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| Weekly News 2005 |
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The Agricultural Research Service's Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (NWISRL) in Kimberly, ID, was awarded the 2005 Merit Award by the Soil Water Conservation Society's (SWCS) Idaho Chapter. The award recognizes individuals or groups who have made extraordinary contributions and widely recognized accomplishments in soil and water conservation. The Idaho Chapter recognized the "NWISRL's excellent research program and the significant contribution to the knowledge of soil and water management and water quality in irrigated agriculutal systems." The award was presented at the Idaho SWCS Annual Meeting on November 15 in Boise, ID.
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, research plant pathologist Carl Strausbaugh participated in the Snake River Sugarbeet Research and Seed Committee meeting, November 15, Twin Falls, ID. Strausbaugh presented information showing the influence of Beet severe curly top virus on yield in both commercial and experimental hybrids. The meeting brought together scientists, growers, industry personnel, and seed committee members to discuss the 2005 sugarbeet variety trials and approve varieties for southern Idaho and eastern Oregon.
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, research plant pathologist Carl Strausbaugh participated in the University of Idaho Sugarbeet Working Group meeting, November 14, Twin Falls, ID. Strausbaugh presented an outline of the objectives for their research program. The meeting brought together scientists, growers, and industry personnel to discuss current sugarbeet research and research priorities.
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, research plant pathologist Carl Strausbaugh participated in the Idaho Association of Plant Pathology meeting, November 9, Jerome, ID. Strausbaugh presented information on the interaction of host resistance and seed treatments in the control of Beet severe curly top virus in sugarbeets. The meeting brought together scientists, growers, and industry personnel to discuss plant disease related research.
On November 6-11, eight scientists from the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, participated in the 2005 annual American Society of Agronomy meeting in Salt Lake City, UT. The scientists were active in chairing various technical sessions and/or presenting oral and poster papers of their research. They were also involved with others in one-on-one or group discussions of current or new cooperative research.
On October 28, Gary Lehrsch, soil physicist at the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, was interviewed by Dr. Neal B. Christensen, Regional Agronomist, Agriliance, Rigby, ID. Gary described soil and crop responses to whey being applied with center pivots to southern Idaho soils. Gary and Neal then discussed management options to reduce or eliminate potential problems with nutrient imbalances, salt accumulations, soil surface structural breakdown, and groundwater contamination.
On October 19, Dave Bjorneberg, agricultural engineer, and Rick Lentz, soil scientist, met with NRCS irrigation engineers from the western U.S. The purpose of the meeting was to review ARS and University of Idaho irrigation-related research and extension projects and discuss NRCS irrigation-related research needs.
The Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (NWISRL) participated in the College of Southern Idaho's regional job fair on Tuesday, September 27. The NWISRL presented information on the scope and variety of job opportunities and career paths available in ARS and at the NWISRL in Kimberly, ID. The NWISRL stresses opportunities for all applicants, including under-represented groups such as women, the physically challenged, and minorities. The job fair is annually attended by about a 1,000 job seekers.
On September 6-9, Kimberly, ID, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory Soil Scientist Hank Mayland consulted with ARS staff of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, WI. He met with several scientists about research opportunities and gave a seminar on ?Diurnal changes in forage quality and their effect on animal preference, intake, and performance."
On August 30-31, Kimberly, ID, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Research Plant Pathologist Carl Strausbaugh will give invited presentations on a Variety Trial Tour throughout locations in the Intermountain West. Strausbaugh will give presentations on current research related to the control of curly top and rhizomania in sugarbeets. The tour will bring together scientists, growers, and industry personnel for an update on various aspects of sugarbeet production including the control of plant disease problems and screening of germplasm for disease resistance.
On August 23 and 24, Kimberly, ID, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Agricultural Engineer Dave Bjorneberg will present preliminary water quality information from the Upper Snake-Rock Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) at two water quality field days sponsored by the Twin Falls Canal Company and Snake River and Balanced Rock Conservation Districts. Water quantity and quality in the Twin Falls irrigation district are being monitored for this two-year Special Emphasis CEAP.
On August 23, Kimberly, ID, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Research Plant Pathologist Carl Strausbaugh will give an invited presentation at a fieldmen's training session to be held in Boise, ID. Strausbaugh will give a presentation on current research related to sugarbeet root rots. The meeting will bring together scientists, growers, and industry personnel for a training session on all aspects of sugarbeet production including the control of plant disease problems.
On August 10, Kimberly, ID, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Soil Physicist Gary Lehrsch was interviewed by Don Lilleboe, general manager and editor of The Sugarbeet Grower magazine. Gary described recent field research demonstrating 8 to 22% increases in sugarbeet stands where crusting was controlled by applying an anticrustant polymer or by simply and inexpensively modifying center pivot irrigation systems. Such stand increases could increase Pacific Northwest sugarbeet growers' income by $0.9 million to more than $5.3 million annually. The Sugarbeet Grower is distributed to more than 11,000 sugarbeet producers, processors, and researchers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
On June 8, Hank Mayland hosted seven forage people interested in establishing criteria for quality horse hay. The group identified a sampling protocol to quantify sugars, protein, and digestibility in various grass/alfalfa mixtures.
On June 1, Hank Mayland hosted 28 post graduate students and faculty from nine universities; representing five countries. These individuals were part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-university group touring northwestern USA research facilities. This college credited course -- entitled 'Ecology of Grazing Lands Ecosystems' was the fifth of such biennial tours across different parts of the country. Participants learned about public and private land management activities, productivity and variability of forage quality and yield, mineral composition of forages and requirements by animals, and diurnal cycling of forage quality and animal preference and production of afternoon vs morning harvested or grazed forage.
Kimberly ARS soil scientist, Bob Sojka, travels on April 25 to Columbia, MO, to deliver the annual Albrecht Lecture to the University of Missouri. The Albrecht Lecture is sponsored by the Division of Natural Resources as part of the University's Earth Day observances. On this 35th Earth Day, his presentation "Balancing Perspectives In Soil And Environmental Management," will look at the state of the world as presented in a number of recent comprehensive reports and consider the implications for management choices. Sojka is the Director of the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory in Kimberly, ID. His work focuses on managing irrigated crops to optimize production while minimizing negative environmental impacts. (KIM2005.0420N1)
On Monday, March 14, 2005, the Northwest Irrigation & Soils Research Laboratory held a Career Fair at the location. ARS employees discussed both short-term and long-term employment opportunities with the USDA generally and with ARS, particularly with 15 students currently enrolled at Hansen High School, the College of Southern Idaho, or the University of Idaho. Special opportunities for women and minority students were highlighted. After the formal presentations, individual students discussed their interests in more detail with the Laboratory staff. Literature on careers in science, engineering, and administrative fields was available to attendees. Laboratory personnel that helped organize the Fair, presented information at the Fair, or both, included Dave Bjorneberg, Shanna Breeding, Jim Entry, Anne Gillen, Gary Lehrsch, Nathan Nelson, Judy Pepperdine, Carl Strausbaugh, and Sheryl Ver Wey. (KIM2005.0314N1)
On March 10, 2005, Hank Mayland was one of two scientists serving as judges of a science fair at the Christian Academy, Twin Falls, Idaho. There were 40 entries, representing physical or biological sciences.
On March 3-4, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (NWISRL), Kimberly, ID, soil scientist April Leytem attended the bi-annual Western Nutrient Management Conference where she presented "Linking manure properties to soil phosphorus solubility." The conference was attended by approximately 100 university, industry, producers, and ARS people from the western U.S. (KIM2005.0309N1)
On March 3, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (NWISRL), Kimberly, ID, soil scientist Hank Mayland, described ARS national, NWISRL, and personal research efforts to nine visitors of a local club, the Filer 55ers. The visitors were very interested in the impacts his research has had on regional, state, national and world agriculture. (KIM2005.0309N2)
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, soil scientist Gary Lehrsch, was contacted March 2nd by Mr. David Fairbourn, a writer for The Sugar Producer magazine. Mr. Fairbourn was preparing an article on the irrigation of sugarbeet for the magazine's May issue. Dr. Lehrsch described management options and equipment modifications for center-pivot and lateral-move irrigation systems that increase sugarbeet seedling emergence by minimizing crusting and protecting soil surfaces. The Sugar Producer magazine is distributed monthly to about 10,000 sugarbeet producers and industry personnel across the states of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, and Minnesota. (KIM2005.0309N3)
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, soil scientist, Dale Westermann was contacted March 1 by Cindy Snyder, agricultural editor, for information to prepare an article on the Conservation Effects Assessment Special Project being conducted by the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID. This project is being conducted on the Twin Falls Irrigation Tract, a part of the Upper Snake Rock Hydrological Unit. Ms. Snyder is a freelance writer for the Times-News AG Weekly and editor of the newsletter published by the Snake River and Twin Falls Soil and Water Conservation Districts. (KIM2005.0302N1)
On March 7-11, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, soil scientist Dale Westermann participated as a panel member reviewing the Great Plains Systems Research Unit, Soil-Plant-Nutrient Research Unit, Water Management Research Unit (all located at the NRRC, Fort Collins, CO), and Rangeland Resources Research Unit (located at Cheyenne, WY). Public Law requires that each ARS research project be peer reviewed for merit and relevance by a panel of individuals with scientific expertise, with the overall objective of strengthening the research program. Dr. Westermann provided his expertise in the water quality area. (KIM2005.0302N2)
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, research plant pathologist Carl Strausbaugh and research geneticist Anne Gillen participated in the Idaho Sugarbeet Research Review Meeting on February 17 which was held in Twin Falls, ID. The meeting brought together scientists, growers, industry personnel, and grower association representatives to present and discuss the 2005 sugarbeet research and extension proposals for cooperative action. (KIM2005.0302N3)
On February 16, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, soil scientist Hank Mayland participated in the University of Idaho Blaine/Camas Counties Forage Workshop held at Picabo, ID. Hank discussed aspects of mineral nutrition for forage production and animal health and also the diurnal cycling of nutrients in forages and advantage of afternoon swathing of forage. The workshop was attended by about 15 producers. (KIM2005.0302N4)
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (NWISRL) Soil Scientist Bob Sojka traveled from the Agricultural Research Service lab in Kimberly, ID, to Moscow, ID, on February 11th to present an invited seminar entitled "Contrasting Perspectives on the Soil Quality Concept." The seminar was in the Plant Soil and Entomological Sciences Department. Dr. Sojka spent the rest of the day visiting with faculty and discussing the NWISRL's research programs and opportunities for interaction and collaboration between the Kimberly lab and the University's faculty on the main campus in Moscow, as well as its outlying research stations in the predominately irrigated Snake River Plain. (KIM2005.0209N3)
Agricultural Research Service Soil Scientists Bob Sojka and Rick Lentz, from Kimberly, ID's Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (NWISRL) traveled to the University of Nevada at Reno on Monday, February 15th to present invited seminars on the use of polyacrylamide (PAM) for erosion, infiltration and seepage management. The seminar was arranged by the University's Desert Research Institute (DRI) which has recently begun a project funded by the Bureau of Reclamation investigating use of PAM for seepage control in irrigation laterals and canals, a technique that has the potential to inexpensively halt 30-50% of seepage losses in water delivery systems. DRI and NWISRL have been working collaboratively with the Bureau of Reclamation and Natural Resource Conservation Service in Colorado for the past two years developing projects to investigate this use of PAM. (KIM2005.0209N2)
On February 1, ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Lab agricultural engineer David Bjorneberg of Kimberly, ID, gave the presentation "Controlling irrigation erosion with polyacrylamide" during a concurrent session at the Montana Soil and Water Conservation Society Meeting in Bozeman, MT. The theme for the meeting was Erosion and Sediment in My Watershed? and was attended by approximately 100 people. (KIM2005.0209N1)
ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Lab soil scientist Rick Lentz of Kimberly, ID, was invited by Mary Staben, Oregon State University, Department of Crop and Soil Science, to present a seminar at the Integrated Pest and Nutrient Management Workshop in Boise, ID, February 1. The workshop focused on practices and tools to protect water quality, and was attended by crop advisors, managers of land-application projects, state and federal agency personnel that monitor regulation compliance, conservation planners, and land managers. Lentz summarized water quality benefits associated with polyacrylamide (PAM) application in irrigated agriculture, and related new research on PAM applications that reduce infiltration and seepage, improve furrow irrigation application uniformity, and reduce nitrate leaching losses to groundwater. (KIM2005.0202N2)
On January 31 through February 1, ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Lab soil scientist Hank Mayland of Kimberly, ID, presented PPT talks on 'Forage Mineral Composition and Animal Health and Production' and on 'Nutritional and Economic Value of PM- vs. AM-Swathed Hay' at the Utah Hay and Forage Symposium held in St George, UT. About 200 producers from a five-state area were present to interact with multiple speakers and each other. (KIM2005.0202N1
ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Lab soil scientist Dale Westermann of Kimberly, ID, will attend the 2005 Annual Fluid Fertilizer Foundation Forum in Scottsdale, AZ, from February 13-15. He will be presented the 2005 W.L. Nelson Award for his contributions to soil fertility research in irrigated crop production supporting high productivity while protecting the environment. Dr. Westermann is a soil chemist with USDA Agricultural Research Service and former director of the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory in Kimberly, ID. (KIM2005.0126N1)
On January 31 to February 1, ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Lab soil scientist Hank Mayland of Kimberly, ID, will share information about forage quality with an expected 200 western hay growers. These participants, from a five-state area will be attending the 2005 Utah Hay & Forage Symposium in St. George, UT. Hank's talks are on 'Forage Mineral Composition and Animal Health and Production' and 'Nutritional and Economic Value of PM- vs. AM-Swathed Hay.' (KIM2005.0126N2)
Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, soil scientist Rick Lentz was invited by Del Smith and Kathy Holly of the Bureau of Reclamation to meet with Bureau personnel and scientists from the Desert Research Institute and University of Nevada, Reno to discuss an integrated plan for evaluating the use of PAM as a canal sealant. Development of a peer review panel, research objectives and protocols, and Best Management Plans were discussed at the January 11-12 meeting. (KIM2005.0119N1)
On January 14, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID, research plant pathologist Carl Strausbaugh, and research geneticist Anne Gillen attended the Snake River Sugarbeet Conference held in Nampa, ID. Strausbaugh gave two invited presentations on research related to the management of curly top on sugarbeets. The meeting brought together scientists, growers, and industry personnel to discuss all aspects of sugarbeet production including the management of disease problems. (KIM2005.0119N2)
ARS Soil Scientists Dale Westermann, April Leytem, Carl Strausbaugh, Hank Mayland and Bob Sojka from the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory in Kimberly, ID, gave presentations Monday through Wednesday, January 10-12 at the Far West Agribusiness Association's 32nd Annual Fertilizer & Chemical Conference in Jackpot, NV. Carl Strausbaugh spoke on sugarbeet disease management, April Leytem spoke on Phosphorus in Fertilizers and Manure, Dale Westermann spoke on Compost Utilization, Hank Mayland spoke on Forage Quality and Bob Sojka spoke on Soil Compaction. (KIM20050112N1)
