-out of 24 PKS protein kinases and 9 SCaBP calcium binging proteins, several PKS/SCaBP complexes have been found to function in regulating different stress signaling. Data will also be presented on one of these complexes that regulates the plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity and is required for pH homeostasis in Arabidopsis.

2/26/03 - 1:30 PM, 135 Emerson Hall - Dissection of Guard Cell ABA Signal Transduction Mechanisms Using Single Cell-type Functional Genomics, Molecular Genetic and Cell Biological Approaches (Dr. June Kwak, Cell and Developmental Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, UC, San Diego, Faculty Candidate Seminar, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences/Genomics of Abiotic Stress)

2/25/03 - 3:30 PM, 101 Bradfield Hall - The Secret of El Dorado - Terra Preta de Indio (Special Screening of Documentary Film - US Premiere) Presented by Johannes Lehmann, Janice Thies, Toni DiTommaso. Join us for a screening of this BBC production and a discussion on the compelling evidence supporting the sustanance of large populations in Amazonia: Terra Preta de Indio. Research on these fascinating soils provide unique insight into biogeochemical processes and unveil hitherto unexplored possibilities for sustainable land management,- “…with the power to transform our world”.

3/11/03 - The Quality of NYS Agricultural Composts: Implications for Management and Use (Jean Bonhotal, Ellen Harrison, Dan Olmstead, Cornell Waste Management Institute) Abstract: Livestock on New York State's farms produce on the order of 15,000,000 tons of manure per year. Improper management of this manure can lead to runoff of nutrients, pollution of watersheds, and contamination of groundwater. Composting and marketing of composted manure is one option being used increasingly by farmers. Agricultural composts are not subject to regulation and little is known about their quality. Finding markets for these composts is important to the economics of this method of manure management. Extensive data on compost quality and processing methods were obtained from 30 NYS livestock farms. Variation between farms and within samples taken from the same farm is large for many parameters. Analysis shows that most composts achieve control of pathogens and weed seeds. Levels of organic matter and nitrogen were higher in composts turned less frequently and in piles on improved pads. The properties that are important for different end uses of compost vary, so that, for example, use in potting mixes requires different characteristics than use for erosion control. Many potential compost users are not knowledgeable about compost properties and use. There are few guidelines available to assist compost users in finding products optimal for their needs. Where guidelines do exist, most composts tested did not meet them. Since these composts appear to be showing benefits for plant growth, this may indicate a failure of the guidelines.

3/25/03 - Multi-disciplinary Research on Precision Agriculture in New York: What Have We Learned? (William cox and Harold van Es, Professors, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences) Abstract: Since 1998 the Cornell Precision Agriculture Initiative has developed research and educational programs to facilitate the adoption of precision technologies. Several multi-year and multi-disciplinary experiments were conducted on research and commercial farms. We evaluated the potential utility of site-specific hybrid planting, seeding rates, and fertilizer and lime application; remote-sensing images; yield monitors; on-farm hybrid selection; and data mining methods. What were the results? Come to the seminar and find out!

4/1/03 - Sustainable No-till Systems in the Northeastern U.S. (Sjoerd Duiker, Assistant Professor of Soil Management and Applied Soil Physics, Penn State University) Abstract: Dr. Sjoerd Duiker is an assistant professor and soil management specialist at Penn State University. He will give an introduction to his research and extension program in sustainable soil management strategies for Pennsylvania. He will explain why he believes no-till to be a key component of sustainable soil management, but he will also explain why no-till alone is not enough. Want to know more?.... Join us!

4/15/03 - Perspectives on Farmland Protection (Eugenia M. Barnaba, Nelson Bills, and John Lacey, Cornell University) Abstract: This seminar focuses on New York's nationally recognized agricultural districts law and its provisions for farmland protection. We will highlight implementation patterns and showcase administrative and technical elements based at Cornell that support local decision making on farmland management. These elements include an on-going district mapping program as well as reviews and follow up of site plans for land development projects that entail public money or land condemnation for public purposes, to help minimize long-term adverse impacts on New York's local commercial agriculture.

4/29/03 - Developing Fire-less Alternatives to Slash-and-burn Agriculture (Tavy) in the Rainforest Region of Madagascar (Erika Styger) Abstract: In this seminar Erika will present a characterization of four selected natural fallows along a land degradation gradient by looking at fallow biomass, nutrient stocks and soil quality. She also tested alternative cropping systems involving upland rice, beans and ginger followed by a Crotalaria fallow on station and on farmers' fields. The alternative management involved slash-and-mulch techniques with and without the application of locally available guano-phosphate as compared to the traditional slash-and-burn practice. Participating farmers are intrigued by the impact on yields and the prospects for long term sustainability.

5/6/03 - Demonstration of An Innovative New Tool for Teaching Weed Identification, Biology and Management (Toni DiTommaso, Assistant Professor, Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University) Abstract: Weed Identification, Biology and Management is a new teaching tool to assist students, researchers, extension personnel, growers, and gardeners gain knowledge of, and to recognize important agricultural, environmental and urban weeds. Over 100 weed species are treated in this two-volume set CD. Information on nomenclature, distribution, habitats, morphology, life history, biology, and management options are provided for each weed species. With the click of a button, detailed, high quality photographs of the seed, seedling, juvenile plant, flowering plant, flower close-up, in situ field and special features accompany each weed entry. Weeds are indexed by plant family, by common name, and by attributes including flower color, seedling morphology and a vegetative key for common grass weeds. An illustrated glossary aids the user to understand technical terms and a Reference and Selected Readings section provides additional sources of information

Special Seminars

9/26/02 - 4:30 PM - Heavy Metal Mobilization in Soils: Chemical and Biological Processes (Murray McBride, Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University). 366 Hollister Hall, Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar

10/10/02 - 4:00 PM - Science Meets Spirit: Using Horticulture to Transform Individuals and Communities (Jane Mt. Pleasant, Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University). Whetzel Room, Plant Science Building

12/5/02 - 4:30 PM - Valorization of Within-Farm Soil Fertility Gradients: A Framework for Implementing Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices (Bernard Vanlauwe, Soil Scientist, TSBF-CIAT), 135 Emerson Hall

12/12/02 - 4:00 PM - A soil quality framework to evaluate management-systems effects on soil function (Susan Andrews, Ecologist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ames, IA). 404 Plant Science, Horticulture seminar

3/31/03 - 12:20-1:10 PM - Modeling Measurable Soil Organic Matter Pools: Progress and Prospects (Saran Sohi, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Environment Division, Rothmsted Research, UK) Abstract: Decomposition of plant material in soil is a complex process. Relatively simple models can be used to describe the decay processes. Existing models contain pools of soil organic matter assumed biologically distinct, but which generally cannot be measured experimentally as the pools are mathematically defined. Recognition of this limitation has fuelled a debate as to whether we should aim to "measure the modelable" or "model the measurable". Most of the research spurned by this debate has been devoted to the identification of fractions which correspond to the soil organic matter pools in existing models. We have developed a model of SOM turnover based on measurable organic matter fractions. The presentation will explain the development of the model / fractionation procedure and discuss the prospects for application of such models.

Conferences

Other Related Seminars

Biogeochemistry and Environmental Change

Center for the Environment (CFE) Seminar Series

CAWG/MOIST Seminar Series - Organic Inputs and Agroforestry