Sweet sorghum is a highly versatile C4 grass noted for its improved drought tolerance and water use efficiency relative to sugarcane. Sweet sorghum is well suited for ethanol production due to a rapid growth rate, high biomass production, and a wide range of adaptation. Unlike the 12-18 month growth cycle of sugarcane, sweet sorghum produces a harvestable crop in three to five months. Sweet sorghum and sugarcane crops are complementary and in combination can extend the sugar mill seasons in many regions of the world to an estimated 8 months. Seasonal growth and weather patterns both optimize and restrict production of each crop to specific times of the year, however these are different for the two crops. In addition to temporally spacing the date of harvest between crops, the genetic variability of maturity within the crops may also be used to extend the mill seasons; specific hybrids can be used and selected to maximize yield throughout the harvest season. Under favorable growing environments, sweet sorghum hybrids of all maturity groups produced sugar yields ranging from 2.8 to 4.9 MT/ha. Early/medium, late, and very late maturity hybrids planted during April, May, and June planting dates are necessary to maximize the mill season. In this study, early/medium maturity hybrids planted during April and May matured for harvest between late July and mid-August. June planting dates were unfavorable for early/medium maturity hybrids. In addition, late and very late maturity hybrids planted during April matured for harvest in late August; the additional growing season thus resulted in higher sugar yields. Timely planting of late and very late maturity hybrids in April, May, and June produce the maximum yields for harvests after mid August. Intermittent use of late and very late maturity hybrids can therefore extend sugar milling seasons into mid November if so desired.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-137). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-137). Also available on the Internet.

2 pp. / Until the introduction of semi-dwarf wheat in the late 1960s, wheat varieties were typically one and a half to two times their current height. Most heirloom, traditional, or landrace varieties are considered standard-height wheat (e.g. Sonoran white); in general they are adapted to lower-input conditions, and cannot tolerate high-fertility environments without lodging. Lodging reduces grain yield, delays harvest, and increases harvesting costs. Standard-height wheat needs to be grown at a lower plant density and with less nitrogen and irrigation water than semi-dwarfs in order to prevent lodging, optimize yield, and make the most efficient use of resources.

In this thesis the researcher argues that churches in Africa are being planted rapidly but are not growing to maturity, which produces troubling consequences. The Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) is then given as a representative case study of church planting in Afiica, because from 1990 they have seen as many as 413 new churches started. Yet there is growing concern over the stability of many of these young churches and their leaders. Key leaders in the BUSA are calling for an analysis of the church planting and a greater emphasis on church strengthening and equipping. Next, the researcher lays the exegetical foundation for building mature churches, drawing from Acts and the Pauline epistles. In Acts, keys for the growth of the church are given. In Paul's writings, the researcher identifies the core principles and content used in establishing churches. Next come the field research findings that show the condition of churches and church planting in the BUSA The research was conducted through church leader surveys and key interviews, supplemented by observations of Christ Seminary faculty in their training of pastors from these churches. Some disturbing statistics and characteristics of these young churches emerge. The researcher then seeks to demonstrate how to analyse the health of churches and church planting in Africa by interacting with the field research in light of Scripture. An analysis is given of the strengths and weaknesses of the BUSA's younger churches, in the areas of their evangelism, their establishing of the members, and their entrusting of leadership. Cautions were given against unbiblical church growth trends. Finally, the researcher offers suggestions and strategies for building stronger churches in Africa. He states, "In order for the gospel to steadily advance through the BUSA or through any churches in Africa, mother churches and church planters must take responsibility for strengthening young churches until they have qualified elders and are mature, reproducing churches." / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Tree-planters are likely to suffer from musculoskeletal injuries during their short work season. The objective of this research is to identify the biomechanical mechanisms that contribute to these injuries with an overall goal of reducing injury frequency and severity. Pre- and post-season discomfort questionnaires were administered to workers in two tree-planting camps to identify areas of the body most prone to injury. Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort were significantly higher post season. Greatest pain and discomfort were reported in the feet, wrists and back, while the highest frequency of pain was reported in the back. Upper body and trunk postures were recorded during the tree-planting task in the field using digital video and inclinometers. Results indicated that deep trunk flexion occurred over 2600 times per day and workers spent at least half of their workday in trunk flexion greater than 45 degrees. Although results provide useful insight into injury mechanisms, postural data were two dimensional. Inertial motion sensors were used in a second field study the following season to examine differences in three-dimensional upper limb and trunk relative joint angles during commonly used tree seedling unloading methods. Results showed trunk rotation up to 50 degrees combined with deep trunk flexion during parts of the task. Trunk flexion and rotation were significantly less when the tree seedling load was distributed asymmetrically as compared to symmetrically. Joint reaction forces in the lower body and trunk during the same unloading methods was examined during a simulated planting task in a lab environment. Greatest joint reaction forces and non-neutral postures occurred when the tree was inserted into the ground. Right-loaded planting bags resulted in more substantial differences in posture and joint reaction forces than either left-loaded or even-loaded bags. Axial forces were greater in the right leg than the left throughout the task, regardless of loading condition. In conclusion, underlying biomechanical mechanisms for injury during tree-planting seem to be a combination of awkward postures (particularly the trunk), repetitive motions, and carrying of heavy loads. Different seedling unloading strategies did not result in substantial overall differences in posture or joint reaction forces. / Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2010-04-14 10:02:32.385

Monoculture corn (Zea mays L.) production may result in increased soil degradation through intensive cultivation and N fertilizer use. Intercropping may reduce these negative effects. The objectives of the study were to examine at two sites the effects of monocropping and intercropping corn on soft physical and chemical properties. A sandy loam soil of the Chateaugay series and a sandy loam soft of St Dainase series were used in a field experiment for 1993 and 1994 growing seasons. Soil with corn monoculture planted at 60 and 90 cm row width had lower soil, organic matter than that under intercrops. Soil aggregate stability treatment effects varied with soil. Corn intercropped with perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) showed the highest of aggregate stability. Similar trends were noted with wet-sieved aggregate diameters. Monoculture corn tended to produce higher soil bulk density than intercrops. There was some evidence of compaction after late seeding of intercrops. Monoculture corn resulted in more acidity and lower pH than corn with intercrops. Extractable P and K by Mehlich III were lower in monoculture corn than corn-soybean intercrops. Intercropping tended to reduce residual soil NO3 -- levels but this effect varied with depth. Single and broadcast N application resulted in higher N residues with corn planted at 75 cm row width than split and banded application. Intercropping tended to reduce soil degradation and pollution as measured by aggregate stability and NO3 -- residues.

Agronomic, genetic and environmental influences on oat grain quality were investigated. Nitrogen application at the boot stage of crop development did not generally affect physical characteristics of oat grain. Groat protein content increased with the application of nitrogen at the boot stage of crop development but oil content tended to decrease while $ beta$-glucan content was generally not affected. Delayed seeding usually reduced oat grain quality and usually increased protein and $ beta$-glucan contents. Heritability of $ beta$-glucan content, groat percentage and rust resistance were all low; hence, breeding to improve these traits may be difficult. Results of experiments on the inheritance of $ beta$-glucan were not conclusive but it appears that $ beta$-glucan content is under the influence of the endosperm genome. Genotype by environment interactions were significant for grain yield and for protein, oil and $ beta$-glucan contents. The cultivars Ultima and Sylva were superior in mean grain yield across environments compared to other cultivars. The cultivars Laurent and Nova were superior for mean protein content across environments and the cultivar Marion QC was superior for mean oil and $ beta$-glucan contents. AMMI (Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) analysis would be favoured over the other genotype by environment analyses used in this study because AMMI afforded more information about the genotype by environment interactions.

A two year study was conducted to investigate the effect of intercropping corn with alfalfa or red clover with or without an initial application of the herbicide EPTC$ sp+$ (S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate + R-25788 antidote) on the weed yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). EPTC$ sp+$ applied prior to crop seeding in 1984 significantly reduced yellow nutsedge shoot growth in the first year but did not significantly reduce tuber populations. EPTC$ sp+$ significantly improved corn silage and grain yield and alfalfa establishment in the first year but did not significantly improve red clover establishment. In the second year, a trend of superior forage legume establishment and lower yellow nutsedge shoot production was observed in those treatments established the previous year with EPTC$ sp+$. Over the two year period, yellow nutsedge tuber populations in treatments established with EPTC$ sp+$ were significantly greater in the monocropped corn treatment than in any other treatment. In treatments established without a herbicide, yellow nutsedge tuber populations were also greatest in the monocropped corn treatment.

Darbo objektas. Danieliai, gyvenantys VĮ Alytaus miškų urėdijos Sudvajų girininkijos Sudvajų, Kalnėnų ir Nemunaičio miškuose. Darbo tikslas. Išsiaiškinti danielių aklimatizacijos eigą VĮ Alytaus miškų urėdijoje. Darbo metodai: • Gyvenamosios aplinkos tinkamumo vertinimas. • Danielių kiekybinė ir kokybinė apskaita. • Laisvėje gyvenančių danielių apskaita pagal ekskrementus. • Danielių žievės laupymo poveikio įvertinimas žėliniams, želdiniams ir medynams. Darbo rezultatai. VĮ Alytaus miškų urėdijos Sudvajų girininkijos Sudvajų, Kalnėnų ir Nemunaičio miškų masyvų plotas yra tinkamas danielių populiacijai gyventi. Gyvenamoji aplinka yra įvertinta 64 balais, o šis balų skaičius parodo, kad danielių gyvenamoji aplinka priklauso vidutinių plotų kategorijai. Šiuo metu Sudvajų, Kalnėnų ir Nemunaičio miškuose gyvenančių danielių populiacijos tankis siekia 11 vnt. / 1000 ha. Tai beveik optimalus tankis, atsižvelgiant į vyraujančią miško sudėtį (gryni pušynai su nedidesne kaip 10 % kitų medžių rūšių priemaiša). Nuo 2007 iki 2011 metų danielių skaičius Sudvajų girininkijoje nuolat didėjo. Per šį laikotarpį danielių, gyvenančių laisvėje, padaugėjo nuo 13 iki 52 vienetų. Pastaruoju laikotarpiu danielių skaičius stabilizavosi ir siekia 49-52 vienetus. Stabilizacijos tendenciją galima paaiškinti iš dalies intensyvesne medžiokle, iš dalies – gyvenamąja aplinka. 2014 metais danielių prieaugis sudarė 6,5 %. Šis rodiklis yra mažesnis už vidutinį. Daugiausia danielių buvo sumedžiota 2012-2013... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Object of work. Fallow-deer living in Sudvajai, Kalnenai and Nemunaitis forests of Alytus Forest Enterprise Sudvajai Forest District. Aim of work – to examine the course of fallow-deer naturalization in the territory of Alytus Forest Enterprise. Methods of work: • Assessment of the suitability of dwelling surroundings. • Quantitative and qualitative counting of fallow-deer. • Counting of freely-roaming fallow-deer by excrements. • Impact evaluation of bark peeling by fallow-deer to plants, afforested areas and tree stands. Findings of work. The area of Sudvajai, Kalnenai and Nemunaitis forests expanse in Alytus Forest Enterprise Sudvajai Forest District is suitable for the dwelling of fallow-deer population. The dwelling surroundings were rated at 64 points, ascribing the dwelling surroundings of fallow-deer to the category of moderate areas. At this moment in Sudvajai, Kalnėnai and Nemunaitis forests the density of fallow-deer is 11 units / 1000 ha. At 2007-2011 years the number of fallow deers was increased steadily in Sudvajai district. The number of fallow deers, which lived in freedom, was increased from 13 to 52 units. At least time the number of fallow-deer was stabilized and now seeks about 49-52 units. The herd composition is satisfactory. Ratio of males and females is 1 : 2,8. The annual growth rate of fallow-deer was 6,5 % in 2014. The most of fallow-deers were hunted in the season of 2012-2013 years. In this time actual hunting was 26,1 % from abundance. In the... [to full text]