Research
The collaboration between the Western Kentucky University Department of Agriculture and Food Science and the USDA-ARS began in 2001. There have been a variety of different research projects focusing on the areas of agronomy and waste management.
The longest ongoing study investigates how carbon builds up in Kentucky soils with continued additions of animal manure as a supplemental fertilizer. This project has accumulated over 15 years of data. Other studies have investigated soil remediation strategies for feed lots, poultry litter as fertilizer for tall fescue, orchardgrass, and sudangrass. Botulism incidence and alfalfa haylage quality have been investigated when poultry litter was applied as a fertilizer.
Currently, soil health and animal performance are being investigated in cropping systems that include cover crop grazing. Also, biochar effects on the composting process and the quality of compost utilizing cattle manure are being studied. These studies have allowed for the purchase of several pieces of research equipment, afforded multiple M.S. degree opportunities to students, and revealed new strategies for managing animal waste that is applicable to regional producers.
WKU's Department of Agriculture and Food Science has participated in the Kentucky Hem Pilot Program since its inception in 2014. Early research focused on fertility programs and weed control for industrial hemp grown for fiber and grain. More recent research has focused on variety trials to determine the best selections for seeded and transplanted hemp in Kentucky. Other work has focused on agronomic practices to enhance CBD production in floral hemp, modeling harvest timing, and testing numerous products and technology provided by industry partners. WKU cooperates with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and numerous industry partners to carry out this research.
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.