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Impact Statements
2006
Consolidated 2006 Impact Statements
I. Agricultural Impacts on the Environment
Proper manure nutrient management leads to higher crop yields, healthier environment, and more money in the pocketbook.
The implementation of the sampling, analyzing, incorporation, and mapping practices will lead to a more efficient use of your resources. With the rising cost of fertilizers and the increased environmental awareness, it only makes sense to take advantage of the tools that will save your resources. View PDF document.
Studies have shown that pervious concrete has the potential to increase water quality in urban areas as stormwater or wastewater
passes through the concrete matrix. Pervious concrete could provide positive results for pollution reduction when used for animal
feeding pads, manure storage pads, or floor systems in animal buildings. Runoff from agricultural activities can have negative
impacts on the environment; however, little research has been conducted to determine the performance of pervious concrete for
uses in these areas. The objective of this study was to provide more information concerning the use of pervious concrete in agricultural
settings.
View PDF document.
Over 1.8 million seedlings have been planted on 2,656 acres of previously reclaimed (grasslands) and active mine lands in Kentucky.
Use of the forestry reclamation approach has resulted in savings of ≈ $2,000 per acre over traditional reclamation practices.
Lands reclaimed to forests are selling for as much as 20% higher than those reclaimed to wildlife habitat. This project was a key
factor leading to the development of the Appalachian Region Reforestation Initiative, a multi-state initiative to promote
reforestation on mined lands.
View PDF document.
II. Enhancing Profitability and Sustainability of Agriculture
The IFAFS project has resulted in over 16 months of high quality ammonia emissions data from broiler and layer housing in three states, and
represents key new baseline emission data for the U.S. poultry industry. These data are being used by both national and international researchers
to find abatement strategies to reduce emissions.
An innovative uncertainty analysis to evaluate the relative importance of different input measurement errors on overall building emission error has proven invaluable for future project instrumentation selection. National leadership has been provided by UK and ISU researchers involved in the Air Consent Agreement Study and results will be available before other ACA studies are underway. View PDF document.
It is estimated that adopted of CAN-based metering technologies in Kentucky will result in a reduction in the overall application of pesticides
and nutrients of 15%, along with similar seed savings.
The adoption of CAN-based seeding, spraying and fertilization technologies will enhance grain yield through the elimination of skipped and double treated regions within a field and the maintenance of constant plant populations or product application rates when turning. A significant impact of CAN-based product metering will be the preservation of environmentally sensitive areas of fields such as vegetated waterways and filter strips. Current spray application technology limits the producer's ability to control applications of herbicides such as glyphosate to a resolution of approximately 40 ft. with large sprayers. Similarly, this technology will limit the application of granular fertilizers beyond intended cropped areas (i.e., not applied to vegetated waterways or buffer strips). View PDF document.
Kentucky has under-utilized controlled environment resources that could be used to develop new production crops and technologies for growers.
As tobacco production decreases, those facilities, i.e., high tunnels and greenhouses, could be used for producing vegetables, ornamentals, among
other crops. Growers face numerous operational changes in order to produce new crops and the infrastructure needed to address those needs is coming
on-line.
View PDF document.
A new yield monitoring approach which utilizes biomass flow sensing at the feeder housing or threshing mechanism, allows for redistribution
of the accumulated clean grain mass flow. The redistributed flow more accurately reflects the true spatial distribution of grain yield. A
post-processing technique was developed to support accurate area estimations for each yield monitor data point. This method utilizes historical
GPS data to accurately determine the true cut-width of the combine for each recorded harvest point, virtually eliminating yield estimate errors
arising from the uncertainty of actual cut-width.
View PDF document.
High tunnels or plastic greenhouses have been used in tobacco seedling production. Growers will need to produce new crops in these facilities as
the production of tobacco decreases. There are a number of potential crops that could be grown in these facilities including vegetables, fruits
and ornamentals. A greenhouse complex is under construction at the UK South Farm that will be instrumental in the development of new crops and
commercial technologies and practices.
View PDF document.
* The telemetry system used to acquire GT is a viable method to determine core body temperature in future research.
* Researchers using the extraction algorithms are freed from using video analysis. * Typical horse trailers appear to be grossly under-ventilated during hot conditions, especially in the front of the trailer and at slower travel speeds. * Use of the International Equine Federation (FEI) version of a wet bulb globe temperature suggested that it was mis-applied. * Blood ultrasonography is a viable tool for assessing impact of endophyte-infected fescue on cow health and well being. View PDF document.
A system is being designed to include a GPS unit, locks on the dome lid and rear door, a user interface, and temperature sensors for the sample
cooler and cargo, a PDA device and a processor on the milk transport tank for running the system. The processor will communicate wirelessly to
the PDA and the PDA cell phones the data to a server. As a bonus the system can provide the hauler with the most up-to-date information regarding
pick-up scheduling, logistics, etc. A laboratory and functional unit installed on a milk truck are planned for 2007.
View PDF document.
A site investigation of the Hardin County landfill electrical generation from landfill methane was conducted and it was determined that waste
heat from the electrical generators could be used to maintain shrimp water temperature in an energy efficient manner. A first study of two
shrimp densities and two lighting regimes was initiated in October 2006, with further proofing studies planned. The private company is seeking
land in westcentral Kentucky for a startup in 2007.
View PDF document.
The department continues to have an Extension program that focuses on livestock building ventilation, layout, and design. In addition, the
department has been a participant in the Master Cattleman Program, presenting the Environmental Stewardship component. The primary focus issues
are the stream riparian zone management for grazing systems, alternate water supply, winter paddock management, and geotextile gravel pads for
high traffic areas and stream crossings. There is an increasing emphasis placed on the design of manure handling and treatment systems which
has resulted in an increased level of support provided by the department. At this time there is a major effort related to the planning of
buildings to reduce odorous emissions including involvement nationally in applied research project related to poultry production facilities.
With recent reports of agricultural building failures across the state, there is also increasing attention on the structural stability and
safety of agricultural buildings.
View PDF document.
Successful development of a mechanical system to reconstruct soil following severe disturbance will ensure reclamation of thousands of acres of
agricultural lands that may be subjected to surface mining. Reliable and cost-effective determination and location of detrimental soil compaction
in cropland is vital for application of remedial tillage. Combining such assessment with deep tillage implements capable of variable depth operation
can minimize time and energy expenditures in restoring soil productivity.
PDFs/Wells_2006_Mechanical_Soil_Reconstruction_Impact_Statement.pdf View PDF document.
Commercial availability of a mechanical burley tobacco harvesting system provides a means of alleviating substantial uncertainty regarding
the availability and cost of laborers currently required for conventional harvesting. The system may reduce manual labor harvesting requirement
by as much as 85% and thus provide a viable alternate means of producing burley tobacco in Kentucky.
View PDF document.
The work has led to checklists and protocols for producers and processors to reduce chemical inputs into grain storage. The checklists have
been adapted by commercial grain buyers in the western Kentucky and southern Illinois. Changes in grain quality and their effects on bin
loads and the structural integrity of grain bins are being developed into national standards.
View PDF document.
III. Value-Added Products and Processing
The lack of suitable models for describing the flow out of whey during either the syneresis step of cheese
making or the storage of dairy products is hindering the implementation of modern process control technologies
in the dairy industry. Several yogurt manufacturers have expressed interest in alternaternative techniques to
reduce wheying-off in yogurt. We propose to develop a linear viscoelastic biphasic model for curd syneresis
based on the theory of porous media. Such a model would greatly contribute to the understanding of the
observed macro-scale kinetics of syneresis (i.e., first order kinetic reaction) and would represent a unique
opportunity to address the solution of an important issue in yogurt manufacturing, the wheying-off. This model
will describe the whey separation process and improve its control during dairy product processing and will
reduce the amount of milk fortification and stabilizers added.
View PDF document.
Corn stover is a potential feedstock for the production of fuels and chemicals. Annually it is estimated that 2.8 ton/acre of stover could be
removed that would generate additional farm revenue of $70/acre. Experiments have been conducted to characterize corn stover and have determined
that the leaves, husks, and cobs are the most valuable components for the production of fermentable sugars. Re-engineering of combines to allow
for the collection of the leaves, husks, and cobs during grain harvest has been accomplished; this should decrease costs corn stover collection,
and reduce negative environmental impacts of soil erosion by leaving less valuable plant components in the field. It is expected that the research
will decrease the collection cost by 40% relative to existing operations and increase the value of the corn stover by 20% by increasing the sugar
concentration.
View PDF document.
Densifying biomass will result in substantially lower transportation costs and a product that is easier to handle. The project is ongoing and the
exact cost reduction has not been determined yet.
View PDF document.
The overall goal of this project is to develop the technology for using anaerobic, thermophilic SSC cultures directly in the enzymatic
saccharification of insoluble substrates under aerobic and/or mesophilic conditions for ethanol production. This goal is based on the
preliminary data which show that SSC of anaerobic, thermophilic bacteria produce low-cost thermostable enzyme complexes (cellulases) from
agricultural, forestry, and municipal waste residues.
View PDF document.
Kentucky currently has one bio-ethanol production facility, however the demand for ethanol in the state remains high. Ethanol production
from relatively inexpensive lignocellulosic biomass offers an opportunity to reduce the nation’s and state’s dependence on fossil fuels.
There is considerable fibrous biomass in Kentucky, and production of ethanol from this biomass by thermophilic bacteria has a distinct
advantage over conventionally used yeast. This project addresses commercial limitations of ethanol production by C. thermocellum; namely
ethanol inhibition and low ethanol yields. By understanding the inhibition mechanism, targeted genetic engineering can be used to overcome
this problem, bringing the process closer to commercial viability. The measurable benefits to Kentuckians would be: a) the ability to attract
an ethanol from biomass plant to Kentucky, resulting in new jobs, b) increased federal dollars to the State through additional federal grants
and c) a new source of revenue for Kentucky’s farmers by creating a market for agricultural biomass.
View PDF document.
This project focuses on the development of a separation/concentration process that could result in significant decreases in the cost of
producing industrial enzymes and pharmaceutical proteins, as well as waste disposal.
View PDF document.
Conduct, sponsor, and coordinate research on renewable energy, specifically to develop biomass-based bioproducts of importance to Kentucky
agriculture, rural communities, and related industries, and energy efficiency.
View PDF document.
The technology makes use of a specific light waveband which yields the kinetics of syneresis and regression models which predict cutting
time, whey fat losses, cheese yield and curd moisture content. Curd moisture as a function of processing time can be predicted with a SEP
ranging from 5 to 10% over the range of 50 to 90% curd moisture content. Thus, this technology could be used for manufacturing of low, medium
and high moisture cheeses. From an applicative point of view this technology would provide more consistent and efficienct production capability.
The technology also would save energy by avoiding unnecessary syneresis processing and allow cheese maker to shift curd size as milk solids change
during the year. Further, real time action would be possible in order to obtain the desired curd moisture content if culture inhibition occurs due
to bacteriophage or agglutination problems. This technology is considered to offers the potential for a comprehensive process control of cheese
making in the vat and for predicting curd moisture. Several cheese making facilities (Brewster Cheese Inc., and Kraft Foods Inc.) and an
engineering firm (ESEInc.) have expressed an interest in this technology for cheese manufacture. Recently, the Intellectual Property
Development Committee has decided to pursue appropriate protection of this novel technology to control curd moisture content during syneresis
in cheese making.
View PDF document.
The proposed technology will allow selection of the chopping end-point and application of corrective procedures during meat emulsion
processing. The development of a meat emulsion sensor technology for controlling the emulsification process would have a considerably
effect on meat manufacturing in terms of economics and product consistency and would be a significant contribution to the sensor development
program at the University of Kentucky and to the development of the local optoelectronic industry.
View PDF document.
We are working to develop a system capable of fusing indivdual nanosized particles. With this technology we would be able to build nano-sized
devices and parts, simply particle by particle.
View PDF document.
A two-vat laboratory scale milk coagulation monitoring device has been constructed with the purpose of allowing precise comparative measurements
between samples treated under similar situations. The coagulation device has water bath temperature control +/- 0.1 C and measures pH, temperature,
and light backscatter in each vat. A research test that compares the enzyme kinetic measurements using the optical device with that measured using
an international standard is in progress. A backscatter array sensor capable of measuring light extinction of highly viscous products has been
designed and is progressing toward fabrication.
View PDF document.
Heating and cooling account for appoximately 1/2 of the energy used in residences in the US. This results in an annual cost of over $70B per
year. Air leaking into the building and ventilation account for about a third of this load so tightening the house is important. A problem
exists because the house cannot be made too airtight because infiltration is the major souce of fresh air to maintain adequate indoor air
quality. A proof of concept, demand controlled ventilation system has been developed and tested. It was shown that additional research was
needed to adequatedly describe the relationship between mechanical ventilation (i.e. air brought into the house by fans) and infiltration.
The impact of this research will be the development of a device which will account for the amount of natural ventilation coming into the
residence and then adjust the optimal amount of outdoor air needed to provide for adequate indoor air quality while minimizing the energy
required. Proper ventilation and moisture management in buildings will prevent mold growth that is becoming a major problem in many new
buildings. Using this system to avoid 1/4 to 1/2 of the excess ventilation associated with a fixed-flow strategy could save approximately $5
to $10 billion annually in energy costs for the 107 million households in the United States or over $70 million annually in Kentucky.
View PDF document.
There is a significant push to move from an economy that utilizes fossil resources to an economy based on the utilization of renewable resources.
We are working on a project to develop solid-state catalysts for the production of biodiesel.
View PDF document.
Biomass conversion to liquid products has the potential to reduce domestic dependence on imported petroleum crude used for the production of
fuels and industrial chemicals. We are working to develop catalysts systems that will stabilize crude bio-oil so that it can be stored and shipped.
View PDF document.
IV. Education and Training
The Ag Weather Center - One of the latest enhancements has been the creation of a precision agricultural forecast webcast and hazardous weather
webcasts for every county in the state. These new county-by-county weather mp3 webcasts are updated up to 4 times per day, 7 days per week.
These unique weather webcasts, combined with all of Kentucky's agricultural weather services, were added to a newly developed cell phone/PDA
weather service created by UKAWC during 2006.
Kentucky Extension Disaster Education Network – The committee has continued to provide multiple training programs across the state. Created the KY EDEN web site to provide agro-terrorism and nature disaster preparedness training resources and safety tips for CES and Kentucky residents. Storm Ready Re-certification Program 2006 - Identified severe weather safe places on allfloors of over 300 campus building, placed over 250 NOAA weather radios in campus buildings including all dorms, fraternity/sorority houses and classroom buildings. Worked with National Weather Service (NWS) to train all campus first responders with severe weather training. During 2006, the University completed the re-certification program for the period 2006-2009. StormReady Supporter Certification - Over 50 cooperative extension offices have completed severe weather training whichwas provided by NWS and continued to work toward StormReady Supporter Certification. Nearly 10 percent of Kentucky's extension offices completed certification in 2006. View PDF document.
Short courses in introductory GIS are offered several times a year to educate faculty, staff, students and private individuals in the fundamentals
of geographic information systems. This training helps these individuals meet the needs of academic research and training for current and future
professionals who use GIS in their workplace.
View PDF document.
A consortium of professional organizations is being lead by a BAE faculty member to perform research and to develop and publish Advanced Energy
Design Guides (AEDG) which give guidance on how to design and construct buildings which use 30% less energy than similar buildings built to code.
View PDF document.
Umbrella and specific cooperative agreements are in place between UK and four Brazilian partner institutions. Four UK undergraduates received
credit for a semester of study in Brazil during 2006. Funds are availabe for another year of exchange, and the program is attracting broad
interest among other engineering departments at UK.
View PDF document.
Extension engineers from the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department continue to work with county extension agents and other college
faculty to develop a package of educational materials that would provide planning and construction guidance for program participants. Teaching
presentations were developed and a web page (http://www.bae.uky.edu/ext/HayStorage/) was created to help provide quick and easy access to the
materials. As counties learned about the program, requests for information about planning, designing, and constructing storage structures escalated
rapidly. Upon completion of their projects, producers participating in the program will be able to realize a savings of over $1,000,000 per year
as a result of reduced storage losses.
View PDF document.
Mobile technology integration into the classroom setting has been the focus of this effort. Tablet PCs have been used in multi-classroom and
lab settings to enhance students' learning experiences through more interactive participation and a novel "hands-on" expericence.
View PDF document.
A chapter written for the ASABE monograph on Livestock Energetics and Thermal Environmental Management entitled "CHAPTER 8. MODELING OF ANIMAL
BIOENERGETICS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT APPLICATION ". This chapter reviews and describes how the management of the environment for production
animals has evolved over the years. Use of the techniques shown in the chapter will allow producers to reduce stress on growing animals and provide
a better product for consumers.
View PDF document.
Through educational displays and presentations throughout the state, this program has been able to reach over 700,000 citizens. Continued efforts remain
in place to spread awareness about the importance of radon testing, radon mitigation, and radon resistant new construction. These efforts include educational
displays and exhibits at many venues throughout the state, the Kentucky Radon Calendar Contest for school age children, the Kentucky Radon Review newsletter,
radon measurement and mitigation courses for the radon industry in Kentucky, and much more.
View PDF document.
The outreach program has a potential audience of over 700,000 individuals through the over 65 displays annually including a major display at
the Kentucky State Fair. Training sessions have been provided to home builders and realtors in addition to homeowners. Several training sessions
were provided to agents that allowed them to enhance their county programs on energy conservation.
View PDF document.
This project is a multi-state research project aimed at reducing the cost of handling biomass, and expanding the scientific knowledge leading to
significant economic improvements in biofuel and biochemical production processes. In addition the project intends to identify needed educational
materials to develop a trained workforce to support a biobased products industry.
View PDF document.
A day-long Stray Voltage Awareness Workshop was hosted by BAE, Western Kentucky University, and Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Cooperation on
November 2. 2006. Sixty-five farmers, rural electricians, extension educators, and dairy suppliers attended the conference. Participants learned
how to prevent, diagnose, and correct many stray voltage causes.
View PDF document.
Virtual Education Center for Biorenewable Resources: Building Capacity and Humanizing Distance Education. Cooperative project with Iowa State
University, University of Idaho, and University of Kentucky.
View PDF document. |
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