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José R. Bicudo |
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Dept. of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering |
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University of Kentucky |
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Fabric or synthetic material placed between the
soil and a pipe, gabion or retaining wall to enhance water movement and
retard soil movement, and as a blanket to add reinforcement and separation. |
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Types: woven and non-woven, made from either
spun or woven polypropylene material. |
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To minimize wet soil conditions and mud in high
traffic livestock handling areas. |
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To minimize and control erosion. |
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To minimize water pollution from heavy use
areas. |
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To improve animal health and performance. |
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500 lb beef steer maintenance energy is 4500
kcal at 50 oF. |
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Every step in mud requires 0.505 kcal. |
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5 trips to a bunk 300-ft away requires 505 kcal. |
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11.2 % increase over normal daily maintenance
for mud. |
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Mud causes stress. |
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Mud cuts intake. |
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Mud may increase diseases in a herd. |
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Mud costs a lot of money. |
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Mud is a problem for almost all livestock farms
in Kentucky. |
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Pasture |
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Feeding lot |
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Loafing lot |
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Water access areas |
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Gateways and lanes |
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Stream crossings |
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Grade to a smooth surface. |
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Minimize rocks and debris. |
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Lay the geotextile down. |
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Minimize folds and wrinkles. |
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Lap minimum of 1-ft. |
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Put a layer of gravel on top of geotextile. |
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Put a layer of finer material on top of gravel. |
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Compact. |
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Notes
