Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Winter 2023
Agricultural best management practices are measures that producers can take to reduce — or eliminate — farming byproducts that enter streams and groundwater. Many of these practices address fertilizer and irrigation management and the handling of pesticides and animal waste. LSU AgCenter research has helped establish these practices, and extension agents assist producers in implementing them.
This issue of Louisiana Agriculture highlights the best management practices for many of the state’s most production areas. Aquaculture specialists detail how crawfish farms can save money while meeting best management practices, and sugarcane experts tell how the AgCenter is developing new varieties to ensure farmers are competitive. In addition, AgCenter economists explain how agricultural producers can thrive financially while following best management practices.
See below for links to the articles. If you would like to subscribe to the print copy, or if you want to unsubscribe from this list, please contact the editor, Kyle Peveto.
Economic Perspectives on Best Management Practices and Sustainable Production Strategies
Michael Deliberto
An AgCenter economist presents both the economic and environmental benefits related to the adoption of best management practices in production agriculture.
Adoption of Best Management Practices in Louisiana Agriculture
Santosh Pathak and Naveen Adusumilli
Government programs assist agricultural producers who wish to implement certain best management practices. The authors analyze how Louisianians tap into this assistance.
Best Management Practices for Crawfish Aquaculture
Greg Lutz and Mark Shirley
Raising crawfish is one of the top forms of animal agriculture in Louisiana. AgCenter specialists have analyzed how adopting best management practices can also save producers money.
Planting Cover Crops for Healthier Soil
Lisa Fultz, Brenda S. Tubaña
Cover crops, which are crops intended to cover the soil without being harvested, have a long history of use, and they help guard against erosion while also improving soil.
LSU AgCenter Research Combats Hypoxic Dead Zone
Rexanna Powers
As part of a $1.4 million grant from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, best management practices are being studied to help improve soil health, water quality and resource management and increase crop yields and income.
Growing Sugarcane Today for Tomorrow’s Farmers
Kenneth Gravois and Albert Orgeron
Research is at the forefront of the Louisiana sugar industry’s sustainability effort, and the LSU AgCenter is leading the research effort in sugarcane variety development.
Reduced Tillage and Best Water Management Practices Enhance Rice Production
Ronald Levy and Manoch Kongchum
AgCenter research and extension programs find ways to increase rice production and maintain rice sustainability while keeping rice production environmentally friendly.
Master Programs Educate Louisianians on Best Practices
Donna Gentry, Sara R. Shields and Ashley K. Edwards
The Master Gardener, Master Farmer and Master Cattleman programs educate home gardeners, agronomic producers and cattlemen about best management practices that help improve water quality, soil health and overall conservation efforts for long-term sustainability.
AgCenter Outreach Strengthens Goat and Sheep Industry in Louisiana
Rodney Johnson, Michael A. Lavergne, Hannah Devall and Ashley K. Edwards
In the LSU AgCenter Master Goat Producer Program, participants attend three daylong classes that feature lessons and demonstrations by fellow producers, as well as LSU AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences and School of Veterinary Medicine personnel.
Farmers Find Profit, Peace of Mind in Following Best Management Practices
Kyle Peveto
Agricultural producers say they follow best management practices for many reasons. They save money while also acting as good neighbors and protecting the state’s water resources.
Managing Nitrogen for Corn Crops and Soybeans
Rasel Parvej, Matthew Foster, David O. Moseley, Andre Reis and Syam Dodla
Nitrogen is one of the most essential nutrients required for crop growth, development and reproduction. It is the building block of proteins, amino acids, chlorophyll and DNA. Plants require more nitrogen than any other mineral nutrient. Fertilizing with nitrogen sources is often required for maximizing crop yield and profit.
Best Practices for Understory Management of Live Oaks
Damon Abdi and Jeb S. Fields
Live oak trees are beloved in Louisiana. With how critical their root systems are, it is imperative to have a proper management plan for live oak understories.
Smart Irrigation Technologies for Turfgrass and Landscapes
Stacia Conger and Jeffrey S. Beasley
Irrigation can aid in sustaining healthy and vibrant ornamental plants by supplementing deficits in soil-water status to maintain well-watered conditions when rainfall is insufficient. However, irrigation systems require responsible operation with consistent dynamic scheduling to be sustainable.
Arthur Villordon
Soil moisture is extremely important in the first days after planting sweet potatoes. Next-generation soil moisture sensors can help growers ensure the moisture levels are sufficient.
Following in His Family’s Path, Connor Webster Aims to Be Public Servant
Kyle Peveto
Connor Webster, the rice extension weed specialist for the AgCenter, Webster began scouting cotton, corn, soybean and wheat fields as a 14-year-old. His family has worked in agriculture for generations.