Soil Science Masters Theses

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Association and Bioavailability of 17β-Estradiol with Soil and Manure Aqueous Dissolved and Colloidal Fractions
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Chambers, Katrin Bella
Steroidal estrogens in the environment exert toxicological effects at very low concentrations. Furthermore, dissolved and colloidal fractions of soil and manure play an important role in the environmental fate and transport of steroidal estrogens. One objective of this study was to quantify the association of the natural estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), with the dissolved fraction and colloidal fraction isolated from liquid swine manure (LSM), soil, and soil+LSM mixtures. The second objective of this study was to evaluate whether the E2 associated with the dissolved fraction/colloidal fraction, dissolved fraction and colloidal fraction of the various media could induce an estrogenic response. Estrogenicity was assessed using an E2 receptor (ER) competitor assay, which provided E2 equivalent concentration (EEQ) of dissolved fraction/colloidal fraction, dissolved fraction and colloidal fraction solutions created from the Soil, Soil+LSM and LSM.
Biological Response to Sulfate Salinity in Richland County, North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Butcher, Kirsten R.
Soil salinization is a major threat to agricultural ecosystems. Consequently, an understanding of agro-ecosystem functions affected by increasing levels of soil salinity is critical for land management. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of soil salinity on corn and soybean growth and soil microbial activity in southeastern North Dakota soils with naturally occurring soil salinity. A field study assessed corn and soybean yield, and a laboratory study assessed microbial respiration in response to increasing salinization. Both corn and soybean yield were significantly impacted by salinity in sandy loam soils, declining after a threshold of 4.57 dS m-1 and 2.98 dS m-1, respectively. These thresholds are higher and lower than previously established threshold tolerances for corn and soybean, respectively. Microbial respiration in sandy loam soils could not be significantly explained by ECe, potentially indicating a community composition that has acclimated to sulfate-based salinity in these soils.
Brine-Contaminated Soils in Western North Dakota: Site Assessment Methodology and a New In-Situ Remediation Method
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Klaustermeier, Aaron Wallace
Anthropogenic soil salinity caused by produced water (i.e., brine) contamination is an issue in all oil and gas producing regions. The objectives of this research are to develop soil electrical conductivity (EC) conversion equations for rapid site assessment of brine spills and to determine the efficacy of crystallization inhibitors as an in-situ remediation method. Conversion equations were developed for soil-to-water suspensions and saturated paste extracts (ECe) on brine-contaminated soils. These new equations provided the best prediction of ECe when compared to 14 other equations reported in the literature. A crystallization inhibitor (C18Fe7N18) applied to NaCl-contaminated soils using various concentrations and methods of application yielded dendritic salt crystals above the soil surface. On average, between 0.29 and 0.57 g g-1 of NaCl salts effloresced when surface applying a 0.01M concentration of the crystallization inhibitor. Results from these studies will guide consultants and researchers in the assessment and remediation of brine-contaminated soils.
Calcium Acetate: An Alternative to Gypsum for Brine Impacted Soils
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Peterson, Annalie
With North Dakota being ranked as a leading producer of oil and natural gas in the United States, the possibility of accidental produced water (aka “brine” or “salt water”) spills is a continuous concern. Brine water poses numerous threats to soil properties as it has the potential of causing soil dispersion by increased concentrations of sodium. The goal of this research was to compare the effectiveness of several calcium amendments: calcium acetate, flue gas desulphurization gypsum and pelletized gypsum, on improving the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and removing sodium of three brine impacted soils. Ultimately, increasing rates of calcium acetate had the greatest effect on increasing the Ks but, in general, increasing rates of any amendment increased the Ks and removed sodium. A secondary goal was to produce a resource about the origin of brine water in the Williston basin for those affected by or interested in this topic.
Can Soil Microbial Activity Be Improved With the Use of Amendments?
(North Dakota State University, 2020) Kruger, Matthew Wayne
Low microbial activity and associated nutrient cycling are concerns in agricultural problem soils. The objectives of this study were to investigate microbial response on problem soils to amendments, drying-wetting cycles, and the interaction of amendments and drying-wetting cycles. In this laboratory study, soil carbon dioxide (CO2) flux was measured from thermal desorption treated soils and saline soils in response to Proganics, spent lime, and composted beef manure applications. Microbial activity was measured through CO2 flux and its rate of change, permanganate oxidizable C, and residual inorganic nitrogen. Proganics had the greatest ability to elevate and sustain microbial activity on problem soils, but spent lime and compost had the greatest potential to improve microbial mediated nitrogen mineralization. In conclusion, spent lime and compost can be effective amendments for improving soil quality of saline and thermal desorption treated problem soils to increase microbial activity and associated nitrogen cycling.
Can We Increase Crop Yield Adopting Tile Drainage in Fargo Clay Soil?
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Acharya, Umesh
Subsurface drainage has recently become common for agriculturally productive soils and key to maintain and improve crop production in poorly drained, frigid clay soils. The first study was conducted for four years (2014-17) at Casselton, ND to determine best combination of drainage, tillage and crop rotation for higher corn yield. Our finding suggested corn yield was highest with no drainage, CS and CH combination in years with drought conditions. The second study was conducted for three years (2015-17) to evaluate subsurface drainage spacing (9, 12, and 15m) and depth (0.9 and 1.2m) combination on corn, soybean and sugarbeet yields and residual soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) contents. Results indicated that 9 m drain spacing produced highest corn and soybean yield when average across three years in contrast with drain depth that has no effect on corn and soybean yield except for sugarbeet where the 1.2m depth yielded higher than the 0.9m depth.
Characterizing Soil Microbial Communities of Reclaimed Roads in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Viall, Eric
Reclaimed roads on the Little Missouri National Grasslands of southwestern North Dakota have not returned to pre-disturbance conditions. Phospholipid fatty acid analysis was performed on soil samples collected from reclaimed roads and adjacent prairie to assess reclamation effects on the microbial community. Additionally, nutrient cycling capacity was measured by four enzyme assays. Ordination analysis of PLFA data identified a distance gradient indicating microbial communities of reclaimed roads were different from the prairie. Specifically, Gram-negative bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are associated with roads; soil organic matter was associated with prairie sites. Soil enzyme activities associated with prairie sites indicate greater nutrient cycling. The soils of reclaimed roads have not accumulated sufficient organic matter to sustain both plant and microbial communities characteristic of the surrounding prairie.
Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Thermally and Chemically Disturbed Soil in Northwestern North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Ritter, Samantha Susan
Thermal desorption (TD) remediates hydrocarbon-contaminated soil by heating the soil (200 to 500 °C) to volatilize the hydrocarbons, effectively removing the contaminant from the soil. If the soil is then used for agricultural production, reclamation success can be determined by quantifying aspects of soil health. Cation exchange capacity (CEC), cation selectivity and Gibbs free energy (ΔGex) of TD-treated and untreated soil were compared. Although CEC and ΔGex differed, cation selectivities were not altered suggesting that alternative fertility management to retain previous soil productivity may not be needed. From field plots, N-transforming genes were lowered in contaminated and TD-treated soils as compared to non-contaminated soil, but the addition of surface soil (1:1 blends) increased N-cycling genes to levels reported in the literature. Thermal desorption may not alter soil chemical as much as biological metrics, but blending treated or contaminated soils with native surface soils can enhance soil function and, ultimately, productivity.
Corn Response to Sulfur Fertilizer in the Red River Valley
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Kaur, Jashandeep
A study was conducted at ten locations in North Dakota and Minnesota in 2016 and 2017 to evaluate corn response to different sulfur (S) application rates and to determine the relationship between corn yield and plant tests. Five S treatments of 0 (check), 11, 22, 33, and 44 kg S ha-1 were applied as ammonium sulfate granular fertilizer. Significant increase in corn yield occurred at only two sites (out of ten sites) in both years. Application of 33 kg S ha-1 (2016) and 44 kg S ha-1 (2017) increased corn yield by 3.4 Mg ha-1 and 1.3 Mg ha-1, respectively. Poor correlation was noticed between plant tests (tissue S and N/S) and corn yield. These results indicate that response to S varies from soil to soil and weather conditions may play the most important role in determining the response. Additional research should be conducted using different soils over multiple years.
The Effect of Salinity on Soil Microbial Community Structure
(North Dakota State University, 2020) Ries, Mackenzie Lynn
Soil salinity is a widespread problem that affects crop productivity. We expect that saline soils also have altered microbial community structure, soil food webs and related soil properties. To test this, we sampled field soils across four farms in eastern North Dakota that host salinity gradients. We evaluated microbial biomass carbon, phospholipid fatty acid analysis and nematode counts in moderately saline and low saline soils. Additionally, we measured soil properties that represent potential food sources and habitat characteristics that influence microbial communities. We found higher microbial group abundance in moderately saline soils than in the lower saline soils. In contrast, we found lower nematode abundances in the moderately saline soils. We also observed increased labile carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water content in the moderately saline soils. Based on our results, saline soils appear to have unique soil biological characteristics, which have implications for overall soil function along salinity gradients.
Effects of Major Flooding on Water and Sediment Characteristics in an Urban Enviromnent
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Guy, Adam Christopher
Spring flooding of the Red River of the North is a common phenomenon, but no infonnation exits on how these flooding events impact both water and sediment quality within an urban area. The objectives of this study were to assess if urban enviromnents affect floodwater quality and to determine the quality of sediment deposited in an urban environment after floodwaters recede. Water samples were taken on 12 dates from two locations before and after the city limits of Pargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota (F-M), and were measured for 12 variables including total sediment, P04, 17/3-estradiol, and diesel range organics. Sediment and underlying soil samples were collected from three locations within F-M where, at each location, there were three equidistant transects parallel to the river channel, and analyzed for 40 variables including dry sediment mass, carbon, nitrogen, diesel and gasoline range organics, and trace elements. Considering river discharge and total sediment and P04 concentrations at each sampling date, about 4500 Mg of sediment and 30 Mg of P04 were estimated to have been deposited within F-M. l 7Bestradiol was detected in 9 of 24 water samples with an average concentration of0.61 ng L1 and diesel range organics were detected in 8 of 24 samples with an average concentration of 80.0 µg L-1. Average mass of sediment across locations and transects ranged from about 2 to 1 O kg m·2 where transects closest to the river channel had the higher mass deposits of sediment. Total carbon and nitrogen within the sediment was determined to be mostly organic and ranged from about 40 to 59 g kg' 1 and about 1,760 to 4,930 mg kg·1, respectively, with the highest concentrations occurring at the transect furthest from the river channel. No gasoline range organics were detected, but diesel range organics were detected in 26 of the 27 sediment samples analyzed with a maximum concentration of 49.2 µg g-1• Total Hg concentrations in the sediment and soil averaged about 55 and 61 ng g-1, respectively, and all trace elements detected in the sediments were within ranges for noncontaminated sites. Although sediments remaining after floodwaters recede can be unsightly and cleanup efforts can be labor intensive, these sediments can also provide essential plant nutrients for urban riverine ecosystems, which may include turf grass, fruits and vegetables, and horticultural plants.
Evaluating Dynamic Soil Change in the Barnes Soil Series Across Eastern North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Montgomery, Brandon
Quantifying long-term, global soil change is of the utmost importance as the human population continues growing and food security needs intensify. North Dakota presents a unique opportunity to study dynamic soil change because of its agricultural prominence and extensive soil survey data. A resampling method to characterize soil change from legacy soil survey data was utilized on a benchmark soil series, the Barnes, in North Dakota. Significant decreases (p<0.05) in soil organic carbon (SOC) were measured in surface horizons of three Barnes pedons, and depending upon management practices, morphologic changes ranged from highly eroded, with the complete loss of the A horizon, at two sites, to non-eroded conditions at sites returned to CRP 25 years ago. Additionally, using remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET) data as a non-biased proxy for soil function shows modeling potential. These results serve as a proof of concept and demonstrate the need for more comprehensive research.
Evaluation of 1:5 Soil to Water Extract Electrical Conductivity Methods and Comparison to Electrical Conductivity of Saturated Paste Extract
(North Dakota State University, 2011) He, Yangbo
Conducting a 1 :5 soil:water extract to measure electrical conductivity (EC) is an approach to assess salinity and is the preferred method used in Australia. However, the influence of salinity on plant growth is predominantly based on saturated paste extract electrical conductivity (ECe) and ECe is recommended as a general method for estimating soil salinity internationally, so it is necessary to convert EC1:s to ECe, The objectives of this research were to 1) compare methods of agitation (shaking plus centrifuging (shaking/centrifuging), shaking, and stirring) for determining EC1: 5; 2) determine optimal times for equilibration for each method across a range of salinity levels determined from saturated paste extracts (ECe) (objectives 1 and 2 are for paper 1); and 3) develop predictive models to convert ECu data to ECe based on four different 1 :5 extraction methods listed above and a USDA-NRCS equilibration technique ( objective 3 is for paper 2). The soils evaluated for the two studies were from north central North Dakota, USA, where 20 soil samples having ECe values ranging from 0.96 to 21 dS m-1were used for the first study (objectives 1 and 2), and 100 samples having ECe values ranging from 0.30 to 17.9 dS m-1were used in the second study (objective 3). In the first study, for each method, nine equilibrium times were used up to 48 hrs. In the second study, a uniform agitation time (8 hrs) was applied to the first three agitation methods, and 1 hr was also used for the USDA-NRCS method. For the first study, significant relationships (p < 0.05) existed between values ofEC1:s and agitation time across the three methods. Agitation methods were significantly different (p S 0.05) from each other for 65% of the soils and shaking/centrifuging was significantly different (p < 0.05) from stirring for all soils. In addition, for 75% of the soils, shaking/centrifuging was significantly different (p :S 0.05) from shaking. Based on these results, methods were analyzed separately for optimal equilibration times. The agitation times required for the three methods to reach 95 and 98% of equilibration were a function of the level of soil salinity. For soils with ECe values less than 4 dS m·1, over 24 hrs was needed to obtain both 95 and 98% of equilibration for the three methods. However, less than 3 and 8 hrs were needed to reach 95 and 98% equilibration, respectively, across methods for soils having ECe values greater than 4 dS m·1. These results indicate that establishing a standard method is necessary to help reduce variation across EC1:s measurements. In the second study, the value ofECe was highly correlated with EC1:s (p < 0.0001) across four agitation methods in non-transformed, log10- transformed, and dilution ratio models through regression analysis. The values of coefficient of determination (r2 ) were greatly improved and average about 0.87 using log10- transformation compared to other two models (r2 values of about 0.68 for the nontransformed models and 0.69 for the dilution ratio models). Since agitation methods were determined to be highly correlated with each other, any regression model determined under the four agitation methods were applicable for the estimation of ECe from another method. The results from this research indicate that comparing data across studies should be done with caution because both agitation method and time can influence results. Also, estimation ofECe from EC1:5 can be done with confidence, but models may not be transferrable across different soil orders or across various salt types.
An Evaluation of Electrical Conductivity Meters for Making In-Field Soil Salinity Measurements
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Briese, Lee Galen
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) can be used as a parameter to assist agricultural producers in making economically important management decisions. Since particular crops and crop varieties respond dynamically to soluble salt levels in relation to crop growth stage and soil moisture content, many management decisions regarding crop type and variety must be made prior to planting. Some crop stress factors could be removed or mitigated if a handheld EC meter could be implemented during the growing season. The objectives of this research were to 1) determine the accuracy of four handheld EC meters for measuring soil EC across a range of environmental temperatures of 15, 20 and 25° C, soil clay concentrations of 10.2, 17.8, 19.3, 32.3 and 50.4 %, and salt solutions containing NaMg- SO4 or Na-Mg-Cl at concentrations of approximately 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 dS m-1 under controlled laboratory conditions; 2) identify functional differences of the meters that might pose problems for in-field use; and 3) determine if meter price is related to accuracy. The EC values provided by three of the handheld EC meters were significantly different than the standard meter at all treatment levels. Measurements at different temperatures of the standard KCI calibration solution (known EC 1.413 dS m ·1 ) varied by ±0.15, -0.01 to +0.16, -0.14 to -0.03, and ±0.03 dS m-1, for the Hanna Black (Hl993310), Hanna Blue {Hl98331), Field Scout, and SenslON 5 meters, respectively. When salinity was 3 dS m-1 or greater the difference between the test meters and standard meter (EC Response} was larger. Test meter measurements for the salinity by clay interaction were different than the standard meter by ±0.5, ±1, and -2.5 to +1.5 dS m-1, for EC levels of less than 3, 3 to 4, and greater than 4 dS m-1, respectively. The SenslON 5 handheld was the only meter tested that was not significantly different than the standard meter {p::; 0.48}. Test meter accuracy was highly dependent on temperature. Therefore, the most important criteria for selecting a portable meter for in-field EC measurements is the accuracy of the specific meter's temperature measurement and temperature compensation model.
Evaluation of Soil Potassium Test to Improve Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Rakkar, Manbir Kaur
A study was conducted at thirteen locations in North Dakota and Minnesota in 2013 and 2014 with the objectives of determining difference between the soil potassium (K) results based upon air-dried (KDry) and field-moist (KMoist) soil samples during the corn growing season and to evaluate corn response to applied K-fertilizer. Overall, KDry tests showed higher K levels in the soil test results compared to KMoist but the pattern of deviation was dependent upon various soil properties such as initial soil K level. Temporal variation of soil K levels indicated a need to consider time of soil sampling while making fertilizer recommendations. Potassium application significantly increased corn yields at only five out of 11 sites with soil K levels below critical K soil test levels (<150 ppm). Therefore, development of an improved soil testing strategy is required to improve the predictability of corn response to applied K fertilizer in this region.
An Examination of Land Preparation Methods to Alleviate Common Issues Associated With Pipeline Reclamation
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Lardy, Jarrett
Post-seeding land preparation methods can improve reclamation success; however, limited research is available for the Williston Basin. A field study evaluated four treatments: land imprinting, hydromulch, straw crimping, and the combination of hydromulch and land imprinting for their abilities to reduce simulated rainfall runoff and sediment losses and for their ability to promote plant growth. Straw crimping reduced total runoff and may likely be the best option for providing surface cover. However, vegetation establishment was found to be not significant among the treatments. Additionally, a laboratory study examined seven soils for their penetration resistances (PR) across variable water contents (Θg) and bulk densities (Bd). Overall, as Bd increased so did PR, with increases in Θg diminishing PR increases, yet still building strongly correlated relationships (r2 > 0.90). These results will enable reclamation specialists to better define soil conditions and methods for improving soil water retention and overall soil function.
Foliar Application of Iron Chelated Fertilizer and Surfactants for Management of Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Soybeans
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Rasmussen, Heidi
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a production challenge for farmers growing soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], especially in the Red River Valley. It is critical to correct this deficiency as soon as symptoms arise before growth, and ultimately yield, is negatively impacted. Field experiments of foliar applied iron fertilizers (o-o-EDDHA, o-o-EDDHSA, HEDTA, and an amino acid) and suitable adjuvants (HSOC [high surfactant oil concentrate], non-ionic surfactant, acidifier, and organosilicone surfactant), to control IDC were conducted during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons, respectively. There was high variability among the results for both the SPAD meter readings and soil iron concentration. The yield values were greater in the treated plots than with control plots, but not significantly so. Further experiments should be conducted to gain more knowledge on the prolonged use and efficiency of these products in the correction of IDC.
How Salinity Influences Soil Organisms: Earthworms, Archaea, Bacteria and Fungi
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Castleberry, Cecelia Bartley
Soil salinity is a naturally-occurring issue in the Great Plains. Current standards for saline soil designation are based on plant tolerance levels. This thesis expands salinity knowledge into salinity responses of other soil organisms. I used laboratory mesocosms to examine survival and fecundity or cocoon production of earthworms in the Apporectodea complex to increasing levels of salinity, with or without supplemental organic matter (OM). I then used a split-bin design to examine earthworm choice between combinations of saline and non-saline soils, with and without supplemental OM. I found that earthworms avoided saline soils, but survival and production was steady across salinity levels and in some cases decreased with added OM. I then quantified abundance and diversity of microbial groups in field-collected saline and non-saline soils in increments to 120 cm depth. The response of microbes to depth were stronger than their responses to salinity. Both important groups of soil organisms appear tolerant to salinity levels.
Impacts of Kentucky Bluegrass and Patch-Burn Grazing Management on Soil Properties in the Northern Great Plains
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Gerhard, Leslie Marie
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.; hereafter referred to as bluegrass) has rapidly invaded the northern Great Plains over the past three decades, leading to declines in native plant diversity. A knowledge gap exists regarding the below-ground impacts that bluegrass has on soil properties. To address this knowledge gap, we measured soil physical, chemical, and biological conditions associated with bluegrass dominance resulting from idle management. We compared these results to patch-burn grazed areas with greater native plant species expression. Our results indicate that bluegrass influences soil microclimate, promoting cooler and wetter soil conditions. However, this shift does not appear to alter soil microbial abundance or carbon and nitrogen pools. Additionally, patch-burn grazing has limited impact on measured soil properties. We concluded that patch-burn grazing may be a practical land management technique for controlling bluegrass invasions without negative impacts on soil, and for promoting biological heterogeneity.
Influence of Amendments on Chemical and Biological Properties of Sodic Soils
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Breker, Maria Christine
Improving productivity of sodic soils has become a concern in North Dakota because of the desire for more land for producing crops. Field and incubation studies were conducted to determine the impacts of different amendments (flue-gas desulfurization gypsum, sugar beet processing by-product lime, and langbeinite) on the chemical and biological properties of two sodic soils. The field study evaluated the amendment effects on the chemical conditions of the soil and the impact on alfalfa yield and quality. Differences were not observed in percent sodium (%Na) in the first 17 months and alfalfa yield was not impacted by the treatments except for the high rate of langbeinite. The incubation study investigated the effects of amendments on both the chemical and biological properties of the soil. Spent lime increased the cumulative respiration but was not impacted by gypsum or langbeinite. Labile carbon (C) was negatively correlated with %Na and electrical conductivity (EC).

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