Modelling the microbial breakdown of pesticides in soil using a parameter estimation technique

Results of field measurements and laboratory experiments were used to simulate the behaviour of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) in a loamy sand soil. Microbial activity was described using pre-set conditions to compute transformation rates as dependent on compound concentrations and temperature. These kinetics could only be analysed using non-linear transformation rates. To link the development of microbial populations and the consumption of the compound over time, an iterative technique was used to estimate the necessary parameters.     

Ermittlung des Redoxpotentials (Eh-Wert) von Böden und Grundwässern aus dem zeitlichen Verlauf der Elektrodendepolarisation

Calculation of redox potential in soil and groundwater from the curve of the electrode depolarization An inherent problem with redox potential measurements in soil and groundwater is the initial drift of potential readings. This is caused by electrode depolarization. The depolarization kinetics corresponds to a first-order process, mathematically described by an e-function. Based on the depolarization kinetics a method was developed to calculate redox potentials (E_h-values) from only short time (= 10 min) measured depolarization curves. Besides the E_h-value this procedure gives the depolarization constant λ. The method was tested and verified by a number of depolarization measurements in soils and groundwater.     

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Incorporation of environment and feed quality into a net energy model for beef cattle

The California net energy system has gained wide acceptance as a method for predicting rates of gain in growing and finishing beef animals. Researchers at the University of Kentucky, in co-operation with agricultural scientists in two regional research projects, NC-114 and S-156, have developed an interactive model that enhances the usefulness of the net energy system by including skeletal size, feed quality, temperature and relative humidity to determine feed intake and utilisation. Basically, the intake based on feed availability, nutrient composition, potential skeletal size and heat loss potential. After the feed is consumed, it is utilised according to the productive status of the animal, i.e. growth, lactation, foetal development, etc., using a modified form of the net energy system to predict weight change.The model allows a researcher to easily modify environment, feed, breed characteristics and productive status so as to evaluate their influence on the performance of the animal.     

Epidemic disease in a sheep herd with a possible relationship to a pestivirus

In connection with a case of epidemic disease with high morbidity and mortality in a flock of sheep, a pestivirus infection could be diagnosed. Pathological-anatomical abnormalities were very similar to the character of BVD/MD. Scientific findings on pestivirus infections in sheep are discussed.