AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY R. Dennis Rouse, Director Auburn, Alabama -4 K Ar x 4, 'Vt is 1* 3? U ~ V I'. t WI jr As U' '.~ \'W~ ~. '-.4 - ' ' .4 1 w' V 4 4*~& S % ~ fl~ 'V 4, A S. S ij - ,f a..4 1 L V 4 ,,'%4 ~ r, f , ptJr 4 lwt a 013 a VA' c N' l% Outlook for 'tomiorroii To more efficietly do its share in meeting the food and fiber needs of Alabama and the Nation, the Agricultural Ex- periment Station at Auburn University has undertaken an extensive upgrading and modernization program. Foremost is the relocation and modernization of Main Station field research facilities. The acquisition of 3,200 acres of prime farm land located between Anburn and Montgomery will make this modernization feasible. New field research facilities for field crops and for fruit, nut, and vegetable crops, dairy and beef cattle nutrition and management, and beef cattle and swine breeding will be Top: New Agricultural Research Center of Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station. Bottom: Proposed uses of old Main Station land after establishment of new facilities. 2I - -- - - -- - - - - - - - - -- SCHOOL I''~ Iwne Field Crops located on this land. These annal units will be serviced by a modern feed mill, and adequate land will be available for production of needed forages. By shifting most crop and livestock research to this new center, expansion and upgrading of remaining Main Station facilities is possible. A Poultry Science Field Laboratory, Forest Products Laboratory, and Swine Research Unit are planned for the Main Station at Auburn. In addition, more land will be made available for fisheries, forestry, and wild- life research, and for maintenance of a superior beef herd. ffP20P/D USES No Chang III /Kracsc ./ q#1 " R*IE ~ L_ 5sf~;JTIWLd !' ' y s ue. LY-' a1r k 1 1 j,, ;iq 1k 14 i. y 4 fit'- '41 -4 24i e. .r Potential food shortages, the need for conserving energy, and problems with land management have made headlines in recent months - as if such problems had just been dis- covered. Fortunately for Alabama, these and other agricul- tural problems of man and his environment have received continuous attention and study during the past 100 years at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station at Auburn University. Problem-solving research underway at Auburn and at field units throughout the State is constantly updated to keep pace with changing world conditions. Because of this continuing effort, there is a minimum of lag time before solutions are generated, solutions that assure a continued supply of wholesome and appealing food and needed fiber. Based on the confidence that Auburn's broad based re- search program will continue to solve problems as they arise, the future for Alabama agriculture and the entire State looks bright. Not only can production be increased, but it can be done while protecting the environment and providing land and resources for high quality recreational enjoyment. Because of strong interest and concern about agriculture in a time of critical world food problems, we at the Agricul- tural Experiment Station are instituting a program of pub- lishing annual reports to inform Alabamians about our con- stant efforts to serve the State. Dedicated to your right to know, this report will bring you up to date on major accom- plishments in the immediate past and point out some new areas of concern being investigated. The broad program of research underway directly benefits every citizen of Ala- bama by supporting the agricultural industry upon which we depend to produce food and fiber to maintain and en- rich each person's life. But our research goes farther. It generates information dealing with most aspects of living, to help assure a full and satisfying life for all. Directing research of Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station are (from left) Dr. Charles F. Simmons, Assistant Di- rector; Dr. R. Dennis Rouse, Director; Dr. Irvin T. Omtvedt, As- sociate Director; and T. E. Corley, Assistant Director. Clouds of concern dot the horizon, however, to dim the present glow of success. World-wide problems of increasing population without corresponding increases in productivity point to future famine in many parts of the world, and this puts pressure on American agriculture to boost production. Shortages of petroleum and other materials require agri- cultural products for sale to balance this nation's interna- tional trade. Even on the State level there are problems that intensify as years pass. Population pressures and urban sprawl con- tinue to take land out of farm production, and economic conditions dictate even more efficient productivity. Thus, there is more and more need for sound, well planned re- search to keep agriculture healthy and to provide for rural development and land needs of our urbanized society. The Alabama Experiment Station becomes ever more important to the future of all Alabamians with each passing year. The capital outlay provided by the last Alabama Legis- lature is making possible much-needed land and facilities for a new and modernized Main Station. Land has been pur- chased and construction plans are proceeding rapidly. This addition will allow us to better serve Alabama's agriculture, and through agriculture to serve all citizens. We hope that the words and photos on the following pages will give each reader a better idea of the ongoing efforts by this Agricultural Experiment Station to serve Ala- bama people, as well as all Americans. liple MrR u~I N y . , c'k 5', f~l A *'~" 5 "; i*! -~iu Ift, More Food For Our Tables _a s s ,y s~ -- *, .uJ. 6 P l ' " v a ,d I."- 4 *-. -i ,. 7. }}t - - ~ f ; -4 - (2uaitit' aiad qualhs al .IIig v itl pioductioii clficitiI( 5 are wx atchwvords in food reseai ch at Auburn. Efforts include studies on soil fertility, varieties, disease con trol, mechanical harvesting, and processing of food crops, along with con- certed efforts to reduce costly inputs into meat and milk pr oductioni without quality loss. Accelerated Cattle Growth An intensive beef production system that pushes y ounig cattle to slaughter weight by 13 months of age provided highly efficient feed use in Auburn trials. Crossbr ed hills gained about 3 pounds per day from w eaning to finish on ia ration of corn-silage-Supplement, r eacling 1,050-1,100 p"ounds at 13 months. This accomplishment was possible b~ecause of earlier crosslbreeding research at the Experiment Station that provided methods of breeding to get cattle with genetic ability to grow fast. Pasture Fed Beef A Reality Aubur n scientists were primed with a wealth of research facts when economic conditions kindled the fires of interest in prid'inmg finished beef on pasture. \While "girass-fed" b~eef is the tern ea d nationally, Auburn's results with cool- season, clover-grass mixtures indicate that "pasture-fed" wxould lie better terminmology. Steers went from 650 to 1,000 p 1 ds each durinig a 29)0-day grazinig period on Aubur n's Immichi arriwleaf clover growsn w55ith rvse and rvegrass, and thmey finished sw iti consumer-pleasing grades of Good to low Choice. No supplemental feed was given these steers, keep- inig cost of proluctioni low for farmer profit and reasonable consumer pmrices. Recycling Manure for Feed Value iced efficiency in beef production can be raised 10-15 percent lby rec ycling manure to regain wasted feed nutrients, according to results of pioneering work at Auburn. An en- siled ration of 40 percent manure, 48 per cent ground corn, and 12 percenit ground hay continues to give excellent re- sults. Cattle gail rapidly on this economical feed, and health tests aiid taste panel evaluation sho the meat to be eqfual to that produced under any feeding system. This Auburn development is being used ini various parts of the nation, ~"~"T~ak:~- ~ ( p s ~i~A , F'~ r 4. Utl \ I WI'. I iln ;(ImlIUid the Ut ili conic to sc fo st th ill- sel es bossv potentially polluting animal waste is being put to practical and produictive use. Lining Soil Boosts Potato Production Correct liming of acid soils in Alabama's potato gi oss mg sectijon s can (d0 a lot to assur e an ample supply of poita toes for Alalbama tab~les. Plots as acid as pl11 4.8 produced oiils 87 lhuldr ed-pound bags per acre, wh ile plots limed to cr rect levels (pII 5.5) in the same field y ielded 236 hundretd- poundI~ bags. Peanuts showced similar response to lime, going fr om 1,400 pounds per acre oin acid land to 3,700 pounds after limng. Sos beans dloubledl in y ield when a pH 4.8 acid soil ss as limed pioperly. Cucumber and Pea Picking Going Modern W ith lalbor uniiasvai ilbl e or too cos tly to barsvest crops like cu ciuim1eris and peais, e fforts hiave beien initen si fied to adapt mechianical harvesting methods. "\Iiilti-pick" cucumber lhar- vesti is that pick cuiciiimbeirs s itlout dlesti oing sines. to per- mit i epeatedi lhaivests ss cie used successfully in Auiburin trials. Specialized tillage irequiirements ss eie identified to suit de- manids of the picker, ev en on lill- land. Small girow5rc hasecut been foirgotten either, wsitli effor1ts directed towsardl 1bette ci Iiitin g, higher qiualityv sariet ies. Field peas, a Southerin favoirite, areni't likely toi disappear firom food stoic freezei s and cans. thanks to progress lieuig made in adapting this ti aditionail cirop to maichine harvisest. Circaim type peas base pirosed best for ciiminercial pirocess- ing, and yields as high as 1'2 tons pei acre base beeii made (if a vairiety suitedl to mechanical liarsvest. Fresh market peas aire easier to piodice iios that hireedbis has e inoirporaited t rto i I(i nn( di u u-u ciii 4 rli IIr xxlo in i. Getting the Re d i,,,o Appile Alabl am a's wairm igh ts in terfere wsithI des elopm cn t oii the red color of apples (demanded 1by coinsumeirs, hut this di ass back is about to be soled by a spray system desvised in Auurn re iseaichu. Spin ig wsith the giossth regulator Ethuepon giv es 10t) pecenit ied coloi of apples that nonmally desvelop only partial red coloiration, and has the dual ad5.un- ~,;-, \ 4~ ',~ * 4 - * V;.. ri~P~ ~ *- J A~. Page 4: upper left-multi-pick cucumber har- vester made to work on hilly ground; lower left- worms effectively controlled on collards, os evi- denced by treated ond non-treated plants; lower right-using paddle wheel to aerate water resulted in catfish production as high as 19,000 pounds per acre. Page 5: upper right-steaks from steers fed experimental rations are cooked before testing for tenderness and taste by machine and taste panel; lower right-correct liming of acid soil boosted potato production; lower left-progress made toward developing processing peas for me- chanical harvest. : -";"-:: "iacy: _, -. -- :-~ ,~sr~' c -~~" k, i ~ -ir. -"'";;? ~~F r~:TCT C I .; g .C' tage of speeding ripening to get a high quality harvest to market ahead of competing regions. Health Insurance for Peanuts A system of correlating peanut disease control treatments according to weather conditions was recently developed by Auburn scientists to make treatments more efficient. The result of this cooperative effort with the NOAA Environ- mental Studies Service Center is better control of leafspot with cost savings. White mold and root-knot nematodes are other peanut enemies for which effective treatments are be- ing established. Germ Warfare Against Insects Microorganisms that cause diseases of insects are being enlisted in the fight against insects that damage food crops. One such pathogen, a bacterium, has effectively controlled various worms on collards, tomatoes, soybeans, and water tupelo trees. This organism is safe, leaves no bothersome residue, and has little effect on non-target organisms - just what the ecologist, consumer, and agriculturist want. -#-1s ; 4 J? Keeping Weeds out of the Greens Mechanical devices, cultural practices, biological agents, flame, and chemicals have been used in the never ending battle to control weeds, crop enemies that pester farmers and drive up food and fiber costs. Chemical weed killers have largely replaced the hoe on farms, but desired levels of control still are in the future for some crops. Crop safety, weed control, and economy are emphasized. Economic thres- holds are being established for major crops to determine level of weed control necessary for most profitable yields, and in- formation is obtained on new herbicides as they are made available by industry. New findings that weeds can germi- nate at much drier conditions than crops has identified the need for chemicals that are activated at low soil moisture levels. Deprived Roosters Contribute to Efficiency A workable system of artificial insemination of broiler breeders developed at Auburn promises faster results in breeding better broiler chicks. The system permits cage pro- duction of broiler hatching eggs without loss of hatchability. Thus, desirable roosters can sire four times as many off- spring as in floor flocks. Use of insemination equipment developed at Auburn halved requirements for labor-the big drawback to artificial insemination. A semen extender was perfected that further reduces labor needs. Upper left-cost saving methods of peanut leafspot control have been developed; upper right-timely irrigation doubled tomato yield and improved quality; lower left-beef animals finished on clover-gross pasture are viewed by field day audience; lower right -increasing efficiency of cotton stripper is aim of one significant project. NB s: _1 a, i~"": No johnny-come-lately to the energy conservation game, the Agricultural Experiment Station intensified efforts in this critical area during 1973-74. Station scientists branched out into new and innovative approaches, going far beyond what is usually considered energy conservation. Putting Fungi to Work Using filamentous fungi to degrade sewage sludge is being \) "considered as an energy-saving way of getting more com- in waste-water treatment. Not only would this be an eco- nomical treatment, there is the potential by-product of fungal protein for recycling as animal feed. ,i a Legumes Getting Fashionable Again " Auburn's ongoing research with legumes grown in rota- R - tion with row crops, a topic pretty generally ignored in mod- eern times, is providing timely information now that com- mercial nitrogen is scarce and expensive. Last year's results confirmed that a crop of vetch turned under ahead of cotton or corn produces yields that equal or surpass production from L?C 1recommended rates of nitrogen. Continuous cotton grown with legumes since the "Old Rotation" was begun in 1896 1 ti averages nearly 2 bales per acre and a 2-year rotation of cotton-winter legumes-con-winter legumes with no fertilizer nitrogen makes high production of both crops. Auburn's Yuchi arrowleaf and Regal ladino clovers furnish the nitrogen needed by grasses in combination pastures while improving forage quality. ,- Sometimes Less Is Best Following Auburn Soil Test Laboratory recommendations has been found to provide highly efficient fertilizer use on Alabama crops. For soils with big quantities of accumulated plant foods, Auburn tests prove that leaving off phosphorus and potassium fertilizer for a year or two permits the farmer to cash in on past fertilizations without any loss in produc- tivity. Small applications often prove to be just as good as larger amounts. For example, findings are that overuse Conservation /i'' Top-winter legumes supplied nitrogen for ,x "this corn to replace costly commercial sources; left-Japanese group came to Au- burn to learn about using processed animal t, :waste as a valuable ration ingredient. " ' ; i .. .... i ... is more common than underuse xhen fertilizing crops like tomatoes and potatoes. Economy is often possible xith a full rate of fertilizer by using fever acres to produce a needed amount instead of cutting back on use of scarce fertilizer on larger acreage. Better use of applied fertilizer results from liming acid soil, xhich improxes efficiency of production. Catfish Processing Waste Isn't Waste When farm-raised catfish go through a processing plant, only 60 percent of xeight winds up in the grocery store. The other 40 percent (head, entrails, and skin) is con- sidered waste. But there are many nutrients locked up in this xaste, and Auburn research points to possible use of the xaste product in feed for sxine or fish to conserve scarce conventional feed ingredients. Engineering Economy Gets Attention More complete utilization of farm machinery and minimum opeiating costs are potential results of a mathematical method of predicting machine performance being developed at Au- burn. Accurate performance rates of machines can help farmers get maximum efficiency from time and fuel. Com- puter control of tractors is also under study in efforts t de- velop automatic guidance systems for even greater eff.mency. Coping with Manure Disposal Problems Although recycling of animal waste can effectively reduce the amount to contend xith, there will still be a problem of manure disposal. Both soil application to take advantage of fertilizer nutrients and lagoon disposal of xaste from dairy and hog farms have been studied. Rates as high as 20 tons manure per acre proved safe to use in cropping systems, and yields of double-cropped millet and rye xere excellent. Forage quality was high and there was no reduction in quality of runoff xater fron land where manure vas soil incorporated. Lagoons take care of dairy waste disposal without pollution problems, as shown by a 33-month study in xhich there was no odor or fly problem and no water xas removed from the lagoons except xhen heavy rainfall caused some overflow. A nex project just getting underay will investigate using water from a second-stage lagoon as flush xater for dairy and sxine facilities and as irrigation water. Management to maintain clover-grass pasture mixtures is getting major research emphasis. Innovative Cropping Systems Increase Production Interplanting corn and soybeans to get skip-roow effect without sacrificing use of halt the land area showed real potential last year. Yields went as high as 253 bushels of corn per acre in a system using two rows of coin alternated with four rows of soybeans, an increase of 113 bushels over conventional solid plantings. Efforts are continuing to find best row patterns and methods to get soybean production much higher than the 15-16 bushel yield level of the test to make most efficient use of land, sunlight, and soil moisture. Planting corn or grain sorghum in rye stubble for production without cultixation (called no-till farming) gave excellent results. Naiirow-row corn planted after rye grain harvest produced 18 tois of silage per acre, or 106 bushels if har- vested for grain. Hay Handling Goes Modern No iesearch project in recent history has so intrigued Ala- bama fanners as studies on mechanized, labor saving methods of hay harvesting and storing. The system that proxed most advantageous from labor saxing and cost standpoint was the use of large round bales (weighing about 950 poun ds). Put up by a relatively inexpensive commercial baler, the round bales aie loaded by tractor front end loader, stored in a central outside area with minimum veather damage, and then loaded and hatuled the saie way to a feediig airca. Collapsible panels that fit around the large bales proved economical by saving hay during feeding. Other handling systems evaluated included use of machine prepared stacks and mechanized handling and feeding of conventional bales, all of which showed some merit. Energy Savings in the Chicken House Important savings of energy for heating poultry houses have b~een identified in Auburn research. Previous Auburn poultry health advances make possible restrictimig of young broilers to small areas of houses for sizeable fuel savings. Proper insulation of houses xas found to reduce heat loss Storing and feeding hay in large round bales proved efficient in recent experiments comparing various haying systems. Different spacings and interplanting are being tried in research efforts to increase cottonwood production. by somic 25 percent,. and coriect care and maintenance of gas-fired 1rooders prov ide further savings. Potential fori us- ing solar energy in poultry house heating also is getting at- tention. \Wise use of land resources is a must as America's expand- ing population claims increasing acreages for Iuildings, high- sx ass, recreation, service, and industrial complexes. Research on erosion control, cropping methods, and reclamation of waste areas is prov iding infoimation needed to make the most of available natuiral resources. Face Lift for Surface dined Lands Suiface mined areas ar e eyesores and unproductive, b~ut recent Auburn research indicates the potential for getting useful v egetativ e covecr to impro ve appearance and put land back into productivity. Sycamore trees and bicolor lespedeza (an excellent wildlife food and cover crop) both made cx- celleiit growtlh. Adequate pasture has been established on such spoil areas by wx ise use of lime and fer tilizer and plant- ing of erosion controlling grazing crops. Overcoming Problem of Soil Compaction Cont olled traffic fanning offers a method of redlucing soil compaction fr om heavy equipment, to ov ercome cr0o) losses from shallow rooting and poor water ietention. In this sys- tem, wide wheel spacings arc used w ithl wheels traveling on the same area each yeair. This leav es uintiraxveled rows and middles free of compaction to pioduce at full potential. )eep tillage is another method of overcoming compaction, giving up to 37 percent higher yields of cotton in the Auburn tests. Growing crops like bahiagrass, which hav e deep growing roots that can penetirate compacted soil, is another way being cvaluated to oxvercome this problem. War Against Erosion Goes On Eliminating troublesome waterways by extending terraces ac oss the dr ainage channel and forming impoundment aireas to collect and discharge excess water thr ough underground pipes is showing promise for erosion control. This has ad- vantages of longer field iows plus dischairging cleaner water , [ ' , , a i .. r 14" R l' YS " ' A V,. 5 ; r s *5, from fields. Computers arc used to design the engineer can quickly determine best pipe storage ieeds of a tile outlet system. the svstems so sizes and water Soybean Irrigation Shous Possible Profit With soil moisture at time of soybean pod filling largely determining yield, a few timely irrigations could result in significant yield improvements when drought strikes. Soy- beans double-cropped with small girains made 44 to 50 bushels per acre when irrigated, a 34 percent b)oost from applying less than 3 inches of water. Yield increases of this magnitude could make irrigation highly profitable even with beans at lower than current prices, especially if irrigation equipment could be used with other crops as well. Land Use Management Left-information needed for Christmas tree production is being gained in production studies; below-several breeds of cattle are being used in crossbreeding research. E~,d~ k, ,i ., r, ,r ' ' ?IL ' il ?- ; 3 ..-. s ": ETm r " r, Environmental Quality 'N- er Recreation ?4w IL Health & Safety Iz c p 9 ~4 ;-~ .4 9 V I 4 s. if, s' F Page 10: upper left-lagoons perfected for pollution free manure disposal; upper right-height and size of bloom ore important measures of snapdragon variety desirability; lower left-maintain- ing purity of streams and lakes is important port of research at Auburn; lower right-new findings assure safety of poultry and eggs. Vmiu ,pith nrikii..r IH ~ -il , to lu t( ecunrnni .k pro- duce the necessities ot life, Exper iment Statiol resealelrs are vitally concerned albout the things that make for the "good life" - quality of the environment, recreation, health and safety. Even though the environment gets attention ini all projects, specific studies are carried out with env -i mental protection a primayl objective. Studies involve cJo, ing poultry and eggs for accidental pesticide contaminatiiu developing pest management systems that guard agail?. overuse of a single pesticide, making useful products from forest residue, evaluating flame retardant finishes for fabrics. and recreation related research involving development of plans to fit specific needs for fun and play , assuring good hunting and fishing, and using recreation to strengthen the State's economy. Keeping Atop the Garbage Pile Sav ings in garbage disposal through use of landfills serving a seve ral-county legion appear possible, based on Auburn research. Findings of the survey study were used to deter- mine best locations and pick-up routes for a regional dis- posal system serving Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion, and Wlinston counties in northwest Alabama. Also contributing to improved oper ation of landfills is a project at Auluri n's Rhizotron (root studying laboratory) that is studying ef- fects of buried solid waste on growth of vegetation and on water quality from such areas. Aquatic Beetles as Stream Pollution Watch Dogs Auburn researchers are investigating how water beetles can be used in monitor ing stream env ironment, since mailsv such aquatic insects serve as accurate indicators of what is happening in streams. Some respond to chemical water pollutants, others show the presence of excess nutrients, and still others indicate when there are high sediment loads or physical disturbance in their bodies of water. There arc more than 200 kinds of aquatic beetles found in Alabama waters, many of which are valuable also for fish food. Pest Management for Safe, Effective Control Insect control research at Auburn has emphasized inte- grated control methods and other approaches aimed at pro- viding effective suppression of damaging cr0op pests with a minimum of chemical use to avoid environmental damage. In the case of cotton, success has been achieved using a combination of diapause control, resistant host plants, sex attractant laited traps, sterile insect ielease, and intensive scouting. Soybeans were found to tolerate heavy attacks by some insects with no yield loss, leading to recommendations for a minimum of insecticide use. Keeping Poultry and Eggs Safe Concern that residues of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecti- cides from past applications might contaminate poultry meat and eggs led to a study that confirmed safety of these food products. Findings shos that broilers can be grown on 4 I d Management of farm ponds to provide recreational fishing and be a source of farm profit is a continuing program. pesticide-contaminated dirt floors without building up dan- gerous residues in the meat, but necessity of keeping clemi- cals out of feed was emphasized for both broileis and layers because of contamination danger. Flame Retardant Clothing Safety Protected Correct care of flame retardanit fabrics required for chil- dreni's sleepwear byV Federal standards showed up as a criti- cal factor iin maintaining fire protection. Soiling with such foods as homogenized milk, reconstituted nonfat diy milk, or baby cereal causes some flame ietardant fabrics to lose their flame retardant qualities, Aubur n results revealed. State Recreation Gets Auburn Emphasis The advertising claim that 'Alabama Has it All" is a well- deserved pat on the back that recognizes efforts of the State to cash in on its abundant natural resources. Aubuin's Ex- periment Station has played a major role in recent-year ef- forts to increase use of Alabama's facilities by State residents and out-of-state visitors to make recreation and tourism - already the number three industry behind manufacturing and agriculture - even more important to the economy. Major development and improvement of seven state parks and im- provements to others came about in part because of detailed study by Auburn researcliers under a contract project from Alabama Department of Conservation. Neariiig completion is a study of recreational and forest management needs for land around lakes and impoundments of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects under the \Iobile and Savannah Dis- trict offices. Implementation of these plans should provide increases in facilities for water oriented recreation, hunting, L f i " 4 and1 fishiig, whlnle protecting the lvir onment for future gen- erations to elljov. Pond Fishing in a Hrry A newv stocking method dcv eloped at Auburn cots dowsnii on the svaiting time b~etween stocking and fishing a ness or reno- vated far m pond. Over crows ding with bass and stocking blue- gills at thre standard rate resuited in bluegills averaging more than one-four11th pound bleing caught the first year after stock- ing, and reaching nealrls half-pound size the seconld year. Guidelines for fishing pressure under this system were sug- gested by the research. Gamie Supply lay Exceed Pre-Statehood Days Efforts bv swildlife researchers have played a major role in developmenrt of Alabama's hunting that, despite transition from a rural to an urlban state, probablv is superior for such species as (leer and ssild tlrkey than sw hen Indians huntedl from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf of Mexico. New wsork is developing methods of management that may lead to the American sw oodcock becoming an important game lird in Alabama. Alter ed hunting seasons are needed since the first month of the nesting season falls within current hunting time, and traditional bur ninig to improve quail hunting takes place at a time shen woodcock nests and young brood are vulnerable. Above-use of dwarfing chemicals to shape various ornamentals into unusual and desirable house plants is an intriguing new project; below-solving fish disease problems is leading to better fishing in ponds, lakes, and streams of Alabama. 4 k 0 JE iS. AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY Crop, Livestock, and Poultry Production and Management Ev aluatiotn of Griow th Potent ial for Beef Intdut strx Crop andc Beef Prodcion Sy stems, Lowser Cotal Plinis S ocio-Ecoomtic Fac tors lno lxed in Coontract Biroiler Produc ition Futll-"lime Hired Fairm Labot Situtatioti in Alibati Econoic i Positioin of Selected l \Ii aama Agrticuilturial Entteirprises Marketing of Agricultural Products and Policy Implications Econ omtic Antalis ofx Dt airt Matkettingp Otgaizatinsx Alterniatix e Fotrms of Vetrtical Cotord ination in Liv estock Intidutstry Effects of Policy and Technological Changes in Grain Maroketing Cotrtact NMarketing~ of Cotton Processing andi NMakettng Catfish Resource Use and Planning Lstate Platniig for Farinietrs Leasing Artatigetiirnts in the TIetioexsee V'alht x Ectonomic Ex aluation of utdtoot Reetreationi Facil ities Effects of lox rstitietts in Recetionial iesouttces on Income and Eloimtiett Imi plemtenttig Cotntinunant e P1laninig tin Outdoor Rece atioin, III Imtplemtentingp Cotinuttance Platin o in Outdoor Recreation, IV Profiliong the Forest JIncenditatiist: Dt ctutmenItedl Case IHistotrites Prepat atiton tof Fotrestiy x anagemettt, Fire Pr otectioth, and Fish andt W Xildlife Plans~ fori Xobile Di sticit Lake Ptrtojects Preparatioin oif Fotrestry NManagement, Fit e Pt itection, and Fish and Wildlife Plans fot W~est Point Lake, Chattahoiochee Rixer Rural Development Rural Dexvelopmnent anid Qtuality of Life in the Rtinda South I utman Resource Potetiails atndlN tfoi ility uif BRttal Yotith Pulic Serv iex and Economic Dexvelopmtent in Rural Comnmuinities Post P t roject Es aluation oif Cheaha Ci eek Wa~tershed Dexvelopmenot Solid Waste NIanagemietnt fot Notrth west A lab amna Imipact oif Expanded Fotod anid Nu triti on Edtucationi Pt opt am AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING Disease Control Eflect of Atmospheric Pollutants Upon0 Disease Susceptibility in Chtiekens and Quail Cotton Production Etineeriing Sy stems for Cotton Pt odutction Cotton Plant W~ater Potential as Influeniced by~ Variouins Tillage and Traffic Practices Dexvelopmoent and Es aluation of Tillage andI Cultural Practices Influence of Cutltuiral Practices oti Shot-Season Cotton Correction of Subisoil Acidlity in Cotton Prodrietion Poultry Production Besposs of Chickens to Variations in Air Temperature, I umidity, and Velocity PReproducetixve Perfotrmiance of Artificially Inseminated Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages Selected Envxironmental Factors on Feathering, Skin Lesions, andI Growth oif Broilers Conservation Tile-Outlet Terraces for Erosion Control in the Southeast Irrigation Irrigattion Schseduding anti Application in Humid Climates Farm Machinery Determining Fan Miachinery Capacities Automatic Direct Digital Control for Steering Tractors Beef produced on pasture is not only less expensive, but it has proved to be of desirable quality as well. Fisheries Aer ationi Efect tin W~ater Quality anid Catfish Produtctioni Waste Control Animnal Waste Treatment and Recy cling Sy stems~ Nut Culture Facrtts Infltenc ing Vegetatix e and Rept tidittis e Desvelo~pmtent of Yotung Pecain Tier's with Trickle Irrigation Soybean Production I erliicide 'Iillape Interactitons on Soyhean andl Soil in NMonocul- tun e 5)ystemn AGRONOMY AND SOILS Soil Chemistry and Soil Fertility Nitrate Niox tuent in Sil Profiles Acid-Sotil Infertility Phosphate Reaction aitd Tiratisformationts in Soils Diagnosis atnd Correction of Zinc Problemts in Corn and Rice Relationship Between Nici titti ictts in Soils, Uptake and Response 13 Fatctours Affecting Netrtical Notsent of Nitrates Soil T(esting and P~lant Analysis5 Soil Classification Taxonomiic anid Interpretiv e Classification of Alabama Sotils Forage Crops P~hysioloigical and] Ensviironmiental Faictoirs Affecting Forages Chemical P'rotfle and Nuttritisve Valne oif Forage Genoty pes Estalilishment and NManageinent of Paisture, Hay, and Silage Crops New Plattt Introduiction, NMultiplication, Eva~lualtioin, Preserxvatioin Plant Breeding Genetics, Breeding anti Ev alnation of Sericea anti Vetch Breeding Festuca andI Phialaris Species for Winter Protduction Cotton Production Influence of Cultural Practices on Short-Season Cotton Breeding Cottoii for Intensiv e Cutivxation Esvaluaition oif Cottotn Varieties andl Strains Weed Control Economic Thresholds tif W~eed Populations in Cotton Chemical indl Biological Weed Control in Agronomic Crops Soybean Production H-erbicidie-Tillage Interactions on Soybean andl Soil in Nlonoctiltutre System Soybean Vatriety and Experimental Strain Evaluation Cropping Systems andl Moistuire and Fertility for Soybeans Grain Crops Grain Crops Variety anti Experinmental Strains Testinsg Environment Fertilizers arid 0 rganre \\ astes Appliec to Soils Reclamation of Surface-Mined Lands in Alabama Pesticides Inactivation and Loss of Pesticides from Soils Turfgrass Turfgrass Evaluation and Management Vegetable Production Plant Nutrient Requirements of Vegetable Crops Herbicides Cultural and Environinental Effects on Herbicide Persistence Beef Production Crop and Beef Production Systems, Lower Coastal Plains ANIMAL AND DAIRY SCIENCES Nutrition N ucleic Acid Metabolism in the Ruminant Dairy Cow Performance on Los-Cost Computerized Rations Legume Protein, Preparation, Evaluation, and Amino Acid Com- position and Metabolism V itamin E for Swine Research in Confinement Strucetre and Metabolism of Lipids Containing Branched-Chain Fatty Acids Chemical Irofile and N utritive Value of Forage Genotypes Lix estock Waste as Animal Feed Use of Cellblase to Impiroxe Ruminant Digestion of Cellulose Energy andl Pio(tein Lev els ini Blended Dairy Rations Physiological Responses of (A) Birood Sows Fed Grain and (B) Dairy Cows Fed Crain and Silage from Blightetd Corn Effect of Dietary Cholesteiol on Longexvity in Rats and Factors Affecting Milk Cholesterol in Cattle Relationship of N ucleic Acid and Polyribosore Contents to Growth of Muscle of Beef Cattle Effect of Leel and Qua~lity of Protein on Lactation in Dairy Cattle Feeding Growing antd Finishing Stocker Cattle in the Gulf Coast Area Growing-Finishing Sy st( iris for Beet Steers iii Noirth Alabama Ev aluration of Two Feeding Systems for Crowing Light WV ight Stocker Cattle rn the Wiregrass Area A Comparison if Cool Season Grazing and Corn Silage for Grow- 14 ing Stocker Cattle in the Piedmont Area Es aluation of Pastures for Yearling Beef Steers (Limited vs. Con- tinuous Crazing by Stocker Beef Steers) Crowring-Finishing Systems for Steers in the Coastal Plains Crop and Beef Production Systens, Lower Coastal Plains Selection at Two Weights and Its Eflects on Efficiency of Swine Production Breeding Es aluation of Crossbred Reef Cattle Esvaluation of Prospective Boars Performance Testing of Prospectiv e Sires Effects of Breed and Breed Crosses on Milk Production ani Other Factors in a Grade Beef Herd Selected Reproductive Phenomena in Cattle ani Swine Dairy Production Ecology of Psy chrophilic Bacteria in Fluitd Dairy Protlucts Des elopment of Pretiction Tests for Microbiological Quality of Fluid Milk Products Silage-Concentrate Bleitietl Rations for Dairy CosS Regal Ladino White Clovser in Forage Systerns for Dairy Cattle in the Black Belt Effect of Level anti Quality of Protein on Lactation in Dairy Cattle Waste Management Animal Waste Treatment rnd Recycling Svstemrrs Lagoon Waste Management anti Recycling SyIsterms for Confineti Dairy Cattle Meat Effect of Preslarughter Immobilizatior on Pork Quality V r ~p--t *.i 5'. ' .. . I A:k ! ~ ; -: p.T ,k.i r.;1 1 ~!~~~qP31 of .i fJ information is used in production. Effect of Infusion of Lipitis andt Salts on Meat Flaxvor and Tender- ness Factors Responsible for Tenderness Variation in Meat Beef Production Breeding Methotis for Beef Cattle irn tbe Sourthern Region Pasture Esvaluation with Beef Cows Nurrsing Calsves Swine Production Miodifietd Gamete Selection as as Method of Swine Improvement Forage Production Relationship Between Properties of Southern Forages and Animal Response Animal Health Significance of Microflora of Healthy Boxine Udtders in Mastitis Control Endocrine anti Muscle Relationships in Swine anti Cattle Thyroitd Activity anti Associated Entdocrine Function in Stress- Susceptible Sws ine Fisheries Processing anti Marketing Catfish ANIMAL HEALTH RESEARCH Cattle Neurology of the Reprodiuctiv e System in the Bull V irological Aspects of Boxine Respiratory Tract Disease Resistance to and Epidemiology of Infectious Agents Affecting Binert Reprocuction Pathogenicity, Diagnosis, anti Treatment of Cooperiosis in Galsves Evaluation of Milking Techniques anti Hygienic Measures in Control (of Boxine Mastitis anti Imiprov ement in Milk Quality Swine The Role of Entdotoxin in the Swine Agalactia Syndrome Poultry Effect of Atmospheric Pollutants Upon Disease Susceptibility in Chickens antd Quail Relationship of Blood Pressure to Blood and Aortic Tissue Lipids ant Atherosclerosis in Turkeys Reproducetiv e Performance of Artificially Inseminated Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages ly4> V*~ A- -'i e s- a- Different intensities of weed competition-crabgrass in this instance-made a big difference in cotton growth. BOTANY AND MICROBIOLOGY Disease Control Physiology and Biochemistry of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi Epiphytology and Control of Apple and Peach Diseases Rhizosphere Ecology as Related to Plant Health and Vigor Soil-Borne Pathogens of Peanuts, Their Complexes and Control Mycotoxins and Seed in Storage Biology of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Seedling Diseases in Alabama Forest Nurseries and Plantations Crowth and Toxin Production of Food Storage Fungi Characteristics of Viruses Infecting Selected Grasses Epiphytology and Control of Pecan Foliar and Not Diseases Viruses and Mycoplasma-Like Organisms Causing Corn Diseases Effect of Soil Amendments on Nematode Behavior and Survival New or Unusual Plant Diseases in Alabama Fungal Spore Germination Inhibitors and Stimulators Associated with Surface Waxes of Peanuts Interactions of Herbicides and Soil Borne Cotton-Disease Fungi Production of Mycotoxons (Other than Aflatoxin) by Fungi Iso- lated from Cottonseed Ecology and Taxonomy of Some Alabama Fungi Mycotoxicology of Stored Feeds and Seeds Plants Effects of Aging on Some Energy-Linked Functions of Plant Mito- chondria Poisonous Plants of Alabama Herbicides Herbicide Movement from Application Sites and Effects on Non- Target Species Effects of Sodium Azide on the Microflora and Biochemical Ac- tivities of Soil Effect of Arsenic Herbicides on a Salt Marsh Ecosystem Insects Biological Control of Insects and other Arthropod Pests Waste Management Municipal Sewage Sludge as a Substrate for Industrial Fermen- tations Environment Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Factors Responsible for the Musty/Earthy Odor of the Auburn, Ala., Water Supply The brown recluse spider was just one of many species found in an Alabama survey that began with a project in which more than 100 species of spiders were identified in cotton. Cotton Production Influence of Cultural Practices on Short-Season Cotton Pesticides Pesticide Action in Salt Marshes With Microecosystems FISHERIES AND ALLIED AQUACULTURES Aquatic Ecology Streams and Impoundments Ecology Farm Ponds Catfish Farming Aeration Effect on Water Quality and Catfish Production Farm Ponds Epizootiology of Parasitic Diseases in Fish Populations Under Intensive Management Catfish Diseases Catfish Breeding Catfish Nutrition Processing and Marketing Catfish Fish Biology Ichthyology Fish Diseases Cooperative Fish Parasite and Disease Study Epizootiology of Parasitic Diseases in Fish Populations under Intensive Management Catfish Diseases Fish Feeds and Feeding Farm Ponds Cultural Procedures for Chironomids (Diptera) in the Laboratory and in Ponds Pond Management Farm Ponds Dynamics of Algae Populations in Farm Fish Ponds Sport Fish Management Farm Ponds FORESTRY Resource Management Forest Practice Alternatives in Central Alabama Forest Practice Alternatives in Natural and Artificial Stands Resource Economics Economic Alternatives for Managed Woodlots Forest Measurements Effectiv eness of Standardized Forest Condition Classes for Aerial Photographic Forest Inv entory Purposes Forest Products and Technology Improving Marketability of Southern Yellow Pine Particle Board Ev aluation of Southern Pine Plywood Prope rties Color in Sweetgum (Liquidamnbar styraciflua L.) Wood Cold Soaking of Fence Posts in Preservatis e Materials Regeneration Sunial and Early Growth of Selected Hardwood and Pine Species Planted in Bottoms and Slopes of Upland Hollows Reclamation of Surface-mined Lands in Alabama Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement Genetic Improvement of Forest Trees in the South Influence of Geographic Seed Sources on Forest Tree Performance Genetics, Breeding, and Evaluation of Certain Forest Trees in Alabama Breeding and Culture of Christmas Trees Genetics and Breeding of Selected Forest Tree Species Forest Site Quality Deternination of Site and Pine Forest by Indlicator Vegetation Physiographic Classification of Southern Pine Forest Lands Forest Physiology and Nutrition Forest Nursery Weed Control Nitrogen Fertilization of Loblolly Pine (Pinu taeda L.) Growth and Nutrient Requirements of Selected Hardwods Forest Stand Improvement Effects of Selected Silvicultural Practices on Tiimber Production and Wildlife Habitats Precomnmercial Treatment of Semistagnated Natural Stands of Loblolly Pine HOME ECONOMICS RESEARCH Nutrition Factors Affecting Dietary Habits of Teenage Families Patterns of Food Intake and Nutritional Health of Girls M\etabolic Basis of Appetite Response to Amino Acid Imbalance and Protein Level y1tJ~i ' u (]l c.i 'in Isit \,laptats io Lo os'ulfate iet Textile Utilization Consumer Perceptions of Changes in Fabric Properties Textile Safety Perfonnance of Fabrics Treated with Flaiiie Retardant Finishes Effect of Alkaline Earth and Alkali Metal Ions on Flame Re- tardancy of Selected Fabrics HORTICULTURE Breeding Breeding Inprosed Toiiiato and Pepper \arieties for the South Genetics and Breeding of Plums Southernpea Breeding for Insect and Virus Resistance Genetics and Breeding of Muiskmselon and Watermelons Breeding for Resistance to Gummy Stem Blight and Cucumber Beetles in Pickling Cucumbers Development and Evalumation of Root Stocks for Peach Management Height Control in Floriciilturi al Crops Factors Influencing Vegetatis e and Reproductisve Dev elopment of Young Pecan Trees with Trickle Irrigation Nutritional, Cultural, and Varietal Inestigation of Apples Regulation of Pistillate Flowering Processes in Pecan Control of Des eloping Fruit Depressant Effect on Subsequent Fruit Set and Growth in Annual Crops Peach Nutritional, Cultural, and Varietal Investigations Utilization Iigh-Fold Freeze Concentration of Fruit and V egetable luices Character ization of Promising Fruit anud V egetable Varieties andl Breeding Lines as Food Raw Materils and Processed Fools Factors Affecting Utilization and Expansion Potential for Orna- mental Plants and Turf Soil Fertility Plant Nutrient Requirements (f Vegetable Crops N utritional, Cultural, and Varietal Insvestigations of Apples Peach N utritiInal, Cultural, and Varietal Insvestigations Varieties Performance Trials (f Selected Varieties and Breeding Lines of Certain Vegetable Crops N utritional, Cultural, and Varietal Insvestigation (f Apples Peach Nutritional, Cultural, and Varietal Ins estigations y4 " 16 t M x'Q POULTRY SCIENCE Disease Control Relationships of Certain Poultry Practices to the Axian Leukosis Complex (Marek's Disease and Lymphoid Leukosis) Effect of Atmospheric Pollutants Upon Disease Susceptiility in Chickens and Quail Parasitic, Bacterial, Virus, and Fungus Diseases of Poultry Relationship of Blood Pressure to Blood and Aortic Tissue Lipids and Ather osclerosis in Turkeys Genetic Bases for Resistance to the Axvian Leukosis Complex Dexelopnient of Asvian and Fish Virus Antigen Systems Coccidiosis Study Coccidia aiid Coccidiosis of Poultry Susceptibility of Eimeria Species to Coccidiostats Management Condemned Poultry Products and Hatchery Management Paper Mill By-Products, a Source of Litter for Broilers Development of An Electric Automatic Beak Remover Relationships of Certain Poultry Practices to the Axian Leukosis Complex (Marck's Disease and Lymphoid Leukosis) Socio-Economic Factors Involved in Broiler Production Reproductixe Performance of Artificially Inseminated Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages Selected Environmental Factors on Feathering, Skin Lesions, and Growth of Broilers Breeding Genetics of Egg Production Under Less than Normal Day Length Reproductixe Performance of Artificially Inseminated Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages Genetic Bases for Avian Leukosis Complex Resistance Environment Selected Enxironmental Factors on Feathering, Skin Lesions, and Growth of Broilers Responses of Chickens to Variations in Air Temperature, Humid- ity, and Velocity Effect of Atmospheric Pollutants Upon Disease Susceptibility in Chickens and Quail C~i Top-slatted floors of different types are being tried to increase efficiency of swine production on State farms; bottom-an Auburn developed method of artificial insemination of broiler breeders is making possible accelerated breeding progress. Nutrition Selenium and Vitamin E Functions in Poultry Cholestrol Study Pesticides Pesticide Residue Studies Feeding Liv estock Waste as Animal Feed RESEARCH DATA ANALYSIS Statistics Deelopment and Maintenance of Statistical Analysis System ZOOLOGY-ENTOMOLOGY Pest Control Apple Insects Feasibility of an Integrated Cotton Insect Control Program Biology, Ecology, and Control of Forest and Shade Tree Insects Evaluation of Aldicarb as a Suppression Tool for Inclusion in Boll Weevil Eradication Programs Biological Control of Insects and Other Arthrnpod Pests Biology and Control of Woody Ornamental Insects and Mites Biology and Control of Insect Pests of Cotton Biology and Control of Insects on Soybeans Biochemistry and Physiology of Insect and Tick Pheromones Ecology and Control of Blood-Sucking Flies Bionomics and Control of Corn Insects in Alabama Biology and Control of Insects and Mites of Pecans Bionomics and Control of the Pecan Weevil Vegetable Insects Research Identification, Biology, and Control of Scale Insects on Orna- mental and Forest Plants Biology and Control of Peanut Insects Site and Factors Affecting Boll Weevil Sex Pheromone Production Insect Enemies of Bark Beetles Infesting Southern Pines Wildlife Management Ecological Studies of Wild Turkeys Furhearer and Mammalian Predator Studies Physiology of Reproduction in Wild Turkey Wild Turkey Management Investigations in Alahama Biology, Ecology, and Management of the White Tailed Deer Woodcock Studies Research on Feral Dogs in Alabama Reclamation of Strip-Mined Lands Effect of Clear Cutting on Wildlife Food Production Beaver Pond Management Miscellaneous Wildlife Studies Bobwhite Quail Studies Ecology Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama The Hydradephaga (Aquatic Beetles of Alabama) Ecologic Impacts of Wading Birds on Aquatic Environment Reclamation of Strip-Mined Lands in Alabama Breeding Physiology of Reproduction in Wild Turkey Pesticides Influence of Formulation and Application Conditions on the Per- sistence and Residues of Pesticides Cotton Production Influence of Cultural Practices on Short-Season Cotton Miscellaneous Auburn Unixersity Entomological Museum Auburn University Vertebrate Museum C t l 6 .%Fruits, 6 . %s Nuts a8ae Vegetables% 8.7% Rceto Feed 9 Grains 2.6%Pent Human Needs a 3.50 .%Ornamentals Develapme nt Tr Forestry5.% 7.9% Sy StateSin 45 39.6% Aprprae Grats Doain Funds 8Contracstton8 19EXPESOURCEE$ Spreading the Word Research results are valuable only if they get to the people who can use the information, and research reporting received added emphasis during the year. Methods of dissemination included printing and distributing Experiment Station pub- lications, preparation and release of stories to the mass media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television), technical articles published in professional journals, and numerous programs held at the Experiment Station. Experiment Station publications produced duiing the year totaled 42 individual reports, ith 130,000 copies. These were widely distributed to members of Alabama's agricultural and business community, as well as to selected groups in other states and many foreign countries. Faculty members 144 had 236 technical articles published in professional journals. Some 300 releases were distributed to newspapers, maga- zines, and specialty publications, which brought attention of a wide variety of readers to efforts and accomplishments of Auburn agricultural research. Many of these stories re- ported results of research in progress, some even before the first year was completed, giving users the benefit of such information as early as possible. A total of 34 field day programs, area meetings, and other commodity group conferences held at outlying units during the year brought thousands of visitors to the Agricultural Experiment Station. Such sessions allowed face-to-face dis- cussions between researchers and users of research data. 'tc HIGHLIGHTS r- . 'V., ;it r 4 s A rA 4 a ~Q ~ 4- 4 d *1 X a Ann. a .t14 ?,,,.j t 1.MP. a a. 'r 'a .u qt irap SnaIup WlOt 3a Ii irtualulati% AWW tt t --r AU A erncht.- Urh.. rl WVar ae oWod P.,. s .ti 7t$ { 7 .- RtiE*t(, ia ,, ,,ta'ur*W 'w(,l'UtL F1. atIt tti 'I e i e 'i ' ul. lit *atr. I t, P. -~Cd*~-T~ U+?;~. r r ii IExl ;iarrlr I; ~~ ~;bapDaP s- t i 'JA, ..t- tz wac 5 qt, , , i; LTUU MM M ITMZnwBmrm~~~mI'~ Foundation Seed Stocks Farm- _-- - *- " Piedmont Substation Chilton Area Horticulture Substation Prottville Experiment Field Ji Black Belt SubstMtion Main Station' Tuskegee Experiment Field Lower Coastal Plain Substation Monroeville Experiment Field 0 ~ S ~ Wiregrass Substation Brewton Experiment Field *I Ornamental Horticulture Field Station, Gulf Coast Substation With 21 ottly ing units located throughout the State, the ricultural Experiment Station System makes Auburn se- arch a neighbor to all Alabamians. These strategicall\ lo- tted research units coinpiemeit research of the Main Sta- ion at Auburn, making the ox erall program more oriented to problems that may lbe peculiar to each specific area of the State. The substation is, fields, and specialized units were lo- cated so that each major soil area had at research unit. This equipped the Experiment Station to better serve the needs of field crops, liv estock, forestrx-, and horti- cultural producers in each region ini Alabama. The record of service over the y ears testifies to the sound- ness of this approach. There was never anyx doubt that improv ing effic- iency of producing and handling farm products sereed all the people. Attention to non-agricultural prolleiis has been intensified in recent years with extra efforts giv en to envx ironmeltal protection, rec- reation, health and safety , and other areas of public concern. ihe combination of Main Station and out- l\ing units continues to prov ide the organization andi facilities needed for attacking modern day problems of both rural and urlban people.