![]() The Shell International-sponsored project will evaluate different sources or processing methods of manure. ![]() “Because we aren’t able to dive as deep when we’re doing on-farm studies to really get a better idea of what’s contributing to greater carbon sequestration on this farm versus that farm, the study that we’re doing with the different manure sources amongst cropping systems will allow us to hopefully pinpoint different management strategies that are causing certain effects in the large farm study.” Digging in on manure processing methods The USDA- and Shell-sponsored projects support research studies the information collected from each will benefit the other, Lewis said. ![]() She said one of the big concerns when applying manure - which stimulates lots of microbial activity - is the potential for large losses of carbon dioxide, ammonia and nitrous oxide from the soil. And so, we’ll be collecting data that will either support the use of manure from a greenhouse gas perspective, or possibly determine if there are negatives to the use of manures.” This research also focuses on climate-smart practices, including incorporating organic sources of nutrients into your production systems. “And that’s where the manure sources come into play. “With fertilizer prices still high, producers are looking to alternative forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium,” Lewis said. This project is a thesis project for her master’s degree student, Tessa Bennett. In a separate study funded by Shell International Exploration and Production Inc., she will be examining small-plot nutrient sources at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock during the 20 growing seasons. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant, Lewis is determining the value of manure in relation to carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions and cover crops with on-farm testing. In the five-year “Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Enhancement Through the Utilization of Regenerative Agricultural Management Practices” project funded by a U.S. Producers are looking for environmentally and economically sustainable management strategies for their cropping systems, Lewis said, and they want to determine how manure fits in as a possible fertilizer source. (Texas A&M AgrILife photo by Hector Valencia) The curriculum is administered by the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Systems Management.Liquid manure is being applied on small plots at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock as a part of an Shell International Exploration and Production Inc.-funded project to evaluate manure-based fertilizers. Technical electives are available to develop a degree program that meets personal career objectives. Supporting courses provide a foundation of mathematics, chemistry, computer and communications skills. Management and systems science techniques such as linear programming, simulation, optimization, queuing theory, inventory models, PERT/CPM and expert systems are taught along with applications for solving realistic problems faced by agribusiness managers. A student may obtain a minor in business by taking one course in addition to the AGSM requirements. Business courses include accounting, economics, marketing, management, law and finance. The technological courses are applications-oriented and focus on practical experience in food processing systems, water management, machinery and power systems, electrical systems and electronics. ![]() Employers include farm and industrial equipment companies, food processing plants, cotton gins, grain and seed companies, livestock feeding operations, irrigation companies, construction companies, manufacturers, and a variety of other employers who need technical managers. They are typically employed as production or processing operations managers, equipment managers, or in technical sales and services. Graduates of the Agricultural Systems Management program manage people, money and machines in the food and agricultural industries. ![]()
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