On-farm Testing Research Articles

On-farm testing and dissemination of agroforestry among slash-and-burn farmers in Nagaland, India

This paper describes the structure and impacts of a development project in Nagaland, India. The project was a large-scale experiment in participatory development that emphasised local technology based on farmer-led testing of agroforestry, where farmers themselves select agroforestry technologies, implement the field tests and assume responsibility for disseminating the results locally. This assessment suggests that agroforestry has spread rapidly and been primarily adopted on land that otherwise would have been used by traditional farmers for swidden agriculture. Thus, Nagaland appears to be on a path to intensifying its land use, based on agroforestry, which is likely to brake deforestation rates. The high rate of scaling up was due to an effective property rights system, access to a large and growing timber market, a continual process of internal monitoring and evaluation, provision of low-cost seeds and seedlings, and a participatory project strategy with interventions based on flexibility and community empowerment.

Use of soil tests among organic farmers in New England

AbstractThis research explores the soil testing practices and interests of organic farmers in New England. Data were collected through telephone surveys conducted between December 1998 and January 1999 with 81 certified organic farmers. Organic farmers' commitment to the maintenance of healthy soils necessitates the use of soil evaluation tools. However, it is becoming increasingly understood that a complete picture of soil quality cannot be created solely through the use of laboratory soil tests. For example, many of the soil's critical physical characteristics are more suited to in-field assessment than to laboratory analysis. For this reason, utilization of both laboratory and on-farm tests was investigated. The use of evaluation tools can be influenced by the degree to which laboratory and farming services help organic farmers put test results into practice. Thus, additional questioning focused on the ease of understanding test results, the usefulness of soil test results and recommendations to organic farmers, and the likelihood of turning to expert help when soil management issues arise. Results indicate that in managing their soils, organic farmers in New England rely heavily on laboratory tests provided by public institutions. Most farmers were satisfied with laboratory services and found test results easy to interpret. Over one-quarter (31%) of the farmers surveyed were employing on-farm tests, but very few of these tests assessed physical or biological characteristics of the soil. Organizations most often sought by organic farmers for information on soil quality management were Extension services, followed by local organic certifying agencies, and state agriculture departments.

On-farm testing of feed technologies for improved small holder dairy production in Vihiga District of Western Kenya

On-farm testing of feed technologies for improved small holder dairy production in Vihiga District of Western Kenya

On-Farm Quick Tests for Estimating Nitrogen in Dairy Manure

Manure nutrient analyses performed rapidly on the farm could be useful for nutrient management programs. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate six quick tests for their accuracy in estimating total manure N or NH4+-N. The quick tests included the hydrometer, electrical conductivity meter and pen, reflectometer, Agros N Meter, and Quantofix-N-Volumeter. The hydrometer was used to estimate total N, while the remaining tests were used to estimate NH4+-N. Samples (107) were collected from dairy farms in five northeastern states. Samples were analyzed for total N and NH4+-N by traditional laboratory methods and using each of the quick tests. Manure compositions ranged from 1.4 to 38.6% dry matter (DM), 0.9 to 9.5kg/m3 total N, and 0.3 to 4.7kg/m3 NH4+-N. The estimated concentration of total N or NH4+-N determined by each quick test was regressed against laboratory-determined values. The hydrometer did not estimate total N accurately. The strongest relationship for estimation of NH4+-N was with the Quantofix-N-Volumeter followed by the Agros N Meter, the reflectometer, and the electrical conductivity meter and pen. When the samples were split into high >12%) and low ≤12%) DM groups, in all cases the r2 for the regression equation was higher for the low DM group than for the high DM group. The Agros N Meter, the reflectometer, and the conductivity meter and pen did not perform well for the high DM group. These data indicate that several quick tests are viable options for measuring NH4+-N concentrations in dairy slurries and solids.

Influence of the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program on dairy farm drug management practices

To test the hypothesis that dairy farms certified in the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program (QAP) were more likely to use prudent drug management practices than farms that were not certified. Cross-sectional study. 141 Michigan dairy farms of which 74 were not certified in the QAP, 30 were involuntarily certified, and 37 were voluntarily certified. Dairy producers completed a self-administered questionnaire that focused on herd health management, drug use, record keeping, personnel management, and descriptive characteristics of their farm during 1993. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were developed to determine the association of QAP certification with each of the management practices. Results suggested that farms adopted specific management practices irrespective of certification. Many farms used visible identification and non-emergency veterinary services and discussed residue prevention with employees. Involuntary certification was associated with maintenance of good written treatment records and performance of on-farm drug residue testing. Voluntary certification was weakly associated with use of refrigerated drug storage. QAP certification appeared to have been associated with the adoption of only a few prudent drug use practices, although QAP materials and framework were developed to assist veterinarians in the promotion of disease prevention, client communication, and residue prevention practices on farms. Veterinary care would benefit from the development and encouragement of better record keeping on farms.

349 Determining Nitrogen Requirements of Lettuce through Presidedress Soil Nitrate Testing (PSNT)

High rates of N fertilization of cool-season vegetables has contributed to NO3-N pollution of groundwater in the Salinas Valley of central California. Ten field demonstrations were conducted in 1999 to document the utility of presidedress soil NO3-N testing in maximizing N fertilizer efficiency in iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). In each demonstration, a plot 36 beds wide × the entire field length was established in a commercial lettuce field. The cooperating growers applied 1 to 3 N sidedressings in these fields. Before each sidedressing the soil NO3-N concentration in the top 30 cm of the plot was determined by an on-farm quick test technique. If NO3-N was >20 mg·kg-1, no N was applied at that sidedressing; for NO3-N <20 mg·kg-1, ≈4 kg N/ha was applied for each milligram per kilogram below the 20 mg·kg-1 threshold. Plot yields, harvested by commercial crews, were compared to the yield of adjacent areas of the field that received the growers' full sidedress N regime. Across fields, seasonal sidedress N application in the PSNT plots averaged N only at 86 kg·ha-1, almost 60% less than the average N (212 kg·ha-1) applied by the growers. Yields in the PSNT plots averaged 1824 boxes/ha, compared with 1829 boxes/ha in the companion field plots. Whole leaf N concentration at heading was above published sufficiency standards in all PSNT plots. Evaluation of heads after 10 days of storage at 5 °C showed that sidedress N application rate did not affect visual quality, decay, or midrib discoloration. We conclude that PSNT can reliably be used to minimize wasteful sidedress N applications in lettuce.

Evaluation of a new cropping option using a participatory approach with on-farm monitoring and simulation: a case study of spring-sown mungbeans

In the northern Australian cropping region, mungbean is commonly sown as an opportunity crop, usually on low soil water after a winter cereal, and consequently has a reputation for being a low yielding, high risk crop. Yield prospects could be improved and risks reduced if it was sown on soils with a higher soil water content, for instance in spring after a winter fallow. However, there is a lack of experience and confidence in alternative roles for mungbean in the farming system. This paper describes a research approach involving researchers, farmers, advisers, and grain traders in which on-farm monitoring of spring-sown commercial crops and cropping systems simulation with APSIM were used to explore yield prospects for a spring-sown crop after a winter fallow. The key elements of the approach are: (1) identification of possible options through simulation of scenarios, (2) testing the new practice with innovative farmers, and (3) monitoring of the management and performance of commercial crops and comparing yields with benchmarks estimated with a model. In this case, after 2 years of on-farm testing, spring-sown mungbean has been shown to have a potential for high returns in the northern cropping systems.

Evaluation of certification in the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program and associated factors on the risk of having violative antibiotic residues in milk from dairy farms in Michigan

Abstract Objective To determine whether certification in a Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program (MDBQAP) was associated with a reduced risk of having antibiotic residues in milk and to define specific management factors that may have predisposed dairy farms to having violative antibiotic residues in milk. Sample Population 124 dairy farms in Michigan that had ≥ 1 violative residue in milk during 1993 and 248 randomly selected control farms in Michigan that did not have violative residues in milk during 1993. Procedure A pretested structured questionnaire was mailed to case and control farms. A conditional multivariate logistic regression model was developed to determine risk factors associated with having a violative antibiotic residue in milk. Results Certification in the MDBQAP did not significantly reduce the risk of having a violative antibiotic residue. Annual treatment of > 10% of a herd for metritis was associated with a reduced risk of having a violative residue. Evidence suggested that a routine request for a milk processor to perform residue testing was associated with a decreased risk of having had a violative antibiotic residue, but routine on-farm residue testing was associated with an increased risk of having had a residue. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance MDBQAP certification was associated, although not significantly, with a reduced risk of having violative antibiotic residues in milk. Risk factors significantly associated with violative antibiotic residues are addressed by various critical control points in the MDBQAP and may be indicators for strengths and weaknesses of MDBQAP. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1312–1316)

Returns to investments in small ruminant research in Indonesia The Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program (SR-CRSP) in West Java

Abstract Small ruminant research carried out by the SR-CRSP on management, nutrition and reproduction was developed and evaluated through an Outreach Pilot Program in West Java, Indonesia. On-farm testing indicated that introduction of different management practices could increase birth rate and survivability of Javanese Thin Tail sheep. This article presents results from an assessment of research investments that measures the potential returns from this technological package, with various adoption and spillover effects, weighs the benefits against the research and training costs of the SR-CRSP, and looks at distribution of benefits among consumers and producers of sheep in Indonesia. The rate of return in the most conservative scenario was 19%, with potential short-run benefits exceeding the costs incurred by breeding and nutrition research, and training of 23 masters and doctoral students in 10 years. Market conditions favor producers in the distribution of benefits.

On-farm salmonella testing: perspectives of pork producers (1999)

Pork producers in Kansas were surveyed to determine their attitudes regarding onfarm Salmonella testing and to provide estimates ofthe costs ofcollecting hide, fecal, or blood samples from live pigs. Veterinarians and Cooperative Extension Service personnel were cited most frequently as the most preferred groups for monitoring and verification. Results ofthe survey indicate that pork producers may be willing to conduct on-farm Salmonella testing, if they can recover the costs of sample collection. The sampling costs ranged from $1.76 to $4.72 per pig, depending on the method of sample collection.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 18, 1999

Pregnancy diagnosis in sows: direct ELISA for estrone in feces and its prospects for an on-farm test, in comparison to ultrasonography

The usefulness of fecal estrone (E 1) measurement as a tool for pregnancy diagnosis was investigated. Concentrations of E 1 were measured in feces from pregnant and nonpregnant sows by a direct ELISA without extraction. Highly significant differences in E 1 concentrations were found in feces from nonpregnant and pregnant sows (P = 0.016 to < 0.001). Pregnancy diagnosis on Days 26 to 32 after insemination, based both on fecal E 1 concentrations as measured by ELISA and ultrasonography using a 5.0 MHz linear-array transducer, was performed in a group of 496 gilts and sows. The fecal E 1 test had a sensitivity (correct diagnosis of pregnancy) of 96.5% and a specificity (correct diagnosis of nonpregnancy) of 93.6%, using 3.65 ng E 1/g feces as a cut-off value. For ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis the test sensitivity and specificity were 99.3 and 92.5%, respectively. Although an increase of fecal E 1 concentrations was noticed for increasing litter sizes, the results indicated that these concentrations could not be used to predict litter size. It is concluded that the distribution of fecal E 1 concentrations in both nonpregnant and pregnant sows offers a suitable basis for the development of a simple, sow-side pregnancy test.

Yield Map Interpretation

Yield monitoring and mapping are becoming commonplace with many crops throughout North America. Some fields now have a 3- to 5-yr yield map history. A yield map, however, only documents the spatial distribution of crop yield and does not explain what factor(s) caused the variation. The goal of yield map interpretation is enhanced profitability through better understanding and control of natural and management-induced sources of yield variation. Numerous causes of crop yield variation have been documented, including climate, soil-water relationships, soil physical and chemical properties, site attributes, crop pest infestations, crop inputs and condition, field history, and cultural practices. Proper visual presentation of yield monitor data in yield map form and the accurate identification of characteristic patterns of yield variation are essential for meaningful interpretation of the yield map. Unfortunately, all yield monitor data sets and maps contain inherent error, some of which cannot be easily corrected. Error-induced patterns must be separated from real yield variation in order to make correct interpretations. In general, irregular areas, blotches or, speckles, and elliptical patterns are the result of naturally occuring yield-limiting factors. Conversely, rectangles, abrupt boundaries, circles, arcs, and streaks or lines reflect management-induced patterns of yield variation. In addition, divergence of parallel swaths, missing data points, and a repeating sawtooth pattern along field margins usually result from errors associated with Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and yield monitor data collection. Yield map interpretation is greatly enhanced by ongoing grower involvement and the insightful use of auxiliary agronomic, spatial, and historical site information. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools are virtually essential to evaluate multiple layers of spatial data. GIS software can be used to systematically and quantitatively evaluate the relationships between yield data and other spatial features. In the future, tools such as data-mining software, and other sophisticated mathematical and spatial models may provide additional power to interpret single-year as well as multi-year yield map information.

PALWEED: WHEAT II: revision of a weed management decision model in response to field testing

PALWEED:WHEAT is a bioeconomic decision model for determining profit-maximizing postemergence herbicide treatments for winter wheat in the Washington–Idaho Palouse region. PALWEED:WHEAT performed relatively well economically in 2 yr of on-farm field tests. However, the model was less sensitive than desired in prescribing postemergence broadleaved herbicides in the presence of high densities of broadleaved weed seedlings. Therefore, PALWEED:WHEAT was revised in response to the field testing. This paper compares the revised model's agronomic and economic performance to the original model in computer simulations. The revised model, PALWEED:WHEAT II, differs from the original model in several respects: (1) exponential functions replace linear functions in predicting weed survival, (2) preplant application of a nonselective herbicide is entered as an exogenous binary variable, (3) separate indices of broadleaved and grass competition are substituted for an aggregate weed competition index in the wheat yield function, (4) hyperbolic replaces logistic functional representation of weed damage to wheat yield, and (5) separate models are estimated for winter wheat after spring dry pea and for winter wheat in all examined crop rotation positions. In simulations including a variety of agronomic and economic conditions, PALWEED:WHEAT II recommended postemergence herbicide types and rates that consistently complied with agronomic and economic theory. Furthermore, the revised model, especially when estimated from the relevant wheat after pea data set, was markedly more balanced in recommending both broadleaved and grass herbicides in response to observed densities of both weed groups. The substantial change in herbicide recommendations in response to changes in model functional specifications following field testing confirms the importance of field testing and revision of bioeconomic decision models.

Matching Plant-Available Nitrogen from Biosolids with Dryland Wheat Needs

Biosolids are stabilized solids from municipal wastewater treatment that meet federal standards for land application. Good estimates of biosolids N availability are needed to develop sustainable biosolids management programs. We conducted this study to (i) determine the availability and fate of biosolids N applied to a dryland soft-white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow rotation, (ii) determine if N availability predictions for biosolids are applicable under dryland conditions, and (iii) make practical recommendations for biosolids management. We applied dewatered (21-30% solids) biosolids (4.3-5.5% total N; 257-853 lb N/acre) to on-farm test plots at three locations in the 9-12 in. rainfall zone of eastern Washington. Fertilized (anhydrous or aqua ammonia [AA]) and unfertilized treatments were established at each site for comparison. We measured yield and N uptake of grain and straw at harvest, and determined soil profile nitrate N (plus ammonium N, 0-12 in. depth only) before application, during fallow, and post-harvest. We determined apparent N recovery from the soil at the end of the fallow (ANR fallow ). Nitrogen release from biosolids as measured by ANR fallow was dependable and consistent over the three sites, despite differences in environment among the sites. ANR fallow averaged 29%, similar to predicted values of 26-31%. The lowest biosolids rates (257-330 lb/acre) supplied more available N tban AA. Yield, grain N, and flag leaf N all indicate that N was sufficient at the lowest biosolids rates used, and that higher levels of biosolids did not benefit the crop. Drawbacks to higher rates include risks of reduced crop yield (from moisture stress) and quality (from increased protein), and increased risk of nitrate movement below the root zone. Storage of nitrate in the soil profile does not appear to be a reliable strategy for supplying N for a second crop. Lower biosolids rates seem to reduce economic risks to the farmer and reduce leaching risk Evaluation of low biosolids rates (100-300 lb total N/acre) and second crop response will be valuable in refining biosolids application recommendations.

Indigenous methods for bruchid beetle (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) control in stored beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Four bruchid beetle control methods using: corn oil, wood ash, sunning and sieving (S&S) and insecticide (1.6% pirimiphos-methyl/ 0.3% permethrin ), were evaluated to determine their efficacy, effect on germination, seedling vigour and appearance of bean seeds. Efficacy was assessed by the percentage of damaged seeds and number of emerged bruchids in 250 g lots ofbean grain after 4 months ofstorage in glass jars in the laboratory. Germination was assessed by the percentage germination of groups of 10 clean seeds per pot in the greenhouse 7 days after planting. Seedling vigour was estimated by the fresh weight of 7 day old seedlings. There were significant differences among treatments in the percentage of damaged seeds ( P < 0.05) and emerged bruchids ( P < 0.001), but none in the germination and seedling vigour. Corn oil and S&S were as effective as insecticide in bruchid control, however S&S was the better of the two since it did not affect germination, seedling vigour or grain appearance. On-farm testing of S&S in 13 randomly selected farms showed that it was as effective as insecticide in bruchid control, however farmers preferred S&S due to its safety, low cost and maintenance of grain cleanliness.

An On-Farm Test of Perennial Forage Grass Varieties under Management Intensive Grazing

Perennial cool-season grasses have historically been bred and evaluated strictly under hay managements with mechanical harvesting. Forage yield and persistence data collected under such circumstances may have little value in choosing cultivars for management intensive grazing (MIG) systems. The objectives of this study were to begin developing a database of cool-season grass cultivars for MIG and a protocol for expansion of the database: Ninety-one grass varieties were planted in randomized complete block designs in 1990 on three dairy farms in southern Wisconsin (Fayette silt loam and Dubuque loam-both fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalfs). Each study was rotationally grazed five or six times in 1991 and 1992. Compressed pasture heights (bulk density) were measured on each plot immediately before and after each grazing event and converted to estimates of available forage using a linear regression calibration. Apparent intake of each plot was computed as the difference between pre- and post-grazing estimates of available forage. Across all varieties, available forage ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 tons/acre, apparent intake ranged from 0.45 to 0.82 tons/acre, and ground cover (fall 1992) ranged from 18 to 93%, with significant differences observed among species and within several species. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) had markedly greater available forage and apparent intake than the other very hardy species. Creeping foxtail (Alopecuris arundinaceus Poir.) had very high apparent intake (0.70 tons/acre) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) had very low apparent intake (0.57 tons/acre) although their available forage differed by only 0.05 tons/acre. Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) varieties were highly variable, while smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) varieties did not show marked differences. Many orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) varieties had extremely high available forage and apparent intake, always higher in apparent intake than tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) for the same level of available forage. Similarly, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) had higher apparent intake than meadow fescue (F. pratensis Huds.) for the same level of available forage. Intermediate and Italian ryegrasses (L multiflorum Lam.), festulolium (Festulolium braunii K.A.), and 'Matua' prairie brome [Bromus unioloides (Willd.) H.B.K.] were not well adapted to the combination of MIG and harsh, relatively snow-free winters. The study provided the beginning of a database that will be extremely useful in developing credible recommendations of perennial grasses for cool-season pastures.

IPM: overcoming conflicts in adoption

The diversity of competing interests in North America provides a remarkable series of divergent messages to growers. Depending on what crop they produce or how they farm, they may be heroes or villains, loyal or unpatriotic, or stewards or ravagers of the environment. Even relatively minor changes in farming practices can result in significant public or political response. Considering that growers may risk 100% of their crop yield on a potential savings of 10% (or less) for investment in pesticides, it is not surprising that growers are slow to adopt IPM programs. Well-intentioned appeals to eliminate pesticides, or save the environment at all costs, are usually not effective. Likewise, a high failure rate can be expected from attempts to legislate IPM, implement programs that focus on only part of a pest complex, or adoption strategies that do not include on-farm testing and extensive educational efforts. However, some strategies have proven effective. Growers who have experienced loss of pesticides due to resistance are receptive to management programs which avoid or delay resistance. Many programs have been adopted piecemeal, starting with sampling programs followed by treatment thresholds and modified pesticide use. One of the most successful approaches has been an economic comparison of grower standard and IPM programs using partial budgets. Increased net profits provide powerful incentives for program adoption.

Pregnancy diagnosis in sows by using an on-farm blood progesterone test

Pregnancy diagnosis in sows by using an on-farm blood progesterone test

Evaluation of Different Protocols for Prostaglandin Synchronization to Improve Reproductive Performance in Dairy Herds with Low Estrus Detection Efficiency

The objective of this study was to evaluate different PGF2α protocols against control protocols for herds with estrus detection efficiencies of 35, 55, and 75% using modeling and simulation: 1) PGF2α treatments based on the presence of a corpus luteum diagnosed by rectal palpation, 2) PGF2α treatments based on the presence of a corpus luteum diagnosed by an on-farm milk progesterone enzyme immunoassay, and 3) PGF2α treatments based on a 14-d fixed treatment schedule without prior screening for ovarian status. After the start of each protocol, estrus detection efficiency was 75% for 7 d after treatment and 35 or 0% for the following week. For the third protocol, an additional modification at estrus detection efficiencies of 85 and 55%, respectively, in the 1st and 2nd wk after treatment was evaluated to establish a protocol for best case assumptions. All protocols improved reproductive performance relative to that of controls with estrus detection efficiencies of 35 and 55%. The mean number of days open was reduced from 124.3 d in the control herd to 95.9, 95.0, and 92.7 for the protocols based on rectal palpation, milk progesterone test, and the fixed treatment schedule, respectively. The protocols based on a fixed treatment schedule were superior to protocols based on rectal palpation and on-farm milk progesterone tests and resulted in better reproductive performance and a higher in-crease in net return per cow per year. Relative to a control herd with an estrus detection efficiency of 55%, it was cost effective to spend up to $10 per dose of PGF2α, $9 per milk progesterone test, and $6 per rectal palpation.

Gender-related Impacts of Improved Agricultural Technologies: Identification of Indicators from a Case Study

'With' and 'without' technology situations were compared in relation to the package of groundnut production technology introduced by the Legumes On-farm Testing and Nursery Unit (LEGOFTEN) program of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in the late 1980s. The introduction of technology resulted in the emergence of the following indicators with strong gender implications: (a) labor and time allocation patterns, (b) decision-making behavior with regard to the resource use of crop products, and (c) differential perceptions of users, with impli cations for technology development.The allocation of time to various activities, particularly by women, was sig nificantly influenced by the introduction of the technology. The decision-making pat terns indicate the gender-related segmentation of market and domestic activities; and men gaining greater control over market-related activities and women over domestic activities. Differences in perception regarding technology do exist between women and men in farm households. Women not only perceive technology in terms of its workability but also consider aspects of drudgery, while men are mostly concerned with financial viability. A research and development agenda which incorporates an analysis of gender disaggregated farmer perspectives is likely to lead to a more ap propriate and acceptable technology which will gain further and wider adoption.