Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

ALP-MAP-CAP Proficiency Programs The 2011 Agricultural Laboratory Proficiency (ALP) program enrollment has increase 12% over 2011, with 68 laboratories. The scope of analytical methods have increased to 128 analytical test methods with the inclusion of two new soil test methods. The ALP program has procured sixty-nine soils for future program cycles over the next four years. This includes new soil collections from Alaska, Montana, Michigan, Connecticut, and Maine. Since 2006 the program has collected and/or utilized soils from forty-six states and Canadian provinces. For 2011 ALP will be shipping five soils with one each representing the western, midwest, southeast and northeastern United States, with the fifth designated based on soil chemical properties. A test method for soil nematode analysis has been drafted for development of a future lab proficiency program. In conjunction with the Soil and Plant Analysis Council two laboratory workshops were conducted in the past year. The Manure Analysis Proficiency program has an enrollment of 65 labs enrolled and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The program is required for laboratories seeking formal certification of manure testing by MDA, and a requirement of NRCS Nutrient Management Code 590 and labs testing dairy manure in California. In 2009 the MAP program added electrical conductivity 1:5, nitrate analysis, extractable chloride and sulfate sulfur. These methods have been included to meet California Water Quality Control Board Requirements for Dairy Regulations. With support of the California Water Quality Control Board, the dairy manure nutrient management methods manual covering, soil and botanical analysis has been published, listed at: http://anlab.ucdavis.edu/docs/uc_analytical_methods.pdf. Authors are Holstege, Miller Meyer, and Price. Methods include: manure total nitrogen (two methods), P, K, NH4-N, Cl and SO4-S; soil NO3-N, total phosphorus, electrical conductivity and pH; and botanical total N, P, K and NO3-N. Each method is described in twelve sections, covering the scope of analysis, equipment, reagents, procedure, quality control, accuracy, safety and literature references. Arizona Research: A soil-applied zinc fertilization program for Arizona pecans. James Walworth. Assessing and managing the health risks of irrigation water in the lower Colorado River basin. Charles Sanchez, Jorge Fonseca and Sadhana Ravishankar. Assessing the dynamics of microbial populations in irrigation water within the Yuma Valley. Kurt D. Nolte and Jorge Fonseca. Biochar as a soil amendment in semi-arid soils. Janick Artiola, Bob Freitas, and Craig Rasmussen. Determination of ET for durum wheat using weighing lysimeters. Charles Sanchez and Paul Brown. Determining growth characteristics and yield potential of Round-Up Ready alfalfa varieties for desert production schemes. Kurt Nolte. Determining the soil sampling procedures for preplant phosphorus applications in desert lettuce production. Kurt Nolte and Charles Sanchez. Development of forage sorghum tissue testing for efficient fertilization. Mike Ottman and James Walworth. Deficit Irrigation of seashore paspalum and bermudagrass for golf course turf. James Walworth, David Kopec, and Paul Brown. Characterization of spatial variation in wheat yield and protein using soil and plant sensors. Pedro Andrade Sanchez and Michael Ottman. Cotton seed size and nitrogen use. Guangyao (Sam) Wang. Determination of optimal nitrogen requirements and leaf tissue nutrient levels for Medjool date palm. Glenn Wright. Effects of N stabilizing products on protein and yields of desert durum wheat. Charles Sanchez. Evaluating heat treated manure in Yuma vegetable production. Kurt D. Nolte. Evaluation of nitrogen fertilization practices for surface-irrigated lemon trees. Glenn Wright. Evaluation of efficient irrigation strategies for alfalfa in the lower Colorado River region. Charles Sanchez and Michael Ottman. Evaluation of EarthStone foamed glass crop substrate. Gene A Giacomelli, Pete Waller, Markus Tuller, Paula Costa, Pat Rorabaugh, and Merle Jensen Field distribution of soil and plant variables affecting wheat grain protein content and yield: A field-scale study to improve farm management. Pedro Andrade Sanchez and Michael Ottman. Growth responses and nitrogen uptake of saltgrass (Distichlis spicata L.), a true halophyte, under salinity stress conditions using 15N technique. Mohammad Pessarakli and David Kopec. Improved P fertilization practices for cool season vegetables. Charles Sanchez. Influence of inorganic nitrogenfertilization on petroleum biodegradation in a contaminated sub-antarctic soil. James Walworth, Ian Snape (Australian Antarctic Division), and John Rayner (Australian Antarctic Division). Integrating organic production with subsurfacedrip irrigation: Meeting the challenge. James Walworth and Russell Tronstad. Managing N application for desirable grain protein content in durum wheat using image processing and canopy reflectance. Guangyao (Sam) Wang, Mario Gutierrez, Michael Ottman, and KellyThorp. Manure-Nitrogen-Zinc Interaction in Pecans. James Walworth. Modeling soil erosion and sediment yield in rangeland environments. Phil Guertin. Non-destructive estimation of cotton plant growth and Nitrogen status. Pedro Andrade Sanchez, Edward Martin, and Guangyao (Sam) Wang. Novel measurement techniques for continuous monitoring of greenhouse gasemissions from agricultural feeding operations in the Western U.S.. Scott Jones (Utah State University), Rhona Miller (Utah State University), Markus Tuller, and James Walworth. Precision canopy and water management of specialty crops through sensor-based decision making. Pedro Andrade Sanchez, Edward Martin, Murat Kacira, James Walworth, and Trent Teegerstrom Quantifying Evaporation & Wind Drift from Desert Turf Irrigation Systems. Paul Brown. Quantifying Water Losses Due to Spray Evaporation from Desert Turf Irrigation Systems. Paul Brown. Reducing cadmium accumulation in durum wheat grown in Arizona. Guangyao (Sam) Wang, Michael Ottman, R. Chaney, Charles Sanchez, and M. Spiller. Relating spatial patterns of vegetation and soil properties with runoff and erosion on ecological sites in Southeastern Arizona. Phil Guertin Response of wheat and barley varieties to phosphorus fertilizer. Michael Ottman. Roles of salinity stress and pathogen population diversity in development of rapid blight disease of turfgrass in the southwestern United States. Mary Olsen, F.P. Wong (University of California Riverside), G. W. Douhan, (University of California Riverside), David Kopec, and Natalie Goldberg (New Mexico State University). Sampling methods for optimizing soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for lettuce. Charles Sanchez and Kurt Nolte. Soil compaction reduction of date yields. Pedro Andrade Sanchez and Glenn Wright. Soil test calibration and fertility management for chiles. Jeffrey Silvertooth. Soil Zinc fertilization in young pecan trees in a newly-planted orchard. James Walworth. Suboptimal irrigation strategies for alfalfa in the lower Colorado region. Michael Ottman. Using weighing lysimeters for determination of evapotranspiration for vegetable crops in the lower Colorado River region. Paul Brown and Charles Sanchez. Water use efficiency of forage sorghum grown with sub-optimal irrigation. Michael Ottmann Zinc Fertigation in Pecan Trees in Calcareous Soil. James Walworth. Brigham Young University Ongoing Research: Improving N use efficiency with various slow and control release fertilizers and impacts on yield, crop quality, N2O and NH3 gas loss, NO3 leaching: potato, corn, turfgrass Improving P use efficiency with organic acids and dicarboxylic acid polymer and impacts on yield and crop quality: potato, sugarbeet, bean, corn, turfgrass, alfalfa, peach, apple, cherry Utilization of NDVI to identify water and nutrient stress in turfgrass Degradation of munitions constituents as a function of soil fertility factors California Accomplishments for multi-state CSREES report: 1. The California Certified Crop Adviser program offered an exam to CCAs in support of the newly established Specialty Certification in Manure Management. Performance objectives are posted at http://manuremanagement.ucdavis.edu. The exam was offered in February 2010 and taken by 26 CCAs and again in August 2010 and taken by 7 CCAs. 2. Material continues to be posted on a searchable website, Nutrient Management for Vegetable, Fruit & Nut Crops (http://groups.ucanr.org/nutrientmanagement/index.cfm.). This website was produced by Tim Hartz, Department of Plant Sciences, UC Davis. Literature includes peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed extension materials, journal papers, and conference proceedings, e.g., a link to the Western Nutrient Management Conference Proceedings is included. Materials may be searched by crop category and by topic. Topics include fertilizer management, fertilizer technology, soil fertility, and soil & plant testing. 3. A bibliography of extension literature in the Western US that provides soil and plant tissue testing interpretive guidelines has been compiled and will be presented by Stu Pettygrove at the March 2, 2011 WERA-103 meeting. Ongoing Research Nitrate in Drinking Water in the Tulare Lake Basin and Salinas Valley (2010-2012, Thomas Harter, Principal Investigatory. Funded by State Water Resources Control Board). Potassium nutrition of wine grapes (S. Pettygrove, A.T. OGeen, R.J. Southard, P.S. Verdegaal, and C. Ingels, UCD Dept. of Land, Air & Water Resources and UC Cooperative Extension) Funded by Lodi Winegrape Commission Relationship of soil K fixation and other soil properties to fertilizer K rate requirement. (2011-13, S. Pettygrove and R.J. Southard. LAWR. Funded by California Dept of Food & Agriculture FREP) Colorado Active remote sensing for rapid evaluation of apparent nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes Personnel: Raj Khosla, M. Nasser, L. Longchamps, M. Moragues, S. Haley and R. Reich. Contact: Raj.Khosla@Colostate.Edu Active remote sensing has been documented as a means to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by improving rate and timing of N-fertilizer application. Recent literature discusses another promising way of enhancing global NUE by selecting crop genotypes that exhibit superior traits for NUE. The main objective of this on-going research study is to investigate the possibility of using active remote sensing to screen winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes based on NUE. Our study demonstrated that normalized difference vegetation index, as measured by GreenSeeker", allowed classification and identification of winter wheat genotypes that are superior in nitrogen use efficiency. Future research in varied environments would be needed to confirm the results of this study. Nevertheless this study demonstrates the potential for a new application of active remote sensing technology for screening crop genotypes exhibiting superior nitrogen use efficiency. Nutrients and Water Quality: A Region 8 Collaborative Workshop Salt Lake City, Utah February 15-17, 2011 R. Waskom, J. Kallenberger, M.L. Smith, N. Mesner, G. Paige, J. Bauder, A. Sigler, R. Johnson and T. Bauder Contact: reagan.waskom@colostate.edu Agencies and land grant universities in the six states of EPA Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY) hosted a three-day workshop on February 15 -17, 2011 to explore the science and institutional context regarding nutrients and water quality. The goal of the workshop was to build a better informed and more tightly linked community of nutrient researchers, regulators, managers, policy makers and stakeholders leading to collaborative approaches for developing and achieving nutrient controls and management. An online survey of workshop participants is being conducted to measure the impact of this program. Survey results, presentations, and a workshop report will be available at the workshop website: www.cwi.colostate.edu/nutrients. Organic Forage Management T. Hurisso, M. Booher, D. Goldhamer, D. Widiastuti, J. Brummer, F. Stonaker, M. Mikha, M. Stromberger, and J. Davis Contact: Jessica.davis@colostate.edu There are a limited number of organic forage producers in Colorado, thus organic dairies are faced with a shortage of high-quality, locally-produced organic forage. This study was conducted to determine how to optimize manure and compost use in organic forage production systems. The effect of raw and composted dairy manure on soil quality including soil aggregation, C and N pools, and earthworm abundance and distribution was evaluated within both annual and perennial production systems. A warm-season annual forage production system may provide growers with an opportunity to expand their markets while also providing dairies with a local source of organic forage; however, the issues of weed control and legume establishment must be rectified. Overall, the inclusion of manure or compost application can improve soil quality; however, tillage must be minimized in order for significant gains to be realized. The results highlight the importance of high quality (low C/N ratio) dairy manure in supporting higher abundance of endogeic earthworms; results also emphasize the importance of soil salinity as a potential limiting factor for endogeic earthworms when composted dairy manure is topdressed at higher rates on perennial forage. Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) in Grand Valley Peach Orchards to reduce salt and selenium loading to the Colorado River. Denis Reich, Colorado Water Institute / CSU Extension Denis.Reich@Colostate.edu; Wayne Guccini, Mesa Conservation District. The Grand Valley of Western Colorado has been a focus area for reducing salt loading to waterways. Salts or Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are flushed out of alkaline Mancos Shale soils by irrigation return flows. Salinity (the presence of salt) impacts the quality of downstream irrigation water and remediation of this problem has typically focused on improved irrigation efficiency through technology upgrades and improved Irrigation Water Management (IWM). These efforts have recently expanded to include selenium control, a contaminant that coexists with salt in soils but impacts aquatic life rather than downstream irrigators. Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity on the Yield and Quality of Watermelon and Muskmelon in the Arkansas River Valley. Michael E. Bartolo. Arkansas Valley Research Center, CSU Arkansas Valley Research Center. Contact: michael.bartolo@colostate.edu Watermelons and muskmelons are important fresh market crops in the Arkansas Valley of Colorado. Growers are increasingly using drip irrigation to produce these crops as a means to improve overall production. Concurrent with the conversion to drip irrigation, growers have switched to ground water for irrigation instead of the traditional surface water sources. Ground water is temporally more reliable than surface water and is relative free of particulates. Both characteristics make ground water more amenable for use in drip systems. Unfortunately, ground water sources contain 2 to 3 times the amount of soluble salts than surface waters. Our studies suggest that watermelon and muskmelon response to relatively saline irrigation water in the Arkansas Valley of Colorado may not be as detrimental as that predicted by other studies using waters that were more influenced by the presence of sodium salts. Idaho Ongoing Research: Corn Dr. Amber Moore, Steve Hines, and Christi Falen will continue to evaluate Nutri-Sphere N utilization by field corn, expanding to two Idaho locations (Parma and Kimberly) in 2011. Dr. Rick Lentz and Dr. Jim Ippolito are continuing to investigate the effect of biochar and other organic amendments on soil properties and nutrient uptake for corn and other crops. Potatoes Dr. Amber Moore and Dr. Jim Ippolito will evaluate the copper toxicity potential for potatoes grown on Idaho soils receiving dairy lagoon water applications through a greenhouse study. Sugar beets Dr. Amber Moore, Dr. Don Morishita, and Dr. Oliver Neher will continue to evaluate varying degrees of small grain residue level coverage and nitrogen placement (broadcast vs. shank) on sugar beet yield, quality, and nutrient uptake. Cover crops Dr. Amber Moore, Dr. Glenn Shewmaker, Christi Falen, and Lauren Hunter are conducting incubation studies to validate the Oregon State Universitys Cover Crop Calculator. This project is being conducted in cooperation with Dan Sullivan from OSU. Montana Ongoing Research Urea Volatilization  Drs. Rick Engel and Clain Jones are continuing to study ammonia volatilization from urea fertilizer and Agrotain. Preliminary results suggest that substantial urea volatilization occurs on soils near freezing (~20% loss) and losses are prolonged by Montanas lack of substantial precipitation following major urea application times (mid fall and early spring). A survey in MT, WY, and ID has been distributed to learn growers current N management practices that can affect volatilization, as well as learn current knowledge on the topic. WERA-103 participants, Drs. Amber Moore (ID) and Jay Norton (WY), assisted with this survey. This is a potential water quality issue depending on where ammonia deposition occurs. Overwinter Soil Nitrate-N Changes Drs. Jones, Robert Stougaard, Grant Jackson, Mal Westcott, Kent McVay, Chengci Chen, Joyce Eckhoff, Andy Lenssen, Perry Miller and Ms. Peggy Lamb finished up their 3-year study. The results from this research will allow those who fall soil sample to adjust soil N values in determining spring N fertilizer rates. On average soil nitrate-N increased overwinter suggesting using fall soil test levels will overestimate true N needs, yet nitrate losses of up to 60 lb N/ac were found suggesting N leaching. Cropping Systems  Drs. Miller, Chen, Buschena and Jones are studying the energetics of N fertilizer use compared to legume N contributions for a USDA-NRI grant. Drs. Perry Miller and Chengci Chen continue to investigate the effect of previous crop (legumes, brassicas, small grains) and crop rotation on N requirements and availability. Dr. Miller, Clain Jones, and Rick Engel are investigating N availability following pea and lentil green manures as part of USDA and state-level grants. Drs. Chen and Jones are studying the effects of tillage on N availability. Nitrogen fixation  Dr. Jones is finishing a study on the effects of legume green manure seeding and termination timing on N fixation in a field study. He is also evaluating the effects of phosphorus and mycorrhizae inoculation on N fixation in a greenhouse study. Precision Nutrient Management  Dr. Olga Walsh is investigating the effectiveness of optical sensors in assessing the need for topdress applications on small grains. Drs. Westcott and Ken Kephart are studying use of optical sensors for irrigated corn. Nitrogen Use Efficiency  Drs. Jones and Miller have been recently funded to measure nitrogen use efficiency for a range of MT cropping systems. Fertilizer source  Dr. Jackson evaluated effects of NSN and Avail on irrigated spring wheat and irrigated barley yield and quality. Nutrient  insect interactions  Drs. David Weaver, Jackson, and Jones evaluated effects of N and P on wheatstem sawfly cutting. New Mexico State University Accomplishments for multi-state NIFA report: Program development chaired by NMSUs Robert Flynn for the 2011 Western Nutrient Management Conference. Ongoing Research: Chile: Boron nutrition for chile. Correlating soil test boron levels with plant response to boron applications. Correlating soil analysis, plant tissue testing, and chile yield to on-farm management practices. Slow Release Nitrogen: Slow Release N product effects on corn and cotton yield and quality Alfalfa: Deficit Irrigation effects on leaf to stem ratio: Variety differences. Canola: Canola response to spring / fall nitrogen application rates Rosemary: Nitrogen and micronutrient effects on Rosemary production and antioxidant value. Oregon New and Current Projects: Nutrient management guides in preparation or revision Crop Topic Project Leader(s) Perennial ryegrass Nutrient management guide for perennial ryegrass Hart Kentucky bluegrass Nutrient management for Kentucky Bluegrass (eastern Oregon) Horneck Green beans Nutrient management guide for green beans Hart Forages Revise eastern Oregon wet meadow guide to reflect data collected by Jay Carr. Other OSU faculty authors: Mike Gamroth, Dustin Johnson and David Bohnert. Hart Wheat Soft white wheat nutrient management guide (western Oregon) Anderson/Hart All Soil test interpretation guide Sullivan/Hart All pH and soil acidity concepts in western Oregon Anderson/Hart Washington State University Accomplishments for multi-state CSREES report: " (Koenig) We completed a research project on production of leafy green vegetables in Washington State (with extensions of the research in Alaska and Idaho). Results have been/are being published in 3 peer-reviewed articles (with 1 in review and 2 in preparation). This research focused on practices for winter production as well as implications of light intensity and duration, species, and fertility management on nitrate concentration in edible tissue. Two MS students have received their degrees in this project. " (Koenig) This will probably be reported on by Idaho but Glen Shewmaker completed a comprehensive and outstanding publication titled Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest (PNW Bulletin 0614). Many WERA members contributed chapters or parts of chapters. Ongoing Research: " (Cogger) Nitrogen availability from heat-dried biosolids. Field study completed and manuscript submitted. We found that heat-dried biosolids had higher N availability than other types of biosolids, and higher than reported in previous studies. " (Cogger) Cover crops as a source of nitrogen in organic vegetable production systems. MS thesis completed by Andrew Lawson; manuscripts in preparation. This project evaluated effects of blend ratio and planting date of rye-hairy vetch blends on available N to sweet corn crop. " (Cogger) Cover crops in reduced tillage organic vegetable production. New project. Preliminary field work in 2010 identified flailing as a possible alternative to rolling/crushing for terminating cover crops without herbicides or tillage west of Cascades. A joint WSU-OSU team submitted a proposal to the OREI (second submission). " (Cogger) Long-term effects of biosolids applications on available N, C sequestration, and soil quality. Sites are include dryland wheat-fallow in Douglas County (started 1994) and irrigated tall fescue in Puyallup (started 1993). Both sites show long-term increased soil C and N and increased available N compared with plots that received only inorganic N. " (Davenport) Nitrogen Rates for Concord Grape Production. Second year of multi-year proposal looking to optimize N rates in Concord. To date data suggest productivity at 12 T/A (state average 8T/A) can be sustained on between 40-60 lbs/A N per year. " (Davenport) Winegrape Nutrition: Deficiency Symptoms and Micronutrient Response Third year of four year study inducing nutrient deficiencies in red (Cab Sauv) and white (Semillion) wine grapes. Ca deficiency was the first to be visible, and N, P, S and Zn were visible by the end of the third season. Red grapes tended to show more red in the leaf tissue in response to nutrient stress. " (Davenport) Micronutrient supplements for Concord Grape Completed project which evaluatede granular vs foliar applications of B, Zn, and Cu in Concord grape. Results suggest only foliar B was of advantage and that combining all three elements was not og benefit. " (Davenport) Examination of Late Season Applications of Organic or Conventional Nitrogen Sources Foliar application late in the season on two commercial grape vineyards (Merlot and Riesling) with a history of low N. The late season applications did not increase vine vigor but did influence wine flavor. Low N in Washington wine grapes often leads to stuck fermentation and off flavors in wines. " (Davenport) Developing a Grape Site Selection Tool Using GIS This model will be completed by August 2011. " (Davenport) Direct-seeding legumes into orchards alleys for nitrogen production A two year study with Kura, White, and Ladino clovers, alfalfa and grass. Covers were blown into row alleys and in-season N monitored. Maintaining stand may be a problem with alfalfa for long term production. " (Davenport) Developing irrigation management strategies for vineyards with limited or impaired water sources. New project funded through SCRI grant. Working collaboratively with colleagues in California to evaluate reducing water inputs and the potential impact of saline water on juice, raisin, talbe, and wine grapes. " (Koenig) Soil acidity and implications for nutrient management in the inland Pacific Northwest. Soil pH continues to decline across the dryland/rainfed production areas of eastern Washington-northern Idaho. This ongoing research is focused on understanding the implications of pH decline in terms of crop growth and nutrient cycling and management, primarily in cereal and grain legume rotations. Wyoming Ongoing Research  Funded Projects Soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in organic crop and forage production of the Northern High Plains Ecoregion, Wyoming and Nebraska (Co-PI). USDA-NIFA Organic Transitions Program, 2010-2012, PD: Urszula Norton, Plant Sciences, Co-PIs: John Ritten, Ag & Applied Econ; Axel Garcia y Garcia, Plant Sciences; Stephen Del Grosso, USDA-ARS Ft. Collins; Gary Hergert, University of Nebraska, Scotts Bluff Research Station. Legume adoption practices in western central United States: economic and environmental benefits in face of increased climatic variability: Planning grant for Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) proposal, (Co-PI). USDA-AFRI Climate Change Program, 2010-2011. Carbon-rich soil amendments for ecological restoration of drastically disturbed rangeland sites (PD), University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station Competitive Grant, 2011-2012, Co-PIs: Brian Mealor, Plant Sciences, Peter Stahl, Renewable Resources, Matt Andersen, Ag & Applied Econ, Jennifer Faulkner, MS student. Development and transfer of conservation agriculture production systems for small-holder farms in eastern Uganda and western Kenya (PD), USAID Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Collaborative Research Support Program, 2009-2014, UW Co-PIs: Eric Arnould and Melea, UW Sustainable Business Practices Program; Dannele Peck, Ag & Applied Economics Dept., Urszula Norton, Plant Sciences Department. African Partners: Bernard Bashasha, Makerere University; J.R. Okalebo, Moi University; NGOs: AT Uganda, SACRED Africa, Manor House Agricultural Center. Understanding disruption and recovery of ecological structure and functioning for restoration of disturbed Wyoming ecosystems. UW School of Energy Resources Graduate Assistantship Grant Program, two-year PhD assistantship, 2009-2012, Jay Norton (PD), Matt Andersen, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics; Jeff Beck, Ren. Res. Dept. Reclaiming Wyoming: Reclamation 101 and 102 Workshops for Professionals. UW Cooperative Extension Service Competitive Grant, 2008-2011, Jay Norton (PD), Lachy Ingram, former WRRC research associate, Calvin Strom, & Peter Stahl,. Benchmark Soilscapes to Predict Effects of Climatic Change in the Western USA: A collaborative project among western soil scientists and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, CRIS Multi-state research funds, UW-AES, and USDA-NRCS, 2008  ongoing, Jay Norton and Larry Munn. Marketing opportunities and constraints confronting organic farming operations in the semiarid Northern High Plains and Intermountain region in Wyoming and Western Nebraska (Co-PI), USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative, PD: Eric Arnould, Co-PIs: Melea Press, John Ritten; Transition to organic and reduced input crop-range-livestock systems in the High Plains, USDA-NRI Managed Ecosystems Program, December 19, 2007, 2008-2012, Co-PIs/collaborators: Jay Norton (PD), Gary Franc, Plant Sciences Dept; Bret Hess, Anim. Sci. Dept.; John Hewlett, Agric. & Appl. Econ. Dept.; Thijs Kelleners, Ren. Res. Dept.; Andrew Kniss, Plant Sci. Dept.; James Krall, Plant Sci. Dept.; Alex Latchininsky, Ren. Res. Dept.; Dallas Mount, CES; Ginger Paige, Ren. Res. Dept.; Steven Paisley, Anim. Sci. Dept.; Dannele Peck & Ben Rashford, Agric. & Appl. Econ. Dept.; Mike Smith, Ren. Res. Dept.; Rik Smith, Plant Sci. Dept.; Peter Stahl, Ren. Res. Dept.; Calvin Strom, CES; Naomi Ward, Molecular Biology Dept.; and Southeastern Wyoming Producers Tim Bartel, David Hinman, and Byron Yeik; Effects of cropping-system, irrigation method, and soil properties on soil nitrogen and organic matter dynamics in the Big Horn Basin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station Competitive Grants Program, 2008-2010, Co-PIs: Jay Norton (PD) Abdel Mesbah, Director, Powell REC; Dannele Peck, Agric. & Appl. Econ. Dept.; Gary Franc, Plant Sci. Dept.; K.J. Reddy, Ren. Res. Dept.; Urszula Norton, Ren. Res. Dept.; Sandra Frost and James Gill, Big Horn Basin CES Educators; Effects of cropping-system-related soil moisture and nutrient dynamics on the sustainability of semiarid dryland agriculture, USDA-NRI Soil Processes Program Seed Grant, 2008-2009, Co-PIs: Jay Norton (PD), Peter Stahl, Thijs Kelleners, James Krall, Dannele Peck, Dallas Mount, and Sandra Frost;