Numbered Publications: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
AEN-118: Managing Stormwater Using Low Impact Development (LID) Techniques
Carmen Agouridis, John McMaine | Aug. 21, 2013 (New)
As more land is covered by impervious surfaces, less rainfall infiltrates into the ground and instead becomes runoff. Too much runoff is problematic. Flooding increases, streambanks erode, and water quality is reduced. An increase of impervious area of as little 10 percent has been shown to negatively impact streams. The purpose of this publication is to explain low impact development strategies and how they can be used to improve stormwater management by reducing impacts on streams.
ID-215: Stormwater Wetlands
Carmen Agouridis, Kristi Meier | Jul. 1, 2013 (New)
As our population has grown, so have our towns and cities, and this growth has led to an increase in stormwater runoff. Stormwater best management practices help mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff on water quality by reducing pollutant loads through physical, chemical and/or biological processes. One of the most effective BMPs at improving stormwater quality is the stormwater wetland.
ID-166: On-Farm Composting of Animal Mortalities
Amanda A. Gumbert, Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman | May. 6, 2013 (Minor Revision)
On-farm composting can provide animal producers with a convenient method for disposing of animal mortalities and also provide a valuable soil amendment. In addition, the finished compost can be stockpiled and reused to help compost other mortalities.
ID-167: On-Farm Disposal of Animal Mortalities
Spencer Guinn, Amanda A. Gumbert, Steve Higgins | May. 6, 2013 (Minor Revision)
Animal mortalities are an expected part of animal production. Depending on the scale of the animal enterprise, animal mortalities can overwhelm the producer with a large number and mass of dead animals. This publication provides guidance to the producer for handling animal mortalities in accordance with Kentucky law.
ID-213: 2011 Kentucky Compost Bedded Pack Barn Project
Jeffrey Bewley, Randi Black, George Day, Joe Taraba | Apr. 26, 2013 (New)
Kentucky dairy producers are adopting compost-bedded pack barns (CBP) as dairy cattle housing at a rapid rate. When properly managed, as an alternative dairy housing system, CBPs may decrease somatic cell count (SCC), increase production, and reduce lameness. Because the system is relatively new, however, many questions remain regarding best management practices and key factors for success. University of Kentucky dairy scientists and agricultural engineers conducted a comprehensive observational study of Kentucky CBPs from October 2010 to March 2011. The goal of this research was to determine key management concepts that determine success or failure in the compost-bedded pack system.
ID-214: Mulching with Large Round Bales between Plastic-covered Beds
Tim Coolong, Tim Stombaugh, John Wilhoit | Apr. 26, 2013 (New)
Large round bales lend themselves very well to the application of mulching rows of vegetables because the bales can be unrolled to peel off layers that are about the right thickness for mulch. An innovative implement that offsets the bale so that it can be unrolled between the rows while the tractor straddles the row can make the practice of mulching with round bales considerably more efficient.
AEN-117: Modifying a Bale Unroller for Mulching between Plastic-covered Beds
John Wilhoit | Apr. 25, 2013 (New)
Round bales of hay or straw can be used to mulch between rows of plastic film mulch used in vegetable production. This practice may be particularly useful for organic production where herbicide use is prohibited. To make the job of unrolling round bales between rows of plastic easier, a commercially available three-point hitch mounted bale unroller was modified by extending the toolbar and adding a second mast so that the bale is offset, allowing the tractor to straddle a row of plastic while unrolling the bale between the rows.
ID-200: Environmental Compliance for Dairy Operations
Amanda A. Gumbert, Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman | Apr. 24, 2013 (New)
Some farmers are reluctant to talk about the environment, but because farms are under increasing review by state and federal regulatory agencies, producers need to be familiar with environmental issues and regulations. Implementing best management practices (BMPs) can help farmers continue to protect the environment and increase productivity.
ID-202: Feedlot Design and Environmental Management for Backgrounding and Stocker Operations
Steve Higgins, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Sarah Wightman | Mar. 21, 2013 (New)
Kentucky's cattle industry represents the largest beef cattle herd east of the Mississippi, ranking eighth in the nation for number of beef cows. This industry is extremely important to Kentucky's economy. This publication discusses site evaluation strategies, production area management techniques, and a variety of facility types for intensive cattle production that preserve natural resources and improve production.
AEN-116: Algae-Based CO2 Mitigation for Coal-Fired Power Plants
Czarena Crofcheck, Tabitha Graham, Michael Montross | Jan. 22, 2013 (New)
As the world's population swells and the needs of developing countries increase, the world's overall energy usage also continues to rise. Recent international legislation emphasizes the effects of climate change and the crucial need to find a way to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions being released into the environment. Consequently, power plants have an increased urgency to find a viable way to decrease their GHG emissions. This issue has prominent implications for Kentucky due to our economy's dependence upon coal production.
