https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/3977 2026-08-14T21:41:10Z https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50850 Data for: Patterns of Soil Dissolvable Matter Following Prescribed Fire Reintroduction in Hurricane-Damaged Southeastern U.S. Coastal Forests Prescribed fire is a common management practice for restoring and preserving coastal forest ecosystems in the southeastern U.S., increasingly complicated by wind events that alter fuel distribution and loads, and potentially fire severity. We quantified variations in dissolvable matter of soil to identify how variations in fire severity influence carbon and nutrients within the first year following the re-introduction of prescribed fire to two recently hurricane-impacted, fire-dependent coastal forests along the Gulf of Mexico, USA: 1) Perdido River Preserve, Florida, a young (~ 20-year old) longleaf pine forest with an open herbaceous understory and 2) Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Alabama, a mature (60+-year old) slash pine forest with an understory containing shrubs and hardwood saplings. At the time of fire re-introduction, both forests had variable fuel biomass, likely driven by previous wind events. At Perdido, fire severity positively correlated with an immediate increase in water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC), nitrogen (WEN), and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N). No pronounced change in WEOC was seen at Weeks Bay. Elevated WEN levels were measured at both sites one-year post-fire, resulting in a decreased C:N ratio from 15 to 8, indicating enhanced microbial-derived carbon. We observed a transient increase in dissolved phosphate and small pyrogenic carbon at Perdido, while humic-like fluorophores increased at Weeks Bay. Thus, varying fuel loads and, consequently, fire severity in fire-managed, wind-disturbed forests can temporarily alter patterns of dissolvable matter, potentially leading to more pronounced consequences for carbon and nutrient loss in young, open forests. https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50774 Do Windows Matter in Poultry Housing? What Welfare and Behavior Tell Us Artificial light remains the industry standard in modern broiler production because it is highly controllable and can provide a consistent, uniform light source. While some studies demonstrate the benefits of artificial lighting, other research suggests that the same environment may negatively affect ocular and leg health. “In recent years, provision of natural light through windows has gained increased attention, as it offers a broader light spectrum that includes UV light and a natural diurnal pattern that cannot be fully replicated by artificial light sources,” according to Tarek Youssef, DVM, Auburn University, and Bethany Baker-Cook, PhD, IRTA. Youssef and Baker-Cook explore lighting practices in broiler production and review research to see how natural lighting compares with artificial lighting when it comes to bird health and welfare. https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50772 Yield and Fruit Quality of ‘Albion’ and ‘San Andreas’ Strawberry in Hydroponic Culture in Alabama, United States Over a Single Season Day-neutral strawberry cultivars Albion and San Andreas were cultivated hydroponically in a climate-con-trolled greenhouse (temperature and light regulated) to assess fruit quality and anthocyanin composition, which are important attributes for flavor and color (visual appeal), respectively. Fruits were collected from 6 Feb 2023, until 18 May 2023, at Auburn University, AL. Soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (Tacid), pH, total phenolics (TPC), and anthocyanins [total anthocyanins (TAC), cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), pelar-gonidin-3-glucoside (P3G), pelargonidin-3-rutinoside (P3R), pelargonidin-3-malonylglucoside (P3M)] were determined from the juice of thawed frozen fruits. Average fruit yield (Fyield; g·plant-1) was similar between cultivars. Both cultivars were similar for SSC, Tacid, TPC, TAC, and the major pigment (P3G) when averaged across days after transplanting (DAT). Pelargonidin-based pigments predominantly characterized the antho-cyanin profile. Minor pigments differed, with more C3G (mg 100 g/fresh weight) in ‘Albion’ than in ‘San Andreas’ (0.39 and 0.18, respectively), whilst ‘San Andreas’ had more P3R (mg 100 g/fresh weight) than ‘Albion’ (2.26 and 1.81, respectively). Plant age (DAT, non-replicated) influenced SSC, Tacid, and most of the anthocyanins. Fyield, Tacid, and SSC were higher in plants at 140 DAT (early spring), but lower in plants at 180 DAT (late spring), indicating a potential plant age effect on fruit productivity and quality. Correlation analysis indicated a robust positive correlation between TAC, C3G, pelargonidin anthocyanins (P3G, P3R, P3M), and Fyield, whereas Fyield was inversely correlated with Tacid and TPC. Our results indicate that strawberry fruit qual-ity is influenced by cultivar-specific pigment profiles, seasonal variations, and yield interactions, highlighting the need to balance productivity with market-preferred traits in hydroponic greenhouse systems https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50771 Alabama Livestock Research Report 2025 Welcome The livestock industry remains a foundation of Alabama’s agricultural economy, supporting rural communities, creating jobs, and providing high-quality animal protein for a growing population. Cattle are produced in every county in the state and represent an industry valued at more than $2.5 billion annually. Alongside beef production, Alabama’s broader animal agriculture sector, including poultry, pork, dairy, goats, and hay production, plays a vital role in sustaining the state’s agricultural landscape. Recent assessments estimate that Alabama’s food, fiber, forestry, and green industries contribute $77.3 billion to the state’s economy and support more than 273,000 jobs, accounting for nearly 10% of Alabama’s workforce. As global demand for animal protein continues to increase, livestock producers face evolving challenges related to efficiency, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and animal health. Addressing these challenges requires innovative research, strong partnerships, and a commitment to translating science into practical solutions for producers. The Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University remains dedicated to advancing this mission through collaborative research and extension programs that support the livestock industry across Alabama. The projects featured in this year’s report highlight the diversity and impact of our research programs. From studies evaluating nutritional strategies to investigations of grazing systems that incorporate warm-season forbs, our researchers are working to improve animal performance while enhancing the sustainability of pasture-based production systems. Other efforts focus on reproductive biology and developmental programming, exploring how maternal nutrition and reproductive technologies influence early embryonic development and long-term animal performance. In addition, extension-focused research included in this report examines how educational programs can better reach and serve Alabama’s livestock and equine communities. We are pleased to present the fourth edition of the Alabama Livestock Research Report, which showcases research conducted by faculty, staff, and students in the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences and our affiliated research and extension centers. Within these pages, you will find examples of how science, innovation, and collaboration are helping address real-world challenges faced by livestock producers throughout the state. We are grateful to the many producers, industry partners, commodity groups, and funding agencies who make this work possible. Most importantly, we thank the faculty, staff, and students whose dedication and curiosity drive the research and outreach efforts highlighted in this report. Thank you for your continued support of Auburn University’s Department of Animal Sciences and our shared commitment to strengthening Alabama’s livestock industry. We invite you to engage with this work, ask questions, share ideas, and join us as we continue to serve Alabama’s livestock industry through research, education, and innovation. This is our work. Sincerely, Kim Mullenix, Ph.D. Professor and Head Department of Animal Sciences 210 Upchurch Hall, Auburn Univ, AL 36849