Reports, Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station

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  • A Useful Chart for Teaching the Relation of Soil Reaction to the Availability of Plant Nutrients to Crops
    Pettinger, N. A. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1935-03)
    This publication features a color chart showing nutrient availability at a range of soil pH levels, and includes a table showing suitable pH levels for various crops.
  • Records and Distribution Problems of Fishes of the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Holston River, Virginia
    Ross, Robert D.; Carico, James E. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1963-06)
    Since 1953 a survey has been made of fishes of the North, Middle, and South Forks of Holston River, Tennessee River system, Virginia. This paper gives records of fishes obtained, notes on drainage history, and distribution problems of Holston River fishes.
  • Computer simulation of hourly dry-bulb temperatures
    Kline, D. Earl; Reid, John F.; Woeste, Frank E. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1982)
    A computer model of hourly dry-bulb temperatures was developed for Blacksburg, Virgi nia, from a 9-year sample of hourly dry-bulb temperature data. The periodic variations over the course of a year were estimated by least-square approximation. A first order Markov chain model was used to simulate the stochastic nature of temperature. These two models were combined to simulate years of hourly dry-bulb temperatures.
  • An investigation of soils within the Tatum and Elioak mapping units in the Virginia Piedmont
    Wilson, M. A.; Zelazny, Lucian W.; Baker, James C. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1983-03)
  • Production, consumption and storage of Virginia corn and soybeans
    Kenyon, David E.; Mundy, Karen P. (Karen Planson), 1943- (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1983)
  • Shift-trellises for better management of brambles (Rubus cvs.)
    Stiles, Herbert D. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1995)
  • Chemical, cultural, and physiological factors influencing 'Stayman' fruit cracking
    Byers, Ross E.; Carbaugh, D. H. (David H.), 1949- (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1995)
  • Soil-saprolite-landscape relationships in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Highland regions of Virginia
    Stolt, Mark H.; Baker, James C.; Simpson, Thomas W. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1994)
    Various methods and techniques were used to examine soil variability and soil-saprolite-landscape relationships in Virginia. Variability analysis indicates that for the overall study, most soil variability is attributable to differences between study sites or between horizons, with minimal amounts due to landscape position. Substantial lateral variability occurs within horizons, indicating a strong need for subsampling within horizons of the same pedon. Although some soil-saprolite transition horizons appear structureless in the field, soil micromorphology indicated evidence of pedogenic process within these horizons. Soil-saprolite transition horizons were designated as either BCt, BC, or CB, depending on the amount of oriented clay, and rates of change with depth of clay, DCB extractable Fe, and sand. Summit and backslope soils have essentially the same morphology and degree of profile development. Soil reconstruction indicates that sand weathering and clay eluviation/illuviation are the major soil-forming processes occurring within these soils. Footslope soils are less developed than are associated summit and backslope soils, with both depositional and pedologic processes contributing to soil formation and development. Saprolite thickness decreases from summit to footslope. Thicker saprolite at the summit is apparently related to the greater stability of the summit position compared to associated backslope and footslopes. Saprolite reconstruction indicates that between 20 and 36 % of the mass of the partially weathered rock, which is the precursor to saprolite, is lost during saprolite formation. Most of these losses are either Al or Si. Initial soil formation occurs at a faster rate than that of saprolite formation, but after substantial profile development, soil formation is reduced to a rate below that of saprolite formation, and saprolite accumulates below the solum.
  • The southern pine bark beetle guild : an historical review of the research on the semiochemical-based communication system of the five principal species
    Smith, Malcolm T.; Salom, Scott M.; Payne, Thomas L. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1993-10)
  • VA-C 92R : a new high-yielding peanut variety
    Mozingo, R. Walton; Wynne, Johnny C.; Porter, D. Morris; Coffelt, T. A.; Isleib, Thomas G. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1993-01)
    V A-C 92R is a new, high-yielding, large-seeded, virginia-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety released in 1992 jointly by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, and the Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. It was tested experimentally as VNC 851 in the Virginia-North Carolina Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Program (PVQE) from 1986 through 1991...
  • Supplemental data for soil survey of Accomack County, Virginia
    Peacock, C. D.; Edmonds, William J. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1992-10)
    The field work for the soil survey of Accomack County was completed in 1988 by the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Research Division, in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, the Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Accomack County Board of Supervisors. This survey was made to determine the kinds of soils within Accomack County and how they can be used to their fullest potential. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of slopes; the size of streams and general pattern of drainage; and the kinds of native plants or crops. They selected areas of representative soils in which to dig pits to describe and sample the soils. They randomly selected sites to bore auger holes to describe and sample soil profiles in order to evaluate distributions of soil properties within the map units. A profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. It extends from the land surface down into the parent material or unconsolidated sediments that have been changed little by climate, relief, and organisms over time. Soil maps were produced by soil scientists who drew boundaries, on aerial photographs, of the kinds of soils observed in the survey area. These photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, and other natural and cultural features that were used to locate these soil boundaries. Mapping units are collections of delineated soil bodies identified by a single symbol on soil maps. Most mapping units represent natural soil bodies composed of one kind of soil or of soils with similar properties and responses to use and management. Other mapping units are made up of two or more kinds of soils. Because the Soil Survey of Accomack County, Virginia, does not include the laboratory data used to characterize, classify, and interpret the soils within the mapping units, this report presents those data.
  • Characterization and composition of selected Cecil map units in the Virginia Piedmont
    Thomas, Pamela J.; Baker, James C.; Simpson, Thomas W. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1993-08)
    A study in Appomattox, Pittsylvania, and Lunenburg counties in the southern Piedmont of Virginia assessed composition and variability of a map unit named for a taxon of Typic Kanhapludults. Twelve delineations of Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, three to eight sites within each delineation, and three profiles within each site were randomly located in a two-level nested sampling scheme. Soil physical, chemical, and morphological data were collected from the Ap, Bt, and C horizons of each profile. In Appomattox County, 38 percent of the 81 profiles met the criteria for the Cecil soil series. An additional 33 percent of the profiles were taxonomically similar to Cecil. The remaining 29 percent were taxonomically dissimilar inclusions. In Pittsylvania County, 48 percent of the 75 profiles were Cecil series. An additional 47 percent of the profiles were taxonomically similar to Cecil. The remaining 5 percent were taxonomically dissimilar inclusions. In Lunenburg County, 42 percent of the 45 profiles were the Cecil series; the remaining 58 percent of the profiles were taxonomically similar to Cecil. Thus, the map unit in all three counties would be named Cecil and the map unit description in Appomattox and Pittsylvania counties would include dissimilar soils according to National Cooperative Soil Survey criteria. Taxonomic variability was reflected in the variability of taxonomically important soil properties. Percent base saturation decreased with depth in the profile. Maximum clay content occurred in the Bt horizon and ranged from 25 to 75 percent. The solum exhibited large variation in thickness. Subsoil properties important to classification (percent base saturation in the chemical control section, clay percentage in the particle-size control section, and solum thickness) exhibited considerable variation within delineations, but the variability was consistent from delineation to delineation. Intrusions of mafic material into the felsic crystalline system, from which Cecil and similar soils form, probably accounts for most of the variability in soil properties. Low plant available water, low bases, and high P-fixing capacity are major management concerns of the Cecil and similar soils. Understanding the interrelationship between map unit composition, variability, and soil properties is essential in increasing the productivity of these major landscape units.
  • Marketing aquaculture products : a retail market case study for sunshine bass
    Coale, Charles W. Jr.; Anthony, Joseph P.; Flick, George J. Jr.; Libey, George S.; Hong, Gi-Pyo; Spittle, G. D.; Valley, N. A. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1993)
    This research study addresses strategic questions about marketing of Sunshine Bass (a hybrid striped bass species) in a retail market outlet. The retail customers demanded high product quality and service from the market outlet. Successful marketing of Sunshine Bass in a retail outlet depends on economic conditions within the marketing channel. The elements in this study included: customers, pricing, marketing, and costs. Objectives. The overall objective of the study was to analyze the physical distribution system for marketing Sunshine Bass in retail marketing outlets. Methods. The study examined the physical distribution elements and costs in a retail marketing channel. Both physical distribution elements and cost data were analyzed by a marketing reconnaissance spreadsheet. The spreadsheet estimated marketing channel revenues and costs by assembly, processing, distribution activities, and product shrinkage. The input factors and their cost relationships were established. The elements focused on: production, harvest, and assembly, processing and distribution, and retail market evaluation. Results. Most customers surveyed rated Sunshine Bass as a quality product. Most preferred a fillet form. About 70 percent said they would pay from $6.00 to $8.00 for a pound of fillets. Most customers surveyed were not familiar with the name, Sunshine Bass. Costs of physical assembly, distribution, and processing were calculated. For a whole-gutted product form, the per-pound cost of the assembly, processing, and distribution functions was about $0.39. For a fillet product form, the per pound cost of the assembly, processing, and distribution function was about $.96. Conclusions. Major promotional effort will be needed to penetrate the market, more technology application will be needed to reduce production and marketing cos.ts, and more product development attention will be needed to build product value.
  • Studies on the morphology and systematics of scale insects. No. 16, Biosystematics of the family Dactylopiidae (Homoptera Coccinea) with emphasis on the life cycle of Dactylopius coccus Costa
    Perez Guerra, Gema; Kosztarab, Michael (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1992-03)
    The cochineal insects include nine species assigned to the genus Dactylopius, the only genus in the family Dactylopiidae. This is a review of all the species in the family Dactylopiidae, with special emphasis on the life cycle of the type species Dactylopius coccus Costa. The adult females of the nine species have been redescribed and illustrated, with a discussion on their morphological affinities and relationships. Their hosts, natural enemies, distribution, etymology, and role as biological control agents are discussed. For several species many new distribution and host records are given. Also, new types have been designated for the following species: one neotype and three paratypes for Dactylopius coccus Costa; one neotype for D. tomentosus (Lamarck); and designation of eight new topotypes for D. opuntiae (Cockerell). Methods are given on collecting, preservation, slide mounting, measuring, and preparing illustrations. Cuticular ultrastructure is shown in scanning electron micrographs. All developmental stages of the type species, D. coccus, are described. The life cycles under two temperatures and two relative humidities, for both males and females, are discussed. Aspects of reproduction in D. coccus, its dispersal methods, factors affecting development, and its economic importance are also included. A separate chapter deals with the host-plants of Dactylopiidae. This chapter includes data on host plant suitability and host plant resistance. Three identification keys are presented: one to the suborders of Homoptera, the other to the superfamilies and families of Coccinea, and another one for the determination of the species of Dactylopius. The phylogenetic relationships of the family Dactylopiidae with respect to all the Coccinea families are discussed, and a phylogenetic tree for the Dactylopius species is proposed.
  • Hemorrhagic enteritis of turkeys, marble spleen disease of pheasants, avian adenovirus group II, splenomegaly of chickens : a bibliography
    Domermuth, Charles H.; Rittenhouse, Judith G. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1982-10)
  • Supplemental data : soil survey of city of Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Hatch, D. R.; Edmonds, William J. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1992-08)
  • Reversing the decline of private oyster planting in the Chesapeake Bay : an evaluation of policy strategies
    Bosch, Darrell J.; Shabman, Leonard A. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1990-07)
  • The long-term competitive position of corn grain production in Virginia
    Thornsbury, Suzanne D.; Kenyon, David E. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1991-07)
  • Supplemental data for soil survey of Charles City County, Virginia
    Hodges, Robert L.; Thomas, Pamela J.; Edmonds, William J. (Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1990-08-28)
    In 1988 the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, completed the soil survey of Charles City County. Cooperating agencies were the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Charles City County Board of Supervisors. The soil survey enables users to determine the kinds of soils and their potential for land use within the county. Soil scientists observed steepness, length, and shape of slopes; size of streams and general pattern of drainage; kinds of native plants or crops; and kinds of sediments and rocks. They dug many pits to describe and sample soil profiles. A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. It extends from the surface down into the parent material or unconsolidated sediments which have been changed little by plant roots. Soil scientists produce soil maps when they draw boundaries of the kinds of soils observed in the survey area on aerial photographs. These photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, and other natural and cultural features that were used to locate soil boundaries. Soil map units are delineations of natural landscape units identified by the same symbol on soil maps. Most map units represent natural landscape units composed of one kind of soil or of soils with similar properties and responses to use and management. Other map units represent natural landscape units composed of two or more kinds of dissimilar soils. Because the published soil survey does not include the laboratory data used to characterize, classify, and interpret the soils within the map units, this supplemental report presents these data. The published soil survey cannot present all possible interpretations for uses of the soils within the survey area because there may be uses of the soils possible that are not currently known to the authors. Therefore, data included in this publication can be used by professional agricultural workers and engineers to make interpretations for these soils not included in the published soil survey reports.