Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / Charles W. Rice / The sequestration of atmospheric CO[subscript]2 into soil through no-till management is an economic and viable method for reducing greenhouse gases, but maintaining no-till practices are necessary to sequester C in the long-term. Our study focused on the effects of a single tillage operation on soil organic C and N and aggregation in no-till soils when no-till practices are immediately resumed after tillage. Three locations in western Kansas were selected that had been in continuous dryland no-till for at least 5 years – Wallace, Tribune, and Spearville. Tillage treatments were administered in 2004 and consisted of no-till (NT), disk plow (DP), sweep plow (SwP), and chisel plow (CP). Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Soil samples were taken at 0-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm depths. Composite samples were taken from each block prior to tillage and tested for whole soil organic C and N. Further soil samples were collected in spring 2005 at approximately nine months after tillage (MAT) and again in fall 2005 at approximately 12 MAT and tested for whole soil organic C and N and aggregate size distribution. Bulk density was measured for each plot and depth prior to sampling at 12 MAT. Twelve MAT samples were also tested for aggregate-associated C and N. The DP tillage had a greater C concentration than NT and CP when averaged over depth and time, but C mass did not vary between tillage systems. Changes in whole soil C and N over time varied by location, but the differences were similar between tillage treatments. Tillage treatments DP and SwP also had a greater mass of macroaggregate (250-1000 [Mu]m) associated C relative to CP (but not to NT) for Wallace in the surface 0-5 cm at 12 MAT. No other differences between tillages in aggregate-associated C were observed. A single tillage event did not have a significant impact on aggregate size distribution. The greatest amount of aggregate-associated C and N existed in the large microaggregate (53-250 µm) fraction. Changes in aggregate distribution or aggregate-associated C or N did not directly correlate to changes in whole soil C and N. We therefore conclude that a single tillage operation using these implements will not result in a measurable loss in sequestered C over time for dryland soils in a semi-arid climate such as western Kansas.

Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / David B. Mengel / Grain Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is one of the most drought and stress tolerant crops grown in Kansas. For this reason, much of the sorghum is grown in high risk environments where other crops are more likely to fail or be unprofitable. Efficient sorghum cropping systems should not only produce high yields and use inputs such as nitrogen efficiently, but they should also remove as much risk as possible for a successful crop, and give farmers more flexibility in making input decisions. The price of nitrogen (N) fertilizer has increased substantially in recent years. Current retail prices for commonly used N fertilizers range from $0.88 to $1.50 per kilogram of N in Kansas. Thus, a farmer could easily invest $50-$100 per hectare in N, depending on the rate of N needed and the source used. Practices which allow farmers to assess crop potential as late as possible after planting before applying costly inputs like fertilizer, can increase the potential for a profitable return on those inputs in risky environments. Currently, most sorghum growers routinely apply all the N fertilizer prior to planting, sometimes as much as 6 months prior. The current Kansas State University (KSU) nitrogen recommendation is yield goal based and performs well when the grower is able to predict yield six months or more in advance of harvest. However, yield is quite variable and difficult to predict. Because long range weather and yield predictions are not very reliable, could deferring making N application decisions until later in the season when yield can be more accurately predicted reduce risk? Can the use of active sensors provide a better estimate of yield potential and nitrogen needs sometime after planting? If they can, how late can the decision be made and how best should the fertilizer N be applied? Several studies were conducted throughout Kansas to look at the effect of N rate, N application timing (pre-plant, side dress, or combinations of the two) and method of application on sorghum yield and N use efficiency. The studies were also designed to examine the potential of using optical sensors to predict optimum N rate for post-planting applications as a means of avoiding the use of soil tests to estimate soil N contributions. The objectives of this research were: a. to validate the KSU N fertilizer recommendations for grain sorghum grown in rotation with crops such as soybeans and wheat, b. to determine the effect of both preplant and midseason N applications on the growth and yield potential of grain sorghum, and to determine the optimal timing and method for midseason N applications on grain sorghum, and, c. to assess the potential of optical sensing of the growing crop to refine N recommendations using in-season applications during the growing season. This thesis will summarize the results from the various experiments we completed to achieve these objectives. The KSU N fertilizer recommendations for grain sorghum may need some revisions. This research suggests that including coefficients relating to N use efficiency may be necessary to get more accurate N recommendations. Both pre-plant and midseason N applications increased the yield of grain sorghum whenever a response to N was observed. There was no negative effect of applying all the nitrogen midseason at 30-40 days after planting when compared to pre-plant applications. Injecting nitrogen fertilizer below the soil surface had higher yields than other methods of midseason N applications such as surface banding or surface broadcasting, especially when a significant rainfall event did not occur within a few days of application. The optical sensors used in this study were very effective at making N recommendations 30-40 days after planting. These sensors will provide for more accurate N recommendations compared to the current soil test and yield goal method.

Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / David B. Mengel / This study was initiated to determine if potassium (K) deficiencies seen in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) under no-till and strip-till production systems are impacting soybean yields, and if so, what fertilizer application practices including: rate of K application; broadcast or deep band methods of application; and the use of starter fertilizer at planting; could be used to correct the problem. The residual impacts of K fertilization and placement were also evaluated on corn (Zea mays L.) grown in rotation with soybeans. This research was conducted on-farm in cooperation with local producers. Soybeans sites in 2007 were near Harris, Ottawa and Westphalia, Kansas with corn planted in 2008 at the sites near Ottawa and Westphalia. Soybean sites in 2008 were located near Ottawa and Welda, Kansas. Selected sites were generally near or below the current soil test K critical level of 130 mg per kg extractable K, based on sampling histories provided by the cooperators. Sampling in the spring of 2007 confirmed these soil test (ST) K levels. Soybean leaf tissue potassium levels in 2007 were less than the critical level of 17 mg per kg in the unfertilized control plots, and were significantly greater when potassium fertilizer was deep banded or a high-rate of K fertilizer was broadcast. No significant difference in yield of soybeans due to K fertilization was seen, likely due to significant water stress during the grain fill period, which severely limited soybean yield in 2007. Soil test K levels at all the research sites increased dramatically between 2007 and 2008, even where no K was applied. Different weather conditions experienced these two years may have contributed to this occurrence. No residual impacts of K fertilization in 2007 on soybeans were seen in soil tests, corn leaf tissue K levels or corn yield in 2008. Soybean sites in 2008 also showed a dramatic increase in K ST levels in 2008 as compared to farmer records. No effects of K fertilization on soybean growth or yield were seen in 2008. The 2008 Ottawa soybean site had very low P soil tests. A significant response to P fertilization contained in the starter treatments was observed. This suggests that the dominant farmer practice of applying P and K fertilizer to corn, and not applying fertilizer directly to soybeans, even at low soil test levels, may not be supplying adequate P to soybeans, and is likely costing farmers yields and profits.

Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / David B. Mengel / The increasing price of phosphorus (P) fertilizers has created interest among producers in ways to enhance the efficiency of applied P fertilizers. Research has long focused on increasing phosphorus efficiency through the use of fertilizer placement techniques (banding, strip applications, and in furrow placement with the seed). Recently, various products have been introduced and marketed claiming to increase efficiency of applied P or increase availability of native soil P. The objective of this study was to test the use of two such widely advertised products: Avail®, a long chain, organic polymer created to reduce the fixation of fertilizer P by aluminum and calcium, and JumpStart®, a seed inoculant containing a fungus (Penicillium bailii), which is said to increase the availability of fertilizer and native soil P to plant roots through the colonization of the root system and producing organic acid exudates. This study was conducted at multiple locations across Kansas with corn (Zea mays L.) in 2008 and 2009 and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in 2009. Selected sites varied in soil test P, with a majority of the locations having a Mehlich III P test of < 20mg kg-1, where a P response would be expected. Treatments consisting of P rates from 0 to 20 kg P ha-1 with and without the addition of Avail were applied at planting. At many locations, each of the fertilizer/Avail treatments were planted with and without Jumpstart seed treatment. Plant samples were collected at early and mid-season growth stages. Harvest data consisting of grain yield, grain moisture content at harvest, test weight or bushel weight and grain P content also were collected to measure treatment response. Plant samples for both trials failed to show consistent responses to the addition of either product. Excellent corn grain yields were obtained at seven of eight site years with location averages above 12,500 kg ha-1. One location displayed a significant grain yield response to P in both 2008 and 2009. There were no significant responses to enhancement products where a response to P was seen. At two of the five wheat trials, a significant tissue P response to the addition of P was seen. At one location with very low soil test, 6 mg kg-1, P fertilization increased rate of maturity. No effect on growth or yield at either P responsive or unresponsive sites was seen in wheat due to the use of enhancement products. A series of 20 single replications sites were conducted with the JumpStart product in cooperation with County Extension Agents as a part of wheat variety demonstrations. Analysis of this data showed a significant decrease in wheat yield with the addition of JumpStart in 2009. Overall, this study showed a lower than expected frequency of response to applications of P fertilizer based on soil test and the KSU P fertilizer recommendations. It also showed no response across locations, years and crops to the use of P fertilizer enhancement products.

Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / Johnathon D. Holman / Kraig L. Roozeboom / Replacing fallow periods with cover crops can provide many benefits including soil quality improvements and reduced nitrogen fertilizer requirements. Field experiments were established near Garden City, KS with winter wheat and fallow phases as main plots, thirteen legume or non-legume cover crops, continuous winter wheat, and fallow as subplots, and cover crop termination method as sub-subplots. Treatments containing triticale had greatest water use efficiency (19.9 kg ha[superscript]-1 mm[superscript]-1) and aboveground biomass (3550 kg ha[superscript]-1), but subsequent winter wheat yields were reduced due to a reduction in volumetric water content. Increased soil residue through greater cover crop biomass resulted in increased precipitation storage efficiency during the fallow period, but water requirements to produce biomass depleted soil moisture more than growing a low biomass crop or fallow. In years of above-average precipitation, low biomass cover crops might be grown with little to no negative effect on subsequent wheat yields. A second field experiment was established near Manhattan, KS with fallow, double crop soybean, and four cover crop treatments planted after wheat harvest in a winter wheat-grain sorghum-soybean no-till cropping system, with five nitrogen treatments applied to the sorghum crop to estimate nitrogen contribution of the cover crops. Greatest above ground biomass production and nitrogen accumulation was observed with sorghum-sudan grass. At the 0 kg ha[superscript]-1 N rate, grain sorghum yields were reduced 1200 kg ha[superscript]-1 following sorghum-sudan grass, while all other cover crop treatments provided a 20-30 kg ha[superscript]-1 N equivalent benefit. Sorghum yields might be reduced following large biomass producing cover crops when nitrogen is limiting, but a small nitrogen benefit might be realized following low C:N ratio cover crops. Cover crop productivity and their subsequent effects on grain sorghum performance were evaluated in field studies established near Manhattan and Hutchinson, KS in 2008 and 2009. Sixteen summer or fall cover crop species were planted in no-tillage winter wheat stubble and evaluated for biomass production, nitrogen concentration, and nitrogen accumulation. Summer annual grass species produced the greatest biomass, 3392 kg ha[superscript]-1 and greater, and legume species accumulated the greatest amounts of nitrogen, averaging 43 kg ha[superscript]-1. Grain sorghum yields were 867 kg ha[superscript]-1 greater following summer cover crops compared to fall cover crops. Cover crops had a significant effect on sorghum performance, with yields 1240 kg ha[superscript]-1 greater following legume cover crops.

published_or_final_version / Geography and Geology / Master / Master of Philosophy

The study was aimed to provide information on local biomass development during crop growth using ground based optical sensors and to incorporate the local crop status to a crop growth simulation model to improve understanding on inherent variability of crop field. The experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field located near Princeton in Caldwell County, Western Kentucky. Data collection on soil, crop and weather variables was carried out in the farm from 2006 December to 2008 October. During this period corn (Zea mays L.) and winter wheat (Triticum sp) were grown in the field. A 450 m long representative transect across the field consisting of 45 locations each separated by 10 m was selected for the study. Soil water content was measured in a biweekly interval during crop growth from these locations. Measurements on crop growth parameters such as plant height, tiller count, biomass and grain yield were able to show spatial variability in crop biomass and grain yield production. Crop reflectance measured at important crop growth stages. Soil water sensing capacitance probe was site specifically calibrated for each soil depth in each location. Various vegetation indices were calculated as proxy variables of crop growth. Inherent soil properties such as soil texture and elevation were found playing a major role in influencing spatial variability in crop yield mainly by affecting soil water storage. Temporal persistence of spatial patterns in soil water storage was not observed. Optimum spatial correlation structure was observed between crop growth parameters and optical sensor measurements collected early in the season and aggregated at 2*2 m2 sampling area. NDVI, soil texture, soil water storage and different crop growth parameters were helpful in explaining the spatial processes that influence grain yield and biomass using state space analysis. DSSAT was fairly sensitive to reflect site specific inputs on soil variability in crop production.

<p>During 40 years of industrial production, from the end of the 1890’s until the end of 1930’s, coal and wood distillation products were manufactured in AB Carbo’s tar factory along the River Gimån in Grötingen, in the county of Jämtland, Sweden. In accordance with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s Methods for Inventories of contaminated sites, MIFO, the site in Grötingen has been identified as a potentially contaminated site. In order to determine whether toxic substances pose a threat to human health and ecological systems in the area, there was a need to investigate the presence of contaminants, their levels and potential for migration. Sensitivity and protection value regarding exposure of man and the environment at the site is high, since people live next to the site and River Gimån is a part of the Natura 2000 network.</p><p>The initial phase of the MIFO method includes a preliminary survey. Information regarding AB Carbo’s activities and production has been obtained by studying map and archive material, as well as by interviews and site inspections. Potential point sources have been identified around the factory forge, storage cellar, distillation building and the wooden channel for the discharge of tar and other condensates into the River Gimån.</p><p>Guided by the information gathered in MIFO phase 1, a preliminary site investigation was carried out at the site. It included sampling of soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water together with sample analysis of heavy metals and organic pollutants. The result of the analysis shows that very high levels of the contaminants PAH, aromatics and lead are found in both soil and groundwater. The sediment contamination level is high while that of surface water is very low. The distribution of contamination levels among the samples indicates a likely point source close to the distillation building due to very high contamination levels in soil and groundwater close to that point. The point source may represent a larger spillage or dumped waste products.</p><p>Two of the contaminants present at the site, phenantrene and phenol, were studied by using the model CHEMFLO-2000. The analysis focussed on mobility in unsaturated soils under conditions that prevail at the site in Grötingen. The adsorption of phenantrene is significantly higher in comparison to that of phenol.</p><p>Comprehensive assessment and risk classification results in risk class 2 for the site in Grötingen, which implies a need for further investigations and measurements. The risk of human exposure could be reduced by removing contaminated soil around the factory forge. Additional studies should focus on finding the location of the point source around the distillation building as well as contaminant migration from the wooden channel and the geographical spreading of heavy metal contamination.</p> / <p>Från slutet av 1890-talet och fram till slutet av 1930-talet tillverkades träkol och trädestillationsprodukter vid AB Carbos kolugnsanläggning i Grötingen, Jämtlands län. En undersökning enligt MIFO-modellen motsvarande fas 1 och fas 2 har genomförts på området med syfte att fastställa vilka föroreningar som förekommer på området, föroreningsnivå, spridningsförutsättningar och sammanfattningsvis bedöma föroreningssituationen på området utifrån de miljö- samt hälsorisker som området ger eller kan ge upphov till. Objektsområdet har hög känslighet och högt skyddsvärde då människor bor permanent alldeles intill objektsområdet samt att det intilliggande vattendraget Gimån ingår i Natura 2000-nätverket.</p><p>Genom de orienterande studier som genomfördes i MIFO fas 1 har kart- och arkivstudier samt intervjuer resulterat i information om kolugnsanläggningens verksamhet samt tillverkade produkter. På fabriksområdet identifierades potentiella punktkällor vid fabrikens smedja, källare, reningsverk samt vid den träränna varigenom spilltjära släpptes ut till Gimån.</p><p>Utifrån den information som erhölls i den orienterande fasen genomfördes en riktad provtagning enligt MIFO fas 2 i såväl mark och sediment som grund- och ytvatten. Bedömning av uppmätta föroreningshalter baseras på riktvärden och skattas från mindre allvarliga till mycket allvarliga. Analysresultaten påvisar allvarliga till mycket allvarliga halter av PAH, aromater och bly i jorden och grundvattnet. Andra föroreningar som påvisas i högre halter på området är alifater och koppar. Föroreningsnivån med avseende på PAH i sedimenten bedöms som allvarlig medan analysresultaten från ytvattenprovtagningen påvisar mycket låga föroreningsnivåer. Provtagningsresultaten påvisar ett mycket förorenat grundvattenflöde från reningsverket, där en punktkälla i form av större spill eller nedgrävda förvaringskärl kan vara lokaliserad. Eventuell spridning av föroreningar från trärännan går inte att fastställa då föroreningsspridning även kan ske från det intilliggande området där kolugnar och kondenseringshus har varit lokaliserade.</p><p>Föroreningarna fenantren och fenol studerades genom modellering i CHEMFLO-2000 med avseende på deras rörlighet i omättad jord under de geohydrologiska förhållanden som råder på objektsområdet i Grötingen. Resultatet visar att fenantren adsorberas i marken i betydligt större grad än fenol. Koncentrationen fenantren i porvattnet minskar nästan lika mycket som den totala koncentrationen fenantren i marken, vilket tyder på att fenantren binds starkt genom adsorbtion i marken.</p><p>Den samlade riskbedömningen av objektet resulterar i att objektet bedöms tillhöra riskklass 2, vilket innebär att objektet ger upphov till en stor risk för människa och miljön. Fortsatta undersökningar på området i Grötingen bör fokusera på att hitta den punktkälla vid reningsverket som bedöms vara orsaken till de höga föroreningsnivåer som uppmättes i grundvattenrör V1. Den geografiska utbredningen av de ytliga föroreningarna som påträffades där smedjan har stått bör också utredas vidare och eventuellt avlägsna förorenad jord eller vidta åtgärder för att minska exponeringen. Vidare undersökningar bör även klarlägga spridningen från trärännan samt orsakerna till de höga föroreningsnivåer av bly som uppmättes på området.</p>

<p>The main project Dry preservation of source-separated organic household wastes involves a new technique for treatment of biowaste through drying. Investigations are going on to determine how the dried biowaste best can be used to close the natural circular flow of nutrients. The objective of this degree project is to determine if the dried biowaste can be used as a soil conditioner. By restoring the nutrients in the material to the ground, the natural circular flow is closed. A declaration of contents, including the nutrient levels, C/N ratio, pH and the electrical conductivity of the dried biowaste, was constructed and a germination test was done to make sure that the material did not inhibit sprouting. Further on a method was developed to study the decomposition process, and in particular the nitrogen mineralization of the dried biowaste. This method was then used practically.</p><p>The results of this degree project indicate that the decomposition capacity of the dried biowaste is very good. The germination test showed that the material in a diluted form (up to 50 % dried biowaste) did not inhibit sprouting. The examination of the nitrogen mineralization showed a fast liberalisation of nutrients available to plants, with only a shorter period of nitrogen immobilization. Together these results imply that the dried material could function well as a soil conditioner.</p> / <p>Projektet Torrkonservering av matavfall från hushåll innefattar en helt ny teknik för behandling av bioavfall genom torkning. Undersökningar pågår angående hur det torkade bioavfallet bäst kan användas för att sluta det naturliga kretsloppet. Examensarbetets huvudsyfte var, som ett led i dessa undersökningar, att utreda om det torkade bioavfallet kan användas som ett jordförbättringsmedel. Genom att tillföra bioavfallet till jord så återförs näringen i materialet till marken och kretsloppet sluts. En varudeklaration, med materialets näringshalter, C/N-kvot, pH och elektrisk konduktivitet, togs fram och ett groningstest utfördes för att kontrollera att bioavfallet inte var groningshämmande. Vidare utvecklades en metod för att studera det torkade bioavfallets nedbrytningsegenskaper i form av dess kvävemineralisering. Denna metod användes därefter praktiskt.</p><p>Resultatet av detta examensarbete tyder på att torkat bioavfall har mycket goda nedbrytningsegenskaper. Groningsförsöket visade att materialet i utspädd form (upp till 50 % torkat bioavfall) inte är groningshämmande, och mineraliseringsförsöket visade på en snabb frigörelse av växttillgängligt kväve, och en immobiliseringsperiod på ett par veckor. Tillsammans indikerar dessa resultat att det torkade materialet kan fungera väl som ett jordförbättringsmedel.</p>

<p>Trafik utgör en stor föroreningskälla av tungmetaller i vägnära jordar och särskilt är det koppar (Cu), bly (Pb) och zink (Zn) som associeras med fordonstrafik. I ett historiskt perspektiv härrör blyutsläpp främst från bränsleförbränning, medan kopparemissioner (i första hand från slitage av bromsbelägg) och zinkutsläpp (från däck) från trafik står för så mycket som hälften av det urbana utsläppet av koppar och zink till omgivningen.</p><p>Koppar-, bly- och zinkkoncentrationer i vägnära jord och sediment undersöktes inom avrinningsområdet för Grand River North West i Mauritius. Eftersom totalmetall utgör en dålig indikator på den mängd metall som finns potentiellt tillgänglig för biota användes extraktion med hjälp av 0.5 M HCl tillsammans med totalkoncentrationer.</p><p>Den rumsliga variationen längsmed transekt vinkelrätt mot vägar undersöktes liksom variationen med djupet. Observerade kopparkoncentrationer var jämförbara med bakgrundsnivåer. Till skillnad från Cu var koncentrationer av Pb och Zn förhöjda i den omedelbara närheten till vägar med relativt stor trafikintensitet, men halterna minskade snabbt med avståndet. Resultat från platserna för jordreferenser visar på storskalig förorening av Pb på ön. Uppmätta kopparkoncentrationer kunde inte knytas till trafikens påverkan.</p><p>Vid regn kan metaller som finns i förorenat vägdamm och förorenad jord övergå till löslig form, eller sköljas bort i partikulär form, och transporteras till närliggande vattendrag. I Mauritius är det här av speciell vikt eftersom flodsediment till slut kommer att deponeras i de känsliga kustområdena som omger ön. Dock tyder inte resultaten på förhöjda metallhalter i sediment nära de studerade vägarna.</p><p>Även om erhållna resultat av Cu inte visar på någon förhöjning och zonen med hög förorening av Pb och Zn är relativt smal, är det angeläget att följa utvecklingen eftersom antalet fordon växer snabbt i Mauritius, vilket kan förändra dagens situation och ge upphov till större miljöpåverkan. För att undvika eventuella ekologiska skador är det därför av stor vikt att i fortsättningen övervaka situationen längs landets vägar.</p> / <p>Traffic has been identified as a significant heavy metal polluter of roadside soils, and copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in particular are associated with road travel. In a historic perspective, the Pb contribution from anthropogenic sources to nature has predominantly been a result of fuel combustion. There are indications that Cu (mainly through braking system) and Zn (emissions from tires) released from traffic give rise to as much as half of the total urban contribution of copper and zinc to the environment.</p><p>Concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in roadside soils and sediment have been determined at selected roads within the Grand River North West watershed in Mauritius. As total metal concentrations are not a suitable indicator of the metal concentrations that are potentially available to biota, metals extractable in 0.5 M HCl have been determined along with total concentrations. The spatial variation in metal concentration along soil transects perpendicular to roads were investigated, as was the variation with depth.</p><p>Observed Pb and Zn concentrations exhibited elevated levels in topsoil in the immediate vicinity of roads with relatively large traffic densities, but the decrease in concentration with distance was rapid. Results from soil reference sites pointed to a large scale Pb pollution on the island. In comparison, observed Cu concentrations could not be assigned any influence from traffic at the selected study sites.</p><p>In the event of rain, metals contained in polluted road dust and soil may be released into soluble form, or flushed from roadways as particulate matter, and transported to nearby water courses. In Mauritius, this is of particular importance as sediment in rivers eventually may be deposited in the sensitive coastal areas of the island. However, results do not indicate that there were any elevated levels of heavy metals in sediment close to roads that were investigated in this study.</p><p>Although Cu concentrations in roadside soils did not show any enrichment and the zone of elevated Pb and Zn concentrations was not wide, there is a concern that the continuing rapid increase in the number of vehicles in Mauritius will change the situation, possibly resulting in greater impact on the surrounding environment. Hence, in order to avoid any ecological damage, it is desirable to continue monitoring the situation along highways in the country.</p>