Resources for Biological Systems Engineering
Title | Available As | Summary | Date | ID | Author |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENERGY SERIES: What about the Air Conditioning System? | As you begin the process of selecting the most efficient air conditioning system for
your home, investigate the critical issues of system size, placement, installation,
and contractor experience. Your goal is to obtain an efficient system by: sizing
the system for the specific cooling load of your home; selecting and properly
installing the thermostats or controls; designing a ductwork system to deliver the
correct amount of conditioned air to each space; and sealing and insulating all
ductwork. |
Feb 3, 2020 | 2901-9001 (BSE-289NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What About Using Ceiling Fans? | Ceiling fans create a breeze, so room occupants feel cooler and more comfortable. With
a ceiling fan running, you can raise the thermostat setting by 2 to 4 degrees during
the cooling season with no reduction in comfort. Increasing the room temperature by
even two degrees can cut your cooling costs 4 to 6%. |
Mar 26, 2020 | 2901-9002 (BSE-290NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What About the Ductwork? | Air distribution or duct systems are designed to supply rooms with air that is
“conditioned”—that is, heated or cooled by the heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) equipment—and to recirculate or return the same volume of air
back to the HVAC equipment. Your duct system has two main air transfer systems: 1)
supply, and 2) return. The supply side delivers the conditioned air to the home
through individual room registers. The return side picks up inside air and delivers
it to the air handler of your central system where heat and moisture are either
removed or added and then delivered to the supply side. All of the air drawn into the
return duct(s) is conditioned and should be delivered back through the supply
registers. |
Apr 3, 2020 | 2901-9003 (BSE-291NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about the Heating System? | The efficiency of a gas (natural or propane) or oil furnace is measured by the Annual
Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), which describes the heat produced from the energy
used. This rating takes into consideration losses from pilot lights, start-up, and
stopping. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 80 converts 80% of the fuel
it burns into usable heat. New furnaces usually rate in the mid-70s to low 80s,
whereas older furnaces will be in the 50s or 60s. ENERGY STAR® qualified oil and gas
furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 83% and 90%, or
higher, making them up to 15% more efficient than standard models. Unlike the Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings,
the AFUE does not consider the unit’s electricity use for fans and blowers. |
May 12, 2020 | 2901-9005 (BSE-292NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Insulation? | Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, called R-value, which indicates
the resistance to heat flow. Although insulation can slow heat flow—conduction,
convection and radiation—its greatest impact is on conduction. |
Apr 14, 2020 | 2901-9006 (BSE-293NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about the Laundry Area? | The laundry room can be a big consumer of energy—more than 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
a year—and water—and a big producer of unwanted heat and humidity in the summer. It
makes good sense to think about both the location and the appliances in it if you want
to run an energy-efficient laundry. And there are new washers and dryers on the market
now that make it easier than ever to do so. |
Mar 25, 2020 | 2901-9007 (BSE-294NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Mold? | Mold has received a lot of attention of late because of high profile lawsuits and television news broadcasts that have highlighted the potential hazards and liabilities associated with indoor mold. What is mold? Molds, along with mildews, yeasts, and mushrooms, all belong to the kingdom fungi. Fungi are unicellular or multicellular organisms that primarily use absorption as a means to obtain energy from their environment, unlike green plants, which use chlorophyll to obtain energy from sunlight. The term “mold” describes unwanted visible fungal growth. “Mildew” is fungi that grows on fabrics or that causes plant disease. The term “yeast” is fungi that are unicellular when cultured. |
Mar 26, 2020 | 2901-9008 (BSE-295NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about the Water Heater? | Heating water is the third largest energy expense in your home, after heating and cooling the entire space; and, it can account for 15-25% of your utility bill. It’s not hard to see why a family of four, each taking a 5-minute shower a day under inefficient showerheads, can use 700 gallons of water in a week representing a 3-year supply of drinking water for one person! There are several ways to cut down the amount you spend on heating water: a) insulate your water heater and pipes; b) reduce the amount of hot water you use; and c) turn down the thermostat on your water heater. |
Mar 24, 2020 | 2901-9009 (BSE-296NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Windows? | The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) offers a voluntary testing and certification program for thermal performance for windows and residential door products with glass. The NFRC does not conduct structural characteristics, such as impact-resistance, but rather serves as a complementary program that can test the whole window (including frame) for the following characteristics: U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance, Air Leakage, and Condensation Resistance (see sample NFRC label) . |
Mar 20, 2020 | 2901-9010 (BSE-297NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What Are the Differences Between Mobile and Modular Homes? | Mobile and modular homes are factory-built and generally differ in how much of the construction occurs at the factory. The greater the work at the factory, the less labor is needed where the home will be located. |
Mar 20, 2020 | 2901-9011 (BSE-298NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What Can Builders Do to Help Prevent Moisture Problems in New Construction? | Buildings should be designed and built to provide comfortable and healthy levels of relative humidity. They should also prevent both liquid water from migrating through building components and water vapor from being trapped in building assemblies, like walls. |
Feb 26, 2020 | 2901-9012 (BSE-299NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What Does the Shape of the House Have to Do With Energy Efficiency? | In a home, heat energy is transferred among all materials and substances that are of different temperatures—within the building materials, inside the building itself, and outside the building envelope. The term “building envelope” refers to all of the external building materials, windows, and walls that enclose the internal space. Heat moves only when there is a difference in temperature, and it always moves from the warm side to the cool side. Heat will continue to “flow” until any touching materials reach the same temperature. However, we usually want the inside of a home to have a different temperature from the outside. |
Feb 12, 2020 | 2901-9013 (BSE-300NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use | If you're trying to decide whether to invest in a more energy-efficient appliance or if you'd like to determine your electricity loads, you may want to estimate appliance energy consumption. |
Feb 26, 2020 | 2901-9014 (BSE-301NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Appliances? | When shopping for appliances, remember that there are actually three prices to consider. The first is the one everyone considers: the purchase price. The second price is for repairs and maintenance. The third price is often forgotten, but equally important: the operating cost of the appliance. Operating cost depends on the cost of fuel (kilowatt-hour, cubic foot, therm, etc.) in your region, how much you use the appliance as well as the way you use it, and the overall energy efficiency of the appliance. Operating cost shows up on your utility bill each month for the life of the appliance. Your refrigerator, for example, may operate effectively for 15–20 years and your dishwasher for about 10 years. You'll need to consider how any given appliance will affect your utility usage. |
Feb 25, 2020 | 2908-9015 (BSE-302NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about the Bathroom? | Did you know the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that private homes
account for more than 20 percent of the energy and about 55 percent of publicly supplied
water consumed in the United States? We all know that we can save water if we just turn off
the tap while brushing our teeth. We also know that when we reduce the amount of hot water
used we also decrease the energy needed to heat the water. But, did you know there are
products that can help you save water even when you have to use water? |
Feb 12, 2020 | 2908-9016 (BSE-303NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Caulking and Weather-Stripping? | The greatest source of wasted heating and cooling energy in a home is air leaks. If you have
a pair of 6' 8" exterior doors in your home that do not have weather-stripping, you can
easily have an opening of ¼" all along the edge where the doors meet. This ¼" gap adds up to
a 20-square-inch opening to the outside. If you saw a hole this big in your wall, wouldn’t
you want it fixed? |
Mar 26, 2020 | 2908-9017 (BSE-304NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Dishwashers? | It may come as a surprise that washing a load of dishes in the dishwasher uses less water
than doing the same number of dishes by hand. (Dishwashers also do a better job of killing
germs, because they use hotter water than you would normally use if washing by hand.) For
each cycle, an ENERGYSTAR qualified dishwasher model uses about 4 gallons of water; a
non-qualified model uses about 6 gallons. |
Feb 24, 2020 | 2908-9018 (BSE-305NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES:What about House Design and Room Location? | While a good heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and other energy saving
features can provide you with a comfortable indoor environment, it is even more efficient to
prevent heat from entering the house in the first place. By designing a house with the right shape
and orientation, and strategically locating rooms, you can save on energy costs for cooling and
heating. If renting or purchasing, look for these same features in an existing home. |
Feb 17, 2020 | 2908-9019 (BSE-306NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Moisture? | Air is made up of a mixture of gases including oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. It also contains
water vapor—water in the form of a gas. The temperature of the air determines how much water vapor
it can hold: warm air can hold more than cool air. When the air is saturated, it cannot hold any
more, and any extra water vapor will condense into liquid form. |
Feb 24, 2020 | 2908-9020 (BSE-307NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Radiant Barriers? | Reflective insulation systems are made from aluminum foils with a variety of backings such as roof sheathing, kraft paper, plastic film, cardboard, bubble wrap, etc. The resistance to heat flow
depends on the direction of heat flow with this type of insulation most effective in reducing
downward heat flow and requiring an air space next to the reflective side. Reflective systems are
usually located between roof rafters, floor joists, or wall studs. Reflective insulation placed in
walls or on the attic floor must be perforated to allow water vapor to pass through it. |
Feb 14, 2020 | 2908-9021 (BSE-308NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Refrigerators and Freezers? | Your refrigerator is the only appliance that works continuously in your home 24 hours a day. In most
households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. According to
ENERGY STAR, replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model can save enough to pay for lighting an average household for nearly four months. |
Feb 14, 2020 | 2908-9022 (BSE-309NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about the Roof? | Roofing is more than shingles, tile, or metal. A roof system consists of several components, properly
assembled to provide the appropriate shelter for a structure. These include structural elements,
moisture barriers, and possibly insulation or ventilation. |
Feb 12, 2020 | 2908-9023 (BSE-310NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Ventilation? | “Ventilation” is “the natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned
air to, or removing air from, any space.” “Infiltration” is the uncontrolled leakage of air
through cracks and gaps in the building envelope, especially around windows and doors.
Infiltration deals with uncontrolled situations. In our homes we want to be able to control
air movement. |
Feb 12, 2020 | 2908-9024 (BSE-311NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What is the Whole-House Systems Approach to Energy Efficiency? | The whole-house systems approach looks at the
entire house as an energy system with
interdependent parts. Like a human body, when
one part functions poorly it affects the
performance of the entire system. For instance,
the benefits of an energy-efficient air conditioner
are lessened when a duct system leaks, windows
don’t close tightly, the attic is uninsulated, and
humid summer breezes are drifting in under the
door. |
Feb 12, 2020 | 2908-9025 (BSE-312NP) | ||
Lighting and Marking Recommendations for Animal-Drawn Carriages, Buggies and Wagons | Horse-drawn buggies or wagons and other animal-drawn carriages have been used by
the Plain Communities as the primary means of transportation for generations.
Equestrian sports and tourism business enterprises have also increased the number
of horse-drawn carriages on streets and highways.
|
May 13, 2020 | 3006-1454 (BSE-333NP) | ||
Driving Safely in Plain Communities | Nov 6, 2017 | 3102-1533 (BSE-219NP) | |||
Preparing for an Emergency: The Smart Thing to Do | Preparing for emergencies is not new. Your grandparents probably have extra supplies, such as: soap and shampoo in the bathroom closets, onions and potatoes stored in the basement, and canned goods on pantry shelves in their home. They understood the value of having a little extra on hand in case of emergencies. |
May 11, 2020 | 3104-1590 (VCE-1020) | ||
Virginia Agriculture - Relating to Farmers | Nov 8, 2017 | 3104-1591 (BSE-218NP) | |||
Preventing Falls In and Around Homes | Nov 3, 2017 | 3307-1592 (BSE-217NP) | |||
Preventing Work Place Falls | Nov 3, 2017 | 3307-1593 (BSE-220NP) | |||
Skidder Safety and Efficiency: A Discussion Leader's Guide | Mar 24, 2020 | 420-122 (BSE-288P) | |||
Microalgae as a Feedstock for Biofuel Production | Feb 9, 2011 | 442-886 | |||
Deep Tillage Prior to No-Till Corn: Research and Recommendations | Mar 29, 2019 | 424-053 | |||
Urban Stormwater: Terms and Definitions | Jul 14, 2020 | 426-119 (BSE-268P) | |||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 1: Rooftop Disconnection | Dec 4, 2019 | 426-120 (BSE-269P) | |||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 2: Sheet Flow to Open Space | Sheet flow to open space (SOS) is a group of best management practices (BMPs) designed to disperse concentrated runoff to sheet flow into filter strips or a riparian buffer. An SOS reduces runoff volume and associated sediment and nutrients that are carried with it (see figure 1). It is used as a stormwater treatment practice in both urban and rural areas. This practice is often used after another treatment practice to disperse or eliminate runoff. In a few cases, an SOS can be used as a pretreatment to remove small amounts of sediment via a vegetated filter strip — prior to a bioretention device, for example. |
Dec 4, 2019 | 426-121 (BSE-270P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 3: Grass Channels | Dec 11, 2019 | 426-122 (BSE-271P) | |||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 4: Soil Restoration | Soil restoration (SR) is the technique of enhancing
compacted soils to improve their porosity and nutrient
retention. It includes biological (worms) and mechanical
aeration, mechanical loosening (tilling), planting
dense vegetation, and applying soil amendments.
Soil amendments involve the spreading and mixing of
mature compost into disturbed and compacted urban
soils (see Figure 1). |
Dec 11, 2019 | 426-123 (BSE-272P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 5: Vegetated Roofs | A vegetated roof (VR) is a best management practice
(BMP) that reduces stormwater runoff and pollution.
Vegetation and media create a permeable system on
a previously impervious surface. The VR intercepts
rainfall and filters runoff while reducing the volume
and velocity. Vegetated roofs consist of a waterproofing
barrier, drainage system, and engineered growing
media. There are two types of VRs: intensive and
extensive. Intensive vegetated roofs are deeper and
heavier, while extensive vegetated roofs are shallower,
lighter, and more common (see Figure 1). The type of
VR determines the amount of maintenance necessary to
maintain the vegetation. |
Dec 11, 2019 | 426-124 (BSE-273P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 6: Rainwater Harvesting | Rainwater harvesting (RWH), also known as rainwater
harvesting systems or cisterns, are devices that intercept,
divert, store, and release collected roof runoff
from rainfall for later use as an alternative water supply
(see figure 1). RWH can also be designed to provide
runoff reduction benefits. Therefore, it is classified as
a best management practice (BMP) for treatment of
urban stormwater. Because of its dual purpose and
benefit, RWH is often classified as a sustainable urban
BMP. |
Dec 11, 2019 | 426-125 (BSE-274P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 7: Permeable Pavement | Permeable pavement (PP) is a modified form of asphalt or concrete with a top layer that is pervious to water due to voids intentionally created during mixing. PPs
include pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and interlocking concrete pavers. These materials are used as stormwater treatment practices in urban areas. They are used in place of traditionally impervious surfaces to allow infiltration and storage, thus reducing runoff
(see figure 1). |
Jan 22, 2020 | 426-126 (BSE-275P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 8: Infiltration Practices | Infiltration practices provide temporary surface and/or
subsurface storage, allowing infiltration of runoff into
soils. In practice, an excavated trench is usually filled
with gravel or stone media, where runoff is stored in
pore spaces or voids between the stones (see figure
1). These systems can reduce significant quantities of
stormwater by enhancing infiltration, as well as provide
filtering and adsorption of pollutants within the
stone media and soils. Infiltration practices are part of
a group of stormwater treatment practices, also known
as best management practices (BMPs) |
Dec 4, 2019 | 426-127 (BSE-276P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 9: Bioretention | A bioretention cell, or rain garden, is a best management
practice (BMP) designed to treat stormwater runoff
from roofs, driveways, walkways, or lawns. They
are a shallow, landscaped depression that receives and
treats polluted stormwater with the goal of discharging
water of a quality and quantity similar to that of a forested
watershed (figure 1). |
Jan 27, 2020 | 426-128 (BSE-277P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 10: Dry Swale | A dry swale (DS) is a shallow, gently sloping channel
with broad, vegetated, side slopes. Water flow is
slowed by a series of check dams (see figure 1). A DS
provides temporary storage, filtration, and infiltration
of stormwater runoff. Dry swales function similarly to
bioretention, and are comparable to wet swales; however,
unlike a wet swale, a DS should remain dry during
periods of no rainfall. A DS is an engineered best management
practice (BMP) that is designed to reduce pollution
through runoff reduction and pollutant removal
and is part of a site’s stormwater treatment practice
(see figure 2). |
Mar 5, 2020 | 426-129 (BSE-278P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 11: Wet Swale | A wet swale (WS) is an engineered, best management
practice (BMP) arranged in a straight line that is
designed to reduce stormwater pollution. A WS consists
of a shallow, gently sloping channel with broad,
vegetated, side slopes and slow flows (see figure 1).
Wet swales typically stay wet because the bottom of the
swale is below the water table. This is done to encourage
the growth of wetland vegetation, providing water
quality treatment similar to a natural wetland. This
stormwater treatment practice also functions as part of
the stormwater conveyance system. Wet swales have a
relatively low capital cost; however, maintenance can
be is intensive and expensive when compared to other
BMPs. |
Mar 5, 2020 | 426-130 (BSE-279P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 12: Filtering Practices | A stormwater filtering practice (FP) treats stormwater
runoff by passing it through an engineered filter media
consisting of either sand, gravel, organic matter, and/
or a proprietary manufactured product, collecting it in
an underdrain, and then discharging the effluent to a
stormwater conveyance system. FPs are stormwater
treatment practices that are often obtained from the
marketplace due to unique proprietary technologies
(see figure 1). |
Mar 5, 2020 | 426-131 (BSE-280P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 13: Constructed Wetlands | Constructed wetlands are a series of ponds with varying depths that treat stormwater using wetland processes. In terms of biological activity, wetlands are extremely productive; and thus constructed wetlands can provide significant water quality treatment to urban runoff. This fact sheet describes these benefits, and provides guidance on their design and limitations. |
Jan 22, 2020 | 426-132 (BSE-281P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 14: Wet Ponds | Wet ponds are ponds designed to retain water through storage. They provide treatment through settling and biological uptake. They can also attenuate peak flows and provide flood and streambank protection. This fact sheet describes wet ponds and their benefits and limitations. |
Jan 22, 2020 | 426-133 (BSE-282) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 15: Extended Detention Ponds | Extended detention ponds (EDs) are dry detention ponds
that provide 12 to 24 hours of runoff storage during peak
runoff events (see figure 1). Releases from the ED ponds
are controlled by an outlet structure. During a storm
event, as the discharge restriction is reached, water backs
up into the ED pond. The pool slows flow velocities and
enables particulate pollutants to settle. Peak flows are
also reduced. ED ponds have the lowest overall pollutant-
removal rate of any stormwater treatment option,
so they are often combined with other upstream, lowimpact
development (LID) practices to better maximize
pollutant-removal rates. Due to their placement at the exit
point of the watershed, ED is often the last opportunity
to treat stormwater before it is discharged to a stream.
Because of its low treatment performance, an ED should
be viewed as the treatment option of last resort. |
Mar 6, 2020 | 426-134 (BSE-283P) | ||
Droplet Chart / Selection Guide | When choosing nozzles/droplet sizes for spray applications, applicators must consider both coverage needed and drift potential. As a rule, smaller droplets provide better coverage, but larger droplets are less likely to drift. |
Aug 13, 2019 | 442-031 (BSE-263P) | ||
Nozzles: Selection and Sizing | This fact sheet covers nozzle description, recommended use for common nozzle types, and orifice sizing for agricultural and turf sprayers. Proper selection of a nozzle type and size is essential for correct and accurate pesticide application. The nozzle is a major factor in determining the amount of spray applied to an area, uniformity of application, coverage obtained on the target surface, and amount of potential drift. |
Aug 13, 2019 | 442-032 (BSE-262P) | ||
Curing Quality Peanuts in Virginia | Feb 28, 2019 | 442-062 (BSE-246P) | |||
Using Tractor Test Data for Selecting Farm Tractors | The test reports published by Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL) can be extremely useful for selecting tractors or for comparing the performance of different makes and models of tractors. For example, when farmers are in the market for a tractor, the performance data in the NTTL reports can be used to select a tractor that will meet their needs. These reports can also serve as an effective tool for making tractor sales. Dealership personnel can use the performance data to compare their products to those of their competitors. |
May 26, 2020 | 442-072 (BSE-329P) | ||
Predicting Tractor Diesel Fuel Consumption | Ability to predict tractor fuel consumption is very useful for budgeting and management. The objective of
this factsheet is to develop relationships using field
measurements and Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory
results to estimate tractor fuel consumption. Using
these equations, farmers can estimate and compare the
fuel consumption for different operating and loading
conditions. |
May 13, 2020 | 442-073 (BSE-328P) | ||
Arthritis and Farming | Apr 10, 2020 | 442-083 (BSE-317P) | |||
Assistive Technologies in Agriculture | The goal of this publication is to introduce readers to the Assistive Technologies (ATs) used in agriculture and to the steps involved in the design of a successful AT system. This publication also discusses both common and operation-specific AT systems used in agriculture and how they influence secondary injuries, and it provides lists of agencies and resources that can help farmers and ranchers with the implementation of ATs. |
May 13, 2020 | 442-084 (BSE-325P) | ||
Preventing Secondary Injuries in Agricultural Workplaces | The intent of this fact sheet is to reduce the number of secondary injuries by familiarizing the readers with secondary injuries and the steps they can adopt
to minimize them. In addition to identifying common secondary injuries and the most vulnerable groups, the publication discusses steps that can be taken to prevent such injuries. The fact sheet also provides a list of agencies that farmers can contact for assistance when they experience secondary injuries. |
Apr 16, 2020 | 442-085 (BSE-316P) | ||
Machinery Safety on the Farm | Machines; no farm or ranch can function without them. They save valuable time and are essential to agricultural productivity. They also represent an ever-present danger to the people who operate them. There are a host of hazards that makes agricultural machinery the leading cause of injury and death on American farms and ranches. |
May 28, 2020 | 442-092 (BSE-324P) | ||
Safe Operation of Compact Tractors | Follow these safety tips and maintenance procedures for checking, servicing, and operating compact tractors to extend their life and reduce breakdowns and accidents. |
Apr 14, 2020 | 442-093 (BSE-313) | ||
Determining Forage Moisture Concentration | Harvesting and storing forage at the proper moisture concentration is essential to producing a high-quality product. Ideally, hay forage should have a moisture concentration between 15 percent and 18 percent during baling. Hay baled at higher moisture levels is subject to heat damage, dry-matter loss, mold spoilage, and hay fires. Protein and total digestible nutrient losses are increased for hay baled at lower moisture levels. Baling at the proper moisture level is critical to making quality hay, especially for larger bales (round and square) since moisture and heat dissipate more slowly in comparison to smaller bales. |
Jul 2, 2020 | 442-106(BSE-330P) | ||
Compost Bedded-pack Dairy Barns | May 16, 2018 | 442-124 (BSE-228P) | |||
Nutrient Management for Small Farms | Dec 17, 2018 | 442-305 (BSE-241P) | |||
Selecting a Treatment Technology for Manure Management | Animal manure has been used for centuries as a fertilizer and a soil builder because it contains nutrients and organic matter. However, as animal production shifts toward fewer but larger operations, the number of confined animals has increased in some geographical locations, resulting in more manure produced than can be assimilated by the available farmland where the animals are raised. |
Dec 19, 2018 | 442-306 (BSE-242P) | ||
Selection and Location of Poultry and Livestock Manure Storage | Jan 17, 2019 | 442-307 (BSE-243P) | |||
Poultry and Livestock Manure Storage: Management and Safety | Jan 16, 2019 | 442-308 (BSE-244P) | |||
Manure Management and Environmental Stewardship | Jan 16, 2019 | 442-309 (BSE-245NP) | |||
“Gear Up and Throttle Down” to Save Fuel | “Gear-up and throttle-down” (GUTD) is a fuel-saving practice that can be
used for saving fuel when drawbar loads are lighter (<75 percent of rated
power) and PTO (power takeoff) speed can be reduced. |
May 13, 2020 | 442-450 (BSE-326P) | ||
Five Strategies for Extending Machinery Life | Machinery ownership and operation is a major crop and livestock production
cost. Several strategies when combined can significantly affect costs,
improve machine reliability, and improve profit margins. |
May 13, 2020 | 442-451 (BSE-327P) | ||
Plumbing Systems of Agricultural Sprayers | The plumbing systems of agricultural sprayers are
usually considered foolproof. Sprayer problems may
occur if plumbing and/or modifications are improperly
done or maintenance is ignored. Retrofitting, addition
of electrical control systems, and replacement of pumps
or nozzles require proper knowledge of the plumbing
system and the implications of these changes to sprayer
performance. Routine maintenance of the plumbing
system is essential. |
Apr 14, 2020 | 442-452 (BSE-319P) | ||
Fine Tuning a Sprayer with “Ounce” Calibration Method | This extension publication discusses guidelines to quickly
evaluate the performance of a sprayer. Sprayer calibration,
nozzle discharge, spray pattern uniformity, speed
checks, pump performance, and plumbing arrangements
are evaluated with minimal calculations. |
Apr 16, 2020 | 442-453 (BSE-320P) | ||
Management Tips for Round Bale Hay Harvesting, Moving, and Storage | Hay production and feeding is one of the most expensive components of
forage-livestock systems. Specific management practices are necessary to
maintain hay quality and minimize hay loss during harvest, transportation
and storage of large round bales. |
Jul 1, 2020 | 442-454 (BSE-332P) | ||
Large Round Bale Safety | This Extension publication covers the safety aspects
of equipment used in large round bale packages such
as: balers, front-end loaders, bale handling and transport
devices. The key to safe and efficient systems for
handling large round bales is an operator who knows
the hazards involved and who follows safety practices
that can prevent accidents. Operators must be
constantly alert for situations that may cause injuries
to themselves or others. Besides pain and suffering,
accidents contribute to higher costs in terms of unnecessary
downtime or costly machine repairs. Alertness
and safety consciousness can result in more efficient
and profitable baling and handling. |
May 26, 2020 | 442-455 (BSE-331P) | ||
Respiratory Protection in Agriculture | Farm workers can encounter a variety of respiratory
problems ranging from temporary discomfort caused
by allergic reactions to fatal asphyxiation. However,
the risk of contracting serious lung diseases or death
can be significantly decreased by using respiratory protection
(fig. 1). See the sidebar for a list of farm work
that requires respiratory protection. |
Feb 28, 2020 | 442-601 (BSE-286P) | ||
Farmer's Lung: Causes and Symptoms of Mold and Dust Induced Respiratory Illness | Farmers account for more than 30 percent of adults dis- abled by respiratory illness. Yet, a large percentage of farmers are nonsmokers. If smoking is not to blame for these ailments, then what is? The answer is farmer’s lung. |
Feb 28, 2020 | 442-602 (BSE-287P) | ||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Iron and Manganese in Household Water | Feb 25, 2020 | 442-656 (BSE-285P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Sulfate and Hydrogen Sulfide in Household Water | Apr 26, 2019 | 442-658 (BSE-252P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Nitrate in Household Water | Apr 29, 2019 | 449-659 (BSE-253P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Fluoride in Household Water | May 13, 2019 | 442-660 (BSE-254P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Sodium and Chloride in Household Drinking Water | May 13, 2019 | 442-661 (BSE-255P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Bacteria and Other Microorganisms in Household Water | May 10, 2019 | 442-662 (BSE-256P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Shock Chlorination: Disinfecting Private Household Water Supply Systems | May 3, 2019 | 442-663 (BSE-257P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Hardness in Household Water | May 10, 2019 | 442-664 (BSE-258P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Corrosive Household Water | May 3, 2019 | 442-665 (BSE-259P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Household Water | Apr 26, 2019 | 442-666 (BSE-260P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Household Water Treatment | Apr 3, 2019 | 442-670 (BSE-250P) | |||
Filtration, Treatment, and Maintenance Considerations for Micro-Irrigation Systems | May 24, 2023 | 442-757 (BSE-222P) | |||
Planning for a Farm Storage Building | Mar 8, 2019 | 442-760 (BSE-248P) | |||
Biodiesel Fuel | Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be made from vegetable oil, animal fat, and recycled cooking
oils. Oils produced from algae, fungi, bacteria, molds, and yeast can also be used to produce biodiesel. |
Jan 7, 2021 | 442-880 (BSE-336P) | ||
Biomethane Production Technology | Dec 17, 2018 | 442-881 (BSE-240P) | |||
Water Reuse: Using Reclaimed Water for Irrigation | Water reuse can be defined as the use of reclaimed water for a direct beneficial purpose. |
Aug 29, 2018 | 452-014 (SPES-1) | ||
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture | In this publication, information is presented on how to
increase farm productivity while potentially reducing
greenhouse gas* (GHG) contributions from agricultural
production. Some of the practices may be familiar
to many producers, such as building soil organic matter
(SOM) or increasing nitrogen fertilization efficiency,
but many producers may not know that these same productivity-boosting activities also help to reduce GHG
emissions and their impact on climate change. While
informative to the producer, this publication will also
inform those with an interest in both agriculture and
the environmental impact of GHG emissions on the
atmosphere. |
Apr 3, 2019 | BSE-105 (BSE-251P) | ||
Climate Change Adaptation for Agriculture: Mitigating Short- and Long-Term Impacts of Climate on Crop Production | Climate change and climate variability pose a great risk to agricultural production and farm livelihoods, and producers will need to adapt to a changing climate that is expected to be significantly more variable in order to meet these challenges. |
Sep 24, 2014 | BSE-109P | ||
Rotary Mowers Safety: Lawn Care Training Guide Mower Care and Safe Use | Mowing lawns continues to be one of the most popular
summer job opportunities for youth given the affordable
cost and ease in operation of most rotary mowers.
However, easy access and widespread use of mowers
often creates a false sense of security among the users
of these machines. Data from a seven-year period
(1996-2003) showed the highest rate of hospitalization
from lawn mower injuries was for youth workers ages
15 to 19. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
reported that more than 37,000 riding mower injuries
occurred from 2003 through 2005 alone. During
the same period, there were 95 fatalities due to riding
mower tip-over. The purpose of this training guide is to
reduce the number of mower accidents and injuries by
familiarizing young workers with rotary mowers and
their safe operation. |
Apr 16, 2020 | BSE-110P(BSE-315P) | ||
Greywater Reuse | Greywater is any household wastewater other than that used for toilet flushing.
This water could be reused around the home (for purposes other than drinking
water). An example of greywater use is landscape irrigation. Wastewater that
comes in contact with human waste is referred to as blackwater. However, the
definition of greywater varies according to state regulations. |
Jul 23, 2019 | BSE-114NP (BSE-267NP) | ||
Using Reclaimed Water | Reclaimed water, sometimes referred to as “water reuse” or “recycled water,” is
water recovered from domestic, municipal, or industrial wastewater treatment
plants that has been treated to standards that allow it to be safely used for
designated purposes. Reclaimed water should not be confused with “wastewater,”
untreated liquid industrial waste or domestic sewage. However, “gray water,”
untreated water from bathing or washing, is considered one form of wastewater
(Water Reuse, VCE Publication 452-014).
The level of treatment and disinfection reclaimed water receives is dictated by its intended (and permitted) use. Many states encourage and promote the use of reclaimed water to conserve freshwater supplies and preserve rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers.
|
Jul 23, 2019 | BSE-115NP (BSE-266NP) | ||
Rainwater Harvesting Systems | Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing, and later reusing rainwater
from surfaces such as roofs. Rainwater harvesting has long been used for agricultural
irrigation and as a source of drinking water, and allowed ancient civilizations to flourish
in semi-arid and arid regions. Rainwater harvesting systems are in use today in many
water-limited locations, especially in several western US regions. As population growth
increases pressure on water resources in the more humid eastern US, rainwater harvesting is
being considered to reduce the demand for potable water. |
Jul 23, 2019 | BSE-116NP (BSE-265NP) | ||
ENERGY SERIES: What about Landscaping and Energy Efficiency? | The design and management of a landscape can have a notable impact on household energy consumption. Throughout the history of civilization, people have altered their dwellings and landscapes to make them more comfortable and energy efficient. |
Jul 1, 2020 | BSE-145NP(BSE-334NP) | ||
Grape Production Injuries and Prevention | Grape acreage and production have been steadily increasing in the
US. In 2010 there were approximately 23,000 farms with a total of
944,800 acres producing grapes. Ninety percent of these farms are
smaller than 100 acres and about 16,000 of these were vineyards.
California accounts for about 90% of the total production in the
US. The next two largest grape producing states are Washington and
New York and they produce approximately 6% and 2% respectively
(NASS-USDA, 2014) |
Oct 23, 2020 | BSE-186NP (BSE-355NP) | ||
Hydrology Basics and the Hydrologic Cycle | This fact sheet presents and explains some common
concepts in hydrology and the hydrologic cycle.
The science or study of hydrology focuses on the
distribution, occurrence, circulation, and properties
of water in the environment. |
Nov 4, 2020 | BSE-191P | ||
Soil and Soil Water Relationships | This publication presents and discusses concepts
that are fundamental to understanding soil, water,
and plant relationships and the soil water balance.
Knowledge about soil water relationships can
inform the decision-making process in agricultural
operations or natural resource management, such as
determining what crops to plant, when to plant them,
and when various management practices should be
scheduled. Understanding these concepts is useful for
addressing both agronomic and policy issues related to
agricultural water management.Zachary M. Easton, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech
Emily Bock, Graduate Research Assistant, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech |
Mar 1, 2021 | BSE-194P | ||
Communicating Climate Change to Agricultural Audiences | The objectives of this publication are (1) to outline
some climate-related challenges facing agriculture,
(2) to address challenges in communicating climate
change issues, and (3) to propose best practices when
attempting to communicate climate change issues to
agricultural stakeholders. Extension educators and
agricultural service providers can use the information
presented here to develop outreach and educational
programs focused on the impacts of climate change,
the effects of climate change on agricultural
production, and the best ways to motivate behavior
change. |
Mar 3, 2022 | BSE-203P (BSE-344NP) | ||
Factors When Considering an Agricultural Drainage System | Jun 7, 2022 | BSE-208P (BSE-343P) | |||
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Emergency Supplies of Water for Drinking and Food Preparation | Jul 11, 2022 | BSE-209NP (BSE-345NP) | |||
Indicators Of Lead In Well Water | Dec 13, 2016 | BSE-210NP | |||
Using Groundwater for Agricultural Irrigation in Virginia | Dec 1, 2017 | BSE-215P | |||
Managing Climate Risks and Extreme Weather in Agriculture | May 24, 2023 | BSE-226P | |||
Estimating Financial Costs and Benefits of Supplemental Irrigation with the Irrigation Financial Estimator Tool (IFET) | Nov 30, 2018 | BSE-237P | |||
Supplemental Irrigation with the Irrigation Financial Estimator Tool (IFET)-Workbook | Nov 30, 2018 | BSE-237A | |||
Irrigation Scheduling in Humid Climates Using the Checkbook Method | Jan 30, 2019 | BSE-239P | |||
Household Water Quality - Albemarle County | Sep 19, 2019 | BSE-284-2 | |||
Household Water Quality - Amelia County | Nov 4, 2019 | BSE-284-5 | |||
Household Water Quality - Amherst County | Nov 12, 2019 | BSE-284-6 | |||
Household Water Quality - Appomattox County | Nov 12, 2019 | BSE-284-7 | |||
Soil Moisture Sensors for Agricultural Irrigation: An Overview on Sensor Types | Jul 21, 2021 | BSE-338P | |||
Scheduling Agricultural Irrigation Based on Soil Moisture Content: Interpreting and Using Sensor Data | Aug 10, 2021 | BSE-339P | |||
Understanding Climate Change Projections in Virginia | Dec 21, 2021 | BSE-342P | |||
How Do Stream Buffers Reduce the Offsite Impact of Pollution? | Oct 31, 2022 | BSE-38NP (BSE-216NP) | |||
Lawn Care: Hand Tools Safety | May 16, 2019 | BSE-40NP (BSE-98P) | |||
Lawn Care: Powered Hand Tool Safety | May 16, 2019 | BSE-41NP (BSE-97P) | |||
Lawn Care: Rotary Mower Safety | May 16, 2019 | BSE-42NP (BSE-96P) | |||
Lawn Care: Tractor Safety | May 16, 2019 | BSE-43NP (BSE-100P) | |||
Lawn Care: Utility-Type Vehicle Safety | May 16, 2019 | BSE-44NP (BSE-99P) | |||
Guidelines for Protecting Youth Workers: Promote Safe Practices and Protect Youth Workers | The goal of this training guide is to reduce the number of accidents and related injuries among the youth workers in the green industry by making workplaces safer. This guide is primarily for employers or supervisors of youth workers in the green industry. In addition to familiarizing the employers/supervisors with the regulations associated with hiring youth workers, the guide discusses the steps they can take to make their work environments safer. It also covers the responsibilities of guardians and youth workers for making workplaces safer. |
Apr 17, 2020 | BSE-46NP (BSE-314P) | ||
Rotary Mowers Safety: Lawncare Training Guide | Mowing lawns continues to be one of the most popular summer job opportunities for youth given the affordable cost and ease in operation of most rotary mowers. However, easy access and widespread use of mowers often creates a false sense of security among the users of these machines. Data from a seven-year period (1996-2003) showed the highest rate of hospitalization from lawn mower injuries was for youth workers ages 15 to 19. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that more than 37,000 riding mower injuries occurred from 2003 through 2005 alone. During the same period, there were 95 fatalities due to riding mower tip-over. The purpose of this training guide is to reduce the number of mower accidents and injuries by familiarizing young workers with rotary mowers and their safe operation. |
Apr 16, 2020 | BSE-47P (BSE-315P) | ||
Tractor Safety: Lawn Care Training Guide, Safe Use of Tractors | Tractors are versatile equipment used in a variety of jobs ranging from hauling goods to lawn care to agriculture. While they are extremely versatile, they can be very dangerous unless they are used with care following safe practices |
Apr 7, 2020 | BSE-48P (BSE-321P) | ||
Utility Type Vehicles: UTV Maintenance and Safe Use Lawn Care Training Guide | Utility type vehicles (UTVs) are popular equipment
used in a variety of settings, including the lawn care
industry. Their hauling capacity and versatility have
increased their popularity, and they are widely used in
rural, suburban, and urban settings for a variety of lawn
care, agricultural, construction, and industrial applications.
Considering that UTVs are widely used in the
green industry, it is extremely important that young
workers in the industry become familiar with the safe
operation of UTVs. The purpose of this training guide
is to familiarize young workers with the safe use of
UTVs. |
Aug 21, 2019 | BSE-49P (BSE-264P) | ||
Powered Hand Tools Safety: Lawn Care Training Guide | In addition to rotary mowers, many powered hand tools such as string trimmers, lawn edgers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers are widely used in lawn care. While these devices are very useful in making jobs easier and more efficient, they can be dangerous if used without proper training and care. In 1989 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that power lawn trimmers and edgers alone have caused about 4,600 injuries annually that required medical attention. About one-third of these were eye-related. |
Apr 28, 2020 | BSE-50P (BSE-322P) | ||
Hand Tools Safety: Lawn Care Training Guide Hand Tool Care and Safe Use | Many hand tools such as rakes, shovels, and pruners
are used widely in lawn care operations. While these
non-powered tools are not known to cause major
injuries, they have the potential for injuries that may
require absence from work and/or medical assistance
when they are used improperly. |
Apr 17, 2020 | BSE-51P (BSE-323P) | ||
Denitrification Management | Feb 28, 2023 | BSE-54P (BSE-347P) | |||
Denitrifying Bioreaders: An Emerging Best Management Practice to Improve Water Quality | Apr 25, 2018 | BSE-55P (BSE-227P) | |||
Tractor-Mounted Lifts | Jun 18, 2018 | BSE-58NP (BSE-230NP) | |||
Tractor-Mounted Vertical Lifts | Jun 22, 2018 | BSE-59NP (BSE-232NP) | |||
Tractor-Mounted Inclined Lifts | Jun 22, 2018 | BSE-60NP (BSE-231NP) | |||
Managing Irrigation with Saline Water | May 9, 2023 | BSE-348P | |||
Understanding Salinity in Tidal Waters: Information for Irrigators | May 11, 2023 | BSE-349P |