Online Master of Science in Agricultural and Life Sciences

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

The Online Master of Science in 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.

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Effect of Reggae Music on Vocalizations of Hospitalized Canine Patients
Barth, Kara (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-06)
Kenneling in a veterinary clinic can be stressful to canine patients. One behavioral indicator of stress in canines is vocalization which can contribute to noise pollution that can negatively affect other patients and veterinary staff. This study investigated potential impacts playing reggae music could have on owned dogs (n=24) that were kenneled at a veterinary hospital. Silence and reggae music conditions were alternated hourly starting at 8am with the final session starting at 3pm. Canine vocalizations were assessed in 2-minute intervals for a total of 30 intervals each hour with intervals being marked positive (+) if vocalizing was present and negative (-) if vocalizing was not. The results of this study showed that reggae music had little to no effect on vocalizations of canine patients, but it does not mean there is no overall benefit. Individual data was not collected, which could be useful in future studies. Even though reggae music had little effect in reducing vocalizations overall in canine patients it likely did not cause harm to them and staff perception of decreased vocalizations can have a positive impact on staff mentality. Owner perception in the efforts veterinary staff take to reduce stress while their dogs are kenneled can have a positive influence on owner-veterinary relationships as well. Future studies could look at different measures relating to canine stress and stress-related behaviors to further evaluate the effectiveness of reggae music in reducing vocalizations in canine patients kenneled in veterinary settings.
Developing Psychological Safety in Collegiate Cheerleading: A Leadership Guide for Coaches and Captains
Maynard, Eli (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-11)
Cheerleading is a unique setting where athletes perform high-risk stunts that require strong trust and communication. Despite this, leadership development in sports takes a general approach and doesn't consider the specific needs of cheerleading, where poor communication can directly affect safety. The goal of this project was to tackle the lack of sport-specific leadership development in collegiate cheerleading by emphasizing psychological safety as a pillar in athlete well-being. Research indicates that psychological safety, which is the belief that individuals can speak up without fearing negative consequences, is crucial for team learning and overall effectiveness (Frazier et al., 2017). However, there are no tools that have been designed specifically for collegiate cheerleading teams. To fill this gap, a self-guided leadership curriculum was created for collegiate cheerleading coaches and captains. The curriculum aimed to translate leadership theory into strategies applicable to real-world team settings in the cheer world. The final product consisted of three modules. These modules focused on understanding psychological safety in athletic environments, leadership practices that encourage trust and accountability, and communication strategies for handling challenges and conflicts. Each module included instructional content, case studies, self-assessments, and reflection activities meant to aid both understanding and application. The curriculum was designed to be user-friendly so that coaches and captains could use the material independently. By raising awareness of how leadership and communication shape team environments, this curriculum offers a practical method for creating psychological safety in cheerleading. The findings suggest that incorporating psychological safety into leadership development can boost team cohesion and improve the overall athlete experience (Edmondson & Lei, 2014). This project focuses on collegiate cheerleading, but it can be adjusted for other high-risk team sports where communication and trust are important for safety.
Exploring Leadership Influences and Practices Among Mixed Animal Veterinarians Serving Cattle Producers in the United States
Martin, Ashley (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-23)
This study was a qualitative phenomenological study exploring how mixed animal veterinarians influence the adoption of diagnostic tools in cattle practice and the barriers they encounter in this process. Mixed animal veterinarians play a critical role in supporting livestock producers, herd health, and the broader U.S. food system, particularly in rural areas where access to veterinary services continues to decline. While previous research has examined veterinary communication and decision-making, much of this work has focused on companion animal practice, with less attention given to mixed animal veterinarians. This study explored the lived experiences of mixed animal veterinarians and how professional experience, communication, and leadership influence diagnostic decision-making. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven practitioners across the United States. Findings indicate that mixed animal veterinarians influence diagnostic adoption through relationship-based leadership, including guided decision-making, adapting recommendations to economic and practical constraints, and building trust with producers over time. Participants also described how early career exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experience shaped their development as veterinarians and leaders. Barriers to diagnostic use included financial limitations, producer preferences, and established practices within rural operations. Overall, this study highlights the importance of mentorship and leadership development in supporting diagnostic adoption in practice.
MyIPM for Vegetables as an Integrated Pest Management Tool for Virginia Vegetable Industry Professionals
Belesimo, Katherine (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-23)
The MyIPM for Vegetables app is a free integrated pest management tool for industry professionals. The app is the latest release of the MyIPM app series, which includes MyIPM Fruit and Nut, MyIPM Row Crops, and MyIPM Hawaii. App content for MyIPM for Vegetables was written by contributors from land-grant institutions across the Southeast region of the United States. Commodities included in the app are tomato, cucurbits, peppers, and brassicas. App usage data and relevance to Virginia are discussed. Next steps to further evaluate usage trends and further serve Virginia producers are also introduced. An overview of Land-grant Institutions, Cooperative Extension, integrated pest management, the MyIPM app series, and Agriculture Census data is also presented.
A New Water Cooler: Urban Farms in the Workplace
Attaway, Lisa (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-12)
The purpose of this intrinsic case study is to examine a North Texas urban farm in the workplace to better understand the motivation and strategic objectives of company leadership in creating the urban farm program, as well as employees' experience and perceptions of the urban farm. Using a mixed-method approach, interviews were conducted with five leaders in three companies involved in creating and maintaining the urban farm and its programs. 27 employees who participated in farm events during the spring season of 2026 completed a survey reflecting their opinions on the urban farm and its programs. The results create a narrative of how the farms advance the company’s sustainability and employee engagement strategies, as well as the positive experiences of employees that affirm the leadership's goals and hopes for the urban farms in their workplace.
How to Navigate a Break-Even or Profitable First Year as an Inexperienced Landowner: A Case Study of a Central Illinois Farmland Heir
Ranstead, Ainsley (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-08)
Farmland is increasingly being inherited by non-farming heirs who without a clear transition plan often assume management responsibilities without prior experience, creating a gap between available agricultural knowledge and its practical application. This project addresses that gap through a qualitative case study of a multi-generational farm in Central Illinois, focusing on the lived experience of a landowner who inherited management responsibilities in 1995 and developed her approach over time through informal learning, trusted relationships, and personal decision-making. Data was collected through iterative interviews with the landowner and supplemented by insights from agricultural professionals, which informed the development of a structured step-by-step guide designed to help inexperienced landowners navigate their first year of management. The findings show that the primary challenge is not a lack of information, but the absence of a clear framework to apply it, leading to decisions shaped by legacy, trust, and individual definitions of value, while also highlighting the importance of balancing financial sustainability with long-term stewardship of the land. However, introducing simple, accessible tools significantly improved decision-making consistency and outcomes, particularly in grain marketing, demonstrating that meaningful improvements can be achieved without advanced technical knowledge. This project concluded that providing practical, user-friendly guidance tailored to individual goals can help new landowners reduce uncertainty, make more informed decisions, and establish a strong foundation for long-term management.
Beyond the Bang: Specific Behavioral Responses of Dogs to Fireworks and Thunderstorms and Their Influence on Guardian Perception and Behavior
Pfafman, Jennifer (Virginia Tech, 2026-04-30)
Noise sensitivity in dogs, including fearful responses to fireworks and thunderstorms, is a prevalent welfare concern that often goes unrecognized or untreated. This study aimed to explore specific behavioral responses of dogs to thunderstorms and fireworks and how guardians perceive and respond to their dogs’ noise sensitive behaviors. Using two surveys, the Behavioral Impact (BI) questionnaire and the Noise Sensitivity in Dogs (NSD) questionnaire, we collected data to examine individual noise-sensitive behaviors, their correlations with other behaviors, and factors influencing guardians’ decisions to seek treatment. Using PCA cluster analyses, we categorized 17 common noise-sensitive behaviors as problematic or non-problematic based on guardian perception. Six behaviors, including vomiting/defecating/urinating/or diarrhea, destructiveness, aggression, self-harm, drooling saliva and bolting, were categorized as problematic overall, while 11 behaviors, including hiding, restlessness/pacing, running around, cowering, shaking or trembling, panting, vigilance/scanning of the environment, barking/whining/howling, owner seeking behavior, exaggerated response when startled, and freezing to the spot, were considered non-problematic overall. Surprisingly, guardians were more likely to seek treatment for dogs exhibiting non-problematic behaviors, than for those displaying problematic behaviors, suggesting a disconnect between guardian perception and interpretation of their dog’s behavior. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding individual noise sensitive behavioral responses and guardian perceptions of those behaviors in order to improve the welfare of noise-sensitive dogs. Future research should focus on educating guardians about the welfare impacts of noise sensitivity, exploring response styles, and identifying factors that influence treatment-seeking behavior. By adopting a more nuanced approach to noise sensitivity, pet professionals can create tailored interventions to better support noise-sensitive dogs and their guardians.
Changes in Diet Quality During a 12-Week Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Overweight and Obesity
Hargrove, Lauren (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-07)
Behavioral weight loss interventions typically emphasize energy restriction and weight change, yet the impact of these interventions on overall diet quality remains underexplored – particularly in older adults. This study examined changes in diet quality during a 12-week behavioral weight loss intervention in middle-aged and older adults with overweight and obesity. This was a sub-analysis of an ongoing randomized controlled trial exploring water intake and weight control (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05843318) in adults aged 50 years and older. Participants were randomized to one of three groups: premeal water consumption, daily water intake, or a control group tracking fruit and vegetable intake. All groups received SCT-based behavioral counseling and a hypocaloric diet prescription. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015, derived from three 24-hour dietary recalls at baseline and week 12. Mean HEI-2015 total scores improved significantly from 56.15 to 62.86 (p<0.0001) for the pooled sample. A significant time effect was observed across groups (p=0.0002), with no group x time interaction. Five HEI components demonstrated significant time effects: total fruits, whole fruits, whole grains, refined grains, and added sugars. No significant main group or group x time interactions were detected for any of the 13 HEI-2015 components. Reported dietary intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 did not change significantly in the pooled sample, though calcium and vitamin D intakes remained well below recommended levels at both timepoints. These findings suggest that participation in a behavioral weight loss intervention can improve overall diet quality in older adults, but targeted strategies may be needed to address micronutrient inadequacies during caloric restriction.
Evaluating 4-H Embryology Curriculum and Creating a Resource Hub
Salmon, Victoria H. (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-11)
This project evaluated the current Virginia 4-H “Beginning of Life” embryology curriculum and developed a resource hub to support 4-H faculty, staff, and stakeholders that are implementing embryology programs. The purpose of this project was to identify the strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement within the curriculum while gathering and evaluating resources that currently exist. Data was collected through two separate Google Forms, one distributed to 4-H faculty and staff who identified stakeholders for the second survey. Quantitative data questions were analyzed to find means and standard deviations, while qualitative responses were analyzed through thematic coding to identify common themes. Submitted resources and existing embryology curricula were evaluated using a rubric against the experiential learning model, STEM topics, logistics, up-to-date science, and SOL alignment. Results found that the curriculum is most commonly used as a supplemental resource and valued for its background information. However, participants identified the need for updated science content, revised Virginia SOL alignment, improved age-appropriate language, additional logistics, and more interactive STEM-based lessons. A public facing Google Site resource hub was created to organize evaluated curriculum materials, logistics resources, and teaching materials for statewide access. Findings support the need for a curriculum revision focusing on experiential learning, current scientific research, and stakeholder input.
Campus Farms as Food System Incubators: A Case Study of Morven Kitchen Garden
Flynnmoore, Fiona (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-11)
Beyond the Game: Transitioning Athlete Identity into Career Readiness
Howard, Austin (Virginia Tech, 2026-05-04)
This paper explores the transition of collegiate athletes from a strong athletic identity to career readiness by leveraging leadership development. The study addresses the challenges athletes may face when their athletic careers conclude, including identity foreclosure, role confusion, and emotional distress. The project aims to design and implement a structured workshop series intended to help athletes explore their identity beyond sport, recognize and translate leadership skills, and build confidence for professional environments. The curriculum incorporates identity work through cognitive, behavioral, and discursive strategies, enabling athletes to reflect on their self-concept, apply transferable skills, and develop actionable career plans. Leadership frameworks, including transformational, authentic, and shared leadership, are integrated to support the translation of athletic leadership experiences into professional competencies.. It is anticipated that participation in the workshop could increase athletes’ awareness of transferable leadership skills, reduce role confusion, and enhance readiness to navigate post-athletic career opportunities. This project has implications for athletic departments, career services, and coaching staffs, offering a model for supporting athletes in applying their sport-based leadership experiences toward successful post-collegiate careers.
Constituents of Human Scent as Perceived by Wilderness Search and Rescue Area Dogs
Walker, Mary (2026-03-27)
It has long been believed that human scent detected by search dogs results from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated by bacteria that metabolize skin secretions and shedded skin cells, termed skin rafts. However, recent laboratory research has shown that human breath VOCs constitute a large proportion of the human volatilome and are an important component of how dogs perceive human scent. We investigated the perception of skin (cutaneous) and breath samples as constituents of human scent by certified search and rescue area dogs. Dogs (n=6) searched tunnels in a three-alternative, forced-choice test. In qualification trials, one tunnel was connected to a tent with a human volunteer while two remained empty. After reaching 80% accuracy with whole human scent, dogs were given four probe trials whereby an air flow system pumped into one tunnel (1) breath, (2) air from exposed skin (cutaneous), (3) both (breath + cutaneous), or (4) none (negative control). We scored the dogs’ latency to respond and whether a dog made a trained final response, change of behavior, or no response. All dogs responded to the breath + cutaneous and breath conditions with a trained final response or change of behavior. Breath only and breath + cutaneous led to similar response latency and probability to respond (p ≥ 0.5). In contrast, both the latency to respond and the probability of responding to the cutaneous only condition was significantly longer (p = 0.001) and significantly less (p = 0.03), respectively, than to breath + cutaneous. These data demonstrate that scent from human breath is an important and salient component of how wilderness SAR area dogs perceive human scent and suggest that the “skin raft” model of human scent be reevaluated.
Prognostic Outcomes Between Conservative and Surgical Interventions in Patients with Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
Little, Jarett (Virginia Tech, 2026-03-18)
Context: Full-thickness rotator cuff tears are one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting a variety of patient populations. This condition, if not treated, leads to increased pain, reduced functional abilities, and reduced efficiency with activities of daily living all culminating into decreasing the patient’s overall quality of life. Surgical repair is generally the standard of care for these patients; however, new evidence suggests that conservative treatment may be just as effective. Objective: The aim of this systematized review was to describe measurable outcomes (pain, mobility, and strength) and how they compare surgical treatment compared to conservative treatment in full-thickness tear rotator cuff patients. Design: A systematized review of the current literature from 2015-2025, assessing the prognostic outcomes of both conservative and surgical methods of treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Eligibility Criteria: Adults ≥30 years old diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tears confirmed by imaging; full thickness rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis); Interventions (Surgical repair: Mini open repair, arthroscopic repair, open repair, injections. Conservative (non-surgical): Physical Therapy Protocol and exercise interventions); Outcomes: Constant-Murley Score (CMS), ASES, Quick-DASH, MMT, ROM. Study Selection: 16 out of 887 initial studies met all the inclusion criteria. Results: Both interventions demonstrated effective progress in overall condition. Surgical interventions demonstrated faster improvement with significant improvement in functional scores occurring at 6-12 months followed by a plateau where both intervention groups would produce similar functional scores after one year. Tear size and level of symptoms were the most significant indicators for patient success. Tears that were not classified as “large” demonstrated consistent and non-variable progress regardless of method used. Conclusion: Both methods of interventions provide significant clinical results with surgical groups demonstrating progress at 6-12 months while conservative groups reached the same functional scores in the long term. Overall, conservative treatment was able to produce similar outcomes for tears that were classified as small to medium demonstrating its effectiveness with this patient population. These results suggest a patient centered/stepwise approach would be most effective for patients with small to medium tears. This means incorporating patient factors with an initial conservative approach followed by surgical intervention if the conservative treatment has not improved overall patient condition. Larger tears, however, should directly receive surgical intervention due to its variability in presentation and outcomes.
A Review of Southeastern Farmers’ Perspectives on the Nutritional Systems and Parasite Management Strategies of Dairy Goats
Roeske, Isabella (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-25)
This qualitative phenomenology evaluates nutritional systems in the context of dairy goat health and production in the Southeastern United States amid climatic pressures to enhance the understanding of farmer perspectives, including cost benefit analyses and operation-specific prioritizations, in this region. This study parses through interviews with dairy goat farmers across the Southeast who differ greatly in their systems of feeding and managing health, as well as in their operational goals. Insights offered by these farmers into their personal and financial decision-making highlight the opportunity costs of small ruminant nutritional systems, as well as the challenges currently facing dairy goat farmers. The discussion attempts to understand the optimal nutritional system for prioritizing production and health in dairy goats, while considering the environmental benefits of ruminant rotational grazing, and the practical balance of meeting the operational needs and preferences of individual farmers.
From Community Service to Critical Inquiry: Redesigning Service-Learning at The STEAD School
Catala, Manuel (Virginia Tech, 2026-01-06)
Service-learning projects in School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) often emphasize task completion over the critical examination of systemic inequities. This project examined the current state of service-learning at The STEAD School, a project-based agricultural high school in Colorado, to identify the conditions necessary for implementing a critical service-learning model aligned with the school’s mission of developing “lifelong learners, thinkers, creators, and activists.” A multi-method needs assessment was conducted through semi-structured interviews with four guides and four students, along with a survey of 68 stakeholders. Interview data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework, while survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The conceptual framework drew on Paulo Freire’s principles of critical pedagogy to propose a Freirean-adapted version of the National FFA Service Planning Guide. Five themes emerged: (1) Current Practices Lack Depth and Structure, (2) Purposeful Integration is Inconsistent but Desired, (3) Systemic Challenges Impede Impact, (4) Student Agency is Central to Engagement, and (5) Transformative Potential Exists When Framed Intentionally. Survey results indicated that while 85% of respondents had participated in service learning, only 19% rated it “very effective.” The analysis identified five conditions necessary for effective service-learning: a shared schoolwide framework, purposeful curricular integration, student voice and co-creation, structured reflection, and reciprocal community partnerships. This project proposes a Freirean-adapted framework as one approach for establishing these conditions through four stages: Investigate, Plan, Serve, and Evaluate. While requiring future implementation and evaluation, this project contributes to a practical example of how critical pedagogy can inform service-learning within agricultural education.
Common Postharvest Winter Squash Diseases and Storage Practices: A Diagnostic Guide for Producers Supplying Appalachian Sustainable Development
Howard, Kylie; Rideout, Steven L.; Strawn, Laura K.; Casteel, Benjamin (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-23)
Winter squash is a stable crop within Appalachian Sustainable Development's food box programs due to its long shelf-life high nutritional value and consumer appeal. However, post-harvest losses caused by fungal and oomycete pathogens during curing and storage present a significant challenge for small scale producers supplying these markets. These losses reduce marketable yield, increase economic strain on growers, and limit the availability of high-quality produce for regional food access initiatives. The objective of this literature-based project was to synthesize current research on winter squash post-harvest diseases and storage practices with emphasis on identifying practical, science-based strategies to reduce storage right at the producer level prior to distribution. Peer-reviewed literature and extension publications were reviewed to evaluate common post-harvest pathogens including a series of Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora, and Botrytis, as well as environmental and handling factors influencing disease development. Particular attention was given to curing practices, temperature and humidity management, sanitation, and mechanical injury prevention. The literature indicates that inadequate curing conditions physical damage during handling and excessive moisture are primary contributors to post harvest decay. Evidence also suggests that modest improvements in storage management and sanitation can significantly extend storage life and reduce disease incidence. This project highlights the importance of accessible, producer focused education on post-harvest disease prevention and winter squash by consolidating existing research into clear and actionable recommendations this work supports local food systems while improving profitability product quality and sustainability for Appalachian growers.
Opportunities and Challenges in Virginia Agritourism: A Supply-Side Perspective
Kellum, Kinley (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-16)
Agritourism is steadily expanding in Virginia’s agricultural industry, allowing farmers to generate income in alternative ways, educate the public, and encourage the preservation of rural landscapes. This qualitative phenomenological study reviews the experiences of Virginia agritourism operators to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and strategies involved in integrating tourism into existing agricultural operations. Data was collected through an online anonymous survey distributed to various agritourism operations around the state of Virginia, which focused on location segments, financial and operational challenges, and marketing strategies. Findings indicated that most agritourism operators are located within 30 miles of urban centers and a majority are based on preexisting agricultural operations, resulting in reduced entry costs and increased accessibility. Major financial challenges were identified at the startup, including infrastructure investments, insurance and liability coverage, and staffing shortages, where most operators use personal savings to launch operations in the beginning stages. Marketing strategies were primarily linked to social media; however, traditional strategies, such as word of mouth, were also employed to attract a mix of both residents and tourists. The study concluded that there are many benefits of agritourism operations; however, there is room to continue improving the incorporation of agritourism into existing and new operations. Potential recommendations include increasing awareness of external funding sources, clarifying zoning processes, and strengthening community connections. These insights contribute to the overall understanding of supply-side experiences and support the continued sustainable growth of agritourism across Virginia.
Does Location Matter: Analyzing the Impact of Geographic Variation on Adoption Rates For Shelter Dogs
Beran, Robert (Virginia Tech)
Unwanted companion animals are a significant problem in the United States, and the numbers of dogs entering the sheltering system has been increasing recently. The interplay of numerous organizational and animal factors, such as where a shelter is located in the country, its population density, and the type of organization as well as the size and age of the dog, how it arrived to the shelter, and its outcome, can significantly impact the length of stay for dogs in shelters. The current study utilized records from 2023 collected by Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit organization that maintains a centralized database of United States animal sheltering data, to investigate whether the lengths of stay of dogs residing in U.S. differ based on the shelter’s geographic region or density of the population in that area to better understand how to address the time animals reside in shelters. The findings underscore a consistent trend across multiple regions: suburban shelters tend to achieve shorter stays for dogs compared to those in urban and rural areas with differences found by organization type. Generally, dogs’ lengths of stay at Northern, Midwestern and Western shelters are shorter than dogs residing in shelters in other regions across the United States, although these stays differed by the type of organization. Furthermore, we found that a dog’s size and its age affected its time in the shelter, such that older dogs have increased lengths of stay. This research provides a foundation for future study and offers an overview of the impact of geographic and animal variation on positive outcomes for dogs living in animal shelters.
Spatial Utilization by Domestic Horses Using GPS Tracking
Milliken, Daniel (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-31)
Domestic horses rely on movement to support physical health, behavioral expression, and welfare, yet opportunities for locomotion are often constrained in managed environments. This study examined how field size, environmental conditions, and daily temporal patterns influence the spatial behavior of domestic horses using four months of continuous GPS tracking at a commercial boarding facility. Horses were turned out in 29 fields ranging from small paddocks to multi-acre pastures under routine management conditions. Field size emerged as the strongest predictor of movement distance, with horses in very small enclosures traveling substantially less than those in moderately sized pastures. Horses also exhibited pronounced daily movement patterns, traveling the greatest distances during daylight, particularly in the afternoon, and the least at night. Weather effects were modest; temperature showed a small positive association with movement, whereas dew point and precipitation did not significantly predict locomotion once time of day and field size were considered. Movement declined in April, a pattern that may reflect management changes, seasonal pasture conditions, or other unmeasured factors. Together, these findings highlight how spatial provision, management routines, and biological rhythms interact to shape locomotor behavior in domestic horses. The results inform welfare-oriented management strategies that prioritize adequate space and demonstrate the value of consumer-grade GPS technology for assessing equine spatial behavior in real-world settings.
Soil Nutrient Dynamics and Their Effect on Biological Pest Management
Woody, Adam (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-17)
Biological control of pests dates to ancient China but is gaining significant attention as an alternative pest management method to chemical pesticide use in solanaceous crops today. Biological control agents can come in various forms such as bacteria, fungi, predatory mites, and entomopathogenic nematodes. Each of these organisms is essentially a predator of one or more crop pests. These pests can include insects like two-spotted spider mites and whiteflies or pathogens like Alternaria solani and Rhizoctonia solani which both affect crops like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. While most of these organisms are rather non-selective in their prey range, some only have preferences for one specific pest which will make it an excellent choice for the management of that pest. Aside from pest preferences, many of these organisms also have specific soil preferences. Some organisms thrive in soils with low fertility and help improve soil quality while managing pests, whereas others prefer nutrient-rich soils to perform their functions effectively. When selecting biological control agents, it is important to understand the agent, and its host/prey range and optimal soil conditions as this will ensure efficient pest management. It is also important to note that the use of biological control agents should be used as part of an integrated pest management approach. Integrated pest management seeks to use multiple methods of pest management to reduce the risk of resistance that can be caused by overreliance on one method.

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