In descending order, by date published.
3/19/2024 (new)
Authors: John Grove, Brad Lee, Edwin Ritchey
The USDA NRCS has established a national land classification system to help landowners and farm operators with land use planning. This system classifies land for agricultural purposes by the intensity with which it can be used for crop production and by the nature of the limiting problem. In general, the better the Land Class (lower numeric values), the less management is necessary to produce a crop while protecting the soil resource and the environment.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 1.41 mb
Pages: 2
3/12/2024 (new)
Authors: Glynn Beck, Rick Durham, Brad Lee
Eutrophication is a significant environmental issue affecting creeks, streams, and lakes, and excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), play a crucial role in its development. Microbial growth due to excess nutrients in the environment can be devastating to aquatic life and water resources. When eutrophication occurs, excess nutrients in fresh water can cause algal blooms, some of which are toxic to humans and pets.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences, various
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.31 mb
Pages: 3
1/16/2024 (major revision)
Authors: Brad Lee, Edwin Ritchey
Soil is a mixture of weathered rock fragments (minerals) and organic matter at the earth's surface. It is biologically active - a home to countless microorganisms, invertebrates, and plant roots.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 1.53 mb
Pages: 18
1/16/2024 (major revision)
Authors: Rick Durham, Brad Lee
Gardeners have long made and used compost to improve garden soil.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 908 kb
Pages: 6
1/16/2024 (major revision)
Authors: Rick Durham, Brad Lee
We generally view gardening as a wholesome activity that enhances our environment. But pesticides, fertilizers, and erosion from gardens and landscapes can contaminate lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, and groundwater. Since the quality of our water resources affects our quality of life, we must learn how gardening practices can contribute to water contamination and how to reduce the threat to water quality.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 749 kb
Pages: 6
10/12/2023 (new)
Authors: Benjamin Currens, Andrea Drayer, Rick Durham, Brad Lee
Filter strips are planted and maintained strips of vegetation designed to provide pretreatment of stormwater runoff before it flows into adjacent best management practices (BMPs). Gently sloped, the dense vegetation within the strip reduces the speed of stormwater. This allows for the capture of sediment as stormwater from impervious surfaces passes through the filter strip.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 7.32 mb
Pages: 4
10/12/2023 (new)
Authors: Benjamin Currens, Andrea Drayer, Rick Durham, Brad Lee
Retention basins, or wet ponds, retain a deep, permanent pool of water that can collect stormwater and release it slowly to maintain a desired water level, after which the excess stormwater is released slowly via an outlet (drawdown orifice). Retention basins should always have a baseline level of water present and may be vegetated. Retention basins provide a higher level of pollutant retention (up to 80 percent) and a lower chance of sediment resuspension than detention basins (dry ponds).
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 6.80 mb
Pages: 5
10/12/2023 (new)
Authors: Benjamin Currens, Andrea Drayer, Rick Durham, Brad Lee
Grass swales, or dry swales, are designed to transport stormwater, promote infiltration, and capture sediment during a storm event. Grass swales are turfgrass-planted channels constructed with wide bottoms to encourage infiltration of stormwater into the underlying soil. Vegetation in the channel functions to reduce the speed of stormwater and trap sediment as water is conveyed through the channel. When functioning properly, these swales hold water no longer than six hours after a storm and should remain dry until the next storm event.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 5.57 mb
Pages: 4
10/12/2023 (new)
Authors: Benjamin Currens, Andrea Drayer, Rick Durham, Brad Lee
Detention basins, or dry ponds, are designed to collect water during a storm event and hold it for a certain amount of time, usually 48 hours. This short impoundment of stormwater allows pollutants carried in the stormwater to settle to the bottom of the basin before collected stormwater is released through a slow-release outlet. When functioning properly, these basins should remain dry after the release of water until the next storm event.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 8.23 mb
Pages: 4
8/24/2023 (new)
Authors: Sharon Bale, Tom Barnes, Jessica Bessin, Kenneth Clayton, Rick Durham, Bill Fountain, J.D. Green, Kelly Jackson, Krista Jacobsen, Jonathan Larson, Brad Lee, Kimberly Leonberger, Adam Leonberger, Gregg Munshaw, A.J. Powell, Edwin Ritchey, Rachel Rudolph, Robbie Smith, Matthew Springer, Lee Townsend, Nicole Ward Gauthier, Stacy White, Mark Williams, Erica Wood, Shawn Wright
Plants are essential to life on earth. Either directly or indirectly, they are the primary food source for humans and other animals. Additionally, they provide fuel, replenish the earth's oxygen supply, prevent soil erosion, slow down wind movement, cool the atmosphere, provide wildlife habitat, supply medicinal compounds, and beautify our surroundings.
Departments: Bell County, Christian County, County Extension, Entomology, Extension Office, Forestry and Natural Resources, Franklin County, Hopkins County, Horticulture, Mercer County, Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 63.04 mb
Pages: 336
3/1/2021 (major revision)
Authors: Ric Bessin, Rick Durham, Brad Lee, Rachel Rudolph, Mark Williams, Shawn Wright
A well-planned and properly kept garden should produce 600 to 700 pounds of produce per 1,000 square feet and may include many different crops. Consult "Vegetable Cultivars for Kentucky Gardens" (ID-133) for the latest recommendations on home vegetable varieties.
Departments: Entomology, Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 4.80 mb
Pages: 56
12/19/2019 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient and a common component of many turfgrass nutrition programs. Although P application can improve turfgrass quality in some soils, most soils of Kentucky already have adequate plant-available P to support healthy turfgrass growth. What is the function of P within the plant, and how much P is required to sustain acceptable turfgrass in Kentucky? Also, if P applications are necessary, when and how should P be applied?
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 481 kb
Pages: 4
7/2/2019 (new)
Authors: Rick Durham, Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw, Suzette Walling
Fertilizers and other lawn amendments benefit the residential landscape by providing or supplementing the essential nutrients for plant growth and maintenance. Commercial fertilizers are commonly formulated based on three major nutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and each plays an important role in plant development. However, improper application of fertilizers and amendments may increase the risk of non-point source pollution of surface and ground waters.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 381 kb
Pages: 4
1/24/2018 (new)
Authors: Rick Durham, Brad Lee, Ashley Osborne
Although most would agree that gardening is a worthwhile endeavor, traditional gardening with long neat rows spaced 3 or 4 feet apart to allow cultivation by a tractor or tiller may not be feasible for everyone. Individuals that live in urban areas, especially those living in townhomes, condominiums, and apartments may not have the outdoor space needed for this conventional style of gardening. In addition, those with limited mobility may not be able to establish and maintain this type of garden. For many, raised bed gardening and container gardening may be a more practical and manageable choice for those gardening in small spaces and those with limited mobility.
Departments: Ag Programs, Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 1.14 mb
Pages: 8
11/1/2015 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee, Tracey Parriman, Nicole Ward Gauthier
"Wet feet" is the common term for a condition that affects plant species intolerant of wet growing conditions. This problem occurs when soils become saturated with water, which, in turn, displaces available oxygen. Roots require oxygen to function; when oxygen is deficient, roots suffocate. Once root damage occurs, plants decline and may eventually die. While "wet feet" is an abiotic disorder and is not caused by infectious organisms, declining root health and wet soil conditions can inhibit the ability of some plants to thrive. This also provides ideal conditions for many root and collar rot water mold pathogens, such as Phytophthora and Pythium.
Departments: County Extension, Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Woody Ornamental Disease: Plant Pathology Factsheet (PPFS-OR-W series)
Size: 1.36 mb
Pages: 4
11/11/2014 (major revision)
Authors: Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw
The goal of water conservation in the landscape does not need to be as drastic as eliminating all irrigation, but we should choose plant material wisely and decide if and when irrigation is necessary. This publication is designed to promote a healthy lawn through watering while promoting water conservation through best management practices. One of the easiest things you can do to reduce the need for irrigation in your yard is to plant species that naturally need less water. When choosing plants, remember that just because a particular plant is drought tolerant does not mean that it is suitable for Kentucky's climate.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 892 kb
Pages: 4
5/1/2014 (new)
Authors: Rick Durham, Brad Lee, Brad Lee, Ashley Osborne
This publication covers the design, construction, and maintenance of residential ran gardens. Rain gardens are one of several stormwater management practices that homeowners can use to reduce their property's negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Forestry and Natural Resources, Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 6.00 mb
Pages: 15
7/25/2013 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee
The purpose of this publication is to discuss home water use patterns and suggest water conservation measures that could improve septic system performance and reduce the risks of hydraulic overload or other kinds of system failure.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.00 mb
Pages: 4
2/15/2013 (new)
Authors: Rick Durham, Brad Lee
Septic system components sometimes have unsightly aboveground pipes, risers, ventilation systems, or large mounds. Homeowners can improve the appearance of these functional features through site design and, in particular, plant material selection.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.38 mb
Pages: 6
9/19/2012 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee
This publication provides homeowners with a basic introduction to septic systems by explaining how septic systems function and suggesting ways to better maintain systems and increase their longevity.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.60 mb
Pages: 4
9/19/2012 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee
More than one-third of new homes and over half of the mobile homes in the U.S. depend on septic systems. Here in Kentucky, approximately 40 percent of the homes have septic systems. This is common in the southeast, where there are more septic systems per capita than any other region of the country.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 630 kb
Pages: 3
9/19/2012 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee
Septic tanks play an essential role in effectively treating wastewater in areas without municipal sewage treatment. Homeowners often assume that the septic tank in their backyard is their septic system. Actually, the tank is merely the first of a series of components that make up a well-designed septic system.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.72 mb
Pages: 4
9/19/2012 (new)
Authors: Mark Coyne, Brad Lee
A high BOD value means potential septic system problems for homeowners; a low BOD means fewer problems for homeowners. This publication describes the environmental impacts of BOD, shows how BOD is distributed in septic systems, and describes remediation strategies for excess BOD.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.22 mb
Pages: 4
9/19/2012 (new)
Authors: Mark Coyne, Brad Lee
Septic system additive vendors often market their products as necessities that improve septic system performance or repair failing systems. Rather than address specific products, this publication examines general categories of these additives. This publication also describes the treatment functions of septic systems and the available scientific data regarding the effectiveness of septic system additives.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 697 kb
Pages: 4
9/19/2012 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee
The most common septic systems used in the United States employ soil treatment area to treat and disperse wastewater into the environment. The soil treatment area consists of a network of perforated pipes within gravel-filled trenches. Under normal environmental conditions, well designed and managed septic systems work very well at dispersing wastewater and removing pathogens from the wastewater before they reach groundwater or surface waters.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.00 mb
Pages: 3
9/13/2012 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw
Many homeowners notice color differences in the turfgrass over their septic system soil treatment area. Most often, homeowners observe green or brown stripes in their turfgrass relative to the surrounding lawn. This discoloration is worth keeping an eye on because turfgrass color is often an early sign that serious problems are about to occur.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.14 mb
Pages: 3
9/8/2010 (new)
Authors: Tyler Henningsen, Brad Lee, Ashley Osborne
Reducing, at the top of the waste management hierarchy, has the greatest impact on the environment and starts with you reducing the number of products you purchase and use.
Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 801 kb
Pages: 4
9/8/2010 (new)
Authors: Tyler Henningsen, Brad Lee, Ashley Osborne
Reuse is essentially any action that extends the life of a product and keeps it out of the waste system. The process of reusing an item can start even before you purchase it.
Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 484 kb
Pages: 4
9/8/2010 (new)
Authors: Tyler Henningsen, Brad Lee, Ashley Osborne
Americans create about 5 pounds of waste per day, half of which is recycled in some manner, leaving roughly 2.5 pounds of waste per day going to landfills.
Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 936 kb
Pages: 4
9/8/2010 (new)
Authors: Tyler Henningsen, Brad Lee, Ashley Osborne
Everyday products found around your house contain hazardous chemicals--everything from nail polish remover to household electronics to oil for your car.
Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 514 kb
Pages: 4
