News Releases
Extension Ag & Biosystems Engineering
North Dakota State University
News Release
Topics
New
NDSU Web Site Contains Information on Ag & Biosystems Engineering
Revised
Dairy Housing Handbook Available
Satellite
Images of North Dakota Now Available
Machinery
Proper
Equipment Can Help Address Wet Harvest Conditions
Keeping
Records Is Necessary Part of Machinery Maintenance
Storage
for Machinery Is Well Worth the Cost, Ag Engineer Says Planting
Uniform
Seeding Depth and Soil Moisture is Critical to Grain Yield
Safety
Clean
Grain Bins are Essential To a Quality Crop
A
Safety Wrap-up On Big Round Balers
Manage
Your Time for Safety, Specialist Says
No
Short Cuts to Safety With Lawnmowers
PERSONAL
TIME MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT IN SPRING RUSH
Injuries
Sprout During Spring Field Work
Practice
Safe Walking For Healthier Walking
Toddlers
and Tractors Don’t Mix, Farm Safety Specialist Stresses
Good
Farm Safety Management Needs Planning
Inspect
Anhydrous Amonia Nurse Tanks to Ensure Safety
Move
Anhydrous Ammonia Safely on the Road, Safety Specialist Says
Work
With Care At The Grain Bins
Every
Farm Needs First Aid Kits, Safety Specialist Urges
Pesticide Application
and Storage
Ag
Engineer Says Keep Pesticides On Target
Closed
System Provides Safe Pesticide Handling
Never
Store Pesticides in the House
Crop Storage
Cool
Stored Grain To Prevent Damage
Revised
Book Provides Design Guidance for Dry Grain Aeration Systems Concerns
Grain
Storage Management Action May Be Required
New
Web Site on Grain Handling, Drying and Storage
Water Quality
New
Document Helps Define Nitrogen Contamination in the Region
Bacteriological
Testing Laboratories
Irrigation
Irrigation
Growth Requires Research and Monitoring To Protect Water
Septic
Systems and High Water Tables
Comprehensive
Guide to Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Now Available
Indoor Air Quality
New
NDSU Web Site Informs on the Structural and Environmental Aspects of Your
Home
Second-Hand
Smoke is a Health Threat to Children
Has
Your Home been Tested for Radon?
Allergies,
Asthma Linked to Indoor Air Quality
A
Dry Basement Keeps the Whole House Healthy
Spray Coverage and Drift
Ag
Engineer Outlines Strategies for Reducing Spray Drift
Effect
on Yield and Bottom Line Determines Spray Technique Success
Ag
Spray Droplet Size Relates
Tips
for Spraying Fungicide to Control Scab
Move
Anhydrous Ammonia Safely on the Road, Safety
Specialist Says
Moving anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks on public roads can be a risky situation, according to a North Dakota State University farm safety specialist. That’s why those doing the driving must take every precaution possible to reduce the risk.
"The anhydrous ammonia in the nurse tank is highly pressurized, so an accident may result in an uncontrolled release," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "Once in the field the only people at risk are those downwind and those working with the nurse tank. On the road, an accident may put other drivers and those living nearby in harm’s way."
Fortunately, there are regulations in effect to reduce the risk for everyone, he notes. The person doing the driving is always completely responsible for whatever happens to the load being pulled.
"Remember that transporting nurse tanks on a public road is an age-appropriate task," Maher says. Youngsters must be at least 14 years of age and have a valid driver's license to drive a tractor or motor vehicle and pull one or two anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks on North Dakota public roads. They can only do this for their parents. To be able to do this for an employer, they must have a valid drivers license and be 16 years old.
Not more than two anhydrous ammonia nurse tank wagons can be towed legally at any time with a pickup, farm tractor, or truck. The anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks cannot be towed any faster than 25 miles per hour. The hours for moving nurse tanks on public roads are between sunrise and sunset. After dark, it is completely illegal to move anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks on a public road. The slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign must always be on display.
Always use the safety chains whenever nurse tanks, empty or full, are moved on the road at speeds faster than 15 miles per hour, even with a tractor, Maher advises. They help to insure that you remain in control of the nurse tank even if the hitch pin should jump out. The chains must be strong and secure enough so they don't break if the hitch pin should come out. Safety chains should always allow turning without binding.
The labels on nurse tanks must be maintained. "Anhydrous ammonia" must be displayed on both sides, front and rear in green letters two inches or more in height. The nurse tank must display either "Non-Flamable Gas" or "1500" Department of Transportation placards on both sides and front and back. It must also display "Inhalation Hazard" on both sides with green letters at least two inches high. All tank valves should be labeled to indicate whether the opening is for liquid or vapor service. Other labels must be maintained that explain first aid procedures and safety instructions.
Often agricultural producers will assemble a string of implements and trailers when moving machinery from field to field. The complete assembly cannot be longer than 75 feet when nurse tanks are involved, Maher says. Long strings of implements occasionally swerve from side to side while moving down the road.
"If the nurse tank is bringing up the rear, it will swerve the most. It is extremely dangerous for everyone involved when there is a nurse tank weaving from side to side on any road," Maher says.
Every nurse tank should receive a safety inspection before you leave the bulk filling facility with it. Be sure it has all the safety equipment, including; goggles, gloves, and five gallons of clean water. "Those items are necessary for your safety. Your life may depend on them being there and being in good condition," Maher says.
Injuries Sprout During Spring Field Work
Crops are not the only thing that sprouts in the spring. The rate of
agricultural injury increases consistently during this season as
well, brought on by the press of field work and machinery
preparations.
"Although the maintenance work on equipment and preparation
for the planting season may seem routine, precautions need to be
taken to complete those tasks safely," says George Maher an
agricultural safety specialist with the North Dakota State
University Extension Service. Spring activities include hitching
and unhitching cultivators and planting equipment, changing
cultivator shovels and other tillage tool maintenance, leading to
the most common springtime injuries of sprains, strains, cuts and
broken bones.
"Many fingers, toes and backs are injured while hitching and
unhitching tillage equipment. How you arrange your equipment in
the farmyard area can make life easier and safer. Give some
thought as to where to park equipment before unhitching it,"
Maher says.
Avoid uneven areas for machinery storage. Equipment may move
after being released from the tractor. Machinery with integral
hitches, such as three-point, are much easier and safer to attach
on level ground, he says. Equipment is safer to work on and hitch
to the tractor while on relatively flat, level ground. Jacks and
blocking that machinery may rest on are not as likely to slip.
"Keep in mind that the area between a tractor and the implement
to be attached is a very dangerous zone for the person who is
helping to hitch equipment. It is so easy for a foot to slip from a
clutch or brake pedal, and the results can be disastrous," Maher
notes. While hitching equipment the helper should always stand
to the side of the equipment, stepping between only when the
machinery is lined up correctly and the tractor is in park or
neutral while the brakes are set.
For fewest problems, back the tractor up to the machinery in a
straight alignment whenever possible. Locking hitch pins should
always be used to keep implements from working loose and
causing accidents.
"Too many injuries and deaths are recorded because someone
trusted a hydraulic system. If your safety is influenced by
hydraulic power or systems, block the machinery in place, very
carefully," Maher says. Also, disconnecting hydraulic couplings
is much easier and safer when there isn't any pressure on the
system, further reinforcing the need for hitch jacks or blocking.
Always use transport brackets for cultivator wings while on the
road.
It can make a big difference in the control of most machinery if
the hydraulic connections are mixed or interchanged. Color
coding your tractor and machinery hydraulic connections is a
good way to prevent these problems, Maher says. Red and green
or yellow and blue are good, usable color combinations. Be sure
to check the operation of the hydraulic controls after the hitching
is complete and the helper is out of the way. If you know the
connections are wrong in the farmyard, you are more likely to
make the corrections then than once you are in the field.
It is always a good idea to support machinery with blocks or
jacks for the hitch before pulling the pin to unhitch equipment.
Letting the implement hitch fall to the ground as you pull away
with the tractor will make the next hitching more difficult and
dangerous, possibly inviting a back injury. Be sure to use wood
or metal blocking since concrete crushes too easily and
unexpectedly.
Before you pull or push on a wrench, take a second to see where
your elbow or knuckles will hit if the wrench should slip It is
usually safer to pull on a wrench than it is to push on it. When
removing cultivator shovels and similar parts it is a good idea to
apply a shot of penetrating oil after clearing the soil from nuts
and bolts. While installing new cultivator shovels you can
protect the exposed threads of bolts by using double nuts to cover
them.
"Remember that it takes less time to do these safety checks than
to go for medical attention," Maher notes. "Skinned knuckles,
cuts, bruises and sprains are not a necessary part of working on
grain drills, row-crop planters and cultivators."
There are many opportunities for serious accidents to occur
when tillage equipment is on the road, he says. When you move
farm machinery on the roadway always be alert for traffic and
allow it to pass when it is safe for all concerned. Always
maintain safe road speeds so that you can control the machinery
and avoid undue wear and tear.
The danger is compounded when moving large machinery on
roadways after dark and doing so is never worth the risk, Maher
says. An SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) sign should be mounted
on all equipment so it is clearly visible from the rear, this is
required by law. Clearance lights should be used while on the
road in poor visibility conditions such as early dusk.
"Out in the field, in the routine of fieldwork, the opportunities for
injury are usually much less, but care is still needed," Maher
says. "Watch out for power lines and poles, trees and fences.
Turning the equipment at the end of the fields can be dangerous.
Don't snag the equipment on the tractor's rear wheels in tight
turns."
Always shut the tractor engine off, and put the key in your pocket
before leaving the tractor seat when tillage equipment plugs on
crop residue, Maher recommends. "You never know when it may
slip into gear while you are intertwined in the cultivator. And
remember, there is only one seat on the tractor and that is all it
takes to do the job, so no riders."
Proper Equipment Can Help Address Wet Harvest Conditions
With harvest coming on the heels of thunderstorms and heavy rains across the region, getting a lodged crop out of wet fields may be a challenge for many farmers.
"The recent rains with wind have laid a significant amount of
grain on the ground. This can cause problems in getting across
the field and getting the crop into the combine," notes North
Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer Vern Hofman.
"Finger pickup reels almost may be a necessity to lift the grain off the soil," Hofman says. "A flexible floating cutter bar with lifter guards also can be a big help." The flexible floating cutter bar will ride on the soil surface and the lifter guards will help the reel left the grain up above the cutter bar. The guards’ front points ride on the soil surface and use spring action to lift the guards up and over obstructions.
"The flexible cutter bar, guards and pickup reel together can help left the crop up 3 or 4 inches so the cutter bar can slide under the heads and cut them it off," Hofman explains. Combine operators will need to reduce speeds as compared to working in crops that are standing upright. "When you’re working that close to the soil surface, you need to take time to allow tangled grain to feed into the machine and to avoid to damaging the combine. Also, more plant material will be running through the combine. And when the crop is laying on wet soil, it may be wetter as well, requiring slower speeds for the combine to do it’s job."
Pickup reels and lifter guards can be installed on a swather, but cutting the crop close to ground level will mean the windrow will almost be laying on bare soil, Hofman notes. With little stubble to hold the windrow up, little air movement will occur under the swath, slowing drying. Also, if more rain occurs a swath may be extremely slow to dry and sprouting in the windrow could occur.
"Getting a swather through a wet field can create another problem. Leaving
the crop stand and straight combining may be
the best option as standing grain heads will usually dry faster
than in a swath," Hofman says.
"Getting a combine through wet fields could also be a challenge," he
notes. "Tracks on a combine may be desirable, but
adding a dual (tire) wheel may be the most economical
way to help float the combine through a wet field."
Hofman recommends adding a slightly smaller tire on the outside to help reduce stress on the combine axle. When the main tire sinks in, the extra tire will help carry the load. When an extra tire is added, the main tire can operate at a slightly lower pressure, which will cause it to spread over a larger surface area. Be sure the combine weight with a full grain tank does not overload the tires at reduced tire pressures
Add-on tracks are available but may require a significant investment.
Purchasing tracks for a combine may require 10 to 15
days to build and may need to be purchased in quantities of 10 sets
through an implement dealer, Hofman notes. "But tracks may mean the difference
between harvesting the crop or leaving a major portion in the field," he
says. It may be best to check with an implement dealer in your area
about availability of tracks.
A Safety Wrap-up On Big Round Balers
With more than ample moisture across most of the state, there is a lot of hay to be baled. Most of that hay will be baled with big round balers.
"Although big round balers are tremendous time and labor savers, they do have a reputation of being involved in many severe injuries and fatalities," notes George Maher, safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "Safe practices with these machines can reduce these injuries and fatalities significantly."
Maher notes that most injuries with big round balers happen at the intake end of the machine. "Often injuries occur when hay does not feed into the baler correctly and a plug-up happens," he says. The safe procedure for dealing with those plug-ups is:
1.Take the PTO out of gear
2.Shut off the tractor engine
3.Put the ignition key in your pocket
4.Dismount from the tractor and unplug the machine
Often injuries with big round balers result from entanglement with the PTO shaft, Maher notes. "This shaft need to be shielded just the same as the PTO shaft of any other implement. The tractor engine and PTO should be stopped every time before leaving the tractor seat. It takes only a fourth of a second, or less, for a PTO entanglement to happen," he says.
The baler’s belts also pose a significant hazard. "Many hands have been lost when workers try to correct a problem by reaching into the baler around the belts while it is still running. Every machine should be shut off and allowed to stop before any work is attempted," he says.
The rear gate of the baler is also the site of numerous injuries. "Never depend on hydraulics to hold up the rear gate of the baler," Maher says. "Always use a mechanical support such as a post or block to keep the part up. Hydraulic components do fail, resulting in injury or death."
The green grass of spring and summer brings with it the chore of
mowing.
"Mowing a lawn seems like a very simply job -- just push the
mower and let the machine do the work. But there is a lot more to
it if it is to be done safely and without accident," says George
Maher, safety specialist with the North Dakota State University
Extension Service. "Safety needs to be a top concern, especially
when young people in the family are assigned the task."
Anyone who is new to the job of using a powered lawnmower
should know about the hazards of operation and maintenance, and
the responsibilities of safe operation, Maher says. "There’s
always an element of danger with any power equipment, but if
that equipment is properly used and maintained that danger can
be managed."
Before allowing a youth to operate a lawnmower, consider the
following:
Is the operator large enough to fully control the machine and
reach all controls?
Does the operator have the maturity to handle the job?
Is the operator responsible enough to recognize safety
hazards and problems?
Does the operator know how to do the job safely and
correctly?
Give the lawnmower a safety check, too.
Is the blade on tight?
Does the gas tank leak?
Are the wheels dependable?
Are all shields in place?
Do the controls work correctly?
Finally, give the lawn a check. Hazards can lurk in the unmown
grass.
Are all toys and other objects removed?
Is the area clear of people and pets?
Have you taken note of steep hillsides?
Are you aware of where the clippings will fly?
Will your mowing pattern direct clippings away from
people, pets and houses?
No matter who does the mowing, they need to dress safely,
Maher says. Sturdy shoes are always a necessity. Leather shoes
can reduce the degree of injury if a foot were to slip into the
blade. Mowing the lawn while barefoot is a sure invitation to
disaster. Long pants may deflect any objects flying out from
under the mower deck.
"Mowing the lawn usually involves considerable sun exposure,
which can increase the risk of skin cancer," Maher says.
"Workers, including youngsters, exposed to the strong rays of the
sun need to be protected. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, a
broad-brimmed hat, long pants, and sun block. Skin cancer is
much easier to prevent than to treat or cure."
When starting a mower, be sure to keep your clothing away from
rotating parts and your feet from under the mower deck. Be
careful to control long hair for the same reason, Maher notes.
Many mowers have a place on the deck to place your foot on to
hold the mower steady while pulling the starting rope. "Use it,"
Maher says. "A mower that is jumping around as you try to start
it is dangerous and out of control. Be sure that self-propelled
mowers are out of gear before starting the engine."
Be sure to mow across the slopes with a push mower and up and
down the slopes with a riding mower. "If you have to lean over
on a riding mower to keep your balance, you are in a very
dangerous situation," Maher says. "It is hard to imagine that there
would be no injuries when a riding mower and operator tips
over and rolls down a hill."
Push mowers should be used across the slopes to reduce the
chances of your foot slipping under the mower and being cut by
the whirling blade. For the same reason, a mower should not be
pulled through the grass as you walk backwards -- slipping will
very likely put a foot in the blade.
"If an area of your lawn is too steep for safe mowing, perhaps it
should be terraced or otherwise landscaped to make it safer and
more usable," Maher notes.
Do not refuel the mower as soon as it runs out. Let it cool down,
Maher advises. Many mowers have the muffler dangerously
close to the fuel tank where spilled gasoline can easily ignite.
Also, clean the mower after it has cooled. Remove all grass
clippings to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire the
next time the mower is used. Remember to disconnect the spark
plug to prevent accidental starting.
"Fill the fuel tank and check the oil after cleaning since gasoline
and oil will probably leak from the mower when it is tipped. Be
sure to reconnect the spark plug before storing the machine,"
Maher says. "By keeping safety in mind and your mower in good
condition you’ll be ready to mow again when your lawn needs
it."
Ag Engineer Outlines Strategies for Reducing Spray Drift
Drifting spray wastes money, reduces the effectiveness of pesticides and can cause serious damage to surrounding crops, trees, wildlife and water supplies. Keeping pesticide applications on target is a key to having the maximum impact on weeds, insects and diseases while minimizing costs, notes a North Dakota State University agricultural engineer.
"Probably the most important threat from spray drift is the potential damage to other crops in the area," says Vern Hofman of the NDSU Extension Service. "Some crops, as well as trees and other native vegetation are extremely sensitive to herbicides. An unintended application from drift can have devastating results."
Major factors that contribute to pesticide
drift are droplet size, equipment, application methods, and environmental
conditions, Hofman notes. Applicators need to consider all those factors
and make appropriate adjustments to minimize the potential for drift.
Droplet Size is Important
Atomizing the spray solution into very small droplets may increase coverage, but applicators need to consider the potential for evaporation, drift out of the target field, canopy penetration and where the small drops will be deposited. The smaller the drop the greater the risk of drift, Hofman notes.
Drops less than 100 microns (about the thickness of human hair) lose their velocity soon after leaving the spray nozzle. They are in free fall within a few inches (a 50 micron drop loses it's velocity in 3 inches) from the nozzle and evaporate rapidly. Rather than reaching the target, the pesticide contained in water droplets become very small aerosols, which will remain in the air until picked up in falling rain.
Drops over 150 microns resist evaporation much more because of their larger surface area. The potential for drift rapidly decreases with these larger drops.
"In reality, a range of droplet sizes is needed to deposit pesticides on the wide variety of plant types, sizes and shapes that are in the field," Hofman says.. The following suggests how different size spray drops vary in effectiveness:
* Very fine droplets measuring less than 120 microns are collected efficiently by insects and needles on coniferous plants, but tend to remain in the airstream and are carried around the stems and leaves of weeds.
* Fine and medium droplets measuring between 120 and 350 microns deposit more efficiently on stems and narrow vertical leaves such as grasses when there is some air movement.
* Coarse and very coarse droplets measuring more than 350 microns deposit most efficiently on large flat surfaces such as broadleaf weeds.
"To effectively control weed and insect pests, the actual range of droplet sizes depends on the specific pesticide being used, the kind and size of the target plant, and weather conditions," Hofman says. A few nozzles are specifically designed to reduce drift by reducing the amount of small, driftable droplets in the spray pattern.
Insecticides and fungicides generally require
smaller droplets than herbicide applications to obtain adequate coverage,
he says. For foliar herbicides, research suggests that droplet sizes in
the range of 100 to 400 microns do not significantly differ in weed control
effectiveness, unless application volumes are extremely high or very low.
Exceptions to this guideline may exist for specific herbicides.
Equipment and Application Methods Also Play a Role
"Reduce drift by mounting the spray boom
closer to the ground while being careful not to disrupt the uniformity
of the spray pattern. Wind speed and drift increase with height," Hofman
notes. The correct spray height for each nozzle is determined by the nozzle
spacing and the spray angle. Wide-angle nozzles can be
placed closer to the ground than narrow-angle
nozzles. Nozzles spaced 20 inches apart should be 18 inches above the target
for 80 degree tips and 15 inches for 110 degree tips. However, wide-angle
nozzles also produce smaller droplets, offsetting some of the advantages
of a lower boom height.
"Applicators are also advised to use the lower end of the nozzle pressure operating range if the pesticide label allows. Higher pressures generate more small droplets," Hofman notes. Try not to use pressures that exceed 40 pounds per square inch (psi). Extended-range nozzles are capable of operating at 15 to 20 psi while providing a uniform spray pattern. "Remember that flow rate will go down as pressures are reduced, so the sprayer will need to be recalibrated," he says.
An increase in nozzle size will create larger droplets, which are less likely to move off-target. If you use nozzles that put out 5 to 10 gallons per acre (GPA), increase to nozzles that put out 10 to 12 GPA, Hofman advises.
Some applicators are reducing the spray volume of foliar herbicides from the commonly used 7 to 10 GPA to 5 GPA or less. "When you reduce spray volume, the herbicide concentration must increase to maintain the same dose of active ingredient," he notes. "But as spray volume is reduced, the droplet size will decrease, increasing the potential for drift. Pesticide labels specify application rates which should be followed as the label is the law."
Research has also shown that control of
some broadleaf weeds with contact herbicides declines as spray volume is
reduced. However, reduced volumes usually have little effect on weed control
with most herbicides, as long as the chemical is applied properly. It is
best to follow chemical label recommendations on application
rates.
"To compensate for reduced spray volume, some applicators increase spray pressure from 30 to 40 psi to 60 to 80 psi," Hofman says. "They believe they can drive small droplets into the crop canopy to increase coverage. The actual result is the opposite. Small drops will quickly lose their velocity and evaporate before they reach the plant. In addition, small droplets have less momentum and insufficient energy to be driven into a plant canopy. Larger spray drops will maintain their velocity and are able to be driven into the plant canopy."
Increased pressure should not be used as a substitute for spray volume, Hofman says. It is recommended to maintain pressures below 40 psi, and if you need increased coverage, increase spray volume (GPA).
Newer drift-reducing nozzles are becoming popular. All of them contain a pressure reducing chamber in the nozzle so the spray drop produced is larger with fewer fine drops. Research studies show excellent results in reducing drift, Hofman notes.
The latest addition to this group of nozzles
is the "air induction" type. These nozzles pull air into the nozzle and
introduce air bubbles into the spray drop
increasing the drop size. When the drop hits the target it explodes spreading
spray mix over a larger area of the plant leaf. "This type of nozzle is
excellent for systemic type herbicides," Hofman says. "It should not be
used for contact type herbicides, which require smaller
drops for good coverage."
Climatic Conditions are Another Key
"Wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric stability all affect spray drift. Wind speed is usually the most critical meteorological condition. The greater the wind speed, the farther small droplets will be carried," Hofman says.
"There is no maximum wind speed to serve as a guideline in all situations, but try to spray when the wind speed is less than 10 miles per hour," he says.
To minimize the damage done by drift, applicators should determine if sensitive crops are downwind. To greatly reduce damage to sensitive plants, leave a buffer zone at the downwind edge of the spray area. After the wind has died down or changed direction, spray the buffer zone. The size of the buffer zone is determined by the pesticide being sprayed and the sensitivity of the adjacent crop.
Temperature and humidity affect the amount of drift that occurs through evaporation of spray particles. Although some spray is lost through evaporation under all atmospheric conditions, losses are reduced significantly in cool, damp conditions, Hofman notes.
Temperature also influences atmospheric stability, as well as the presence of air turbulence and inversions. An inversion can occur when the air is very calm, with very little mixing. An inversion contains cool dense air near the earth's surface with warmer air at higher elevations. This condition makes it easy for small spray drops to remain suspended in the air and move slowly downwind.
"That means extremely calm conditions can pose a significant risk for pesticide drift; wind doesn't always have to be a factor," Hofman says.
Inversions often occur in early morning or late evening. "You can recognize an inversion by observing a column of smoke. If the smoke does not dissipate, or if it moves downwind without mixing vertically, conditions are not good for spraying," he notes.
"The best way to avoid the kind of drift
associated with these atmospheric conditions is to eliminate the formation
of very small droplets in the spray. Once you've eliminated those very
small droplets, you've drastically reduced the effects of weather stability
factors on drift potential," Hofman says. "Larger spray
drops will resist atmospheric conditions
much better than smaller drops."
Clean Grain Bins are Essential To a Quality Crop
Dumping high quality grain from this year’s harvest on top of the
left overs from last year’s crop is asking for trouble, according
to specialists at North Dakota State University.
Producing a quality grain crop does not end with at harvest. It
includes quality storage until the crop is marketed. "If you see
signs of last year’s crop in the bin, then it isn’t clean enough for
this year’s crop," says Phil Glogoza, entomologist with the
NDSU Extension Service. "If bins are not thoroughly cleaned of
last year’s crop, the insects will be there to feed on this year’s
grain."
Glogoza says a through cleaning of grain bins should be an
annual routine for grain farmers.
That annual task can pose a health risk for the workers involved,
notes George Maher NDSU extension agricultural safety
specialist. "Breathing moldy grain dust is not healthy," he says
Those workers cleaning bins should wear a two-strap dust mask
or a cartridge respirator depending on conditions in the bin.
When healthy individuals inhale dust from moldy grain, flu-like
symptoms may develop and they can be severe, Maher notes. The
previous year’s crop is likely to leave grain dust that is very
risky to inhale. Each time an individual is exposed to grain dust,
more symptoms and reactions will occur.
"Any worker with respiratory problems such as asthma or certain
allergies will need to consider using a dust/mist respirator to
reduce the risk of respiratory and health problems resulting from
organic dust and mold spores," Maher advises.
Treating bins with pesticides for insect control poses an
additional health threat, he notes. A National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health/Mine Safety and Health
Administration (NIOSH/MSHA) approved respirator should be
used with pesticides used to prepare a bin for the new crop. The
pesticide label will provide instructions about the respiratory
protection required.
"A cartridge respirator provides essential protection for many
hazardous jobs on the farm," Maher says. "Be certain that it is in
good condition and fits correctly." The respirator should have a
NIOSH/MSHA approval. An approved dust/mist respirator will
have the "TC" prefix on the NIOSH number.
"A respirator is cheap prevention when compared to the possible
medical costs resulting from using no protection," Maher says.
Prices for good quality respirators start at less than $50. Refill
cartridges cost between $5 and $15 depending on the type of
protection needed. Maher advises purchasing several cartridges
because they have a limited service life, and having a spare will
make it easier to use the respirator when it’s needed.
As weather delays spring planting across the region, it becomes
more important to schedule breaks and rest periods so that
workers can continue to work at their peak, according to an
agricultural safety specialist at North Dakota State University.
"As the season moves on, the pressure to get planting and other
spring work finished increases. When agricultural workers need
to get the most from themselves, stress, anxiety and worry helps
the least," notes George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service.
But, these factors can be managed to make the planting season
less stressful and less taxing, Maher says.
"About every two hours during tedious work everyone needs a
break. Just a 10-minute break will leave a person refreshed and
ready to get back to work," Maher says. "Those 10 minutes won’t
set anyone back so much that they’ll never catch up. Quite the
contrary, after a 10-minute refresher a worker will be able to
work faster and more enthusiastically. This short amount of time
will restore much of the productivity that was lost in two hours
of continuous work."
It’s not as effective to take a break only whenever a few minutes
are available, Maher notes, so schedule a 10-minute break for
every two hours. "A scheduled break is much more effective at
refreshing you. A scheduled break is anticipated, and that
anticipation enhances the enjoyment and rest that is received," he
says.
Repetitive work leads to a dulling of the senses, which results in
accidents. Reaction time increases as your senses become tired
due to overwork. "For that reason it is important to rotate the
responsibilities that can be changed," Maher says.
"There may be some tasks on the farm that you think only you can
do correctly," Maher says. "But being able to rotate tasks and
keep everyone working at their peak is just one advantage of
training others how to do those jobs. After all, what would
happen if you were not there? Would the field preparation and
planting get done as well? The team that is most efficient is the
one that allows everyone to be able to do everything equally
well. This also allows you, as a manager, to be able to see
everything that is done and be able to make improvements."
Even during busy times such as the spring season, it is important
to get enough sleep, Maher says. Differences in age, physical
condition, level of activity, and individual metabolism account
mean that the necessary amount of sleep varies from one person
to the next. Every 24 hours, all humans need between six and
eight hours of sleep. Those who claim to be able to work for
greatly extended lengths of time without rest and perform well
will pay for it sooner or later.
"A person becomes fatigued more quickly when he is short on
sleep and is stressed. This makes him a danger to himself and
others," Maher says.
Proper nutrition is also important during the stressful spring
season, Maher notes. "A common belief is that high sugar-content
foods are good for fighting off fatigue, but this works only for
young people and for them it is still a poor practice." Nutrition
studies demonstrate that consuming foods high in sugar actually
increase a person’s drowsiness. For the long haul, everyone
needs protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
"After a few days of poorly balanced meals a person’s mental
sharpness as well as muscle tone become diminished. When the
body is stressed at high levels of work a balanced diet becomes
even more important than normal," Maher says.
Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco also have a powerful influence on
work performance. Smokers usually claim that smoking will give
them a boost, but actually they have a reduced work capacity
right after smoking due to the more intense levels of carbon
monoxide in their lungs and bloodstream, Maher notes. Many
studies show that smoking will decrease a person's capacity to
work. The carbon monoxide in the smoke reduces the blood's
ability to carry oxygen to muscles where it is needed. Some
nervous individuals use tobacco to calm themselves, but this
problem can usually be handled with prescription medication
without the cancer risk.
"Studies and accident records show that alcohol has no place in
the work area," Maher says. "As the amount of alcohol in the
blood goes up, performance goes down. Some individuals claim
that they are mentally sharper after consuming a small amount of
alcohol, but it has been shown that performance is adversely
affected. The thinking process is clouded and some brain cells
are actually destroyed by alcohol consumption. Intoxicating
beverages cannot add anything productive to the spring planting
scene."
Toddlers and Tractors Don’t Mix, Farm Safety Specialist Stresses
Every year, one or two toddlers are maimed or killed as a result
of riding in a tractor or combine cab in North Dakota.
"The disastrous event affects the entire family, affecting some
family members forever," says George Maher, an agricultural
safety specialist with the North Dakota State University
Extension Service. "These are needless tragedies. They are
completely preventable."
Maher notes that there are no safe facilities for toddlers in a
tractor cab. "Some newer tractors and combines have a second
seat in the cab as an instructor’s or advisor’s seat, but it is not
intended for a youngster to spend the afternoon in," he says.
"Other tractors and combines don’t have additional seating, and
sitting in dad’s lap isn’t going to work for very long. There
simply isn’t a safe place for an active youngster in the cab."
Toddlers find it difficult to sit still for very long and tractor or
combine drivers don’t have the time to watch over toddlers
while driving a tractor, Maher says. "Supervision gets to be a
real problem, for everyone. In most tragic situations, the
youngster has been riding along for an hour or two when a tense
moment develops for the driver. As his attention is diverted to
what he is doing with the machinery, the youngster plays with the
cab door. When it unexpectedly opens, the child falls from the
cab and is run over."
These accidents happen in a split second and don’t allow time
for the driver to react, Maher notes. Toddlers move too fast to
watch while driving a tractor or combine.
"As the accident happens, time seems to pass very slowly,"
Maher notes. "And it will be replayed many times in the mind of
the driver for years to come."
There are alternatives for baby sitting. The choices aren’t always
easy, but it is always easier than reliving the tragedy that can
otherwise result, Maher says. Because of the potentially extreme
risk and painful result, the toddler should never be near the
machinery.
What are the alternatives for a busy farm family? Keep the youngster
at home under close supervision as usual. Is there another immediate
family member who can babysit? How about grandparents, or aunts and
uncles? Can a cousin babysit? Is there someone close by who does childcare?
If farmsteads aren’t too far apart, can babysitting be rotated among neighbors?
"In some cases, imagination is needed," Maher notes. "But there
are possibilities. Look for them and check them out. Farm
families need to coordinate the supervision of their most
valuable possession, their children. Safe family farming is a
family activity. Everyone is involved. Some operate machinery,
others work with livestock, but toddlers and youngsters should
not be exposed to risk. Managed safely, they will have their time
to help out with the business of agriculture."
PERSONAL TIME MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT IN SPRING RUSH
The spring planting season is always filled with stress, anxiety and worry. There always seems to be a very narrow window of opportunity in which to get the seed in the ground and off to a good start. When agricultural workers need to get the most from themselves, stress, anxiety and worry helps the least. But, these factors can be managed by the individual in making the planting season less stressful and less taxing.
About every two hours from tedious work everyone needs a break. Even from tractor diving, break will be refreshing and advantageous. Just a ten minute break will leave a person refreshed and ready to get back to work. Those ten minutes won't set anyone back so much that they'll never catch up. Quite the contrary, after a ten minute refresher a worker will be able to work faster and more enthusiastically. This short amount of time will restore much of the productivity that was lost in two hours of continuous work. It is not as effective to take a break only whenever a few minutes are available, so schedule a ten minute break for every two hours. A scheduled break is much more effective at refreshing you. A scheduled break is anticipated, and this enhances the enjoyment and rest that is received.
Repetitive work always leads to a dulling of the senses and this leads to accidents. The reaction time of a worker increases as their senses become tired due to overwork. It is important to rotate the responsibilities that can be changed, even though there may be some tasks which you think only you can do correctly. This should point out the advantage of letting others know how to do those jobs. After all, what would happen if you were not there? Would the field preparation and planting get done as well? The team that is most efficient is the one that allows everyone to be able to do everything equally well. This also allows you, as a manager, to be able to see everything that is done and be able to make improvements.
Even during busy times such as the spring season, it is always important to get sufficient sleep. Some people need more sleep than others, so the amount of sleep varies from one person to the next. Differences in age, physical condition, level of activity, and individual metabolism account for this. Every 24 hours, all humans need between six and eight hours of sleep. Those who claim to be able to work for greatly extended lengths of time without rest and still perform as well will pay for it sooner or later. A person becomes fatigued more quickly when he is short on sleep and is stressed. This endangers himself as well as others.
An all-important factor during a stressful spring season is nutrition. A common belief is that high sugar-content foods are good for fighting off fatigue, but this works only with youth and for them it is still a poor practice. Many nutrition studies clearly demonstrate that foods high in sugar actually will increase a person's drowsiness. For the long haul, everyone needs protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. After a few days of poorly balanced meals a person's mental sharpness as well as muscle tone becomes diminished. When the body is stressed at high levels of work a balanced diet becomes even more necessary
Three powerful factors that can affect work performance are drugs, alcohol,
and tobacco. Smokers usually claim that smoking will give them a boost
but actually they have a reduced work capacity right after smoking, due
to the more intense levels of carbon monoxide in their lungs and bloodstream.
Many scientific studies show that smoking will decrease a person's capacity
to work. The carbon monoxide in the smoke reduces the blood's ability to
carry oxygen to muscles where it is needed. There are some individuals,
however, who are nervous and can effectively use tobacco to calm themselves,
but this problem can usually be handled with
prescription medication without the cancer risk.
Many studies and accident records show that alcohol has no place in the work area. As the amount of alcohol in the blood goes up, performance goes down. Some individuals claim that they are mentally sharper after consuming a small amount of alcohol, but it has been shown that performance is adversely affected. The thinking process is clouded and some brain cells are actually destroyed by alcohol consumption. Intoxicating beverages cannot add anything productive to the spring planting scene.
The spring rush is a time filled with stress, anxiety, and worry.
These problems can't always be removed from the work place. However,
there are other things that can be managed to
make stress, anxiety and worry less of a problem. Time management,
rest, nutrition, and healthy living can be managed to get the crop year
started on a safe and healthy note.
Practice Safe Walking For Healthier Walking
As the weather warms up, walkers move outside. Walking is a
healthy activity that stimulates circulation and lung capacity and
may help work off excess weight. But walking for exercise is not
without its risks, notes a North Dakota State University safety
specialist.
More than 7,000 fatalities and 50,000 non-fatal injuries happen
every year in collisions involving pedestrians and vehicles,
notes George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "The
pedestrian is most at risk when safety rules are bent or broken. It
is much safer, and healthier, to walk with the rules than against
them," he says.
"When safety precautions are practiced, walking can be done
year-round for great exercise. Keep it safer by adjust your
walking practices as the seasons change. Walk against the flow
of traffic, be sure of your footing, and be seen," Maher says.
Vehicle-pedestrian accidents are not just an urban problem, they
happen in rural areas too, he notes. And when visibility is poor,
walking becomes more risky.
Follow these precautions, to make your walking safer:
Always walk toward the flow of traffic, on the left side of a
roadway when there are no sidewalks available. Remember
the saying, "The left side is the right side for walking."
Stay far enough to the left so that you are not in the way of
on-coming vehicles. People who are walking are much
more maneuverable than vehicles.
Before crossing roads or highways, always look both
directions. Although many rural roads have very little
traffic, always assume that a vehicle can appear any time.
Wear light colored clothing. Garments trimmed with
reflective tape make you much more visible to drivers.
Wear sturdy footwear with good treads for safer footing.
Walking on various surfaces -- all on one trip -- such as
pavement, gravel, or roadside sand can be challenging.
When children are walking with you, don’t let them get too
far ahead.
Carry and use a flashlight if you walk at dusk or dawn or
after dark. Your light bobbing in the darkness will quickly
get the attention of drivers.
With high local ground water levels due to above-normal rainfall last fall, many home septic systems have become waterlogged or temporarily flooded. As a result drains in the house may run slow, toilets may not flush properly and water may back up into floor drains in the basement.
A septic system has two main components: a
septic tank which traps and biologically degrades solid waste and a drainfield
which provides additional biological treatment as well as infiltrate the
water into the ground. Household water flows from the house sewer system
into the septic tank then out to
the drainfield. Any situation that prevents
or slows down the flow of water through the septic system can cause problems.
When ground water inundates the septic tank,
water will leak in through any opening such as the manhole cover, the inlet/outlet
pipes or the tank cover and fill the tank with groundwater instead of waste
water from the house. In addition, the high water table may saturate the
drainfield.
When this happens the waste water coming
from the house cannot move through the septic system easily. Water may
actually flow from the drainfield back into the septic tank.
When high water table conditions occur, you
may have to treat your septic tank as a holding tank and have it commercially
pumped periodically. Remember, don't pump out more than half the volume
of the tank. Removing more than half the contents could cause the tank
to try to float out of the
ground and damage the inlet or outlet pipes.
It is a common practice to pump the excess water from the septic tank onto the ground but this violates the North Dakota state plumbing code. Raw sewage on the ground (or in the snow) can present a health hazard because children and pets can run through it or it can flow into a water course. Water borne diseases are lethal and spread from person to person quickly.
Here are some suggestions to help your septic system deal with high water table:
Reduce water use in the house. Make sure there are no leaking fixtures in the house. A drop of water every 15 seconds can add up to a lot of additional water added to the septic system.
Check faucets, shower heads, toilets, sinks and any other water using device for leaks and repair them as soon as possible.
Don't direct water from a basement sump pump into the septicsystem. Don't let water from roof gutters or from the sump pump discharge into the drainfield area.
Reduce the number of times you flush the toilet. Wash clothes at a laundromat. Reduce the number of showers and baths each day. Run the dishwasher only when it is full.
Common sense is the key to reducing water
use in the house and helping your septic system. Remember the drainfield
was designed to infiltrate the amount of water normally discharged
from the house. When additional water is
added to the drainfield, the ability to handle household water becomes
limited.
If household plumbing does not work correctly
after the water table has gone down, the drainfield or septic tank may
have been damaged. High ground water can cause shifting or settling of
soil or septic system components which can affect both the septic tank
and the distribution system in drainfield. The shifting can cause the inlet
and outlets from the septic tank to become partially blocked. Also, the
inlet
or outlet pipes could be blocked due to solids
from the tank. Have a licensed septic tank pumper or septic system installer
examine the situation.
Satellite Images of North Dakota Now Available
North Dakotans interested in how land is used in the state can
now get that information through satellite imagery available from
the North Dakota State University Agriculture and Biosystems
Engineering department.
"Crops, such as wheat and soybeans, will show up as different
colors on the satellite image," says Dath Mita a GIS/remote
sensing specialist. "It’s especially important as we look at how
land use changes from year to year and longer."
The Landsat 7 satellite takes 115 by 109 mile images. Through
the use of geographic information systems software, those images
are then joined to form a seamless image of the state. Also
through the GIS software, crops, forests, wetlands and natural
vegetation appear as different colors.
The image can be manipulated to show just one color, allowing
interested parties to see exactly where a crop, such as soybeans,
is planted in the state. "If you were interested in locating a
soybean processing plant in the state, you could look at the image
and determine where most of the soybeans are grown," says
Mita. "It may show you the most feasible areas that make
economic sense."
Agriculture is affected by many factors such as weather, diseases
or market changes notes Mita. "So what we’re seeing is that
farmers may be dropping a crop and introducing something new,"
says Mita. "By looking at these images over time, researchers
will be able to tell which crops are going down or up and which
new crops are being introduced. This gives researchers a tool to
try to interpret why a crop is shifting, come up with some
questions and put forth ideas why that movement is occurring."
Those involved in soil and water conservation can take a look at
the images and compare what’s grown with the soils and
topography of the area. "It may show there is a need to bring in
some sort of conservation methods that will protect the
environment," notes Mita.
As part of the project, a series of extension educational
initiatives centered around promoting the use of the data in
natural resource management, land use planning and other
development projects is planned. Workshops and seminars will
target county agents, state extension specialists and researchers.
"Other educational activities will be designed to help educators
and youth better understand the concept and practical
applications of the satellite imagery-based data," says Mita.
"Through this process we hope to create an awareness of the
technology available and how it can be used in day to day
business, on land use projects and in the classroom."
Mita is currently working on placing the imagery on the world
wide web. The interactive web site will also feature related
activities and additional links of interest related to extension
programs. The web site will be available sometime between
March and April of this year.
The satellite images for 1997 through 1999 are available on
cd-rom. The year 2000 results can be obtained through Mita’s
office, however the images won’t be available on cd-rom until
March.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the North
Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service and the NDSU Extension
Service are partners in the project. The Environmental Protection
Agency is providing funding through the year 2005.
The Agricultural Statistics Service has been using satellite
images since 1997 as part of their official crop acreage
estimation program. Meanwhile, the NDSU Extension Service
had a need to integrate land use data into its Water Quality
Protection project so a partnership was formed.
For more information about the project or how to acquire the
data, contact Dath Mita at (701) 231-6551 or email at
Dath_Mita@ndsu.nodak.edu.
New
Document Helps Define Nitrogen Contamination in
the Region
A new report from North Dakota State University can guide land managers and policy makers who want to improve water quality in the region.
NDSU Extension Report 62, "Diffuse Sources
of Nitrogen Related to Water Quality
Protection in the Northern Great Plains,"
provides a comprehensive view of nitrogen in the environment. "Water resource
protection is a complicated issue that requires a scientific approach,
says Bruce Seelig, water quality specialist with the NDSU Extension Service
and author of the report. "Objective study and analyses will ensure that
management decisions are on track and will have the desired effect on the
water resources we wish to protect. We know from experience that management
practices are more likely to be successful if the water quality problem
is well defined and a systematic approach is used."
The report discusses the processes and factors that affect the fate of nitrogen; methods to assess for potential problem areas; and management practices that help reduce the potential for nitrogen contamination.
Seelig notes that nitrogen contamination of both surface and groundwater occurs in North Dakota. Approximately 10 percent of drinking water wells in North Dakota have nitrate concentrations that exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration health standard of 10 parts per million. Nutrient loading threatens to cause continued water quality degradation in approximately 80 percent of the streams and lakes in North Dakota.
"There are always many questions regarding water resource contamination and protection. Who's responsible? What are the measured impacts? Where is the source? When should corrective action be taken? Why should anyone be concerned?" Seelig says. "This report provides background for addressing those questions."
He notes that management practices such as conservation tillage, riparian buffers, reduced nitrogen fertilizer applications, livestock waste lagoons, storm water abatement, or wellhead protection are all touted as ways to reduce nitrogen's impact on water quality. "But implementing those practices may or may not have significant impacts on water quality. Review of studies that address the issue of nitrogen impacts on water resources show that both natural and manmade factors must be considered and appropriate management practices implemented."
Some of these factors, such as the practice of summer fallow, are important with respect to surface water and groundwater. Other factors, such as soil texture, are considered only when assessing groundwater. Land slope is considered only for surface water assessment.
Combining knowledge of nitrogen contamination factors with geographic information system (GIS) computer software can identify potential problem areas, Seelig says. Management recommendations can be tailored to take into consideration those factors that are most likely to contribute to the problem. In this way, management practices can be applied to areas where they will have the greatest impact.
Good Farm Safety Management Needs Planning
Just as you manage your farm’s finances, crops, livestock,
machinery and soils, you should manage safety, says a North Dakota
State University agricultural safety specialist.
"Well-managed farms and ranches have many types of management
programs," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service.
"And on the safer farms and ranches there is Safety Management."
He notes that few agricultural producers and workers take safety
management seriously. "Very few even consider it as a part of their
farming program. That’s why we have as many farm accidents,
injuries, and fatalities as we do in North Dakota and all across the
nation. In most cases, safety isn’t even considered as being
manageable in the most dangerous industry in the nation --
agriculture," Maher says.
He says every farm and ranch needs a safety management program,
just as it needs management programs for other concerns such as
crops, livestock, machinery, soils, finance, and forages. "Simply
agreeing that ‘we all need to be more careful and safety conscious’ is
not enough to make a farm or ranch safer. There needs to be a plan
that is managed by a team -- a safety management team," Maher
says.
The team should include everyone on the farm or ranch involved in
production or management, and is directed by the head of the family
or whoever makes the final decisions about other business matters.
The team should meet at least twice every year, or before every busy
season begins. The meetings need to be scheduled so that everyone
knows when they are to meet and can plan to attend.
"The primary business of the safety management team includes
knowing of all the hazards on the farm or ranch and what can and
should be done about them. New hazards need to be brought to
everyone’s attention and decisions need to be made in regard to how
to eliminate those hazards," Maher says.
This team approach to safety puts farm families in a unique position.
"The adults and children of farm and ranch families live together and
frequently work together in many seasons of the year. The farm or
ranch is their home as well as their place of employment. Everyone
depends on each other and, as members of the family, they care
about each other. This places every family member in a unique
position to serve as a valuable member on the farm or ranch safety
management team."
Information to use to help develop a safety plan is available from
farm and ranch magazines, the Cooperative Extension Service, safety
clinics, video tapes, the Internet, safety exhibits and demonstrations,
and safety programs from organizations such as 4-H, FFA, farm
organizations. Safety teams should attend safety activities together,
take the information home and use it to help make their home a safer
place to live and work.
"Managing safety can be done, but only if everyone agrees to work
together to make their lives safer, Maher says.
One of the toughest but most cost-effective parts of a machinery maintenance
program has
nothing to do with wrenches and greasy hands, says a North Dakota State
University
agricultural engineer.
"Good record keeping is a must," says Vern Hofman of the NDSU Extension
Service. "A
machinery service program needs to be based on good record keeping,
not just the operator's
memory or feeling that a machine needs attention."
With this season's field work finished, now is a good time to review
your method of keeping
records on machinery maintenance, Hofman says. The maintenance program
should be based
on fact, as determined by an accurate record of service for each piece
of equipment as
recommended in the operator's manual and adjusted to individual situations.
A Midwest study found that many farmers can reduce machinery repair
costs by 25 percent
by improving routine maintenance procedures, Hofman notes. As an example,
a $75,000
tractor getting average maintenance will incur about $22,500 in total
repairs during 5,000
hours of operation. But good service management can cut the cost by
more than $6,000 to a
little more than $16,000.
"With a yard full of machinery, savings like this can be significant,"
he says. "To handle
record keeping, it is recommended to mount a service record chart for
each vehicle on the
wall of the farm shop, with 10-, 50-, 100-, 250- and 500-hour maintenance
intervals
indicated so they can be performed regularly and the hours marked down."
Recommended
maintenance operations listed in the operator's manual should be attached
to the chart to help
operators do all required maintenance procedures.
Also useful is a large planning calendar with machine operating manuals
stuck in pockets or
hung in a vertical row on the left and columns for each of the months
of the year to the right.
Use this calendar for noting major repair and service operations to
be carried out on each
piece of machinery in the months ahead. "This system is more effective
than depending on
memory, especially if more than one operator uses the machine," Hofman
says.
It may be convenient to cover each chart with Plexiglas so all maintenance
jobs can be
marked with a grease pencil. At the end of the year, the Plexiglas
can be erased and the chart
reused.
"The service record may not solve all machinery maintenance problems,
and the system will
require some work if it is to be kept up to date. But extending machinery
life is important in
tough economic times, and good maintenance is the best way to do it,"
Hofman says.
"As a rule of thumb, it usually pays to spend one to two days in the
slack season servicing
equipment to avoid a one-hour loss when the machine is needed," he
notes. "A
well-equipped, insulated and heated shop provides a comfortable environment
for slack
season maintenance work."
With an increasing need for larger-capacity equipment, every effort
should be made to keep
machines in top shape, Hofman says. "An excellent maintenance program
is a good
investment because it will keep long-term maintenance costs down and
avoid down-time
when equipment is needed most."
More information on extending machinery life and example maintenance
charts is available
in NDSU Publication AE-929, "Extend Machinery Life to Save Dollars."
This publication is
available from county offices of the NDSU Extension Service.
A new Web site provided by the North Dakota State University Extension
Service contains
publications on a variety of structural and environmental aspects of
your home, including
energy conservation, lighting, humidity control, sewage treatment systems,
indoor air quality,
and heating and cooling.
The site is located at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/yourhome.htm.
House-related
publications available from MidWest Plan Service are also featured
on the site along with a
description of each publication and information on ordering the publications.
MWPS
publications are developed cooperatively by engineers and housing specialists
at NDSU and
universities in the other 11 states of the North Central Region.
Some 300 house plans developed through the USDA cooperative building
plans exchange are
available at the Web site. Most can be downloaded in pdf format from
the site.
The site contains links to numerous publications available from various
other sources such as
the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing, the Canada Mortgage
and Housing
Corporation, and other universities.
Also available on the site are links to other information sources such
as the National
Association of Home Builders, the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development, and
the Lighting Research Center.
Revised Dairy Housing Handbook Available
Dairy buildings and equipment must be designed and built to create a
favorable environment
for the animals and consider labor requirements, animal and material
flow, pollution control,
expansion possibilities, and management requirements. Developing facilities
that meet these
requirements, is not a simple task, says Ken Hellevang, agricultural
engineer with the North
Dakota State University Extension Service.
Those planning to build or remodel dairy facilities will find "Dairy
Freestall Housing and
Equipment," MWPS-7, to be a comprehensive resource, Hellevang says.
The recently
released seventh edition of this popular publication from MWPS (MidWest
Plan Service)
covers all aspects of freestall dairy facilities including facility
and equipment planning.
Discussions in the book focus on total herd management by production
groups, management
by age groups, and replacement animal housing.
The handbook costs $22 per copy. To order a copy or for more information,
contact
Extension Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, P.O. Box 5626, NDSU,
Fargo, ND
58105. It can also be ordered on the internet at
http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/mwps.htm.
Some of the new, expanded, and revised topics in this edition of MWPS-7
include
discussions of farmstead layouts, large dairy operations, three- and
six-row barns, dry cow
facilities, milkline sizing, palpation rail construction, evaporative
cooling and circulation
fans. This edition also has expanded discussions of manure production
values and the
handling of sand-laden manure. Chapter topics include replacement animal
housing areas,
milking herd facilities, milking centers, special handling and treatment
areas, building
environment, manure and wastewater management, feeding facilities and
utilities.
Hellevang says the book’s more than 110 drawings and figures provide
design detail for
forward and side lunge freestalls, post and rail feeding fences, brisket
boards, milking center
layouts, manure management systems, a herringbone palpation facility,
and heating and
ventilation systems and other elements. Also included in the book are
more than 65 tables that
provide information about freestall dimensions, alley widths, minimum
feed space
requirements, manure production, bedding requirements, ventilating
rates for warm barns,
water volumes required for flushing waste, lighting design requirements
and other topics.
"Dairy Freestall Housing and Equipment" was prepared under the direction
of the Dairy
Handbook Revision Committee of MWPS. Committee members are W.G. Bickert,
chair,
Michigan State University; K. A. Janni, University of Minnesota; B.J.
Holmes and D.W.
Kammel, University of Wisconsin; J.M. Zulovich, University of Missouri;
and R. Stowell,
The Ohio State University. MWPS is a cooperative research and extension
organization
representing NDSU and the 11 other land-grant universities of the North
Central Region of the
United States.
Storage for Machinery Is Well Worth the Cost, Ag Engineer Says
When snow piles up over machinery that is left outside, winter eats
away at a farmer's
investment by deteriorating tires, belts and bearing seals. Next spring,
rain will rust bare
metal parts and the sun will fade the paint.
Storing machinery inside can significantly reduce that kind of damage
and depreciation,
according to Vern Hofman, an agricultural engineer with the North Dakota
State University
Extension Service. "Next to land, machinery ownership is the second
largest cost of a
farming operation. It makes good sense to protect that investment."
Hofman cites a Missouri study of implement dealers in the northern plains
that found the
trade-in value of housed equipment after five years is much greater
than the value of
unhoused equipment - 16 percent greater for tractors, 20 percent greater
for harvesting
equipment, 12 percent greater for planters and drills and 5 percent
greater for tillage
equipment. The average increase in value for housed machinery is 13.5
percent. Other parts
of the country that have more precipitation and more deterioration
effects on machinery
showed resale values of housed equipment exceeded those of equipment
stored outdoor by
more than 20 percent.
For example, keeping $800,000 worth of tractors, combines and planters
inside instead of
outside would mean saving $54,000 after five years, assuming a 50 percent
trade-in value
and assuming the trade-in is worth 13.5 percent more if the equipment
is housed.
Inside storage of a small tractor will increase the trade-in value by
$400 to $500 per year.
Proper storage of a four-wheel-drive model would add $1,000 to $3,000
per year to the
resale value.
"Inside storage also will save money by reducing repairs and time in
the shop," Hofman says.
The survey revealed that housed machinery had only 7.6 percent downtime,
while unhoused
equipment was down 14.3 percent of the time that it should have been
working. "During a
critical season such as harvest, a combine that is not working can
be costing several hundred
dollars per hour," he notes.
To determine whether a new machinery storage building is a good investment,
a method to
allocate building costs must be determined. The building may have alternative
uses and will
have a longer life than most implements, so the annual cost for the
building must be
determined. Then, compare the cost to the expected increase in value
of the machines stored
on an annual basis.
"Based on increased resale value, machines such as tractors, combines,
planters, drills,
forage choppers, trucks and pickups should be kept inside," Hofman
notes. "Tillage
equipment should be the last to be placed inside, since these pieces
take up a lot of space and
decline in value only slightly faster when left outside." For tillage
equipment, the
deterioration that occurs to the tires and bearings usually is less
than the cost of providing
building space.
"If a farm operator does not have enough storage space for the major
pieces of equipment, it
may be a good investment to rent space from a neighbor if possible,"
Hofman notes.
"Keeping expensive farm machinery inside is an excellent way to cut
costs and extend its
life."
Farmers who use anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks should take time to inspect them for safety, according to a North Dakota State University agricultural safety specialist.
"Nurse tanks usually are filled by the fertilizer dealer and hauled by the farmer to the field. Any particular nurse tank may pass through the hands of several producers in a single season, with very little turn-around time between producers," notes George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service.
"Because it’s your life and health that may be at risk, you need to accept the responsibility for inspecting the tank and taking precautions when you use it," Maher says. "Anhydrous ammonia is dangerous and must be handled with care and respect. Careful inspection and use of equipment is a very important step. Skipping this inspection may result in a trip to the local emergency room."
Many people will have short-term responsibility for that nurse tank in a given season. The nurse tank is subject to all kinds of use and abuse, with very little accountability. "Tanks are usually inspected by the dealer's employee before refilling, but that is done under short time constraints. Those employees work under pressure too," Maher says.
Every anhydrous ammonia tank must have a safety kit on it, he notes. There must be ammonia-safe rubber gloves and unvented, ammonia-safe goggles in every kit. A five gallon water reservoir should be present on each anhydrous ammonia tank for first aid flushing of an ammonia exposure only. It must be full of clean water before you accept the unit.
Locking hitch pins must be used every time anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks are towed. "Pulling a nurse tank back and forth across the field without safety-clipping or locking the hitch pin is inviting a breakaway accident to happen," Maher says. He advises chaining the locking hitch pin to the wagon tongue to be sure of its availability.
Safety chains are required by law. They should be easy to connect and long enough to permit adequate turning when towing the nurse tank.
The tires and wheels of the nurse tank wagon are subject to heavy wear and tear. Check for proper inflation, general wear, cuts and excessive weathering. Look for missing lug nuts and bolts.
Give the wagon frame, tank and structural components a general inspection, Maher says. Check for dents, gouges and corrosion on the tank. Be sure the frame is straight and without broken or cracked welds.
Inspect all hoses before taking a nurse tank from the dealer and request repairs if necessary. Check for abrasion, cuts, soft spots, blisters, slippage at the couplings, and kinks or flat spots from being driven on. All anhydrous ammonia hoses with an outside diameter of more than half an inch must be marked with the manufacturer's name or trademark, year of manufacture, maximum working pressure and "anhydrous ammonia."
"Whenever a nurse tank is being pulled on the road or in the field, be sure someone else knows where you are going," Maher suggests. "If you don't show up on time, they will be prompted to check on your whereabouts and safety."
The simple act of falling from place is the most common cause of injury, at home and at work. In 1995, on the farm falls accounted for 8.5 percent of the fatalities. A number of these falls are from grain storage facilities. Generally, grain bin sites have very little activity around them except when grain is being put into or removed from storage. On a day to day basis, there is usually very little human activity around most on-farm grain bins.
Injuries resulting from most falls from grain bins are due to what the victim falls on. Falling to the grass is less likely to produce as serious an injury as a fall to concrete or pieces of scrap iron. An excellent safety practice is keeping grain bin sites clear of scrap iron and other materials.
Causes of falls from grain bins includes broken or loose ladder rungs and handholds on the bin. Repair loose ladder rungs or handholds as soon as they are discovered. Otherwise, it may be your hands that pull the ladder or handhold loose as you slip from a step or the roof.
Conditions at the top of the bin such as wind, heat and fumes from grain treating can also cause falls. Grain storage that has been treated for insects should be inspected with care. It isn't an uncommon situation to find a farm worker inspecting grain bins for insects. Bins should be inspected at least twice monthly between May and October.
Try to be at the side of the bin door or hatch when you first open it. It is not advisable to be upwind or downwind when opening a bin door or hatch cover, inhaling the fumes that may swirl around you could cause a fall. Grain fumigants are hazardous and highly toxic, they can cause dizziness, nausea, and even passing out. Obviously, you are in serious danger of falling if you get dizzy or blackout at the top of a grain bin or a bin ladder.
The re-entry schedule after bins have been treated is very important, always follow the fumigant label instructions. Bins which have been treated with fumigants should not be entered for at least 72 hours, checking bins too soon can be very dangerous. Always follow the instructions on the warning sign posted on a treated bin.
It is never a good idea to be the only person at the bin site when climbing on the bin or entering the bin is involved. Always have another person, on the ground, at the site with you. That individual can go for help if you should fall or otherwise get into trouble. Never inspect fumigated grain bins all alone, always have a partner with you.
Radon was found at elevated levels in about 60 percent of North Dakota homes during an Environmental Protection Agency study. A North Dakota State University air quality expert says your health may be at risk if the colorless, ordorless radioactive gas is seeping into your home.
"During radioactive decay of radon gas, an alpha particle is given off," explains Ken Hellevang of the NDSU Extension Service. "If this decay occurs in the lung, it is possible that a cell might be damaged, which could develop into cancer." The health risk from radon is cumulative with no immediate symptoms.
The EPA recommends that radon levels in a home be less than four picocuries per liter of air. Hellevang says homes in the region should be tested to determine the level of radon. The testing device, normally a charcoal canister kit, is set up in the lowest habitable space (usually the basement and during the heating season when the house is kept closed) for a few days and then sent in for analysis. If the reading exceeds the recommended level, further testing will be needed to determine if there is sufficient radon in the living space to require action to reduce the level. Test kits are available from your local public health district or from the American Lung Association of North Dakota by calling (800) 252-6325.
For homes with elevated radon levels, specialists have developed methods for venting the gas away from living areas. The procedure that has produced the most consistent results is a combination of sub-slab suction, using a fan, with a sand or gravel layer under the concrete floor, and basement floor crack sealing. The cost for these features on new construction is only a few hundred dollars, Hellevang says.
For more information, view the NDSU Extension Service publication "Radon in North Dakota" on the internet at http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/ageng/structu/ae969w.htm or request publication AE-969 from your local NDSU Extension Service office or from the NDSU Extension Distribution Center, Box 5655, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105-5655.
For more information about indoor air quality visit the NDSU Extension Service Indoor Air Quality site at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/iaq.htm, the Environmental Protection Agency's web site: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/, or call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Info Line at (800) 438-4318.
October is National Home Indoor Air Quality Action and Awareness Month as part of the Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes Project, a cooperative effort of educators in each state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the EPA.
Effect
on Yield and Bottom Line Determines Spray
Technique Success
In crop spraying, it's the end result -- dead weeds, reduced disease and healthier crops -- that count, reminds a North Dakota State University agricultural engineer.
"We've done a considerable amount of research on ground and aerial application equipment by measuring the area of spray coverage of leaf surfaces," says Vern Hofman of the NDSU Extension Service. "Some people may have misinterpreted this to mean that higher coverage translates into higher yields. That's not correct, and producers should be aware that the study did not contain any method of measuring pesticide performance or the effect on yield."
The NDSU research to measure the coverage
on plant surfaces was done by using a
fluorescent dye mixed with water that
was applied to potato and sugarbeet leaves and wheat heads. After spraying,
leaves or grain heads were collected from plants and exposed to an ultra-violet
light that caused the dye to glow. A low light camera captured an image
for analysis by computer which calculated the percentage of leaf area covered
with spray.
"One of the key issues for producers is that the research only measured differences in initial coverage, not product performance," Hofman says. "The trials only measured the area of coverage on the leaves, not the amount of active ingredient."
Why is that distinction important? Consider the concentration of the spray for example, Hofman says. When comparing droplets of equal size, a 5 gallon per acre (GPA) droplet will contain four times more active ingredient than a droplet produced at 20 GPA. The 20 GPA application must therefore place four deposit the same amount of active ingredient as a 5 GPA application. The trials did not find that 20 GPA consistently provided four times the amount of coverage as 5 GPA. "Delivery of the active ingredient is vital to maximize performance," he says.
"Timing of a pesticide application also is extremely important," Hofman says. Maximum economic performance is achieved with the proper timing of an application. Delaying a pesticide application for too long may reduce performance and may not generate an economic return. "Irrespective of the type of equipment used, the application needs to be done during the most effective time period."
To compare performance between application equipment, replicated yield trial results may be best. In 1999, NDSU researchers applied Folicur to a field by aircraft, by conventional ground equipment and with a modified front and back nozzle arrangement. While there were measurable differences in initial coverage, no significant difference was found in harvested yields.
"One year's trial does not constitute conclusive evidence," Hofman says. NDSU has committed to additional trials this year to compare the performance of various types of application equipment as measured by harvested yields.
"Until the research is complete, growers need make decisions based on proven techniques and their own experience," Hofman says. "Producers need to make sure their applicator is competent and is using equipment that produces a good spray pattern. If equipment is in good condition, calibrated and operated properly, both ground and aerial application can be accomplished with good success."
Ag Engineer Says Keep Pesticides On Target
Drifting sprays waste money, reduce the
effectiveness of pesticides and can damage
surrounding crops, trees, wildlife and
water supplies.
"Keeping pesticide applications on target is a key to having the maximum impact on weeds, insects and diseases while minimizing costs," says Vern Hofman, an agricultural engineer with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Probably the most important threat from spray drift is the potential damage to other crops in the area. Some crops, as well as trees and other native vegetation, are extremely sensitive to herbicides. An unintended application from drift can have devastating results.
Major factors that contribute to pesticide
drift are droplet size, equipment, application
methods and environmental conditions.
Applicators need to consider all those factors and make appropriate adjustments
to minimize the potential for drift, Hofman says.
Droplet Size
Atomizing the spray solution into very small droplets may increase coverage, but applicators need to consider the potential for evaporation, drift out of the target field, canopy penetration and how well small drops are deposited on the targeted pest. "The smaller the drop, the greater the risk of drift," Hofman says.
Drops less than 100 microns (about the thickness of a human hair) lose their velocity soon after leaving the spray nozzle. They are in free-fall within a few inches (a 50-micron drop loses its velocity in 3 inches) from the nozzle and evaporate rapidly. Rather than reaching the target, the pesticides contained in water droplets become very small aerosols that will remain in the air until picked up in falling rain.
Drops over 150 microns resist evaporation much more because of their larger surface area. The potential for drift rapidly decreases with these larger drops.
"In reality, a range of droplet sizes is needed to deposit pesticides on the wide variety of plant types, sizes and shapes that are in the field," Hofman says. The following suggests how different size spray drops vary in effectiveness:
*Very fine droplets measuring less than 120 microns are collected efficiently by insects and needles on coniferous plants, but tend to remain in the airstream and are carried around the stems and leaves of weeds.
*Fine and medium droplets measuring between
120 and 350 microns deposit more
efficiently on stems and narrow
vertical leaves such as grasses when there is some air movement.
*Coarse and very coarse droplets measuring
more than 350 microns deposit most
efficiently on large flat surfaces
such as broadleaf weeds.
To effectively control weed and insect pests, the actual range of droplet sizes depends on the specific pesticide being used, the kind and size of the target plant and weather conditions, Hofman says. A few nozzles are specifically designed to reduce drift by reducing the amount of small, driftable droplets in the spray pattern.
Insecticides and fungicides generally require smaller droplets than herbicides to obtain adequate coverage. For foliar herbicides, research suggests that droplet sizes in the range of 100 to 400 microns do not significantly differ in weed control effectiveness, unless application volumes are extremely high or very low. Exceptions to this guideline may exist for specific herbicides.
Equipment and Application Methods
"Reduce drift by mounting the spray boom closer to the ground while being careful not to disrupt the uniformity of the spray pattern," Hofman says. Wind speed and drift increase with height. The correct spray height for each nozzle is determined by the nozzle spacing and the spray angle. Wide-angle nozzles can be placed closer to the ground than narrow-angle nozzles. Nozzles spaced 20 inches apart should be 18 inches above the target for 80-degree tips and 15 inches for 110-degree tips. However, wide-angle nozzles also produce smaller droplets, thereby offsetting some of the advantages of a lower boom height.
Hofman also advises applicators to use the lower end of the nozzle operating pressure range if the pesticide allows. Higher pressures generate more small droplets. "Try not to use pressures that exceed 40 to 45 pounds per square inch (psi). Extended-range nozzles are capable of operating at 15 to 20 psi while providing a uniform spray pattern," he says. Remember that flow rate will go down as pressures are reduced, so the sprayer will need to be recalibrated.
An increase in nozzle size will create larger droplets that are less likely to move off-target. "If you use nozzles that put out 5 to 10 gallons per acre (GPA), increase to nozzles that put out 10 to 15 GPA,"Hofman recommends.
Some applicators are reducing the spray volume of foliar herbicides from the commonly used 7 to 10 GPA to 5 GPA or less. "When you reduce spray volume, the herbicide concentration must increase to maintain the same dose of active ingredient. But as spray volume is reduced, the droplet size will decrease, increasing the potential for drift," Hofman notes.
Research has also shown that control of some broadleaf weeds with contact herbicides declines as spray volume is reduced. However, Hofman notes that reduced volumes have little effect on weed control with most herbicides, as long as the chemical is applied properly. It is best to follow chemical label recommendations on application rates.
To compensate for the reduced spray volume, some applicators increase spray pressure from a normal 30 to 40 psi to 60 to 80 psi. "They believe they can force small droplets into the crop canopy to increase coverage, but small drops will quickly lose their velocity and evaporate before they reach the plant," Hofman says. "In addition, the small droplets have less momentum and insufficient energy to be driven into a plant canopy."
Increased pressure should not be used as a substitute for spray volume. Hofman recommends keeping pressures below 40 psi. To increase coverage, increase spray volume.
Some applicators are starting to use newer drift-reducing nozzles, Hofman says. All of those nozzles contain a pressure-reducing chamber so the spray drop produced is larger with fewer fine drops. The latest addition to this group of nozzles induces air into the spray drop. "This type of nozzle is excellent for systemic type herbicides. It should not be used for contact type pesticides, which require a smaller drop for good coverage," he says.
Climatic Conditions
Wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability all affect spray drift. Wind speed is usually the most critical meteorological condition. The greater the wind speed, the farther small droplets will be carried.
"There is no maximum wind speed to serve as a guideline in all situations, but try to spray when the wind speed is less than 10 miles per hour," Hofman advises.
To minimize the damage done by drift, Hofman recommends that applicators determine if sensitive crops are downwind. To greatly reduce damage to sensitive plants, leave a buffer zone at the downwind edge of the spray area. After the wind has died down or changed direction, spray the buffer zone. The size of the buffer zone is determined by the pesticide being sprayed and the sensitivity of the adjacent crop.
Temperature and humidity affect the amount of drift that occurs through evaporation of spray particles. Although some spray is lost through evaporation under all atmospheric conditions, losses are reduced significantly in cool, damp conditions.
Temperature also influences atmospheric stability, as well as the presence of air turbulence and inversions, Hofman says. An inversion can occur when the air is very calm, with very little mixing. This condition makes it easy for small spray drops to move slowly downwind. "That means extremely calm conditions can pose a significant risk for pesticide drift," Hofman says. "Wind doesn't always have to be a factor."
Inversions often occur in early morning or late evening. "You can recognize an inversion by observing a column of smoke. If the smoke does not dissipate, or if it moves downwind without mixing vertically, conditions are not good for spraying," Hofman says.
The best way to avoid the kind of drift associated with these atmospheric conditions is to eliminate the formation of very small droplets in the spray. "Once you've eliminated those very small droplets, you've drastically reduced the effects of weather-stability factors on drift potential," he says.
Fast emergence and uniform stands are keys to peak grain yields. And starting off with seeds planted at a uniform depth in moist soil is an essential first step toward a uniform stand of grain that is vigorous and highly competitive, says a North Dakota State University agricultural engineer.
"If spring moisture continues to be limited, tillage should be avoided," says Vern Hofman of the NDSU Extension Service. "Tillage dries the soil, and the resulting variable germination will reduce the chance to get a good stand. Direct seeding into an undisturbed seedbed may be the best method to get a vigorous stand if dry conditions persist."
In general, the best planting depth for small grains is between 1 and 2 inches. Planting that close to the soil surface is desirable for quick emergence and to establish a stand to compete against weeds. Direct seeding allows seed placement in moist soil so if dry weather continues, roots will be established in moist soil even though soil near the surface may dry out. Planting deeper than 2 inches places seed in cooler soil, increases the time for plants to emerge and gives weeds a head start. "A thick and uniform stand may be one of the best and most economical methods of controlling weeds," Hofman says.
A uniform seeding depth is difficult to maintain with older double-disc press drills, Hofman notes. Disc openers are free to move to almost any depth. These drills almost always require a pre-senetrate the soil -- an operation that further dries the soil.
With double-disc press drills, spring down-pressure pushes the opener into the soil. The only thing controlling the depth is the firmness of the soil. Hofman says the press wheels are designed to carry the weight of the drill and firm the soil over the seed, not control the depth of the disc openers. Depth bands are available and will help maintain uniform depth, but they are seldom used because they reduce residue clearance. "Speed also affects planting depth," Hofman says. "As speeds increase, it's even more difficult to control seed depth with older press drills."
Hofman notes that a warm seedbed also enhances seedling emergence. That may be a challenge in no-till systems where soil-conserving residue keeps the soil cooler. "However, the seed opener on a drill disturbs the soil which helps warm up the area where seed is planted," he says. "Also, shallow planting permitted by new planters helps reduce the effect of cool soils. Direct seeding in dry years may be the best for establishing a good stand."
"Newer equipment has solved many of the problems associated with seed placement as depth control equipment has been incorporated into machine designs," Hofman says. "That equipment allows producers to place seed more precisely at shallower depths."
The best units for depth control have a gauge wheel directly alongside the opener. Their main drawback is reduced trash clearance, Hofman says. The next best unit has gauge wheels mounted behind the opener and connected to the opener framework. Some gauge wheels mounted in this configuration are small in diameter, narrow and have difficulty maintaining proper depth because they sink into soft soil. A wider and larger diameter press wheel will usually provide better depth control for an even stand, he says.
Air seeders usually contain load-carrying
wheels in front of the seeder and press wheels behind. Some are stretched
out more than others for trash clearance which causes them to lose some
depth control. "Greater distances between seed openers and gauge wheels
may reduce depth control accuracy," Hofman says. "Newer air seeders have
improved considerably in depth control compared to units that were introduced
10 or 15 years ago."
Every Farm Needs First Aid Kits, Safety Specialist Urges
A complete first aid kit can literally be a lifesaver on the farm, says a North Dakota State University agricultural safety specialist.
"Kits should be stored where they're needed and well-stocked with fresh, clean supplies," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. There should be a first aid kit in each farm building including machine sheds, livestock buildings and the farm shop and on each self-propelled machine such as combines, tractors and trucks.
"The quality of treatment that a victim receives immediately following an accident will have a major influence on the recovery process," Maher says. "In some cases, immediate treatment is the key to survival."
Quality first aid kits are available at drug stores, hardware stores and through mail-order companies, local emergency rescue services and safety equipment stores. "You can also assemble a first aid kit at home that allows you to tailor it to your needs," Maher says. (A suggested list of contents accompanies this article.)
The first aid kit should be carefully packed in a large fishing tackle box or other waterproof container. The kit should be marked for easy identification with a large white cross on all sides. The family name and 911 address should be on it, and it should include phone numbers for the local doctor, ambulance service and hospital.
Maher notes that some items in first aid kits can lose their effectiveness with age. Kits can be lost and misplaced or items can be removed. "Now is a perfect time to make sure first aid kits are where the should be and that their contents are complete and in good condition. There's nothing worse than a first aid kit that doesn't have what you need when you need it."
Revised
Book Provides Design Guidance for Dry Grain
Aeration Systems
An updated reference on the art and science of designing systems to aerate dry grain is available from North Dakota State University.
Aeration is a management process that forces air through dry grain to control grain temperatures in storage. Aeration helps maintain grain quality and limits the potential for mold production and insect activity.
The "Dry Grain Aeration Systems Design Handbook," MWPS-29, provides guidelines for selection, sizing, locating, and evaluating grain aeration systems. It also presents design examples of commonly used systems. Ken Hellevang, an extension agricultural engineer at NDSU, is the lead author of the book, which is published by the Midwest Plan Service, a consortium of land-grant universities in the north central United States.
The cost of Dry Grain Aeration Systems Design Handbook, MWPS-29, is $22.00. To purchase the book, contact Extension Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, PO Box 5626, NDSU, Fargo, ND, 58105, (701)231-7236.
The publication discusses basic aeration considerations, system design principles, and system components. It contains approximately 50 figures and drawings, 20 tables, and more than a dozen extensive design examples. Among the examples are designs for aeration pads, systems for cylindrical bins, and designs for rectangular flat storage facilities. One useful reference feature in the book is a cross-indexed list of all the design equations used in the examples.
The book focuses on the latest design considerations and construction methods for dry grain aeration systems. With its ready reference features and extensive design examples, this publication will be a handy guidebook for grain producers, grain storage managers, and grain bin construction and aeration industries.
The book does not include design information for moving air through wet grain to hold it safely until it is dried, for cooling hot grain coming from a dryer, or natural air drying.
Cool Stored Grain To Prevent Damage
Unless producers pay close attention to the temperature of their stored grain, spoilage and insects could claim a part of the crop that went into storage on farms this fall, according to an agricultural engineer at North Dakota State University.
"More stored grain goes out of condition because grain temperature is not controlled than for any other reason," says Ken Hellevang of the NDSU extension Service.
Hellevang is already receiving reports of storage problems with this year's grain.
The ideal temperature for insect and mold growth in stored grain is about 80 F, he notes. Cooling the grain below 70 F reduces insect reproduction, cooling it below 50 F causes insects to become dormant and, if the grain is held at or below freezing during the winter storage period, many insects will be killed. Mold growth is almost nil at temperatures below 40 F.
Because about a 20-degree temperature differential in the grain mass will cause moisture migration, aeration should start before the average outdoor temperature is 20 degrees cooler than the grain temperature, Hellevang recommends. Typically, grain will be aerated shortly after harvest, once during the fall, and again probably in November as outdoor temperatures cool. Grain should be cooled to about 20 F to 25 F degrees for winter storage.
The amount of time required for an aeration cooling cycle depends on the airflow rate. The cooling time can be estimated by dividing 15 by the airflow rate. For example, about 75 hours is needed with an airflow rate of 0.2 cfm/bu. Check the grain temperature at several locations to determine when the aeration cycle is complete.
Grain temperature changes about 50 times faster than the moisture content, so the relative humidity of the air is of little concern during grain cooling, Hellevang says. The average daily humidity is what is important. Shut off aeration fans during periods of fog or rainy weather to minimize rewetting. If fans operate during these periods the rewetting will be restricted to a relatively shallow layer of grain.
Cover fans and ducts after the grain has been cooled for winter storage to prevent snow from blowing into the grain bin. It is best to cover the fan whenever it is not running to prevent rewetting grain during wet weather, he says.
Hellevang advises producers to check the condition of stored grain every two to four weeks. A check should include measurements of moisture content and temperature at several locations. Moisture measurement accuracy is dependant on the grain temperature, so it is best to collect a grain sample, let it warm to room temperature in a plastic bag or other sealed container, then check the moisture content. Record the data for future reference in managing the stored grain.
Allergies, Asthma Linked to Indoor Air Quality
Asthma is the leading chronic illness of children in the United States. It can be aggravated by exposure to tobacco smoke, pollen, and allergens from animals, plants and insects.
"Because many people spend 90 percent or more of their time indoors, it is important to have good indoor air quality," says Ken Hellevang, an air quality expert with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. He offers the following tips:
*Check combustion devices annually to make sure they are operating properly. Combustion gases and particles can cause breathing difficulties for people with asthma.
*Try to keep humidity levels between 30 to 40 percent in the winter and below 60 percent in the summer. High humidity can promote growth of biological agents such as mold and mites that can trigger asthma or cause allergic symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy eyes or difficulty breathing. Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens or bathrooms when taking showers or cooking. Make sure clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors. If necessary, use a dehumidifier in the basement during warm weather or ventilate if outside air is cooler and drier than the basement.
*Clean humidifiers according to manufacturer's instructions. Refill them with fresh water everyday so harmful microbes will not grow and be dispersed into the air.
*Keep the house clean. Cleaning minimizes allergy-causing agents like microscopic dust mites, animal dander and pollen. Consider installing higher efficiency filters in home heating and cooling systems to reduce the number of particles in the air.
For more information about indoor air quality visit the NDSU Extension Service Indoor Air Quality site at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/iaq.htm, the Environmental Protection Agency's web site: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/, or call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Info Line at (800) 438-4318.
October is National Home Indoor Air Quality Action and Awareness Month as part of the Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes Project, a cooperative effort of educators in each state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the EPA.
Exposure to secondhand cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke is a major cause of illness among children in the United States.
Research shows that smoking in the home by parents can result in many health problems for young children, including sudden infant death syndrome, pneumonia, bronchitis, impaired lung function, increased episodes of asthma and delayed recovery from respiratory illnesses. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that secondhand smoke is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections annually in infants and children under 18 month of age, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year.
For more information about indoor air quality visit the NDSU Extension Service Indoor Air Quality site at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/iaq.htm, the Environmental Protection Agency's web site: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/, or call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Info Line at (800) 438-4318.
October is National Home Indoor Air Quality Action and Awareness Month as part of the Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes Project, a cooperative effort of educators in each state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the EPA.
NDSU Web Site Contains Information on Ag and Biosystems Engineering
A new Web site provided by the North Dakota State University Extension Service contains links to electronic publications dealing with agricultural and biosystems engineering as well as information from extension programs covering topics such as machinery, structures and facilities, water quality, irrigation, crop drying and storage, and safety.
The publications link from this Web site (www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng) connects to a listing of all publications from the NDSU Extension Service relating to agricultural and biosystems engineering. Most of those publications can be viewed online, says Ken Hellevang, extension agricultural engineer at NDSU.
Engineering-related publications available from Midwest Plan Service (MWPS) are also featured on the new Web site, along with a description of each publication. MWPS publications are developed cooperatively by engineers at universities in the 12 states of the north central region. In addition, links to about 675 online agricultural engineering publications at universities in the United States and Canada are available and sorted by category, such as machinery, structures and irrigation.
"Nearly 1,000 building and facility plans developed through the USDA and MWPS are available at the Web site," Hellevang Says.
That listing of plans is categorized by livestock species, crops, housing and machinery. Hellevang says most of the plans can be downloaded using the free software program Adobe Acrobat, which is available from the Web site.
Another component of the new NDSU Web site is a set of resource links for selected topics, including post-harvest, indoor air quality, safety and water quality. The site also features a listing of the extension specialists within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Hellevang concludes, "Each listing includes the specialist's area of expertise and contact information to make it convenient to seek additional information."
NDSU Launches New Web Site on Grain Handling, Drying and Storage
A new North Dakota State university Web site on grain drying, handling and storage includes publications and extensive links to publications at other universities, fan selection software, an equipment buyers' guide, agencies, associations and other information.
"The Web site gives producers a comprehensive source of information on post-harvest handling of grain," says Ken Hellevang, the NDSU agricultural engineer who coordinated the development of the Web site. "Our goal was to five producers and others with access to the Internet a more efficient way of getting this information when they need it."
The Web Site's address is www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/postharvest.htm. Some NDSU publications are available in html format, and the rest can be viewed and downloaded using Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Acrobat is a program, available at no charge, that can be downloaded and installed in your computer by clicking on the Adobe Acrobat button near the bottom of the site.
The NDSU publications are also available at all NDSU Extension Service county offices and can be ordered by mailing a request to Distribution Center, Box 5655, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105-5655, or by calling (701)231-7882, or by sending an e-mail request to dctr@ndsuext.nodak.edu.
The Midwest Plan Service publications available on the Web site were developed as a regional cooperative effort of agricultural engineers at several universities. A description of each of the publications is obtained by clicking on the publication title. The publications can be ordered from NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering by following the instructions with the publication description. Prepayment is not required; a statement is enclosed with the publication when shipped.
The site also provides links to about 100 online publications at other universities on postharvest topics. The links are grouped into the following categories: general storage management, aeration, alternative storage, insects, drying, feed and forage, and handling.
Fan selection software developed by Bill Wilcke at the University of Minnesota can be downloaded and installed on your computer from the Web site. The program estimates required fan horsepower and operating static pressure for various crops, bin sizes, grain depth, and airflow rates. You can select from about 200 commercial fans listed, and the program will estimate the installed airflow using company-provided airflow delivery data. You can also enter and store data for fans not already installed in the program.
The equipment link takes you to the online buyers' guide developed by Grain Journal magazine. The directory includes an extensive listing of grain and feed equipment and services. You can search by topic or obtain an alphabetical list of topics. It includes company contacts, and extensive listing of associations and Web sites for various types of information.
Tips for Spraying Fungicide to Control Scab
This season's wet weather means scab will almost certainly be a problem in the region's wheat and barley fields. A North Dakota State University agricultural engineer says taking something other than a top-down approach to fungicide application will improve control of the disease.
"If you look at the crop from directly above, the heads make a pretty small target," says Vern Hofman of the NDSU Extension Service. "Providing some horizontal movement to the spray gives us much better coverage." NDSU research in greenhouses an plots the last two years has shown that fine turning the angle of application, application rate and time of application can increase grain head coverage by two to three times.
For conventional sprayers, Hofman recommends using a double-swivel nozzle body equipped with two nozzles: one pointing to the front of the spray boom and the other pointing to the rear, and each angled downward by about 30 degrees. With this configuration, one side of the grain head is treated as the sprayer approaches and the other is treated just after the spray boom moves past, Hofman says.
An application rate of about 15 to 20 gallons per acre applied at 40 to 50 pounds of pressure per square inch will provide the best results. "Higher application pressures provide smaller spray droplets and better coverage, but as those droplets get smaller, the potential for drift increases," he notes.
In research, air-assist sprayers which direct the spray straight down have not provided any advantage over conventional sprayers. A prototype air-assist sprayer that directed air and spray horizontally did improve coverage. Researchers are looking to develop an attachment for existing air-assist sprayers that may improve coverage.
Hofman, says up to 70 percent of the fungicide applied to control scab will likely be sprayed by aerial applicators because of wet fields and the amount of crop that will need applications in a timely fashion.
"Applying these sprays by aircraft requires some attention to detail if they are going to be effective," Hofman says. A rate of 5 to 7.5 gallons per acre is best and nozzles should be oriented at 90 degrees to the air stream to provide the best dispersion of the spray.
Spray should be applied from a height of 6 to 8 feet. Any lower than that and the spray may not be distributed well on the crop. Higher altitudes offer more potential for spray drift.
For more information ask for Extension Report No. 56, "Improved Fungicide
Spraying for Wheat/Barley Head Scab Control," available at your county
office of the NDSU Extension Service.
Bacteriological Testing Laboratories
The North Dakota Department of Health will no longer perform bacteriological water testing on private domestic well water (drinking water) samples beginning August 1, 1999. They indicated the reason was because of budget cuts.
The above testing and nitrate screening for domestice wells will be done at the five laboratories listed below. The sample containers previously used for the North Dakota Department of Health water samples can continue to be used to send samples to all the laboratories.
The North Dakota Department of Health will continue doing partial and complete mineral analyses on water samples. The fee schedule is described on the "Fee Schedule For Water Samples" sheet.
Southwest District Health Unit
2869 3rd Avenue West
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: 701-483-0171
Cost: $7.00 for both nitrate and bacteriological
First District Health Unit Laboratory
801 11th Avenue Southwest
Minot, ND 58701
Phone: 701-852-1376
Cost: $8.00 for both nitrate and bacteriological
Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories, Inc. (MVTL)
1411 South 12th St.
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: 701-258-9720
Cost: $12.00 for both nitrate and bacteriological
Fargo Cass Public Health
401 3rd Ave. North
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: 701-241-1360
Cost: $15.00 for both nitrate and bacteriological
Manganese
&
Copper
Nitrate
Percent Sodium
pH
Fluoride
$ 9.15
Potassium
Fluoride
Sodium
Sodium Absorption Ratio
Total Alkalinity
Special or unusual requests:
Total Hardness
These can possibly be handled and
Total Dissolved Solids
will have a varying price range.
Turbidity
Please call for details.
The partial and complete mineral analyses require a sample of at least one quart in a clean plastic or glass container.
NOTICE: These analyses generally take approximately two weeks to complete and mail out but on occasion may take longer due to heavy sample load and/or program priority.
For more information, refer to website: http://www.health.state.nd.us/lab
If you have any questions please call (701) 328-6142
Closed System Provides Safe Pesticide Handling
Using good safety practices when handling pesticides is not only personally and environmentally smart, it also makes good economic sense, according to a North Dakota State University agricultural enginner.
"Preventing spills helps reduce operating and production costs, improves your operation's cost effectiveness, and provides a cleaner and more acceptable workplace," says Vern Hofman of the NDSU Extension Service.
In the past, reducing spills meant being exta careful, and reducing human exposure meant wearing protective clothing which was often cumbersome and hot in warm weather. Because of the discomfort, chemical handlers often neglected to use the protective clothing.
Now, a closed handling system can minimize, if not eliminate, both accidental spills and human contact with pesticides, Hofman says. In addition, metering and transferring pesticides with closed systems is usually more accurate than other methods.
In choosing or building a closed system, make sure the system is economical to use, simple to operate, durable, versatile and easy to maintain, Hofman says. The system must be able to withstand the effects of pesticides that may contain solvents. Quality components and construction are a must to assure safety and minimize maintenance.
Closed handling systems using a pump and meter may not be trouble-free. Problems with the meter may arise, including inaccuracy due to different chemical viscosities, a need for air eliminators and regular cleaning to keep them working.
Another key component of a closed handling system is the pump and venturi to provide vacuum to a probe that removes pesticides and rinses the container. Containers should be vented to prevent collapse, and probes should be inserted in such a way that human contact with the chemical is practically nonexistent.
Venturi vacuum systems are mainly trouble-free, can transfer relatively low viscosity pesticides effectively and are low cost, Hofman notes. They should be installed on the discharge side of a pump and made of stainless steel or polypropylene.
Systems of measurement that are accurate whether the amont is a few ounces or several gallons are a necessity, Hofman says. Tall, slim measuring tanks with slight tubes or windows are possibilites. Weigh scales, calibrated probes and calibrated meters with air eliminators are other ideas.
Finally, make sure that all metal parts, seals, gaskets and hoses resist corrosion. High initial costs of materials such as Teflon, stainless steel and cross-linked polyethylene will pay off with low maintenance, high performance and long life, says Hofman.
Personal protection equipment consisting of unlined gloves and an apron must be worn with vacuum closed sytems, and goggles are needed with pressure handling systems. This equipment is much easier to put on than the disposable coveralls, rubber boots and head protection that is needed when handling some pesticides without a closed system.
Detailed closed vacuum construction plans are available at no charge from Extension Agricultural Engineering, Box 5626, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105, (701)231-7238.
New
NDSU Web Site Informs on the Structural and
Environmental Aspects
of Your Home
A new Web site provided by the North Dakota State University Extension
Service contains
publications on a variety of structural and environmental aspects of
your home, including
energy conservation, lighting, humidity control, sewage treatment systems,
indoor air quality,
and heating and cooling.
The site is located at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/yourhome.htm.
House-related
publications available from MidWest Plan Service are also featured
on the site along with a
description of each publication and information on ordering the publications.
MWPS
publications are developed cooperatively by engineers and housing specialists
at NDSU and
universities in the other 11 states of the North Central Region.
Some 300 house plans developed through the USDA cooperative building
plans exchange are
available at the Web site. Most can be downloaded in pdf format from
the site.
The site contains links to numerous publications available from various
other sources such as
the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing, the Canada Mortgage
and Housing
Corporation, and other universities.
Also available on the site are links to other information sources such
as the National
Association of Home Builders, the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development, and
the Lighting Research Center.
Ag Spray Droplet Size Relates to Coverage and Drift
Selecting the droplet size for spraying agricultural chemicals is a balancing act. Too small and they can drift away to other crops and plants. Too large and coverage is reduced on the target crop.
"What we're looking for is a good balance between the potential for drift and coverage," says Vern Hofman, an agricultural engineer with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "The effectiveness of what is sprayed is largely determined by the amont of surface area of the spray that comes in contact with the pest. Small droplets offer significantly more surface area than large drops, and thus small droplets provide more effective coverage than large drops."
If the average droplet size in a spray pattern is doubled, the number of droplets is decreased by eight times and the amount of surface area is reduced usually by about half, Hofman says.
"It's an unfortunate fact that the most efficient, effective pesticide coverage can also be the most damaging to surrounding crops and the environment. The small droplets that maximize spray coverage are usually the ones that cause the most drift."
Aerodynamic drag determines how quickly droplets will fall to earth. Small droplets have higher drag and fall slowly; larger drops have lower drag and fall more quickly. For the same reason, wind influences the path of small droplets more that large drops, so small droplets will drift farther (or evaporate sooner) than large drops.
Selecting a spray nozzle involves a trade-off between effective spray coverage and drift reduction, Hofman says.
Because it's important to get the best
performance from your pesticide and also important to reduce spray drift,
the best spray nozzle would be the one that offers a combination of the
most effective coverage and the most drift reduction. An average
droplet diameter (VMD) of about 250-300 microns offers the best combination
of effective coverage and drift reduction for post application of many
systemic and contact herbicides. Other pesticides and application
methods may work best with other droplet sizes, Hofman cautions.
Keeping water out of your basement may help present a host of health problems for you and your family, says a North Dakota State University engineer.
"Mold spores are everywhere and mold will grow on any organic material. Unfortunately, your whole home is a target," says Ken Hellevang, an agricultural engineer with the NDSU Extension Service. "Humidity levels above about 70 percent create an ideal environment for molds." Mold can produce a range of health effects in humans ranging from a runny nose and watery eyes to chronic breathing problems and severe allergic reactions.
Recent rains across the region have prompted a flurry of calls about watery basements for Hellevang. Topics have ranged from cleaning up after water has flooded a basement to preventing seepage and condensation problems.
Looking outside may be the first step to solving basement water problems, Hellevang says. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and in good repair. Downspout extensions should carry water several feet away from the house. "The worst thing you can do is dump all the water from your roof right next to your foundation," he says. A one-inch rain on a 1,000 square foot roof is more than 600 gallons of water.
The ground around the house should slope away from the foundation at a rate of at least an inch per foot of distance away from the house. Fill depressions near the foundation where the ground has settled or soil has been moved. Use a low permeable soil such as clay to encourage the water to drain away from the house.
Window wells are another problem area. They should be well sealed to the house and extend out of the ground to keep water out. The ground around them should be graded to promote drainage, Hellevang says. The window well should have a deep gravel base or a link to the home's foundation drain tile to remove any water that does get into it.
If correcting exterior problems doesn't solve interior basement water problems, options become much more costly and difficult, Hellevang says. Localized problems might be solved by removing part of the basement floor and installing a sump pit and sump pump. More extensive problems may require additional excavation in the basement or outside the foundation to install drainage tile.
"It's very difficult to solve these problems after a house is built," Hellevang says. "That's why it's so important to address drainage while the house is being built. New homes should have drain tile installed inside and outside the basement." The tiles should be surrounded with gravel to help promote drainage and protected by a fabric barrier to keep out dirt. Basement floors should be poured on four to six inches of gravel to help promote drainage and basement walls should be backfilled with gravel for the same reason.
Moisture from heavy clay soils in contact with concrete basement floors can make its way through the concrete and escape into the home as water vapor. Several gallons of water per day can enter the home through basement walls and the floor.
"You want to create a drainage envelope around your house," Hellevang says. "Our heavy clay soils will hold water against the floor and walls. Heavy clay soils can also expand, causing damage to basement walls."
For basements that are plagued with high
humidity and condensation, dehumidifiers and air conditioners may be the
best answer. Once the outside temperature gets
warmer than the basement temperature,
ventilation isn't going to help humidity levels much," Hellevang says.
"In fact, it may make things worse." That's because the water-holding
capacity of air is reduced as the air is cooled. For example, air
that has 40 percent relative humidity at 80 degrees increases to 80 percent
relative humidity as that air is cooled to 60 degrees.
Comprehensive Guide to Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Now Available
Center pivots and other types of sprinkler irrigation systems currently are operating on about 81 percent of North Dakota's irrigated land, and center pivots are the irrigation systems of choice on almost all of the state's new irrigated acres. But the design and management requirements of center-pivot sprinkler technology are changing rapidly, a fact that presents challenges to everyone involved in irrigation, says an irrigation specialist at North Dakota State University.
Now, agricultural producers and consultants, engineers, equipment dealers, government agency employees, educators, students, and others interested in the technology of irrigation have a newly published resource to help them better understand all aspects of sprinkler irrigation systems. The book, titled "Sprinkler Irrigation Systems," provides a systematic approach to the whys and hows of developing sprinkler irrigation systems.
"The book serves as a planning tool, reference guide and design manual for a broad audience, says Tom Scherer, an extension agricultural engineer at NDSU and one of the book's six authors. "We wanted it to be a repository of the technical knowledge necessary to design and develop sprinkler irrigation systems."
The book's publisher is the MidWest Plan Service (MWPS), a cooperative regional research and extension organization head quartered at Iowa State University representing the 12 north-central land-grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The book's content was developed under the direction of the MWPS water quality committee, which Scherer chairs.
One of the book's goals is to further an understanding of the methods used to manage irrigation systems efficiently, Scherer says. Since 1990, North Dakota's irrigated acreage has been increasing annually by about 6,000 acres. Currently, there are about 235,000 irrigated acres in North Dakota, constituting about 1 percent of the cultivated land.
"Sprinkler Irrigation Systems" provides information that helps determine water needs and establish a minimum recommended system capacity. One chapter, devoted to understanding and using water sources properly, includes sections on planning, drilling, developing, pumping and maintaining irrigation wells. Separate chapters discuss sprinkler performance characteristics and sprinkler selection and management. Another chapter explains how to select pumps, piping and power units.
"The book does not neglect special uses for irrigation systems," Scherer says. "One chapter discusses 'chemigation,' which is the application of fertilizers and pesticides through irrigation systems."
Another chapter discusses using sprinkler irrigation systems to apply effluent from animal production systems, municipal treatment plants and food processing plants. THis chapter focuses on the need to apply effluents without detrimental effects to surface water, ground water soil and crops, Scherer says. The final chapter covers the step-by-step planning and design process for different sprinkler irrigation systems. Included in the examples are designs for a center-pivot system with a well, a traveler irrigation system and an irrigation system for a small acreage that is producing horticultural crops.
"Sprinkler Irrigation Systems" contains more than 110 photographs and illustrations, including layouts of irrigation systems and diagrams of pumping and piping systems. The book also has about 70 tables. Scherer says the tables help to organize technical data, such as estimated pressure losses for hard and soft hoses, peak application rates for various systems, maximum flow rates, friction losses and efficiencies of typical drive units.
Single copies of "Sprinkler Irrigation Systems" cost $23.50 (includes postage and handling), but quantity discounts are available. When ordering, refer to the publication number, MWPS-30. To order, contact Nancy Stroh by calling (701) 231-7238, send an e-mail with your address to nstroh@ndsuext.nodak.edu or mail your request to NDSU Extension Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Box 5626, Fargo, ND 57105-5626.
Never Store Pesticides in the House, Safety Specialist Advises
Protecting expensive pesticides means keeping them from freezing, but don't be tempted to store them in the house, advises a North Dakota State University agricultural safety specialist.
"No container of pesticides should ever be stored in the house," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "You would never think of having your family sleep in bed with a loaded gun under the covers. Keeping pesticides in the house is just as unthinkable." The danger of spills, escaping fumes, fire, poisoning and other mishaps is too great to store pesticides in home, Maher says.
The best strategy is to avoid storing any pesticides at all over the winter, Maher says. That means only buying as much as you will use during the crop season. "Buying products on sale may seem like a good deal, but finding secure heated storage for large amounts of pesticides can be time-consuming and expensive," Maher says. "It doesn't take long to eat up any initial savings."
The first step to finding suitable storage for pesticides is to consult the label, Maher says. Labels will detail proper storage conditions. Some products must be kept from freezing while others do not.
If you do have pesticides that require
warm storage, check with neighbors and your pesticide dealer to cooperate
on storage, Maher says. Some dealers may rent storage for the winter
months. If pesticides that require warm storage do freeze, consult
your pesticide dealer about reductions in effectiveness and possible disposal
of ruined products.
Irrigation
Growth Requires Research and Monitoring
To Protect Water
At a recent meeting at North Dakota State University on irrigated
agriculture in North Dakota, a number of participants expressed
the importance of understanding and minimizing environmental
impacts from irrigation.
"Although most of the discussion at the meeting was directed
toward agricultural production, it’s significant that producers and
others involved in irrigation development are raising these issues
so they can be addressed," says Bruce Seelig, a water quality
specialist at North Dakota State University.
Irrigation has been associated with groundwater contamination in
several states, Seelig notes. Evidence shows a connection
between irrigation and high nitrates in some aquifers in
Minnesota and Nebraska. Studies done in the Oakes aquifer in
North Dakota also show that irrigation can contribute to elevated
nitrates in groundwater. Recently the incidence of high nitrate in
some monitoring wells in the Englevale aquifer in Ranson
County has led to the suggestion that irrigation may be
responsible.
Incidences of pesticide contamination in North Dakota are
sporadic and have no relationship to the type of farming system.
However, aquifer contamination with the insecticide aldicarb
was shown to be directly related to irrigated potatoes in
Wisconsin and New York.
Another concern is the observation of increased levels of sulfate
and total salts in some monitoring wells. Elevated sulfate salts in
groundwater can result in water that no longer meets drinking
water quality standards. Salts can also build up in some irrigated
soils, resulting in poor growing conditions for crops.
"Although it is extremely difficult to predict impacts of irrigation
on groundwater at a specific site, we understand enough about
contaminant translocation and fate to identify important factors
that influence these processes," Seelig says. "We can use those
factors to identify aquifer sensitivity. Once we know the
potential for contamination to occur at a particular site, we can
take steps to protect the groundwater by implementing
appropriate management practices which may include
modifications to existing irrigation systems."
Seelig says research is needed in North Dakota to demonstrate
which irrigation management techniques are most effective at
specific sites. "Accounting for aquifer sensitivity during the
planning and implementation of irrigation research projects
allows irrigators with similar site conditions to adapt tested
practices to their management systems."
Specifically, research is needed to improve nitrogen use
efficiency, particularly in areas of high contamination risk,
Seelig says. "Research projects that improve our understanding
of the denitrification process in various aquifers should be
expanded. Improved knowledge of the interactions between soil
properties and irrigation water quality remains an important area
of scientific study."
Although groundwater usually is the focus of most environmental
concern surrounding irrigation, soil conservation and surface
water protection also need to be addressed. "Soils that are best
for irrigation also are often most prone to erosion," Seelig says.
"Control of sediment losses and the movement of associated
nutrients and pesticides from irrigated fields is often difficult
because of the crop rotations thought to be most profitable. We
need to identify crop rotation alternatives that preserve both the
soil and profitability."
Monitoring by the state’s Water Commission and Department of
Health indicate that impacts to North Dakota water resources
from agricultural activities have been minimal. However,
incidents of contamination do occur, and many water resources
are threatened by potential contamination.
There continues to be a need to further understand processes and
factors important to contaminant movement and fate under North
Dakota environmental conditions, Seelig says. "As our
knowledge of these processes and factors improve, so will our
efforts to develop and implement management practices that
protect water resources."
Grain Storage Management Action May Be Required
Insects and moisture continue to pose a threat to stored grain in the region, according to North Dakota State University specialist. That means producers need to monitor grain condition now and take appropriate action to protect it before warmer spring temperatures arrive.
"We had more grain go into storage than normal, with some of our grain stored in facilities and under conditions that are less than ideal," notes Ken Hellevang, an agricultural engineer with the NDSU Extension Service. "Some of that grain, especially row crops, also went into storage with higher moisture levels than we'd like to see." Insect infestations were common in late fall and early winter and moisture problems, including ice on the grain surface, have been reported recently.
The temperature of stored grain should be taken at several locations, Hellevang says. The recommended temperature for winter storage is 20 F to 30 F. For spring and summer storage, grain temperature should not exceed 40 F. Warmer temperatures increase the potential for insect and mold problems. Hellevang advises checking stored grain now and periodically in the future depending on the condition of the grain.
Check the grain moisture content at several locations also. Unless your moisture meter automatically measures the grain temperature and adjusts the reading, a temperature adjustment for cold grain must be made, Hellevang says. For the most accurate moisture test, place grain samples in sealed bags and allow them to warm to room temperature before measuring the moisture content. Warm samples may also be checked for insects because insect activity increases at warmer temperatures.
Grain that exceeds recommended storage moisture contents must be dried before the grain warms. Remember that grain near the top of a bin may be warmer than outside air temperatures due to solar heating of the bin roof. Grain will also be warmed by warm moist air being blown into bins through uncovered fans and ducts. Fans and ducts should be covered when fans are not operating.
The allowable storage time is reduced by about one-half for each 10 F that the grain is warmed. For example 20 percent moisture corn has an expected allowable storage time of about 300 days at 30 F but only about 65 days at 50 F.
"A very small amount of drying, such as a few inches of damp grain at the top of a bin, can be accomplished with an aeration system, but generally drying requires a large drying fan or removing the grain and drying it in a high temperature dryer," Hellevang says.
Natural air and low temperature drying should be started when outside temperatures average about 40 F--typically in early April. At colder temperatures, the drying rate is slow and inefficient. Soybeans with moisture contents up to 16 to 17 percent can be dried to about 13 percent moisture in April using a natural air drying system with an airflow rate of 1.0 tp 1.25 cubic feet per minute per bushel. Corn with moisture contents up to 20 percent can be dried to about 15 percent in April and 13 percent in May using an airflow rate of 1.25 cubic feet per minute per bushel. Air temperatures should be less than 130 F to minimize splitting.
Hellevang also cautions producers to remember that soybeans are more likely to be damaged during handling when they are cold. Soybeans should be warmed to 30-40 F prior to handling if they were cooled to very cold temperatures for winter storage. If augers are used they should be operated full and at slow speeds and drop heights should be minimized.
Once warmer spring temperatures arrive, stored grain will begin to warm and storage problems will worsen rapidly, Hellevang notes. Mold will begin to form and insects that had gone dormant over the winter will become active.
"We'll begin seeing insect activity when the grain reaches about 50 F," Hellevang says. "If those problems are severe, we'll need to consider some kind of fumigation to control those pests. Unfortunately, we can't get effective fumigation results until the grain gets up to around 60 F."
_
_
_
_
This page is property of the NDSU
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department.
Last Modified on June 7, 1999