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natural resources


ID-201

Your Yard and Water Quality: Kentucky Master Gardener Manual Chapter 12

3/26/2012 (new)
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)
Tags:
Size: 749 kb
Pages: 6



FOR-135

Softwood Growth Rings

1/10/2020 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Many softwoods look similar to the naked eye at first; the colors are often similar, maybe light-colored overlaid with tinges of yellow-brown or perhaps a slight pinkish cast. Even the weights of similarly-sized pieces (the densities) might seem similar. There are, however, differences in the wood structure that we can use to separate the various species. Two of the most important characteristics we look at are 1) the presence or absence of resin canals (as discussed previously) and 2) the appearance of the earlywood--latewood transition in annual growth rings.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 14.61 mb
Pages: 6



FOR-136

Further Distinguishing Softwood Species

1/10/2020 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Recognizing that an unidentified sample is a resinous or non-resinous softwood, with either an abrupt or a gradual transition is a good start towards identifying an unknown specimen. The problem is that this information is rarely enough! Other characteristics need to be combined with that data. Some of the things to look out for include characteristic odors, the diameter of the tracheids, and the presence of storage cells. Sometimes the context or original location of the material can be helpful.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 3.34 mb
Pages: 4



FOR-137

Hardwood Growth Rings

1/10/2020 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

As in softwoods, hardwood species identification is accomplished by looking at species-specific combinations of features. Almost all hardwood species (including all of those from North America) contain vessels which appear as holes (pores) on wood cross-sections; hardwood species without vessels are unlikely to be encountered in North America. Those species are more commonly found in the southern hemisphere and are rarely sold as commercial species.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 14.73 mb
Pages: 8



FOR-138

Wood Structure and Mechanical Performance are Related

1/10/2020 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

There is a strong correlation between wood density and mechanical properties, and this is true for both softwood and hardwood species. Density and strength properties can vary even within species due to different growth conditions.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 3.17 mb
Pages: 4



ID-242

Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide

2/11/2019 (minor revision)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Amanda A. Gumbert, Chris Sass

Many urban homeowners are not sure what to do about the stream in their backyard. Who owns it? How can I take care of it? What plants are good for my streambanks? These common questions lead to some confusing answers. This publication is designed to help the homeowner of a backyard stream appreciate this resource, protect personal property, and improve water quality and habitat.

Departments: Ag Programs, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Landscape Architecture
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, water
Size: 15.70 mb
Pages: 24



FOR-131

A Checklist for Operators of Small Dry Kilns

8/31/2018 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Drying air-dried hardwood lumber to the finished moisture content (MC) requires care and attention, but it's not difficult. This document describes the steps a kiln operator should follow to get the best lumber from his/her air-dried material. It will probably be most useful for operators of small kilns, but the principles are the same regardless of kiln size or type of kiln.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags: forestry, natural resources, timber
Size: 2.40 mb
Pages: 12



FOR-132

A Start-Up Guide for Operators of Small Dry Kilns

8/31/2018 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Step-by-step procedures so you can keep your dry kiln operation well-organized and running properly.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags: forestry, natural resources, timber
Size: 2.90 mb
Pages: 12



ID-245

Predator Management for Small-Scale Poultry Enterprises in Kentucky

5/4/2017 (new)
Authors: Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore, Matthew Springer

As urban expansion spreads, there is a loss of natural habitat for wildlife. Wildlife has come into closer contact with livestock operations, and some of these animals are predators of poultry.

Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, wildlife
Size: 2.40 mb
Pages: 8



FOR-128

Hardwood Dry Kiln Operation: A Manual for Operators of Small Dry Kilns

4/6/2017 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Green lumber is used mostly for local uses such as fence boards, barn siding and so forth. Lumber that will be glued or finished has to be dried, however, and that includes just about all the higher-value wood products used indoors such as flooring, furniture, wall paneling, cutting boards and so forth. Dry lumber can be used for more types of products and has greater marketability. Dry lumber is also worth more than green lumber.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 11.03 mb
Pages: 114



ID-243

Management of Wildlife and Domestic Animals on Your Farm: Good Agricultural Practices

1/10/2017 (new)
Authors: Matthew Springer, Paul Vijayakumar

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are necessary to ensure that fresh fruits and vegetables are harvested, handled, and packaged in a sanitary manner. Field crops are at a higher food safety risk than processed foods because of regular exposure to several sources of contamination, including soil, manure, human handling, domestic and wild animals, and water. While it is impossible to completely eliminate these risks, GAPs ensure that these risks are as small as possible when implemented correctly.

Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, wildlife
Size: 908 kb
Pages: 3



AGR-221

Wildlife Benefits of Switchgrass Production in Kentucky

7/26/2016 (new)
Authors: Tom Keene, Krista Lea, Laura Schwer, Ray Smith

Switchgrass is a versatile grass that can be utilized for forage or biomass production. Establishing and maintaining switchgrass is also beneficial to many types of wildlife by providing suitable habitat and cover.

Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: biodiversity, conservation, natural resources
Size: 385 kb
Pages: 4



AEN-128

Sediment Fingerprinting

2/9/2016 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Somsubhra Chattopadhyay

Sediments in waterbodies cause a number of problems such as harming aquatic habitats, filling reservoirs, and worsening flooding. High amounts of sediment in the water inhibit the ability of fish and aquatic macroinvertebrates to move, breathe, hunt and reproduce. Accumulated sediments in reservoirs reduces their useful life and increases costs associated with maintenance. Streams experiencing such sediment buildup carry less water during storm events.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 1.51 mb
Pages: 4



AEN-129

Measuring Discharge in Wadeable Streams

2/9/2016 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Whitney Blackburn-Lynch, Tyler Sanderson

Knowing the amount of water flowing in a stream can improve management practices such as those related to streambank erosion, pollutant loading and transport, and flood control. Streamflow or discharge is defined as the volume of water moving past a specific point in a stream for a fixed period of time.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 2.29 mb
Pages: 4



FOR-123

Introduction to Wood Structure and Characteristics

12/21/2015 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Knowing how to identify unknown pieces of wood using a hand lens is the only skill you will need for most situations---and that's the purpose behind most of this manual. A section at the end about how to identify wood using a microscope is available should you want to develop your wood identification expertise.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.00 mb
Pages: 4



FOR-124

First Steps in Identifying Wood

12/21/2015 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Wood samples need to be identified for all sorts of reasons, and they come in all shapes, sizes and conditions. I've received samples that were sound, samples that were waterlogged, samples that were rotted or otherwise degraded, painted samples, furniture samples, even samples containing wood preservatives. Most of the samples I receive have a North American origin, but I also receive pieces from art museums and antique dealers that can originate from just about anywhere. This sometimes means that identifying the sample by a common name alone doesn't provide enough information.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.98 mb
Pages: 8



FOR-125

Distinguishing Softwoods from Hardwoods

12/21/2015 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Softwood and hardwood trees are made up of different types of cells. With just a little magnification, it's easy to see that softwood growth rings look different from hardwood growth rings. Additionally, growth rings don't look the same for all of the trees, and the growth ring appearance is one of the things we will look at to identify wood.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 2.40 mb
Pages: 4



FOR-126

Grain Patterns and Growth Rings

12/21/2015 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Frequently you need to be able to observe wood cells from a particular perspective, and you will need to know where to look for different features on your sample. It's also very helpful to develop a kind of "visual vocabulary" that will let you match a term with a corresponding mental image, and the information in this chapter will start you on your way.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.50 mb
Pages: 3



FOR-127

The First Separation of Softwood Species

12/21/2015 (new)
Authors: Terry Conners

Just making the separation between softwoods and hardwoods doesn't help much in identifying wood species; that would be sort of like identifying children by their hair color. Let's look at the next level of wood features that you need to be able to recognize.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 4.20 mb
Pages: 6



ID-228

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates: Biological Indicators of Stream Health

5/12/2015 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Blake Newton, Tyler Sanderson, Evan Wesley

Streams are an important part of the landscape. Streams transport water, sediment and energy; provide habitat for aquatic life and support terrestrial life; provide a place for recreation; and in many cases serve as a water supply. The health of streams---or their ability to perform these important functions---is dependent on the conditions of the watersheds which they drain. Changes in land use within a watershed can affect a stream's health.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Entomology
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, water
Size: 4.80 mb
Pages: 5



AEN-126

Common Hazards in Karst Terrain

11/11/2014 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis

Karst refers to terrain largely drained by subsurface conduits and caves. Karst landscapes are characterized by surface features such as springs, sinkholes, shallow depressions, and rolling hills. Karst regions are also known for their subsurface or below-ground features such as conduits and caves. What makes a karst region unique is the way runoff drains from the land. In karst regions, some of the runoff flows into surface features such as sinkholes where it then travels underground. Some of this infiltrated water re-emerges at springs, and some continues moving underground.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 2.70 mb
Pages: 4



AEN-124

Streambank Erosion

7/23/2014 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Matthew Burnette

Streambank erosion refers to the removal of soil and other material, such as rock and vegetation, from the streambank. Streambank erosion is a naturally occurring process, but the rate at which it occurs is often increased by anthropogenic or human activities such as urbanization and agriculture. Changes in land use can cause streambanks to erode at rates much faster than those seen in natural, undisturbed systems.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 3.11 mb
Pages: 8



AEN-122

Restoring Streams

3/4/2014 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Evan Wesley

Stream restoration is the re-establishment of the structure (dimension, pattern, and profile) and function (transport of water, sediment, and nutrients; habitat provision) of a degraded stream as closely as possible to pre-disturbance conditions.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 3.63 mb
Pages: 5



AEN-120

Groundwater Quality

1/6/2014 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis

Groundwater is an important water source for activities such as drinking, bathing, cooking, and crop irrigation. Keeping our groundwater sources clean is becoming more challenging with an ever growing population. In watersheds underlain with karst, such as many of those in Kentucky, the groundwater is more susceptible to contamination. This is because surface waters, such as runoff and in some cases streamflow, travel into the subsurface of karst by way of fractures, sinkholes, swallow holes, conduits and caves Such direct paths into the groundwater mean that pollutants reach the aquifer much more quickly with little to no filtration. Thus, while waters from springs and wells may look clean, they may actually contain unsafe levels of pollutants such as bacteria and nitrogen.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 2.00 mb
Pages: 3



AEN-119

Keeping Trash Out of Streams

11/14/2013 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Rachel Williams

Fresh water is an essential natural resource that is used every day for drinking, bathing, cooking, cleaning, and recreation. In Kentucky, the water used for these tasks mainly comes from streams and rivers, but it can also come from groundwater. Because our streams, rivers, and aquifers are so vital to our daily lives, it is important that we protect them from trash, debris, and other pollutants found in stormwater. What happens to the land around these water sources affects their condition and health.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 1.20 mb
Pages: 2



AEN-118

Managing Stormwater Using Low Impact Development (LID) Techniques

8/21/2013 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, John McMaine

As more land is covered by impervious surfaces, less rainfall infiltrates into the ground and instead becomes runoff. Too much runoff is problematic. Flooding increases, streambanks erode, and water quality is reduced. An increase of impervious area of as little 10 percent has been shown to negatively impact streams. The purpose of this publication is to explain low impact development strategies and how they can be used to improve stormwater management by reducing impacts on streams.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 5.30 mb
Pages: 8



ID-215

Stormwater Wetlands

7/1/2013 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Kristi Meier

As our population has grown, so have our towns and cities, and this growth has led to an increase in stormwater runoff. Stormwater best management practices help mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff on water quality by reducing pollutant loads through physical, chemical and/or biological processes. One of the most effective BMPs at improving stormwater quality is the stormwater wetland.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, water
Size: 2.00 mb
Pages: 4



FOR-79

Shiitake Production: Log Selection and Preparation

3/12/2013 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Shiitake mushrooms grow well on many species of hardwood tree. The Shii tree, native to Japan where these mushrooms originate, is in the same family as our oak trees, so all kinds of oaks are useful for shiitake production.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 477 kb
Pages: 4



FOR-83

Shiitake Production: Incubation and Stacking

3/12/2013 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Monitor your logs for shade, moisture, and pest and disease problems while they are incubating. If firewood- or teepee-stacked logs are losing too much moisture, you may need to rearrange the stacks. (The bottom logs will always retain more moisture). Lean-to stacked logs should be more even in their moisture content, but they too can be reversed if necessary.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.68 mb
Pages: 3



FOR-84

Shiitake Production: Pest Control

3/12/2013 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Shiitake mushrooms do not have many pests. Many problems with insects and competitive fungi can be avoided by timely cutting and inoculating of shiitake logs, and by good hygiene and maintenance practices.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.62 mb
Pages: 3



FOR-86

Shiitake Production: Processing and Storage

3/12/2013 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

How you handle your mushrooms depends on whether you plan to market them fresh or dried, retail or wholesale.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 740 kb
Pages: 3



FOR-87

Shiitake Production: Marketing

3/12/2013 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

The most common outlets for marketing your shiitake mushrooms are farmers markets, whole food and health food stores, restaurants and restaurant suppliers, supermarkets (especially locally owned rather than the national chains), produce buyers, and produce wholesalers.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 623 kb
Pages: 3



FOR-90

Shiitake Production: Production Options

3/12/2013 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

This series of publications emphasizes growing shiitake mushrooms on natural hardwood logs. The denser hardwoods (oaks, hickories, chestnut) seem to produce better over the long run, and other hardwoods (maples, sweetgum) may begin to produce more quickly but will exhaust more quickly also.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 242 kb
Pages: 4



AEN-116

Algae-Based CO2 Mitigation for Coal-Fired Power Plants

1/22/2013 (new)
Authors: Czarena Crofcheck, Tabitha Graham, Michael Montross

As the world's population swells and the needs of developing countries increase, the world's overall energy usage also continues to rise. Recent international legislation emphasizes the effects of climate change and the crucial need to find a way to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions being released into the environment. Consequently, power plants have an increased urgency to find a viable way to decrease their GHG emissions. This issue has prominent implications for Kentucky due to our economy's dependence upon coal production.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 1.94 mb
Pages: 3



AEN-114

Using Weep Berms to Improve Water Quality

11/9/2012 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Ross Guffey, Richard Warner

Non-point source pollution (NPS) occurs when rainfall and snowmelt flows over the ground, picking up pollutants such as pathogens, sediments, and nutrients on its way to streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. More than 50 percent of the nation's rivers and streams and nearly 70 percent of the nation's lakes are impacted by NPS. Pathogens, sediments, and nutrients are the biggest contributors to impairment of rivers and streams while mercury, nutrients, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are the biggest contributors to the impairment of lakes. One method of managing NPS pollution is through the use of structural best management practices (BMPs). Structural BMPs are designed to decrease the volume of runoff that enters water bodies by increasing infiltration rates. Examples of structural BMPs include rain gardens, stormwater wetlands, and riparian buffers. A newer structural BMP is a weep berm.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 4.40 mb
Pages: 8



AEN-112

A New Concept in On-Farm Biofuel Production

3/19/2012 (new)
Authors: Will Adams, Michael Montross, Sue Nokes, Tim Stombaugh

For many social, political, and economic reasons, biofuels are moving quickly from the fuel of tomorrow to the fuel of today. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are working on a new system of biofuel production that involves on-farm processing of biomass. This factsheet provides a general overview of this new concept that could have a great impact on agriculture and the fuel-production industry.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 235 kb
Pages: 2



AEN-111

Butanol: The New Biofuel

3/8/2012 (new)
Authors: Kathryn Gray, Michael Montross, Sue Nokes, Tim Stombaugh

Butanol is a type of alcohol that has received renewed interest recently as a potential green alternative to petroleum fuels. This factsheet gives a basic history and description of butanol and its potential use as a biofuel in gasoline and diesel engines.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 220 kb
Pages: 2



AEN-109

Sinkhole Management for Agricultural Producers

10/18/2011 (new)
Authors: Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman

A karst landscape develops when the limestone or dolostone bedrock underneath the soil dissolves and/or collapses due to weathering. A karst system can be recognized by surface features such as depressions, sinkholes, sinking streams, and caves. In karst systems, surface water and groundwater are interconnected: surface water runoff flows into sinkholes and sinking streams and recharges the groundwater; likewise, springs maintain stream flow in the dry season. Kentuckians living in karst areas need to be acutely aware that any pollutants that reach either surface water or any karst feature can pollute the entire groundwater system (also called an aquifer). In addition, the cave system that accompanies a karst aquifer can allow pollutants to contaminate miles of water resources in just a few hours.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 487 kb
Pages: 4



ID-191

Climate Change: A Brief Summary for Kentucky Extension Agents

9/20/2011 (new)
Authors: Tom Barnes, Ric Bessin, Jeffrey Bewley, Roy Burris, Tim Coolong, Lee Meyer, Joe Taraba, Paul Vincelli, George Wagner

Nearly all climate science experts agree that global warming is occurring and that it is caused primarily by human activity. Regardless of what you may read on blogs or in the media, there is no meaningful scientific controversy on these points. The future impacts of global warming are difficult to predict, but the changes caused by greenhouse gases are expected to increasingly affect Kentucky agriculture.

Departments: Agricultural Economics, Animal and Food Sciences, Entomology, Forestry and Natural Resources, Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, weather
Size: 250 kb
Pages: 4



AEN-103

Stormwater BMPs for Confined Livestock Facilities

7/28/2011 (new)
Authors: Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that agricultural sediment, pathogens, and nutrients account for more than 50 percent of water pollution in the United States. Animal confinement facilities, widely used for holding, feeding, and handling animals, are potential sources of that pollution. The pollution load of these facilities can be reduced by installing and maintaining best management practices. The BMPs may be implemented as part of permit compliance or may be used to ensure that a permit is not needed.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 300 kb
Pages: 5



AEN-107

Paved Feeding Areas and the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Plan

7/28/2011 (new)
Authors: Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman

Kentucky's abundant forage makes it well suited for grazing livestock. Livestock producers can make additional profits by adding a few pounds before marketing calves; however, adding those pounds requires keeping calves during the winter months, when pasture forages are dormant and supplemental feed is required. The areas used to winter calves need to be conducive to feeding and need to avoid negatively impacting the environment, especially water quality.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 260 kb
Pages: 5



AEN-106

Reducing Stormwater Pollution

7/15/2011 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Joe Luck, Jonathan Villines, Sarah Wightman

Stormwater is excess water from rainfall and snowmelts that flows over the ground and does not infiltrate the soil. It is a concern not just in urban areas but in suburban and agricultural locations as well. As stormwater runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces, it picks up and transports trash and debris as well as pollutants such as pathogens, nutrients, sediments, heavy metals, and chemicals. This publication reviews some of these techniques and provides a list of recommended resources for additional information.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 330 kb
Pages: 8



AEN-101

Stream Crossings for Cattle

7/13/2011 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman

This publication provides livestock producers with instructions on how to install a stream crossing that provides animal and vehicular access across streams. This best management practice (BMP) is intended for use with exclusion fencing that restricts cattle access to the stream. Implementation of a stream crossing with exclusion fencing will improve water quality, reducing nutrient, sediment, pathogen, and organic matter loads to streams.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 1.10 mb
Pages: 7



AEN-105

Pasture Feeding, Streamside Grazing, and the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Plan

7/13/2011 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman

Kentucky's abundant forage makes it well suited for grazing livestock, but the pasturing and pasture feeding of livestock need to be managed. Allowing cattle to behave as they would naturally can lead to overgrazing, congregation in sensitive areas, buildup of mud, loss of vegetation, compaction of soils, and erosion.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 284 kb
Pages: 5



ID-187

Woodland Winter Feeding of Cattle: Water Quality Best Management Practices

5/5/2011 (new)
Authors: Steve Higgins, Jeff Stringer, Sarah Wightman

Cattle maintain their body temperature in winter by burning more calories, which requires them to consume more feed. Livestock producers use wooded areas to provide protection for cattle from wind and low temperatures. That protection enables the cattle to conserve energy and eat less. Using wooded areas for winter feeding makes practical sense, but producers need to consider several environmental issues when planning for it.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: animals, beef cattle, livestock, natural resources, water
Size: 273 kb
Pages: 2



FOR-119

Uneven-aged Management in Mixed Species, Southern Hardwoods: Is it Feasible and Sustainable?

4/7/2011 (new)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

For uneven-age stands to develop, both young and old trees need to be developing in the same stand, where younger trees are naturally smaller in diameter than older trees. Thus, guidelines and graphs used by foresters to help establish uneven-age stands use diameter as a surrogate for age and assume that age and diameter are related.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 796 kb
Pages: 16



FOR-120

Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration of Hardwoods

4/7/2011 (new)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

One aspect of forest sustainability is regenerating the stand to desired species once the stand is harvested. Usually the species present in the overstory are more desirable than those in the understory and midstory. If management is not performed to adjust the regenerating species composition prior to the harvest, these understory and midstory species likely will be the composition of the future stand.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 557 kb
Pages: 12



FOR-81

Kentucky Shiitake Production Workbook: Inoculation

3/23/2011 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill

To begin the process of shiitake mushroom production, you must "sow the seed" just as you would with any other agronomic crop. For shiitake, the "seed" is called spawn and consists of the mushroom spores mixed with sawdust (for sawdust spawn) or wood (for dowel spawn) and a little grain to add a higher level of carbohydrate for the organism to feed on.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 400 kb
Pages: 7



FOR-85

Shiitake Production: Harvesting

3/23/2011 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill

If you started with live spawn from a reputable supplier and freshly cut logs from living hardwood trees, your logs should be ready to produce shiitake mushrooms after 6 to 18 months of incubation.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 800 kb
Pages: 8



FOR-78

Introduction to Shiitake: The Forest Mushroom

2/3/2011 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Shiitake mushrooms may prove to be a new commodity that will provide some economic return on small diameter wood from private woodlands that otherwise would be used only for firewood.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 447 kb
Pages: 6



FOR-80

Shiitake Production: Spawn Selection

2/3/2011 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Shiitake mushrooms are like any other plant crop--they must be started from "seed." For mushrooms, this process begins when the mushroom's spores (normally located in the cap on the underside between the gills) are mixed with nutrients and a cellulose source, usually hardwood sawdust.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 235 kb
Pages: 4



FOR-82

Shiitake Production: Monitoring Moisture Content of Logs

2/3/2011 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Shiitake spawn cannot survive in logs that have a moisture content of less than 23%. Ideal moisture conditions for shiitake growth are log moisture content of 35% or more. If logs are left in the open air and are not monitored for moisture content, and climatic conditions are dry, the moisture content of the logs can fall to 20% to 25%.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 170 kb
Pages: 5



ID-185

Planting a Riparian Buffer

9/28/2010 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Chris Barton, Amanda A. Gumbert, Sarah Wightman

Actively creating a riparian buffer typically consists of six steps: site assessment, planting plan development, site preparation, species selection, planting, and protection and maintenance.

Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, wildlife
Size: 3.27 mb
Pages: 8



FOR-77

Shiitake Production on Logs: Step by Step in Pictures

6/17/2010 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 350 kb
Pages: 14



FOR-96

Forest Water Quality Plan: Preparing an Agriculture Water Quality Plan for Your Woodlands

5/18/2010 (reprinted)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

All parties involved in woodland operations are responsible for water quality protection. One of the most effective methods of protecting water quality during forestry operations is to use BMPs. BMPs are guidelines and techniques that, when used properly, can help reduce impact to our waters. They do this by decreasing erosion and the creation of muddy water, keeping chemicals and fluids out of streams, and limiting changes in the woods next to streams.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 334 kb
Pages: 12



ID-175

Riparian Buffers: A Livestock Best Management Practice for Protecting Water Quality

9/22/2009 (new)
Authors: Carmen Agouridis, Amanda A. Gumbert, Steve Higgins

In Kentucky, cattle on pastures are often watered by streams. Although this practice solves water requirements for cattle, providing livestock free access to streams and riparian areas can lead to a contaminated water supply and damaged ecosystems. A better solution is to implement riparian buffers with limited access points to streams or provide alternative water sources. This practice can protect water quality, increase herd production, and provide other landowner benefits. The purpose of this publication is to explain the role of riparian areas and how they can benefit the livestock producer, the herd, and the environment.

Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, wildlife
Size: 721 kb
Pages: 4



FOR-107

Site Preparation and Competition Control Guidelines for Hardwood Tree Plantings

8/13/2009 (new)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

This publication presents recommendations for key factors associated with hardwood planting success. The publication also provides competition control and site preparation alternatives for a number of common planting sites and conditions. For each site and condition, several alternatives provide a range of options, allowing users to select the alternative that best fits their objectives and timetables.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.35 mb
Pages: 36



FOR-112

Agroforestry: Riparian Buffer Strips

8/11/2009 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Riparian buffer strips are zones of native trees, shrubs, and grasses designed to protect the temperature and clarity of moving water and to prevent agricultural chemicals and soil from eroding directly into stream water. The Kentucky Water Quality Act of 1994 encouraged farmers to protect their streams from soil erosion and compaction from livestock. Best management practices (BMPs) for people who are harvesting timber require streamside management zones (SMZs).

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.23 mb
Pages: 2



FOR-116

Agroforestry: Christmas Trees

8/11/2009 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Kentucky has always had a Christmas tree industry, although at a very small scale. The benefits of producing Christmas trees include guaranteed market every year, a short growing period relative to other tree crops, periodic intensive management (planting, shearing, marketing) but otherwise not much time required in management, and a good return on investment.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 789 kb
Pages: 2



ID-174

Options for Controlling Canada Geese

1/15/2009 (new)
Authors: Spencer Guinn, Amanda A. Gumbert, Steve Higgins

The average Canada goose produces more fecal waste than a dairy cow on a per-weight basis. In addition, gaggles of resident Canada geese have been associated with problems of over grazing. Having large amounts of fecal waste around a riparian area that has limited vegetation can lead to the runoff of nutrients, sediment, and pathogens, which can contaminate ponds, lakes, and streams in Kentucky.

Departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: natural resources, wildlife
Size: 140 kb
Pages: 2



AEN-94

Saving Fuel in the Field

10/23/2008 (new)
Authors: Sam McNeill, Scott Shearer, Tim Stombaugh, John Wilhoit

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 110 kb
Pages: 2



FOR-89

Shiitake Production: Resources for Shiitake Growers

7/10/2007 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill, Marcella Szymanski

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 169 kb
Pages: 4



FOR-105

Caring for Christmas Trees

12/18/2006 (new)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 280 kb
Pages: 4



FOR-53

Kentucky Forestry Fact Sheet

12/14/2006 (minor revision)
Authors: Tom Barnes, Terry Conners, Deborah Hill, Jeff Stringer, Billy Thomas

Departments: Family and Consumer Sciences, Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 250 kb
Pages: 2



FOR-100

Oak Shelterwood: A Technique to Improve Oak Regeneration

7/1/2006 (new)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 695 kb
Pages: 8



FOR-101

Hardwood Plantations as an Investment

7/1/2006 (new)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 856 kb
Pages: 8



FOR-104

Treatments for Improving Degraded Hardwood Stands

7/1/2006 (new)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 994 kb
Pages: 12



FOR-99

Managing Oak Decline

7/1/2006 (new)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 558 kb
Pages: 6



AEN-89

Biodiesel Basics

4/30/2006 (new)
Authors: Czarena Crofcheck, Michael Montross, Tim Stombaugh

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 263 kb
Pages: 4



AEN-90

Biodiesel FAQ

4/30/2006 (new)
Authors: Czarena Crofcheck, Michael Montross, Tim Stombaugh

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags:
Size: 220 kb
Pages: 2



FOR-88

Shiitake Production: Potential Profits from a Small-Scale Shiitake Enterprise

3/21/2004 (reprinted)
Authors: Deborah Hill, Marcella Szymanski, Tim Woods

Departments: Agricultural Economics, Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 242 kb
Pages: 12



FOR-17

Kentucky Christmas Tree ProductIon Workbook Plantation Layout

1/30/2004 (minor revision)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 217 kb
Pages: 6



FOR-72

Woodland Owners Training Manual for Developing a Forestry Agriculture Water Quality Plan

9/15/2003 (reprinted)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 321 kb
Pages: 20



FOR-71

Wild About Wildflowers

12/7/2002 (reprinted)
Authors: Tom Barnes

The purpose of this publication is to provide information about native Kentucky wildflowers and their conservation in the wild. If you choose to develop a garden to attract wildlife or a garden based on native plant materials, the information and ideas contained in this publication will allow you to make a more informed choice about plant material.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags: biodiversity, natural resources
Size: 456 kb
Pages: 8



FOR-70

Determining Best Management Practices for Timber Harvesting Operations in Kentucky: A Training Manual for Loggers

8/25/2000 (reprinted)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 140 kb
Pages: 12



FOR-93

Definition of Conservation Practices in Kentucky

2/1/2000 (reprinted)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 360 kb
Pages: 4



FOR-74

Guide to Urban Habitat Conservation Planning

4/15/1999 (new)
Authors: Tom Barnes

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 174 kb
Pages: 8



FOR-76

Landscape Ecology and Ecosystems Management

4/1/1999 (new)
Authors: Tom Barnes

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 283 kb
Pages: 8



FOR-75

An Ecosystems Approach to Natural Resources Management

2/28/1999 (new)
Authors: Tom Barnes

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 330 kb
Pages: 12



FOR-27A

Kentucky Christmas Tree Production Workbook Pest Control: Insects

7/1/1996 (reprinted)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 747 kb
Pages: 7



FOR-15

Managing Sustainable Forests in Kentucky

6/11/1996 (reprinted)
Authors: Deborah Hill

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 997 kb
Pages: 28



FOR-59

An Introduction to Wood Anatomy Characteristics Common to Softwoods and Hardwoods

11/30/1994 (reprinted)
Authors: Jim Reeb

Those who work with wood should have a basic understanding of wood anatomy so they will be familiar with how different anatomical features influence wood properties and, in turn, how these properties react to different treatments and uses of the wood. This publication introduces the reader to wood characteristics that are common to both hardwoods and softwoods.

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 175 kb
Pages: 4



FOR-56

Paulownia Log Grades: Specifications and Uses

5/15/1994 (reprinted)
Authors: Jeff Stringer

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 143 kb
Pages: 2



FOR-55

Drying Wood

5/1/1993 (reprinted)
Authors: Jim Reeb

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 213 kb
Pages: 8



FOR-23

Kentucky Christmas Tree Production Workbook Vegetation Control

10/1/1992 (new)
Authors: Bonnie Appleton, Deborah Hill

Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources
Series: Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR series)
Tags:
Size: 248 kb
Pages: 7