Natural Resources Management

Permanent URI for this communityhdl:10365/32457

Research from the Department of Natural Resources Management. The department is part of the School of Natural Resources, and their website may be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/snrs/

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 58

Above and Belowground Effects of Nutrient Applications and Mowing Treatments on Restored North Dakota Grasslands
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Kobiela, Breanna Lyn Paradeis
Although more than half of the annual production within North American grasslands occurs beneath the soil surface, this portion is oftentimes overlooked in ecological studies. In this study, we investigated the above- and belowground responses in restored grassland plots that were subjected to different nutrient and mowing treatments. This study was conducted at two locations in North Dakota: the Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC); and the Albert K. Ekre Grassland Preserve (Ekre). We evaluated the above- and belowground responses using visual surveys, biomass harvesting, and minirhizotrons. At the DREC site, we found the belowground variables to be relatively unresponsive to the nutrient and mowing treatments – there were no significant differences in root length, surface area, number of tips, or branches. The aboveground variables did exhibit responses to repeated nitrogen applications (200 kg/ha·yr). Nitrogen applications were found to increase aboveground biomass over the control (660 g/m2 vs. 265 g/m2, respectively) and decrease the species richness in comparison to the control (3.25 vs. 7.29, respectively). There was a decrease in the ratio of root volume to average aboveground biomass in the DREC nitrogen plots that resulted from the increase in aboveground biomass despite no apparent changes in the root systems, indicating that the root systems in the nitrogen plots were able to support significantly more aboveground biomass than similarly sized root systems in plots that did not receive nitrogen. At the Ekre site, there were no significant differences in the belowground variables attributed to mowing. However, aboveground biomass was higher in the mowed sub-plots (xM=530 g/m2) than in the control sub-plots (xC=485 g/m2). Species richness was lower in the nitrogen (xN=4.46) than in the phosphorus plots (xP=5.66). Species richness was also lower in the plots that received the high application rates (200 kg/ha·yr nitrogen or 40 kg/ha·yr phosphorus) (xH=4.30) than the low application rates (20 kg/ha·yr nitrogen or 4 kg/ha·yr phosphorus) (xL=5.90). Root growth was highest in the low phosphorus and the high nitrogen plots. There were different responses in the root variables throughout the growing season as a function of nutrient type and application rate.
Assessment of Wetland Water Quality and Plant Species Composition across the Rural, Peri-Urban, and Urban Gradient
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Steinman, Alexis
The Prairie Pothole Region, specifically eastern North Dakota, has experienced intense disturbance from agricultural demands and urban sprawl. This study assessed wetlands across the rural, peri-urban, and urban gradient to determine the impacts of urbanization on water quality and vegetation composition. Thirty wetlands were randomly selected and compared based on land use type and the impervious to pervious surface ratio within one mile of each wetland. Water quality samples were taken in 2015 and 2016, and a vegetation assessment was completed at all wetlands. Results indicate disturbance from urbanization impacts wetland water quality and vegetation composition. Rural wetland water quality and vegetation significantly differ from both peri-urban and urban wetlands, whereas peri-urban and urban wetland water quality and vegetation do not differ. Information from this study is useful to wetland professionals across the globe as urban development and sprawl continue to impact wetlands.
Biological Capability of Selected Ecological Sites in the Western Dakotas
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Klempel, Lauren Nicole
Sharp-tailed grouse habitat on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands are assessed by habitat structure with the use of the Robel pole to measure visual obstruction readings (VOR). The purpose of this study was to determine 1) if all selected ecological sites (loamy, thin loamy, and claypan) are biologically capable of producing high structure (VOR > 3.5 in) with 3 years of protection from livestock grazing and 2) if strong and consistent correlations exist between standing crop and visual obstruction among ecological sites and across years. Results showed that 1) all selected ecological sites were biologically capable of producing high structure, 2) strong correlations between standing crop and visual obstruction were not consistent among ecological sites and across years, 3) year effects were evident in plant community composition, and 4) 2,534 kg∙ha-1 (se ± 205.3) of standing crop provides the mean threshold to determine if the selected ecological sites are biologically capable.
The Carbon Negative System: An Innovative System for Sustainable Community Development
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Monroe, Jade Marilyn
It is understood civilization may be entering the Anthropocene Epoch, characterized by human influences on Earth’s geology and environment. A growing body of literature highlights the ecological concerns affiliated with anthropocentric influences on the environment. This study indicates climate change and global CO2 emissions as an area of concern, and proposes the Carbon Negative System as a potential solution of many. The Carbon Negative System is comprised of three steps: land use and prairie vegetation, biochar process, and the system benefits. To illustrate these steps and to test the system’s viability, a case-study analysis was applied to the community of Fargo, North Dakota. The system is described and its benefits were indicated. A carbon budget and economic analysis were determined, and the system was applied to a resilience framework to synthesize the findings. Keywords: community development, biochar, prairie vegetation, ecosystem services, resilience, Anthropocene, climate change, carbon emissions
Change in Reference Condition Wetlands and Road Dust Impacts on Spider Mites
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Fritz, Savannah Joy
Increased disturbance from agriculture and the changing climate in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North Dakota may cause shifts in vegetation on wetland systems as well as increases in spider mite populations on soybeans. Part of this study focuses on wetlands functioning at the highest ecological state, or reference condition. Wetland plants serve as a good indicator for assessing wetland condition. The past and present Floristic Quality Index scores at each wetland site were significantly different (p < 0.05), indicating that vegetation at reference wetlands have declined in condition. Increased agriculture also leads to an increase in road dust on soybean fields, which increases the population of spider mites. Three separate experiments were completed on contained plaster arenas. These experiments produced mixed results. Spider mites produced more eggs on dusted arenas (p < 0.05) in experiment one while experiment two and three yielded the opposite result.
Climate Change throughout the Dakotas
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Uecker, Benjamin Robert
How is the climate changing on a county level throughout North Dakota (ND) and South Dakota (SD)? To determine this answer, 13 different climate variables were analyzed: temperature minimums and maximums, precipitation, growing degree days (GDD), season length, first and last frost dates, standardized precipitation index (SPI), Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), evapotranspiration (ET), solar radiation, dew point and wind speed. Annual and monthly climatic trends, per decade, were developed and analyzed by county. These climatic variables show various changes throughout North Dakota and South Dakota by either increasing, decreasing or staying the same.
A Comparison of Rangeland Monitoring Techniques for Relative Species Abundance in Northern Mixed Grass Prairie
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Field, Aaron
Clipping by species is one of the most accurate methods available for determining species composition. However, cost and time constraints often make clipping by species impractical on any large scale. Our objective was to determine whether either of two less labor intensive methods (line point intercept, quadrat frequency frame) could provide suitable alternatives to clipping. Data was collected as part of a rangeland monitoring project on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Each method was used to inventory grassland plant species within the same plots, which allowed us to analyze the results for each method side by side. Our findings indicate that for relative rankings of species abundance, both line point intercept and quadrat frequency frames produce a similar result as clipping and could be used interchangeably. We suggest using either line point intercept or quadrat frequency frames to produce such a list because of the reduced time inputs involved.
Corn Stover Removal Effects on Irrigated Sandy Outwash Soils in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Sanders, Dwayne Paul
Recent interest in utilizing corn (Zea Mays L.) stover for cellulosic ethanol and supplements for distillers' grain in livestock rations has increased corn stover demand. A study was established to evaluate corn stover removal on selected soil properties in irrigated sandy outwash soils under no-tillage management including continuous corn and corn-soybean (glycine max) rotations. For continuous corn, increasing stover removal rates (0 to 100%) increased the wind erodible soil fraction (25.4 to 36.6%), decreased the field-moist water stable soil aggregates (58.78 to 48.3%) and water infiltration rates (22.4 to 8.6 cm/hr). Water infiltration rates decreased in the corn phase of the corn-soybean rotation (16.8 to 10.8 cm/hr) and air-dry water stable aggregates decreased in the soybean phase of the corn soybean rotation (88.1% to 77.7%) for 100% removal when compared to 0% removal. Longer-term evaluation of stover removal is needed to fully evaluate stover removal effects on soil properties.
Crop Price and Land Use Change: Forecasting Response of Major Crops Acreage to Price and Economic Variables in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Soares, Abilio Barros
The objective of this study is to examine land use change for cropping systems in North Dakota. Using Seemingly Unrelated Regression with full information maximum likelihood estimation method, acreage forecasting models for barley, corn, oats, soybean, and wheat were developed to examine the extent to which farmers’ expectations of prices and costs affect their crop choices. The results of the study show that farmers’ decision for acreage allocation is varied across the crops depending on how responsive they are to price, cost and yield of its own and competing crops. Substitutability and complementarity relationship of crops in the production have positive effect on crops selection when facing price, cost, and yield changes. In addition, the results revealed that expected prices have little effect on acreage response compared to expected costs and yield variables in most of the crop models.
Discrimination of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) Based on Field Spectral Data
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Hooge Hom, Kathryn Marie
Leafy spurge and purple loosestrife are noxious weeds that displace native vegetation. Herbicides are often applied to these weeds during flowering, making it ideal to identify them early in the season. This paper evaluates the spectral separability of the inflorescences and leaves of these plants from surrounding vegetation. Spectral data of leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, and surrounding vegetation were collected from sites in southeastern North Dakota. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to separate the spectral signatures of these weeds in the visible and near infrared wavelengths. Using PLS-DA the weeds were discriminated from their surroundings with R2 values of 0.86 to 0.92. Analysis of the data indicated that the bands contributing the most to each model were in the red and red edge spectral regions. Identifying these weeds by the leaves allows them to be identified earlier in the season, allowing more time to plan herbicide application.
Driver Attitudes and Crash Patterns in Western North Dakota Oil Counties: Links between Perceptions and Reality
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Kubas, Andrew John
Traffic safety conditions in the 17-county oil region of western North Dakota have changed considerably in recent years. Roads previously used for low-volume, agricultural purposes are presently utilized at high volumes to serve expanding oil interest. Traffic volume in the region has grown rapidly since the advent of hydraulic fracturing as a viable technique for extracting oil, especially with regard to the overweight and oversized vehicles needed for oil production. Three studies were conducted to understand how changing traffic conditions are perceived by local drivers. First, a survey questionnaire was sent to drivers in the region to measure perceptions of traffic safety priorities. County-level crash data were gathered for rural road crashes in North Dakota between 2004 and 2013 to examine statewide crash trends. Survey responses were linked to crash data and found that safety perceptions from drivers are valid: conditions in oil counties are actually more dangerous than elsewhere in North Dakota. Second, using Decision Theory as a theoretical lens to guide decision-making, crash data were queried to establish if driving conditions in certain parts of the oil region are more dangerous. Proximity to oil wells, city limits, and travel on major roadways were found to have an effect on overall crash severity. Third, written survey responses were qualitatively studied via emergent theme content analysis. Crash types relating to these themes were then subjected to cluster analysis using ArcGIS. Respondent zip codes were matched with crash zip codes to provide a mixed methods approach to understanding key traffic safety issues such as perceived danger, large truck danger, and law enforcement presence.
Drying and Pretreatments Affect the Nutritional and Sensory Quality of Oyster Mushrooms
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Mutukwa, Itai
The effect two drying treatments (solar and oven), three blanching treatments (no blanching, water and steam), and four chemical treatments (no chemical, lemon juice, vinegar and potassium bisulfite) on oyster mushroom quality was investigated. Sensory quality, total phenolics, total flavonoids, ergothioneine, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, moisture, mold infestation, mineral content and protein were evaluated. Among the un-blanched samples, those that were treated with lemon juice and those without any chemical pretreatment before drying had better appearance, flavor and were more generally acceptable than those with vinegar and potassium bisulfite treatments. However, when blanching was done, samples treated with potassium bisulfite had superior sensory quality when compared to lemon juice, vinegar and the control. Solar drying caused more browning when compared to oven drying. The combination of water blanching with either lemon juice or vinegar treatments before drying resulted in higher flavonoid content. Lower ergothioneine and total phenolic compounds were observed in blanched mushrooms compared to the un-blanched ones. Total flavonoids were highest in the water blanched samples and least in the un-blanched ones. Among the chemical pretreatments, higher total phenolic compounds were observed in vinegar and potassium bisulfite treated samples. Blanching resulted in lower K, Mg, Na, S and P content when compared to the control. Mineral nutrients varied with chemical pre-treatments. Blanching followed by either lemon juice or no chemical treatment resulted in high mold infestation. Among the un-blanched samples, those treated with vinegar had the least mold infestation. Drying method, blanching, and chemical pretreatments affected oyster mushroom quality hence a need to carefully select preservation methods so as to minimize quality compromise.
Economic and Social Impacts of Rapid Shale Oil Development in Western North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Fernando, Wannakuwatte Mitiwaduge Felix Nirmal
This dissertation comprises of five qualitative and exploratory studies. The studies focus on the social and economic impacts of rapid shale oil development, which is colloquially referred to as an “oil boom” on the communities and its members in western North Dakota. The dissertation presents a detailed exploration of the impacts and implications of the boom on community values and attitudes, quality of life, and community development. Impact of the boom on each topic is presented as an independent article or chapter. The data for the dissertation was collected through open-ended, face-to-face interviews. The findings highlight the opportunities created by the boom, barriers inhibiting community development, and the solutions necessary to achieve the community development potential created by the economic activity of the oil boom.
Effectiveness and Simulated Impacts of Produced Water as a Dust Abatement in Western North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Graber, Kayla Marie
A road dust abatement alternative that has been considered in the Bakken and Three Forks formations is oil-well produced waters. Three previously untreated gravel roads were selected and passive dust collectors were utilized. The objectives of this study were to: 1) simulate produced water’s potential impacts to gravel road materials; 2) compare dust loading at abated and control sites to determine effectiveness; and 3) identify the elemental differences in the dust at abated and control sites. Electrical conductivity has the greatest influence on dispersion probability and clay mineralogy of the road influences the probability of dispersion. Produced water failed to reduce dust on two of the three roads that were tested. Elements that were found to be significantly different included Mo, Mn, Fe, As, Au, and Hg. Results of this study are important to road managers who are contemplating the usage of produced waters to reduce dusts from gravel roads.
Effects of Sediment Removal on Vegetation Communities in Prairie Pothole Wetlands in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Smith, Caitlin Langworthy
The goal of this study was to assess effects of sediment removal on vegetation communities in Prairie Pothole wetlands in North Dakota to determine if this management technique is providing desired results to create conditions for ideal vegetation communities in wetlands that will benefit wildlife. This project consists of vegetation surveys from seasonal wetlands located in Benson, Eddy. Towner. and Wells counties in North Dakota. Three types of wetlands were surveyed: natural (reference), excavated (treatment), and converted cropland. Vegetation surveys were completed in the shallow marsh and wet meadow zones of seasonal wetlands. Sites were sampled using a modified Daubenmire method. Aerial photos were assessed to determine the occurrence of drawdown cycles in wetland sites. Plant communities were analyzed using non-metric multidimensional scaling and multi-response permutation procedure was used to make comparisons between sites. The wet meadow zones and shallow marsh zones of the three types of wetlands were all significantly different (p<0.016) from one another. In general, restored wetlands show vegetation trends that liken natural wetlands while those that have been allowed to recover without restoration tend to be cattail choked. When examining hybrid cattail specifically visual obstruction scores were approximately four times greater in converted cropland sites versus treatment or reference sites. Vegetation composition indicates hydrologic conditions (fresh to brackish conditions) of specific sites and regional distribution are likely influential factors in wetland plant establishment.
Environmental Socialization: A Case Study on Formative Influences
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Herbst, Joseph
Twenty-first century social-ecologic systems are in the midst of a complex adaptive cycle. There is growing evidence to suggest the existence of a psycho-social developmental process whereby a person becomes situated in an environmental worldview. This process of environmental socialization has received attention in peer-reviewed journals. A case study was developed to see if qualitative methods could yield deeper insight. Depth interviewing and grounded theory analysis were used to explore student’s thoughts on formative influences deemed significant in the development of their own environmental perspective. The qualitative method used in the study was useful in probing the nuance, complexity, and significance of the student’s environmental socialization. Natural resource managers, educators, philanthropists, moral leaders, and concerned citizens can benefit when social constructs of environmental sustainability are better understood.
Estimating the Impact to Wetlands in Western North Dakota From Dust and Road Use Increases Due to Energy Development
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Creuzer, Jessica Christine
Travel on gravel roads in western North Dakota has increased in recent years due mainly to energy development and little information exists on the impacts. This project’s objective was to compare high dust impact sites and low dust impact sites to determine the effects of road dust on wetlands. Four aspects were evaluated: 1) dust loading; 2) wetland condition and function; 3) water quality; and 4) trace element changes in the soil. Dust loading was measured utilizing dust collectors. Wetlands were assessed for condition using the Index of Plant Community Integrity and North Dakota Rapid Assessment Method and function using the Hydrogeomorphic model. Monthly water quality measurements were taken and yearly soil samples. Results show greater dust loading in the high impact sites than low impact sites and spatially closer to the road. Information from this study can be used by future land managers of wetlands affected by dust.
Evaluating Carbon Sequestration in CRP and Restored Grasslands in the North Central U.S.
(North Dakota State University, 2009) Riopel, Jason Allen
The issue of global climate change raises a need for information on the management and mitigation of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The knowledge of carbon (C) characteristics within land resources can be useful for resource managers and policy makers to make informed management decisions. Depending on land use and management, prairie soils can be considered either a source or a sink for atmospheric CO2. Soil sample cores were taken from seven different regions in the north central U.S. Over 1300 samples were analyzed to determine relationships between grassland age and soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Sample matrices were built to compare restored grassland age classes to adjacent native grasslands and cultivated croplands in the different study regions. The samples were taken at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm increments and were analyzed for organic carbon, inorganic carbon, and total carbon. Each region was analyzed using regression analysis to calculate SOC sequestration rates for restored grasslands over time. Restored grassland SOC sequestration rates were found to be highly variable throughout the region ranging from annual losses to annual gains of 0.59 ± 1.81 kg m-2 30 cm-1 with an overall sequestration rate of 0.09 ± 1.92 kg m-2 30 cm- 1 • Overall, as average annual temperature and precipitation increased, SOC levels also increased. Under proper management restored grasslands in the north central Great Plains can be managed and used to store atmospheric CO2.
Evaluation of Ring-Necked Pheasant Brood Rearing Habitat and Survival on Post-Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands in Southwest North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Mazza II, Mark
From 2008-2011, we analyzed brood habitat selection and survival of Chinese ringnecked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) from hatch until approximately 30 days post-hatch. We monitored 98 broods at two sites in Adams County, ND. These sites were previously enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and were being managed under a multiple land use system including hayed, idled and season-long grazed land as well as no-till corn (Zea mays) and no-till barley (Hordeum vulgare) crop treatments. Measurements pertaining to the insect and vegetation community and structure were recorded at utilized brood locations and available locations within the study sites. Variability in brood survival was best explained by precipitation events, temperature, brood age a linear and quadratic time trend. Comparisons among models were made using Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc). Within our study area, no habitat selection was found in the season-long, hay, and idle treatments with respect to the habitat variables we measured.
Exploring Land Conservation Using Economic and Geospatial Models
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Margarit, Daniel
Three different, but related studies on conservation in North Dakota were completed. Expansion of Devil’s Lake over the past 20 years has flooded farmland, towns, and roads, causing economic damage and distress. Retirement of private land into conservation could play a role in ameliorating damages to citizens, while simultaneously improving and protecting wildlife habitat. The objective of the first study is to investigate the supply of agricultural land that might be available for conservation use at various purchase prices. It was expected that increasingly frequent flooding over the past decades would have increased the supply of land available for conservation. This was verified to be the case for the most vulnerable lands in Devil’s Lake Basin—areas below 1,460 ft. elevation and within 300 ft. of surface waters. The Conservation Reserve Program is comprised of lands that were previously farmed and have been converted into grassland. The landowners are compensated by the US government for retiring this farmland because it provides environmental benefits. Current commodity prices are giving farmers less incentive to renew their CRP contracts and many are deciding to instead farm those lands. The second study aims to identify and quantify the factors that affect a landowner’s decision to renew an expiring CRP contract or not in the Sheyenne River basin. The economic factors examined were crop prices and CRP payments. The ecological factors were slope of the land, distance to the nearest stream, and soil texture. The purpose of the final study is to estimate the increase in sediment loading due to changes in CRP enrollment, and then value the cost to society of the increased sedimentation. This will be accomplished by creating a SWAT model of the Sheyenne River. Future and hypothetical land use datasets will be substituted into the model. Every ton of sediment entering the river costs society an estimated $2.40. The model estimated 1,218.36 tons of sediment entered the river from the study area in 2005. Using the landcover conditions present in 2014, an estimated 1,661.4 tons of sediment would have entered the river across the study area, an increase of 36%.

Browse

Browsing Natural Resources Management by browse.metadata.department "School of Natural Resource Sciences"