West Tennessee Research Articles

Boone, Black Hawk, and Crockett in 1833: Unsettling the Mythic West

Boone, Black Hawk, and Crockett in 1833: Unsettling the Mythic West

Influence of Soil Saturation on Survival and Growth of Bottomland Oaks Six and Fourteen Years after Planting

Bottomland oak restoration projects have been marginally successful because professionals often recommend conventional tree-planting procedures that prove problematic in hydric soils. A reliable method of matching oak species to bottomland sites is needed prior to planting. To address the issue, we planted 8 different species of oak seedlings into previously farmed hydric soil in West Tennessee in 2004. We took measurements after 6 and 14 growing seasons to ascertain survival and growth trends based on soil mottling and the depth to gleyed matrix. The later measurements mostly supported early findings that Quercus lyrata (Overcup Oak), Q. texana (Nuttall Oak), Q. palustris (Pin Oak), and Q. phellos (Willow Oak) are most tolerant of poorly drained soil and that as soil drainage improves, species diversity may expand.

An Exploration of the Perceived Application Preparedness of Undergraduate Students Applying for Professional School

Abstract This research study investigated the perceived application preparedness of undergraduate students preparing to apply for professional school. Perceptions of preparedness were measured before and after attending a seminar series focusing on the Centralized Application Service (CAS) portal, writing a personal statement, identifying personal strengths and weaknesses, and interview skills. Data was collected from pre-and post-surveys from undergraduate students enrolled at a small, private liberal arts university in West Tennessee. Electronic surveys were distributed to undergraduate students in a pre-health arts professional program hosted by the university before and after attending the seminar series. Data from 44 students were analyzed to determine if there was a significant impact on perceived level of preparedness before and after attending the seminar series. The data revealed that students had higher perceived application preparedness after receiving formal instruction compared to having no instruction regarding the graduate application process.

Latino Persistence and Multiple Influences

ABSTRACT Based on 12 in-depth interviews with Latino college graduates in West Tennessee, this study explores the effects of college experiences and cultural factors on Latino persistence. The study highlights on-campus and off-campus influences important to matriculation of the student toward graduation. Findings highlight how acquiring familial support, cultural capital, and instructor support proves to be a successful strategy for ensuring Latino student persistence to graduation on a college campus at a two-year, degree granting institution.

Size Matters: the Influence of Trap and Mesh Size on Turtle Captures

ABSTRACTMethods used in wildlife ecology can influence population‐ and community‐level estimates, such as species richness, sex ratio, age and size structure, occupancy and detection probabilities, and community composition. Various trapping and sampling biases exist for freshwater turtles including bait and trap choice and survey technique. To date, no study has investigated the influence of hoop net and mesh size on various population‐ and community‐level estimates. Here, we use detection models to determine if trap and mesh size influence detection probability of nine species of freshwater turtles over 3 consecutive years (2016–2018) in west Tennessee. Additionally, we use multivariate models to determine if freshwater turtle community composition was influenced by hoop trap and mesh sizes. Our results indicated that there was a bias related to mesh size in detection probabilities and community composition. Smaller mesh sized traps were better at detecting smaller‐bodied turtle species, which then changed community species richness but not catch‐per‐unit‐effort estimates (i.e., abundance). Additionally, larger mesh sized traps were better at detecting common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), which supports previous research. Our results suggest that researchers should account for the variation in detection probabilities by mesh size when conducting mark‐recapture and occupancy analyses. Moreover, erroneous inferences about population trends and changes in diversity within turtle communities through time could cause managers to misidentify population declines and conservation value of a site. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.

Ontogenetic and seasonal shifts in movement and habitat selection of the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)

Abstract We aimed to discern the seasonal movement patterns, home range sizes, and microhabitat associations of subadult Macrochelys temminckii in a West Tennessee population. Because this population was previously monitored (i.e., telemetry and habitat use) as juveniles after the initial release in 2005, studying the movement ecology and habitat use of the same released cohort 12 years later allows for unique comparisons between hatchling and subadult ecology. We used radio telemetry to collect movement and microhabitat data of 16 subadult M. temminckii during one year. Our results suggest that seasonal and ontogenetic variation in movement patterns and habitat selection occur within a cohort of M. temminckii. Compared to juveniles, subadults used deep slough areas with high overstory tree cover and had larger home ranges (100% minimum convex polygons [MCP]). Additionally, as subadults, the mean distance moved (m) varied among seasons and furthest during summer. Subadults used deeper water, with higher temperatures and significantly more tree canopy cover, than random locations. Overall, the home range estimate for subadults (mean MCP ± SE; 1.64 ± 0.57 ha) was greater than for juveniles (0.044 ± 0.021 ha). These home-range estimates and habitat usage patterns were similar to subadults in other studies. The seasonal and ontogenetic variations suggest that habitat heterogeneity is critical to sustain populations of introduced M. temminckii.

Middle and West Tennessee producer perceptions of no-till and cover crops

This study uses responses to a 2017 survey of row crop producers in Middle and West Tennessee to analyze producer perceptions of the likelihood that no-till or cover crop adoption would generate economic, soil health, and water quality benefits. Respondents believed that using either no-till or cover crops was likely to reduce soil erosion, retain soil moisture, and improve soil health and water quality, but not increase yields or decrease yield variability. Respondents were more likely to use no-till than planting cover crops and generally believed that no-till was more likely to improve soil health and increase water quality benefits than cover crops. Middle-aged respondents who had a college education and used irrigation were more likely to associate no-till adoption with soil health benefits. Respondents familiar with cost-share programs that encourage cover crop adoption and those who practiced no-till cultivation were more likely to associate cover crops with positive soil health and water quality outcomes. Collectively, these results can inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of research and educational programs to enhance understanding of the effects of no-till and cover crop use and public policies to promote the adoption of these practices.

Corn and soybean response to sulfur fertilizer in West Tennessee

AbstractWith improved crop yields and reduced atmospheric S deposition, Mid‐South U.S. soils may require S fertilization in deficient soils. The objectives of this study were to identify optimal at‐planting S rate for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield, and evaluate the impact of S rate on crop growth, leaf nutrient level, and seed S. Small plot replicated field studies were conducted in 2015 and 2016 at a S‐deficient site in Milan, TN. Ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] was broadcast applied at planting at 0, 10, 20, and 30 lb S acre–1. Soybean leaf S concentration at early bloom was similar to the zero S control, but concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Cu were reduced, and Zn was increased. These effects increased with S rate. Corn leaf tissue S concentration increased with S rate at sixth‐leaf and silking, while Fe, Mn, and Cu decreased as S rate increased, similar to the soybean experiment. Soybean seed S level increased with rate of S, while corn seed S increased with lowest S rate but did not respond to S rate. Seed N and seed weight were not affected by S rate for either crop. The small increase in soybean yield was not significant. Corn yield increased with applied S in both years. Overall, application of S fertilizer at ≥10 lb S acre–1 improved corn but not soybean yield in a low soil organic matter (SOM), S deficient medium‐textured soil.

An Investigation of Stormwater Quality Variation within an Industry Sector Using the Self-Reported Data Collected under the Stormwater Monitoring Program

Storm runoff pollutants are among the major sources of surface water impairments, globally. Despite several monitoring programs and guidance on stormwater management practices, there are many streams still impaired by urban runoff. This study evaluates an industry sector’s pollutant discharge characteristics using the self-reported data collected under Tennessee Multi Sector Permit program. The stormwater pollutant discharge characteristics were analyzed from 2014 to 2018 for an industry sector involving twelve facilities in West Tennessee, USA. The data analysis revealed the presence of both organic and inorganic contaminants in stormwater samples collected at all twelve industrial facilities, with the most common metals being magnesium, copper, and aluminum. The principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to better understand the correlation between water quality parameters, their origins, and seasonal variations. Furthermore, the water quality indexes (WQIs) were calculated to evaluate the stormwater quality variations among studied facilities and seasons. The results demonstrated slight variations in stormwater WQIs among the studied facilities ranging from “Bad” to “Medium” quality. The lowest seasonal average WQI was found for spring compared to the other seasons. Certain limitations associated with the self-reported nature of data were identified to inform the decision makers regarding the required future changes.

Quantifying Short-Term Erosion and Deposition in an Active Gully Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning: A Case Study From West Tennessee, USA

High-resolution terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) provides a unique opportunity to monitor short-term erosion and deposition processes in gully systems. This study quantified the pattern of erosion and deposition within an active gully in the sub-tropical environment of west Tennessee. Two TLS surveys were conducted on December 2014 and February 2015 to generate digital elevation models (DEMs) of different resolutions. The volumes of erosion and deposition were estimated by differencing the DEMs of these two dates with consideration of the spatially propagated errors associated with TLS-measured gully topography. The detected erosional and depositional volumes were 11.0 m^3 and 8.2 m^3, respectively, with a net loss of 2.8 m^3 of sediment at the DEM resolution of 2-cm. We found that both estimated volumes of erosion and deposition decrease as the DEM resolution becomes coarser. The estimated erosional volume decreases at a relatively high rate because erosion mainly occurs on steeper slopes where the propagated errors in TLS-measured topography are relatively higher, leading to rapid smoothing at coarser resolutions. In contrast, the depositional areas on gentler slopes have less propagated errors. This bias in the smoothing behavior of erosional and depositional areas appears to make coarser resolution DEMs dominated by deposition, a misleading interpretation of the sediment dynamics within the gully. We therefore suggest caution when using DEM difference to interpret the erosion-deposition processes within a gully system.

Projected Estimates of African American Medical Graduates of Closed Historically Black Medical Schools

There continue to be low numbers of underrepresented minorities, including African Americans, in academic medicine. Historically Black medical colleges and universities are major sources of training for medical school graduates who are African American or who belong to other underrepresented minority groups. Several historically Black medical schools were closed during the period surrounding the 1910 Flexner report. The implications of these school closures with regard to the number of African American medical school graduates have not been fully examined. To examine the consequences associated with the closure of historically Black medical schools for the number of African American medical school graduates. This observational economic evaluation used steady expansion and rapid expansion models to estimate the consequences associated with the closure of historically Black medical schools for the number of African American medical school graduates. The numbers of graduates from 13 historically Black medical schools that are now closed were obtained through historical records. Data on historically Black medical schools that are currently open were obtained from school-specific reports and reports published by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The study focused on projected estimates of outcomes from the hypothetical continued operation and expansion of 5 closed historically Black medical schools that were included in the Flexner report: Flint Medical College of New Orleans University, Knoxville Medical College, Leonard Medical School of Shaw University, Louisville National Medical College, and the University of West Tennessee College of Medicine and Surgery-Memphis. The main outcome was the estimate of the number of African American students who would have graduated from historically Black medical schools that were closed during the period surrounding the 1910 Flexner report. Among the 5 historically Black medical schools that were closed, the estimated mean number of graduates per year was 5.27 students at Flint Medical College, 2.60 students at Knoxville Medical College, 11.06 students at Leonard Medical School, 4.17 students at Louisville National Medical College, and 6.74 students at the University of West Tennessee. If the 5 closed historically Black medical schools had remained open, the steady expansion and rapid expansion models indicated that these schools might have collectively provided training to an additional 27 773 graduates and 35 315 graduates, respectively, between their year of closure and 2019. In the analysis of Leonard Medical School and the University of West Tennessee only, the steady expansion and rapid expansion models indicated that these 2 schools would have provided training to an additional 10 587 graduates and 13 403 graduates, respectively, between their year of closure and 2019. An extrapolation based on the racial and ethnic self-identification of current graduates of historically Black medical schools indicated that if these closed schools had remained open, the number of graduating African American physicians might have increased by 355 individuals (29%) in 2019 alone. To increase the number of African American medical school graduates, consideration should be given to creating medical education programs at historically Black colleges and universities. Such programs may start with small enrollment but could have positive consequences for the diversity of the physician workforce.

Impact of government subsidies on a cellulosic biofuel sector with diverse risk preferences toward feedstock uncertainty

Investment risk and uncertainty about the availability of biomass feedstock hinders the development of a mature cellulosic biofuel sector. The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) is a federal program designed to subsidize farmers to establish, produce and deliver biomass feedstock to biorefineries. This study evaluated the impacts of BCAP on the optimal biofuel supply chain decisions considering feedstock yield uncertainty and associated investment risk given diverse risk preferences of the biofuel sector. The expected cost for a risk-neutral biofuel sector was minimized using a two-stage stochastic mixed integer linear program, whereas the Conditional Value-at-Risk of the supply chain was optimized for a risk-averse sector. Ex-ante analysis of a switchgrass-based biofuel sector in west Tennessee indicates BCAP payments could lower expected cost and investment risk for both risk-averse and risk-neutral biofuel sectors. However, the cost saving and risk reduction resulting from BCAP incentives for the risk-averse biofuel sector were higher than the risk-neutral biofuel sector. In addition, BCAP payments may drive more cropland to be converted for switchgrass, which potentially mitigates water-induced soil erosion and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with net carbon sequestration, but may also create unintended consequence of competition for land between food and fuel use.

Implementation and Optimization of Telehealth during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis—Our Journey

Telehealth offered a great opportunity for the clinicians at West Tennessee Healthcare to provide an essential service to the community at large during these unprecedented times. Our telehealth footprint continues to enlarge daily with more clinicians and specialties becoming comfortable with the workflows and technology. The program is described herein.
 The COVID-19 pandemic tests the ability of many primary care, urgent care, and hospital systems to adapt quickly to new circumstances. In many of these offices, virtual telehealth visits have become a strategy to decrease the use of personal protective equipment, and mitigate the risk of exposure of providers, staff, or patients to the coronavirus, among many other opportunities.1 West Tennessee Healthcare noted these same strong headwinds, as the pandemic and emergency decelerations began to send individuals to continue to reschedule appointments for a multitude of reasons—including fear.
 West Tennessee Healthcare is located in an underserved area with a lack of access to healthcare in all of our servicing districts. Each of these districts holds a classification of a partial or full healthcare professional shortage area. In our over 40 primary and specialty care clinics, face-to-face visits began to shudder near the end of March with the Tennessee governor’s first social distancing and business step-down regulations. With the foresight of other health systems being impacted by COVID-19, our medical practices were forced into a dilemma to creatively continue to offer quality care, but from a new environment. Prior to this federal and state emergency, our clinics were in the planning stages of creating a telehealth environment but had not completed any medical telehealth visits.

Abstract A098: Socioeconomic and geographic predictors for radiotherapy quality disparities in the Mid-Southern U.S.

Abstract Background: Approximately half of cancer patients are prescribed radiotherapy (RT) during their care. RT noncompliance (NC) is a well-studied quality measure associated with inferior survival. Cancer outcomes in the Mid-South (West Tennessee, Mississippi Delta, Eastern Arkansas) rank well below other U.S. regions. The purpose of this study is to benchmark RT NC rates, define socioeconomic predictors of RT NC, and geographically map NC across a large Mid-Southern catchment region served by a single academic cancer referral center. Methods: Demographic, clinical, and treatment information were collected for all patients treated with RT at the University of Tennessee West Cancer Center from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. RT NC was defined as delay in 2 or more treatments. “Critically high” RT NC was defined as delay in 5 or more treatments. Patients with Medicaid or no insurance were categorized as “At Risk.” Patient predicted income (PPI) was modeled using 2016 US Census data for patient residence zip code and grouped by thirds into three (low, middle, and high) income categories. RT NC was compared by insurance type, race, and PPI, analyzed for significance using Pearson's Chi square testing, and geomapped by patient residence zip code and urban and rural status. Results: A total of 3,754 patients were included, of whom 1,981 (52.8%) were Caucasian, 1,582 African American (42.2%), and 217 (5.7%) other. Insurance status was defined as Commercial, Medicare, or At Risk in 1,803 (48%), 1,508 (40%), and 443 (12%) patients, respectively. Overall, RT NC was seen in 962 patients (25.6%) and critically high RT NC was seen in 422 patients (11.2%). At-risk patients experienced more RT NC (36.2% v 25.1% p=<0.001) and more than double the critically high RT NC compared to patients with commercial insurance (20.3% v 9.6% p=<0.001). African American patients in our population experienced higher rates of RT NC and critically high RT NC compared to Caucasian patients ([30.5% v 22.0% p=<0.001] and [14.9% v 8.8% p=<0.001]). Compared to patients with high PPI (>67k), patients with low PPI (<$34k) experienced higher RT NC (20.2% v 31.7% p=<0.001) and critically high RT NC (7.3% v 15.7% p=<0.001). High RT NC rates were geographically associated with patients living in rural zip codes, with critically high RT NC rates in urban zip codes with low PPI. Conclusion: In our high-volume academic radiotherapy practice, RT noncompliance correlates significantly with uninsured or Medicaid coverage status, African American race, and low predicted income. Noncompliance disproportionately impacts rural patients and inner-urban patients with low predicted income. Further studies are needed to understand causative mechanisms requiring intervention to help close gaps in radiotherapy quality. Citation Format: Daniel V. Wakefield, Matthew Carnell, Austin P.H. Dove, Elena Delavega, Esra Ozdenerol, Maria Pisu, Michelle Y. Martin, David L. Schwartz. Socioeconomic and geographic predictors for radiotherapy quality disparities in the Mid-Southern U.S. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A098.

Prevalence of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the Causative Agent of Snake Fungal Disease, in the Interior Plateau Ecoregion of Tennessee, USA.

The fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease, has been implicated in declines of North American snake populations since 2006 and the geographic range of this pathogen is still not fully known. In Tennessee, US, O. ophiodiicola has been detected since 2012, but large portions of the state have not been surveyed for this pathogen. Our primary objective was to monitor the prevalence of O. ophiodiicola in the Interior Plateau ecoregion of Tennessee by swabbing all snakes that were encountered during road cruising survey efforts in 2017 and 2018. Eleven snakes of four species, copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), common water snake (Nerodia sipedon), black kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra), and smooth earthsnake (Virginia valeriae), tested positive for the presence of O. ophiodiicola. Overall, 9.2% (11/120) of snakes sampled tested positive for the presence of O. ophiodiiola, and we further observed a seasonal trend in detections with summer months having the greatest frequency of detections. Our results extend the known geographic range of O. ophiodiicola in Tennessee by adding four previously unconfirmed O. ophiodiicola-positive counties. Further sampling will need to be conducted across west Tennessee because this is the most data-deficient region of the state. Our results offer additional evidence of the presence of this pathogen in Tennessee and will help researchers further understand the geographic distribution and host range.

Evaluation of zircon U-Pb geochronology as a tool to determine soil provenance in a limestone terrane, Middle TN, USA

Soil can form by bedrock weathering or by deposition of alluvial or aeolian material. To test the utility of detrital zircon UPb geochronology for determining soil provenance, and to determine the provenance of soils in Middle Tennessee, samples of soil and underlying bedrock were collected from two sites, along with alluvium from a nearby river and loess from West Tennessee. Multi-dimensional scaling plots were used to compare complex detrital zircon LA-ICP-MS UPb sample age distributions. Concentration ratios of immobile elements and Nd and Hf isotope compositions were also used as provenance indicators for comparison. At one site zircon UPb ages and bulk sample trace element and isotopic compositions of soil were similar to the underlying limestone bedrock, indicating soil formation by bedrock weathering. In contrast, at a second site provenance tests indicate that soil from a late Pleistocene river terrace was sourced from alluvium rather than the underlying bedrock. Provenance inferences based on zircon UPb ages were generally consistent with evidence from Zr/Hf ratios and Hf isotope compositions, which are all dominated by zircon, and Nd isotope compositions, which are not, although the best matches for different provenance indicators did not always agree. Zircon geochronology should be used with other soil provenance indicators to reduce effects of bias introduced by sedimentary sorting and sample processing.

Nitrogen Consumption and Productivity of Cotton under Sensor‐based Variable‐rate Nitrogen Fertilization

Precision N management based on crop reflectance can be used to reduce over‐ and under‐application of N fertilizer to cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variable‐rate nitrogen management systems (VNMS) based on optical sensing of crop canopy relative to a farmer's uniform‐rate nitrogen application system (FUNS) on N fertilizer consumption, post‐harvest soil N level, and cotton productivity. Eight field strip‐plot trials were conducted on cotton across West Tennessee during 2012 to 2014. Four sensor‐based VNMS were compared with FUNS in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Two VNMS were based on optical sensing of canopy alone with different algorithms, while the other two were developed from optical sensing and crop yield maps of previous years but differed in algorithms. The variable and uniform fertilizer application systems had similar leaf N concentrations between early bloom and mid‐bloom and similar canopy normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values at mid‐bloom. The VNMS produced similar lint yield as FUNS. The VNMS reduced N consumption by 10.3 to 16.9% and improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 8.3 to 11.0% compared with FUNS. Both VNMS and FUNS had similar post‐harvest N levels in soil profile. Benefits from incorporating yield maps into sensor‐based VNMS were not noticeable. Thus, the in‐season sensor‐based VNMS are reliable in precision N management for cotton resulting in comparable lint yield, less N consumption, and higher NUE, which could lead to environmental and economic benefits.Core IdeasLeaf N concentration and canopy normalized difference vegetation index were comparable under variable‐rate N management systems relative to a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.Variable‐rate N management systems produced similar lint yield but better fiber quality compared with a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.Variable‐rate N management systems reduced N use by 10.3 to 16.9% but increased nitrogen use efficiency by 8.3 to 11.0% over a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.No effect of variable‐rate N management systems was observed on post‐harvest soil N level relative to a farmer's uniform‐rate N application system.Benefits with incorporating yield maps into sensor‐based variable‐rate N management systems were not noticeable.

Linking fish trait responses to in‐stream habitat in reconstructed valley‐plugged stream reaches of the Coastal Plain, U.S.A.

Valley‐plug formation is a challenging consequence of stream channelization especially in physiographic regions with highly erodible soils. Upstream channel degradation and incision results in accelerated sediment delivery processes wherein downstream aggradation decreases stream power and creates sand‐clogged channels. Channel reconstruction is now meeting hydrogeomorphic goals related to valley‐plug remediation, yet there exists a need to understand how this practice also facilitates ecological restoration. We evaluated fish trait response to in‐stream habitat conditions in channelized, recently restored, and “least‐disturbed” reference reaches of Coastal Plain streams in West Tennessee. Restored reaches were ecologically similar to channelized reaches, having higher proportions of nest‐guarding omnivores that were correlated with higher percentages of pool habitats and lower wetted width:depth ratios compared to reference reaches. Reference reaches had higher proportions of fast‐water dwelling and specialized insectivores that were correlated with high abundance of large woody debris, high‐wetted width:depth ratios, and low percentages of pool habitats. We conclude that in‐stream habitats in reconstructed channels have yet to promote reach‐scale ecological restoration relative to fish assemblage organization because trait‐habitat associations were not similar to reference conditions. However, our results lend to the development of ecological restoration targets that can be incorporated in future channel reconstruction projects in valley‐plugged, channelized streams of the Coastal Plain.

Public understanding of local tornado characteristics and perceived protection from land-surface features in Tennessee, USA.

Misunderstandings about the influence of land-surface features on tornado frequency and other tornado-related misconceptions may affect how people prepare for and behave during hazardous weather events. This research uses a phone survey (n = 1804) to assess how participants in three regions of Tennessee perceive their local tornado characteristics (i.e., direction of travel, seasonality, and diurnal timing) and their belief in protection from land-surface features (i.e., hills, water bodies, and buildings). Region of residence influences most beliefs in local tornado characteristics, and demographic characteristics, specifically age and gender, also have some influence. Residents in hilly East Tennessee are more likely to believe they are protected by hills and underestimate the proportion of nocturnal tornadoes, while residents in West Tennessee are more likely to believe they are protected by water bodies, perhaps because of proximity to the Mississippi River. Outside of the typical severe-weather season, participants were uncertain of when tornadoes were likely to occur; specifically, they did not recognize their local wintertime tornado activity. Because public perceptions are related to local features, local organizations and personnel, for example National Weather Service offices and broadcast meteorologists, may be most helpful in dispelling these misconceptions.

Sulfur Fertilization and Sulfur Sufficiency Range for Contemporary Cotton Cultivars with High Yielding Potentials

Information is lacking on sulfur (S) nutrition characteristics of contemporary cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars and their responses to S fertilization in the United States. The objective of this study was to develop S fertilizer recommendations and S sufficiency ranges for contemporary cotton cultivars with high yielding potentials. Sixteen field trials were conducted on cotton across west Tennessee during 2014–2016. Five S application rates of 0, 11.2, 22.4, 33.6, 44.8 kg ha−1 were examined in a randomized complete block design with four replicates at each location-year. Lint yield was significantly increased by 8.5–9.8% with S applications of 11.2, 22.4, 33.6, 44.8 kg ha−1 in the soils with low S. Soil residual S level after harvest was significantly enhanced only at the highest rate of 44.8 kg S ha−1. However, lint yield or soil residual S did not respond to S application in the medium S soils. Leaf S concentrations of 3.9–8.2 g kg−1 at late bloom were needed for 95–100% of the highest yield in the low S soils, which were different from the current S sufficiency range of 3.0–9.0 g kg−1 being used in diagnosing cotton S nutrition. In conclusion, application of 11.2 kg S ha−1 is beneficial and adequate for cotton grown on low S soils. The S sufficiency range at late bloom was narrower for contemporary cotton cultivars than conventional cotton varieties. Sulfur management needs to be more accurate for contemporary cotton cultivars due to their narrower S sufficiency range.