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| Spotlight.....Ted Loudon |
April, 2000 |
WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
When it comes time for communities to make decisions regarding upgrading or extending wastewater infrastructure, it is customary to hire a consultant to advise the community technically and financially. While guidelines recommend that all possible alternatives be considered, many consultants are not totally familiar with the latest developments in decentralized system technologies. Alternatives which involve decentralized wastewater treatment, onsite systems or other soil based systems may not be considered in detail due to lack of familiarity. In 1997, the US EPA published a report to Congress which provided an assessment of the status of onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment in the country. They identified several barriers that inhibit implementation of decentralized technologies which are: 1) lack of knowledge and public misperception; 2) legislative and regulatory constraints; 3) lack of management programs; 4) liability concerns of consultants and high engineering fees; and 5) financial constraints.
The general public has come to think of septic systems and other onsite wastewater treatment alternatives as second class options because that is the type of information they have been fed. The existing legislative and regulatory constraints in Michigan and across the country are based upon the belief that there are only two options: the conventional septic system and large diameter, gravity flow sewers with centralized treatment.
Significant technology advances have been made in the last decade to provide for excellent treatment of wastewater either onsite or in small cluster systems. With improved treatment and only a few inches of soil filtration, the wastewater can actually be of higher quality than that which is typically discharged directly into surface waters by large wastewater treatment plants.
Lack of effective management programs may be the most significant barrier to implementing decentralized technologies. Advanced onsite wastewater treatment requires the development of management programs to help the owner assure that the system continues to work properly. There are several models available for the development of local management programs.
If you have the opportunity to work with a community that is considering modifications to their wastewater infrastructure, encourage them to seek information on decentralized alternatives. A document that has been recently developed by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) discusses a new paradigm for considering decentralized systems and developing appropriate regulatory and management structures. I would be happy to provide a copy of that document and other information to you if you would like to review it or if you have the opportunity to work with a community on wastewater issues. (loudon@msue.msu.edu)
ON THE ROAD TO PRECISION AGRICULTURE
Michigan Precision Agriculture Research – NCR-180 is a committee of researchers from land grant university experiment stations who are working in precision agriculture. Committee members prepare annual research summaries, which are presented and discussed at a meeting in January. Below are abstracts of Michigan research presented to the group in January. Research reports for Michigan and other states can be found at: http://precision.agri.umn.edu/ncr180_Pawg/research/research.html
Comparative Analysis of Site-Specific and Conventional Fertility Management for Corn and Soybeans Grown in Michigan - Neil Miller, D.D. Warncke, R.C. Brook
This a one of several projects managed by the Phosphate and Potash Institute. The project objective is to evaluate the value and utility of precision agriculture soil fertility management practices, systems and concepts in the production of soybeans and corn under Michigan growing conditions. Specifically, variable rate application of phosphorous, potassium and lime are compared with whole field application. Two cooperating farmers in eastern Michigan have each donated the use of two 40 acre fields, one planted to corn and one to soybeans. Digital elevation maps of each of the four fields have been made. Soil electrical conductivity analysis has been performed using both the EM38 and the Veris technologies. An order 1 soil survey is being prepared by NRCS. Corn tissue samples were pulled at tasseling and soybean tissue samples in August for soybeans. EMERGE aerial photographs were obtained for three of the four sites in 1998 and for all four sites in 1999. Combine yield monitor data was taken for each of the fields. A large number of data set are being collected during this project. Yield, and a derived data set called gross margin, are the primary dependent variables being considered. Other data sets have been included as a way to help understand the effect of variability of field characteristics and/or production practices and environment, on the dependent variables.
Accuracy of Soil Sampling Methods and Implications for Fertility Management and Crop Production in Michigan - Neil Miller, Roger Brook, and Scott Swinton
Soil fertility sampling methods were compared on 10 commercial farm fields in 1999. Independent samples were taken in each field using 2.5 acre grid point sampling (GS), 2.5 acre "smart" (directed) point sampling (SS), and 5-10 acre management zone (ZS) approaches. The accuracy of interpolated values was compared at independent sample points taken from each field at the same time but at different locations. Sample method accuracy varied from field to field, but SS and ZS sampling outperformed GS sampling overall. Sampling accuracy also varied widely depending on the fertility element being measured, with pH, phosphorus and organic matter showing a consistently greater spatial structure than potassium and nitrate.
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Potato Production Sites in Relation to Precision Agriculture and Integrated Crop Management Systems
A project management team has been assembled for to evaluate the value and utility (based on practices that are highly productive, economically viable and environmentally benign) of precision agriculture practices, systems and concepts in the production of chipping potatoes produced under Michigan growing conditions. The project will involves field scale evaluation of spatial and temporal distributions of fertility, pests and tuber quality (yield, size distribution, cumulative defects) and small plot studies to document the effects of adjusting system inputs parameters on tuber quality. Field research sites were established in Montcalm and St. Joseph Co. The Montcalm site had a calcium / fumigation study overlayed for the purpose of studying calcium related quality issues. The St. Joseph site is in a 3-year potato-seed corn-seed corn rotation, with approximately 1/3 of the field in potatoes each year. Variability of fertility levels within the St. Joseph Co. field appear to be more closely correlated to historical field boundaries than to cropping practices or fertilizer applications within the past 15 years.
Roger Brook
STANDBY POWER BULLETIN CORRECTION
Extension Bulletin E-2709, Standby Power, New 9:99-10K, Fick, R.J., T.C. Surbrook, J.R. Althouse and H.J. Doss, 1999, was redrawn and printed with the omission of a wire in one of the diagrams.
The Schematic for Figure 1 (page 3) can be corrected by drawing in a wire from the generator to the neutral bar. The connection from the generator to the electrical system in the Schematic for Figure 1 should include the two hot wires and a grounded wire to the neutral.
Robert Fick
SITE-SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
SSMG-13 Identifying Good Candidates for Precision
Phosphorus Management - D.E. Clay, D.D. Malo, C.L.
Reese, and C.G. Carlson
1. Findings from this study are applicable to fields with phosphorus (P)
frequency distributions similar to that shown in Figure 1. In fields with high
soil test P variability, precision management of P produced the greatest level
of profitability when the composite soil test P level was in the high to very
high soil test P categories.
Average soil P test level and prior field histories can be used as a decision aid to reduce economic risks associated with adopting precision farming techniques.
Appropriate P response models and yield goals must be used to accurately assess potential profitability associated with precision P management.
SSMG-1 Site-Specific Use of the Environmental Phosphorus
Index Concept
Phosphorus (P) loss to surface water can have negative impacts on the
environment. The risk of such loss depends on both source (added fertilizer and
manure, soil P) and transport factors (erosion and surface runoff). Fields at
risk are those where areas of high P application or soil P coincide with zones
of active surface runoff or erosion. A P index has been developed to rank field
vulnerability to P loss so that high risk fields may be identified for
site-specific management. The index provides a framework that can be regionally
adapted to prevailing topography, geology, and climatic conditions and requires
only readily available data. This fact sheet describes the technical basis of
the index and shows its application to a watershed in Pennsylvania.
Roger Brook
AG EXPO 2000
Field Demonstrations–Crop Care
This year the Ag Expo (July 11-13) field demonstrations will highlight a range of crop care activities: pesticide application, row cultivation and side dressing.
Self-propelled sprayers are becoming more common as farm size increases. Several self-propelled sprayers as well as trailer units will be shown at Ag Expo. Visitors will be able to ride-and-drive the sprayers and try out various features such as nozzles and air-assist booms that reduce drift and improve targeting, GPS guidance systems using light-bar technology, foam markers, ground driven pumps and hydraulic and self-leveling booms.
Other features such as injection units that eliminate unused spray mix and improve labor efficiency by allowing multiple mixtures to be used in the same field without rinsing and re-mixing will also be demonstrated.
Sprayers currently scheduled to participate are:
MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM
The Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), introduced in the December 1999 Agricultural Engineering Newsletter, is being developed out of a desire by the agricultural industry to be proactive concerning environmental regulations. A diverse group of industry leaders, producers and governmental agencies came together to form the MAEAP steering committee and set forth the mission of the group. MAEAP’s mission is to develop and promote a recognized, voluntary, proactive environmental assurance program targeting the agricultural industry. It will ensure that producers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and are in compliance with environmental regulations.
The MAEAP Steering Committee is currently drafting an outline for a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). The CNMP is an important management tool for livestock producers. Additionally, the EPA/USDA Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) strategy is requiring a CNMP. In Michigan as part of Bill PA 261, a local government agency can request a copy of the CNMP.
A properly written CNMP helps the producers manage the storage and application of animal waste in a way that reduces the risk of surface or ground water contamination. It also provides methods for utilizing animal waste so that it compliments the agronomic activities associated with the acreage that the nutrients are applied to. A good CNMP should address the following areas:
Ray Wagester
ACCIDENT CLIPS AND SAFETY TIPS:
Classes for Youth Tractor Training Set
I have had several questions about tractor training for 14- and 15-year-old youth. Presently, Berrien and Isabella Counties are running classes. Surrounding counties may wish to contact the MSUE offices to see if space is available for out-of-county students.
Here are some class recommendations:
Howard Doss
AG INJURY AND ACCIDENT INFO STILL NEEDED
Sending me farm injury news clippings and reports will increase the Michigan farm safety data accuracy. The information is also used to identify high-risk work activities and warn others about current farm operation hazards.
Howard Doss
SAFETY COMMENTS
Hiring Youth to Mow Lawns at a "Business" Location
An extension office called about hiring a youth to mow lawns this summer at a university-owned farm. The Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program (RCAP) Farm Manual for Michigan Farmers, given to those who attended the winter extension in-service farm labor meeting in February at Michigan Farm Bureau, says the following: "A minor under 16 years of age shall not be employed in any occupation involving the operation of power driven lawn mowers or cutters." This is from the Michigan Youth Employment Standards act. Proof of age and a work permit are needed for a 16-year-old student working at a business location. Another part says that 16- to 17-year-old youth can only use a tractor (for mowing and other tasks) exceeding 20 power take-off horsepower, if they are "provided instructions from their employers".
Note: This comment could cover a Michigan "farm operation" that is a corporation, LLC or a "farm" that has another "business" — such as a retail farm market that sells non-farm produced goods, like flowers from a nursery or a soda machine. See the RCAP manual for more detailed information. The point is to be sure your farmers and growers know the rules when hiring youth this summer.
Safety Training Tip: Use the RCAP manual as a safety reference resource. If another farm labor MSU Extension in-service is offered next year by Craig Anderson of Michigan Farm Bureau, take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about labor and safety standards. Also, the RCAP manual, with over 500 pages, is a Michigan specific manual and can help you answer many labor and safety questions.
Howard Doss
Agricultural
Engineering Extension Faculty
William G. Bickert. Livestock
Facilities and Environment.
Roger C. Brook. Handling, Storage and Drying of Agricultural Products;
Computer Applications in Agriculture.
Howard J. Doss. Safety Leader for Michigan Cooperative Extension Service;
Agricultural Safety Specialist.
Daniel E. Guyer. Post-Harvest Storage and Handling and Value-Added Processes
for Fruit and Vegetables;
Machine Vision and Pattern Recognition.
Timothy M. Harrigan. Forage and Field Crop Power and Machinery. Ag Expo
Chairman.
Richard L. Ledebuhr. Fruit and Vegetable Mechanization. Chemical application
equipment.
Theodore L. Loudon. On-Site Wastewater Treatment; Agricultural Water Quality
Impacts; Irrigation; Drainage; Livestock Waste.
Howard L. Person. Livestock Facilities; Environmental Control; Management Of
Manure and Organic Residues.
Ajit Srivastava. Agricultural Machinery Systems; Soil Tillage, Traction
and Soil Compaction; Grain Harvesting; Department Chairperson.
Robert D. von Bernuth. Irrigation and Water Management; Coordinator, Animal
Waste Management Programs.
Nancy Aitcheson -
Plan Service Secretary, Co-Editor
William Bickert - Extension Agricultural Engineer, Co-Editor
