Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10919/51287

The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.

Directions for final project and report submission

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 275

When and Why Companion Dogs are Returned to Animal Shelters – A Multifactorial Analysis
Thanawala, Kristen (Virginia Tech, 2024-04-15)
Millions of dogs come through the shelter system each year, and it is estimated that between 7% and 15% of the dogs that are adopted are returned after a failed adoption. Understanding the factors that predict canine returns to animal shelters might help to inform adoption counseling, reducing intake and euthanasia rates in shelters. Additionally, understanding when returns are more likely to occur following adoption might influence the strategic deployment of resources by shelters to mitigate commonly reported behavior issues. This study utilized intake data from three related animal shelters over a five-year period to investigate what variables were predictors of canine return post-adoption, with a particular interest in dogs’ origin geography compared to their adoptive home geography, as well as time following adoption in which failed adoptions were more likely to occur. The results of our analysis showed no significant relationship between the geographical origin of dogs and returns, but it did suggest a relationship between dogs adopted into urban locations and likelihood of return. Additionally, our analysis supports the findings of prior research that dog breed groupings and age are predictors of adoption success. Finally, we were able to identify that returned dogs have a 66% likelihood of being relinquished by their adopters within the first 30 days following placement.
Working with Youth Basic Food Safety Training for Master Food Volunteers
Hannah Parker; Renee Boyer; Lester Schonberger; Tonya Price (Virginia Tech, 2024-01-15)
Increased awareness of the importance of maintaining good health, physical activity, and proper nutrition is needed by people of all ages in the United States. The need for this type of educational programming is even greater for youth populations who are constantly growing and developing. Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Master Food Volunteer and 4-H Youth Development programs make the perfect partnership for reaching youth populations in health education. The Master Food Volunteer training program currently does not include training for volunteers on how to work with youth populations. Research shows that quality volunteer training is essential for volunteer program impact and longevity. The purpose of this project is to create “working with youth” training resources for the Master Food Volunteer training program. The project developed a Working with Youth chapter for the Master Food Volunteer training notebook and an online module for the Canvas training website. The focus of the training resources is on the essential elements of youth development, understanding children, tips for working with youth populations, and potential ideas for health-related programming and partnerships. These resources are designed to be utilized by Master Food Volunteers and Virginia Cooperative Extension employees working with these volunteers. It is the goal of this project that increased youth food safety, nutrition, and health related programming will take place thus improving the overall health of the communities served.
Common Pumpkin Diseases in Virginia: A Diagnostic Guide
Taylor L Sermersheim; Keri C. Fulp; Steven L. Rideout; David B. Langston; Laura K. Strawn (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-11)
Effects of SOURCE, a Novel Foliar-Applied Chemistry, on Plant Parasitic Nematode Populations and Soybean Production in the Delmarva Region
Aimee Burke (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-21)
Plant parasitics pose a unique challenge to soybean producers despite crop rotation, variety resistance, and use of chemicals. Soybean nematodes cause an average 10-15% loss in yield with reductions being much higher in fields with high nematode population. Soils with low organic matter as is found in much of the Mid-Atlantic region can create challenges to managing nematode populations, even with crop rotation. With hybrid selection, this may eventually give way to heavy selection pressure that can create nematodes that can evolve resistance to cultivars over time. Chemical use of nematicides such as seed treatments can be costly and can negatively impact people and the microbiome. This project focused on the impact of using SOURCE, a novel NSS (novel synthetic strigolactone) on nematode populations, soybean plant health, and yield in the Mid-Atlantic for the 2023 season. Trials were conducted in two locations in the Delmarva area identified as having high nematode populations. Replicated treatments with and without NSS were mapped and sampled for nematodes. Soil samples were collected in treatment strips throughout the season to measure nematode populations and species variation. Additionally, yield data was collected in test strips to determine the effect of NSS on yield. Results showed no significant differences of nematode populations between treated and untreated, however the large plot trial did have an increase of 4.7 bu/A in the treated area versus the untreated. Future large and small plots trials should be considered with the addition of tissue samples taken in season.
Comparing the Differential Effects of Neighborhood and Nature Walks on Behavior and Urinary Cortisol Levels of Dogs
Cupp, Glenna N.; Feuerbacher, Erica N.; Gunter, Lisa M.; Hekman, Jessica P. (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-07)
Dog training practitioners suggest that walks in nature provide more welfare enhancing benefits than the neighborhood walks that most dogs experience daily. While the benefits of nature walks are a well-studied phenomenon in humans, to date there has been little investigation of this topic in companion dogs using objective measures. This study compared the effects of thirty-minute walks in nature to walks in the dogs’ home neighborhoods. Fifteen dogs took part in a within- subjects design that measured physiology and behavior to examine the effects of the two types of walks. Dogs had free catch urine samples taken multiple times per day for urinary cortisol analysis, were video recorded during walks, and were outfitted with activity monitoring collars. We found significant variation in cortisol levels in accordance with time of day, but no difference was found between the neighborhood and nature walks. Several stress, movement, and exploratory/foraging behaviors were found to differ between conditions. While we found that the experimental conditions did influence some of the dogs’ behavior in this study, they did not impact cortisol levels.
A Case Study Exploring Lunchtimes: Implications for Equitable Access to the National School Lunch Program
Smith, Jeanell (Virginia Tech, 2023-09-25)
It is recommended that 20 minutes be provided for students to eat lunch at school. Research has shown that adequate seated lunchtime can ensure that children consume enough food, which may help address child food insecurity concerns. It may also improve dietary quality. The school that is the focus of this case study is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, in a community with relatively high rates of food insecurity. The school participates in CEP, with all students eligible for free school meals. The goal of this study was to assess the current school lunch environment in the cafeteria, using the Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results (SOAR) framework, to help inform strategies to increase seated lunch time and ultimately address food insecurity and dietary quality. The study involved 12 one-on-one interviews with cafeteria stakeholders, including cafeteria monitors, cafeteria staff, teachers, and administration. The interview results answered the four research questions and utilizing the asset-based SOAR framework, revealed what is going well in the cafeteria, what opportunities are available for improvement, the collective goals of the stakeholders, and how the stakeholders would define success. The strengths included mandatory quiet time at the start of each lunch period to focus on eating and verbal cues during lunch to provide structure and time management for the students. The opportunities included cafeteria staff providing quality images, detailed descriptions, and tastings of menu items for students and staff. The aspirations of the stakeholders include a deep passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment in the cafeteria. The goals are to increase the amount of time students have to eat lunch and build on the current strengths to continue to improve the cafeteria environment. Recommendations to achieve these goals are offered in a tiered approach and include uniform cafeteria monitor training, expanding nutrition education, and increasing time allotments for lunch.
Agricultural Practices Attitudes and Perceived Risk Study
Harrison, Lauren V.; Rideout, Steven L.; Strawn, Laura K.; Cox, Heather (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-11)
Though the existing literature does not provide evidence to suggest that genetically modified foods are worse for humans and the environment than organically grown foods, a general tone exists from the public expressing primarily distrust and negativity towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, and growth hormones. This can result in fear/distrust around food, damage to the agriculture industry, and misinformed nutrition advice, leading to further negative outcomes. The purpose of this project was to formally understand the consumer’s attitudes and perceived risk in relation to their knowledge about common agricultural practices, specifically genetic engineering of food. Additionally, the project aimed to identify if there is a correlation between the occurrence of disordered eating/dieting and knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risk of genetically modified organisms. One hundred thirty participants volunteered to take a survey which gathered basic demographic information, prevalence of dieting/disordered eating and eating disorder diagnosis, general knowledge of GMOs and their attitudes and perceived risk in relation to human health, nutrition, and environmental impact. The results provide trends of high self-confidence in knowledge about GMOs, moderate-to-low actual knowledge, neutral-to-negative overall attitudes, and moderate-to-high overall perceived risk. The trends suggest that increasing levels of inaccurate knowledge on the topic of GMOs correlate with increasing negative attitudes towards GMOs. Those diagnosed with an eating disorder reported the highest prevalence of fear of GMOS, followed by those who engaged in dieting or disordered eating. The evidence gives way to the idea that individuals who have a higher involvement in following diets or engaging in disordered eating behaviors are more likely to feel fearful of agriculture- and food-related practices. Based on the findings of this study, a call for improved education dissemination strategies is indicated.
Increasing Virginia Youth's Exposure to Agriculture
Feaster, Natalie (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-15)
This study delves into the alarming decrease in youth involvement in agriculture, with a specific focus on the state of Virginia. The diminishing connection between the younger demographic and agriculture poses a potential threat to the future of farming. Through extensive research and data collection, the project aims to uncover the obstacles impeding youth engagement and advocates for increased exposure to agricultural practices. The survey highlights a growing necessity for educational enhancements surrounding agriculture. Key observations include a substantial portion of farmers operating within generational family structures, indicating a disruption in the traditional path to agriculture due to the decline in family-owned farms. Recommendations involve support for first-generation farmers, the development of comprehensive agricultural curricula, and initiatives to amplify the influence of professionals in promoting agricultural awareness. The project aspires to nurture a more inclusive, knowledgeable, and dynamic agricultural community for the benefit of present and future generations.
Creating Native Plant Educational Materials through Virginia Cooperative Extension Publications
Seekford, Sierra A.; Fox, Laurie J.; Niemiera, Alexander X.; Steele, Meredith K. (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-12)
Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) has been a reputable source of research-based information for over 100 years. This information is provided through various forms such as field days, demonstrations, volunteer services and written materials in the form of publications. Peer reviewed publications are scholarly works and undergo reviews from experts in the field. Currently there are no VCE publications about native plants and their benefits. Materials from other organizations and such as the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Plant Virginia Natives Campaign regional guides, Department of Conservation and Recreation brochures and the Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora online database have been used in VCE programming efforts. Plant Virginia Natives has been a leader in the movement to raise awareness, demand for native plants throughout the state, and has developed guides for ten regions across Virginia. By increasing the awareness of native plants, pollinators, and wildlife, local ecosystems will benefit greatly. Incorporating native plants into landscapes is especially critical because a review of 16 studies shows that the global population of insects has decreased by 45% in 40 years (Dirzo et al., 2014). Native plants provide essential support for insects. One of the barriers identified to planting more native plants is the lack of knowledge or confidence in people’s knowledge of the subject (Plant RVA Natives Steering Team, 2021). To address the lack of resources from VCE and the need for supplemental education materials, I have developed a three-part publication series on native plants. This series will promote native plants in the landscape by helping homeowners understand what native plants are, their benefits, how to use them in the landscape and how to maintain them for long term sustainability and resilience of landscapes.
Nitrogen Fertilization Considerations for High-Yielding Winter Wheat In the South Central Piedmont of North Carolina
Menaker, Morgan S. (Virginia Tech, 2023-11-28)
Nitrogen management in the production of winter wheat are important for both yield and quality. Application timing and rate are critical for winter wheat production fields with high yield potential. An on-farm, randomized trial, was conducted in Unionville, North Carolina, to investigate the correlation between N fertilization rates, yield, and plant lodging. Winter wheat was evaluated at rates of 100, 125, 150, and 175 lbs N/ac during the second (early Spring, GS-25) and topdress (GS-30) application for each treatment. Tissue samples were collected at GS-30 and analyzed for NO3 -N concentration. Plant height, head length, and spikelet count were measured at GS-85 (soft dough) and no significant differences were found. Means were 40.6 inches, 4.7 inches, and 25.2 spikelets, respectively. However, significant differences in yield were observed between the 100 lbs/ac and 150 lbs/ac application rates. Means were 90.8 bu/ac and 67.7 bu/ac, respectively. Significant differences were also observed in percent lodging between all treatments except for 100 lbs/ac, 150 lbs/ac, and 175 lbs/ac. Means were 25%, 30%, and 95% for percent lodging, respectively. Results indicated a moderately positive correlation between increasing N fertilization rates and percent lodging. These findings reinforce the relationship between N fertilization and winter wheat lodging.
Creating a Framework for the Virginia 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador Program
Edwards, Emmalee A.; Seibel, Megan M.; Carter, Katherine; Miller, Matthew (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-05)
This project focused on developing a framework for the Virginia 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador program. A survey tool was developed to distribute to 4-H youth livestock and agricultural ambassador alumni in states with established, active programs, with the purpose of assessing the perceived impacts of participating in the programs. The survey was composed of Likert scale statements. The survey was distributed by program coordinators through their email listservs. Most participants responded favorably to the ambassador program, with most agreeing that by participating, they were positively impacted. Respondents especially thought that participating in the program had helped them feel more confident mentoring younger 4-H members and taught them how to act professionally. Interview questions were developed and asked to program coordinators of 4-H youth livestock or agricultural ambassador programs to gather information on various components of the program, including the application and selection process, ambassador requirements, training, program successes, and improvements to be made. Transcription data from the interview was compiled, trends were identified, and specific components of the programs were highlighted. Information was combined to create a draft guide for the Virginia 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador program, as well as several key tools for the program, including a draft application and a draft service activities tracking document. Results from this project will be presented to the Virginia 4-H Youth Animal Science Extension Specialist with the goal of creating and implementing a Virginia 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador program.
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes on Lettuce With and Without Injury
Grocholl, John; Stewart, Ryan D.; Kardos, Josh; Hong, Chuanxue; Dalton, Dixie (Virginia Tech, 2023-11-29)
Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a bacterium that causes listeriosis and outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of fresh produce. The purpose of this project was to establish if there is potential for Lm to persist on lettuce leaves. It also evaluated whether there is a difference in survival of this pathogen on injured and uninjured lettuce leaves. This study used Lm strain LS1061; a spontaneous mutation resulting in a rifampicin resistant strain. LS1016 is a serotype 4b isolate from the caramel-covered apple outbreak. Three conditions were evaluated: tear injury and 10μL Lm culture, no injury and 10μL Lm culture on the back of the leaf, no injured plus Lm on the midvein of the leaf. Three independent trials for Romaine lettuce and two independent trials for Iceberg lettuce were conducted. When plants were about half grown, lettuce leaves were injured by tearing a portion of the leaf, about an inch (2.5cm) from the tip to expose the inner tissues. Romaine trials showed that by day 4, positivity on all samples did not have major decline. Decline to ~50% or under was seen at Day 14. Injured Romaine had a high percentage (≥40%) of positive samples through Day 21. Like Romaine, Iceberg trials did not fall to 50% or lower positives until Day 14. Injured Iceberg and “cup” had positive samples through Day 21.
Planning of a Formal Training Program on a Menu Management System Designed for Food Service Employees
Hendricks, Melissa (Virginia Tech, 2023-11-15)
This study is focused on the planning process involved with developing a training program on a particular menu management program utilized in food service environments. The study aims to incorporate individual user’s direct experience and feedback utilizing the menu management system, FoodPro®, to help guide decision making on what to include in future training efforts. Through the framework of Cervero and Wilson’s program planning theory, employees within Virginia Tech Dining Services were asked to participate in focus groups using a qualitative research method. Final participants for this study included 13 Virginia Tech Dining Services employees who have access to and use the department’s menu management system, FoodPro. After focus groups were conducted, transcripts were reviewed and analyzed for themes. From the data, four themes emerged. The themes were user experience and interface, training and knowledge sharing, communication and responsibilities and importance and culture. Cervero and Wilson’s program planning theory helped understand the social, ethical and political aspects of designing a training focused on FoodPro within Virginia Tech Dining Services employees. This study can help guide future research focused directly on developing training on other menu management systems.
Mapping Reality Store Curriculum with Virginia Standards of Learning for Economics and Personal Finance
Hazelwood, Leigh (Virginia Tech, 2023-11-03)
In 2017, over 78% of workers lived from paycheck to paycheck, a rise from 75% in the previous year. This highlights the importance of financial literacy education for high school graduates, particularly in preparing them for the future. Many adults lack confidence in budgeting, investing, and saving money, which can lead to negative financial behaviors. Financial education is crucial for ensuring the long-term financial well-being of individuals, families, and the nation. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is a leading educational outreach program that focuses on many educational content areas including financial literacy education. One program used is the Reality Store financial simulation, which provides a hands-on, experiential learning environment to teach financial behavior and its correlation to financial planning, goals, and decisions. The program relies on community volunteers, including community leaders and agency representatives, to make real-world connections and associate financial knowledge with real-world experiences. Project data was collected via curriculum mapping using document analysis. Results showed that there is a discrepancy in the relationship between the Reality Store curriculum and Economics and Personal Finance SOLs. There is an opportunity for curriculum adaptation to strengthen relationships and extend financial literacy learning options, which provide high school graduates the knowledge needed to live a healthier financial life as they enter adulthood after graduation. Recommendations of how to improve the relationship between curriculum and standards would enhance financial literacy learning options, which provide high school students the knowledge needed to live a healthier financial life as they enter adulthood.
The Evaluation of Winter Wheat Response to Nutrient Sources of Sulfur and Application Timing
Lee, Michelle V.; Oakes, Joseph C.; Reiter, Mark S.; Thomason, Wade E. (Virginia Tech, 2023-09-11)
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) have gained considerable interest in recent years as human population trends demand greater productivity from cropping systems while minimizing human health and environmental concerns from nutrient loss. Previous research has shown EEFs to be beneficial in diverse cropping systems, but research into their use in winter wheat development has been limited. This study assessed the effects of Sulfur (S) sources derived from three EEF products in comparison to a commonly used commercial product (Ammonium Sulfate) and a control (no S) as well as the effect of application timing of S on the production of tillers and grain yield of winter wheat. Field trials were conducted over a 3-year period in Warsaw, VA and Westmoreland County, VA. During the early growing season of winter wheat, the tissue samples and aerial normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values of before and after the mid-winter application indicated that there was some response to application timing of S, but with the exception of the Warsaw 2021 second tissue sampling S percentage analysis, there was no significant response from the sources of S tested. As the growing season progressed, NDVI values measuring tiller density showed no significant difference, which later corresponded with the end of the growing season, as there was no grain yield response to source of S or application timing of S. Overall, the S additives from the EEFs tested did not consistently impact wheat tiller development or grain yield and are therefore cost prohibitive.
Positive Reinforcement Training for School Horses: Its Use as Enrichment and Its Effect on the Human-Horse Relationship
Sanders, Emily C. A.; Foster, Robin; Feuerbacher, Erica N.; Jacobs, Leonie (Virginia Tech, 2023-08-08)
The use of positive reinforcement training has been shown to improve the human- horse relationships, but the equestrian community has been slow to replace traditional techniques with positive reinforcement training. Horse owners and trainers might be willing to add positive reinforcement training sessions to their routine, even if they are unwilling to change their primary training methods. For this study, we examined whether the addition of positive reinforcement training, in an otherwise unchanged routine, would have behavioral effects on a group of school horses. The implementation of positive reinforcement sessions increased contact seeking behavior (both proximity to and physical touch) with the trainer, but not a stranger. Horses showed similar perception in value of positive reinforcement sessions and food-toy enrichment sessions through increased anticipatory behavior, measured by behavior transition rate, compared to a control group. Providing school horses access to regular food-toy sessions is a good way to provide enrichment, but it does not increase the bond between the horse and trainer like regular positive reinforcement training sessions.
Evaluating Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Help Desks
Hurni, Sarah B. (Virginia Tech, 2023-08-08)
Extension master gardeners are volunteers in the Cooperative Extension system that aim to educate the community about sustainable horticultural practices. Their required volunteer hours are fulfilled through educational workshops, presentations, home garden visits, help desks, and many other services. While help desk services are being overshadowed by the various search engines we use to find the answers to our questions, the data gathered from Extension master gardener help desks can help Extension professionals prioritize programs and allocate resources effectively. There is no current research that shows aggregated help desk data as an indicator of community needs, program prioritization, or program improvement. The objective of this study was to determine the most common topics that arise through the help desk and compare them with current master gardener initiatives to determine whether community needs are being met. Connections can be made between the hardiness zone of each master gardener unit, the season, and the types of topics that typically arise. A survey was developed and sent out to master gardener coordinators, agents, and volunteers across Virginia to gather this information. The survey had an overall response rate of 35%, with a response rate of 3.70% in zone 6a, 3.70% in zone 6b, 29.63% in zone 7a, 48.15% in zone 7b, and 14.81% in zone 8a. The survey results indicated that there were significant differences between the topics of interest in communities of different hardiness zones, as well as notable seasonal differences. Conclusions and recommendations were made specific to each zone, as they varied greatly in response rates and topic frequencies making it difficult to draw conclusions across zones.
The Effects of New Players on Team Cohesion
Trull, Darby; Rateau, Richard; Drape, Tiffany A.; Leech, Irene (Virginia Tech, 2023-06-22)
This study will explore how Virginia Tech softball players learn to work cohesively each year. This study aims to enable the athletes to reflect on their team’s and personal ability to work cohesively each year. As well as gaining an understanding of how they can improve their learning processes to work together as new members join, some remain, and others leave annually. Using Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development, this study’s framework aims to help understand the evolution of a team and the stages of team development. The stages of the Tuckman model are forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Participants for this study contained 10 Virginia Tech softball student-athletes who participated in the program between 2018-2023. Each participant contributing to the semi-structured interviews was asked pre-selected questions and was reviewed as one team. After each interview, transcripts were reviewed and analyzed for themes. After the analysis of all interviews was examined, three themes emerged. These themes were: Meeting high standards with an evolving culture and leadership, developing relationships effects on and off the field performance, and facing challenges with roles and adversity. The Tuckman model and the research question served as a guide to understanding better how the team learns to work cohesively each year and what they can learn from that knowledge. This study can be used for other sports teams and other researchers interested in the effects of new teammates and a changing dynamic each year on a team’s ability to work cohesively. Therefore, further research can be done to understand how facing individual and team shortcomings affect team cohesion.
Exploring Vertical Jump Height During a Congested Calendar Period in Women's Collegiate Soccer
Adams, Courtney S.; Williams, Jay; Anderson, Angela; Tegarden, David (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-10)
This study aimed to explore how vertical jump height, as a measure of fatigue, was affected throughout the pre-season training period in women’s division I collegiate soccer. The participants of this study completed three consecutive countermovement jumps with the hands placed on the hips before and after each day of training, throughout a five-day pre-season training period. Participants were placed into one of three groups based on the total minutes of match play each athlete experienced (>60 minutes, 30-60 minutes or <30 minutes). Athletes in the >60 minutes group experienced a larger reduction in vertical jump height than those in the other two groups. The type of training each group participated in following matches one and two was dependent upon the number of match play minutes, as the high minute group participated in a recovery-based training session following each match played. The effects of these group-specific training plans were reflective in the vertical jump heights as there was an increase in jump height for the >60 minutes group and a decrease in height for the 30-60 minutes and the <30 minutes groups. Vertical countermovement jump height was shown to reflect the fatigue experienced by division I collegiate women’s soccer players throughout a pre-season training time-period, as reductions in jump height were found amongst high-minute athletes following match play and amongst low-minute athletes following more demanding training sessions.
Guarding the Garden: Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes
Oberschneider, Gabriella; Fox, Laurie; Eick, Matthew; Del-Pozo Valdivia, Alejandro; Kardos, Josh (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-08)
Creating a sustainable and resilient landscape helps users conserve valuable natural resources, manage invasive species, and reduce waste. This allows people to embrace and connect with nature and the landscape to meet aesthetic and functional needs for a prolonged time. Sustainability concepts, practices and design styles are presented to create an understanding of how to accomplish it. The concepts and ideas creating a sustainable and resilient landscape will allow users to exercise the sustainability practices to improve landscapes, construct a productive environment, and enjoy its natural beauty.

Browse

Recent Submissions