Biological & Agricultural Engineering
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This publication discusses the use of scrap wallboard at residential construction sites.
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It is widely accepted that storing farm equipment under a shelter is better than storing it outside and that hay stored in a barn is better than hay stored in the field. But how can we determine just how much a farm storage building is worth? The answer is different for every individual operation, but there are some guidelines that will help you make an intelligent decision about whether or not you can afford a building (or afford not to have one).The following is a discussion of the costs and benefits of owning a building, along with some example calculations. In each example, you are given the opportunity to substitute your figures, which might more accurately reflect your local markets and conditions.
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Currently, most construction waste is put in dumpsters and taken to a construction and demolition (C&D) landfill. However, several residential construction wastes can be recycled or reused as part of a “green” building practice. These include cardboard, metals, scrap wallboard, and wood waste. This publication provides you the information you need for on-site reuse of wood wastes at a residential construction site.
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As tipping fees have risen, interest has increased in finding alternative uses for construction wastes. Many homebuyers are also looking for environmentally sensitive building practices. This includes the recycling and reuse of construction debris rather than disposal. One of the largest waste components in residential construction is gypsum wallboard. In many cases, scrap wallboard can be ground and beneficially applied on the construction site, rather than transported to the landfill.
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While site-specific soil sampling can improve field management, it must be accompanied by the conscientious collection and analysis of data. The new technologies that have elevated precision agriculture into the forefront of farm management cannot offset poor data collection and soil-testing techniques. Inaccurate data on soil properties will inevitably lead to improper management decisions.
This bulletin addresses three primary factors that can affect the precision management of soil fertility: 1) collecting proper soil-sample cores and the consequences of improper soil sampling, 2) breaking the field into smaller management areas, and 3) differences in test results and recommended application rates between soil-test laboratories. A step-by-step procedure is then presented on how to use variabl e yield goals to develop field maps showing variable application rates o f fertilizers and lime.
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Producers need to be aware of the impacts that manure can have on water and air quality. However, management of manure and other byproducts of livestock and poultry production has important impacts on farm profitability, neighbor relations and protecting soil and water quality.
This publication covers: Farm and Homestead Maps; Manure Storage and Treatment; Nutrient Budgeting with Nitrogen and Phosphorus; Land Application of Manure and Fertilizers; Grazing Land; Pesticide and Chemical Management for Water Quality; Mortality Management; Record Keeping; Coexisting with Neighbors; Emergency Action Plans; and other resources.
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A water smart landscape is more than just water-efficient. It’s a landscape that has been carefully designed, properly installed and managed to reduce pollution, improve conservation and ensure year-round beauty.
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