University of Maryland Extension Publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/1606

Learning resources subject to a high standard of quality, Extension publications have sought to meet the Land Grant service mission with research-based information freely distributed to the public. This collection contains some of the educational materials created by University of Maryland Extension.



Please note that information in these publications may be obsolete. For current recommendations and practices, please refer to https://extension.umd.edu/

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Author: search.filters.author.Miller, Jarrod OStart date: 2010

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    Manure to Energy Byproducts are Useful Nutrient Sources
    (2017-05-30) Miller, Jarrod O
    Manure is a great fertilizer for nutrient-poor soils. However, when transport costs limit utilization, alternative uses such as energy production become viable. In most cases, manure-to-energy practices produce nutrient-rich byproducts that can be used as a soil amendment. While nitrogen (N) may be lost, other nutrients like phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are often more concentrated in these byproducts. Manure-to-energy practices include anaerobic digestion and thermal methods (pyrolysis, gasification). Composting and nutrient extraction also can alter manure and help concentrate nutrients for easier and less costly transport. All of these practices are discussed in another publication: Manure as a Natural Resource (EB-420).
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    Providing Aerial Images Through UAVs
    (2017-02) Miller, Jarrod O; Adkins, James; Tully, Kate
    Precision agriculture relies on accurate maps of soil properties and yield potential to uncover high- and low-yielding sections of a field. Some of these maps are obtained by remote sensing (gathering information from a distance), such as photography. Since its inception, precision agriculture has relied on remote sensing by planes and satellites to obtain various types of photos.
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    Organic Matter is an Essential Component of Soils
    (University of Maryland Extension, 2016-06) Miller, Jarrod O
    Soils are composed of mineral and organic matter. Weathered rocks provide soil minerals, while organic matter forms from decayed animal and plant residues. An important component of healthy soil, organic matter helps maintain and improve soil’s physical condition. Some of these benefits include increased nutrient and water holding as well as stabilizing structure, which helps soil drainage. Organic matter is in a constant state of transition, continually breaking down and releasing finer, more decomposed particles. This breakdown is caused by scavengers in the soil (insects, earthworms, bacteria and fungi) as they feed on organic matter. These scavengers also become part of the soil organic matter when they die. As long as there are fresh sources of tissue in the soil, the cycle can continue and organic matter levels will stay constant. However, if fresh material is not added to the soil, organic matter will slowly be lost.
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    Precision Soil Sampling Helps Target Nutrient Application
    (2017-01-12) Miller, Jarrod O; Yohn, Craig
    Precision agriculture allows modern producers to manage within fields rather than managing the whole field.By integrating global positioning systems (GPS), variable rate (VR) application equipment, and geographic information systems (GIS), farmers are allowed increased efficiency. However, prior to using VR equipment, accurate maps of yield-limiting factors must be created. Nutrients in any field vary due to topography, soil properties and past management (manure application patterns, crop history, etc.). To account for this variability, farmers will need more than one soil sample in each field. A more intensive sampling scheme must be performed, through either grid or zone sampling. Looking to the future, on-the-go sensors, whether attached to tractors or unmanned aerial vehicles, may also increase accuracy and decrease the cost of soil sampling.
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    Soil pH and Nutrient Availability
    (2016-07) Miller, Jarrod O
    Fertilizers, whether commercial or from manure sources, will not be effective if soil pH isn’t managed. Besides nutrient availability, soil biology and pesticide efficacy can also be pH dependent. Unfortunately, due to varying soil types and crop needs, there isn’t a single pH that is ideal. While most crops are assigned a suitable pH range (6.0 to 6.5), producers can maximize yields by better understanding soil properties and crop response.