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Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Winter 2024
Research at the LSU AgCenter extends well beyond the farm gate. Across 150 acres at the Hammond Research Station, experts in landscape horticulture test the best ways to grow ornamental plants and trees. In Baton Rouge, researchers study how to protect homes in the path of a hurricane. Across the state the AgCenter Healthy Communities team works to empower food pantries and improve sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure in rural areas.
This issue of Louisiana Agriculture focuses on these topics along with new research on soil health and high-tech delivery systems for sugarcane ripening agents. Other articles focus on the historic herd of Brahman cattle at the AgCenter Doyle Chambers Research Station and the work of economist Michael Deliberto.
The Hammond Gardens: Connecting Science to the Success of an Industry
Jeb S. Fields, Damon E. Abdi and Jason Stagg
Sprawling across 150 acres, the Hammond Research Station is Louisiana’s home for ornamental horticulture research and extension, where professionals and hobby horticulturists both learn about ornamental plant research and new varieties.
10 Native Louisiana Medicinal Plants for Your Garden
Jennifer Blanchard
The use of plants as medicine dates back thousands of years. Louisiana has a long tradition of medicinal plants passed on from Indigenous people and Cajun traiteurs. These 10 plants have traditionally been used for medicine and are attractive in the landscape.
Carol Friedland
Hurricanes and tornadoes cause significant damage to homes and neighborhoods and put the safety of Louisiana families at risk. Faculty at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Research and Education Center are working to reduce damage and improve community resilience through research, education and extension.
Rural Towns Receive Unprecedented Investment in Pedestrian Infrastructure
Jessica Stroope, Ruthie Losavio, Jamila Freightman and Denise Holston
Many small towns face large barriers when it comes to improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure. To address some of these difficulties, the LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities team worked with partners to make funding more accessible to small towns.
Olivia McClure
Brahman cattle are known for their tolerance for heat and their humped backs. LSU’s Brahman herd has ties to an important name in the history of the breed – a gentle, beefy bull named Manso.
Economist Michael Deliberto: A Trusted Source for Louisiana Producers
Kyle Peveto
Economist Michael Deliberto is a trusted voice for Louisiana agricultural producers. They hear him speak, read his newsletters and use the tools he has created to help them budget and prosper in a complex economic world.
Covering Ground: Temperature and Water-Wise Practices in the Landscape
Damon E. Abdi and Jeb S. Fields
Ensuring soil health is essential to sustaining landscapes and providing protection from temperature and precipitation extremes. Ground cover species, which are low-growing, spreading plants, not only provide soil insulation but manage soil moisture.
Sprayer Drone Use and Utilization in Louisiana Agriculture
Randy Price and Albert Orgeron
Researchers have developed methods for using drones to spray ripening agents on sugarcane. They offer advice and guidelines for this procedure.
Soil Health Improvement From a Soil Physics Perspective
Xi Zhang and Changyoon Jeong
Soil is a complex and dynamic living system that is critical to agricultural ecosystem functions and crop productivity. Just as human health is essential for a prosperous life, soil health is indispensable for robust crop growth and sustainable agricultural practices.
Development of a Statewide Education Series for Landscape Professionals in Louisiana
Damon E. Abdi and Jeb S. Fields
Expanding educational offerings for Louisiana’s nursery and landscape industry has led to the development of the “Landscape Professional Education Series,” a unique, daylong event centered around addressing the issues that are most relevant to the respective host regions.
Strengthening Communities: Empowering Food Pantries in Rural Louisiana
Ruthie Losavio, Katherine Seals, Jamila Freightman and Denise Holston
While local food pantries work hard to provide much-needed services in rural Louisiana, their communities' needs often outpace their capacities and resources. To address these challenges, the LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities team deployed a variety of strategies in six rural parishes.
Three Decades Later, Mark Shirley Still Finds Joy in Teaching 4-H'ers About Louisiana Marshes
Olivia McClure
Mark Shirley, a coastal specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, created Marsh Maneuvers decades ago to educate youths about the state’s coastal areas.
