2018 Seminar Series

Exploring soil, root and rhizosphere microbiomes in Nebraska

DANIEL SCHACHTMAN
Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Changes in the root, soil and rhizosphere microbiomes due to abiotic stress and crop varieties may play important roles in drought tolerance and nitrogen use efficiency. In this talk the results of experiments completed in different parts of Nebraska with sorghum and corn will be described.

Conservation of pollinators in turfgrass ecosystems

JONATHAN LARSON
Assistant Extension Educator, Entomology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Turfgrass is an important cropping system covering more than 16 million hectares in the United States. Insecticides used by managers to maintain turf have been implicated in the decline of managed and wild pollinators. This seminar will discuss best management practices so we maintain functional and aesthetically acceptable landscapes but minimize hazard to our pollinator.

Agriculture in 2030: Chuck Rice perspective

CHUCK RICE
University Distinguished Professor, Mary L. Vanier University Professorship, Agronomy, Kansas State University

Agriculture is set for a transformational change. Breakthroughs in sensors, root dynamics and the plant-soil microbiome will increase efficiency and resiliency. Cropping system designs will include efficiency and resiliency goals for the field and the landscape. Data and artificial intelligence will increase support for decision-making. The big question is who will fund these advancements and are land-grant universities set to lead?

Plant research at UNK: 26 years of collaboration, reinvention, and transcription factors

PAUL TWIGG
Professor, Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney

A scientific journey adapting to changes in facilities, technology, funding, new organisms, and other challenges, but always ending up with good collaborators, students, and lots of transcription factors.

Integrating writing skills and science literacy into the CASNR curriculum

BRIAN WATERS
Associate Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Brian Waters will discuss examples of using writing-to-learn in Agronomy and Horticulture classes to build student communication skills while also covering discipline-specific knowledge and improving science literacy. He will also discuss how students and faculty can use the Scientific Writing Help Desk.

Conserving, managing and restoring grassland diversity in Lincoln’s New Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch

DAVID WEDIN
Director, Nine-Mile Prairie & Agroforestry Research Farm, Professor, Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Since 2016, University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty and students have been assessing plant and pollinator diversity in grasslands totaling thousands of acres in the Prairie Corridor project. In this seminar the results from experiments on how diversity responds to management approaches will be presented.

Exploring Positive Psychological Capacity in Teamwork

L.J. MCELRAVY
Assistant Professor, Youth Civic Leadership, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Positive Psychological Capacity (PsyCap) is a developmental characteristic that related to a number of positive outcomes in the workplace. McElravy will explore how PsyCap can be used to enhance teamwork, specifically in the work environment and in the classroom.

Hopping to it: The Growth and Viability of the Nebraska Hop Industry

KATIE KREUSER
Hop Program Coordinator, Nebraska Extension

The hop industry in Nebraska has experienced much growth in recent years. Kreuser will discuss the factors that enable the plant to thrive, the challenges faced in hop production and the exciting possibilities the industry has ahead.

Leveraging Genomics, Genetics and Breeding to Understand Crop Adaption to Nutrient Stress

JAMIE O'ROURKE
Research Geneticist, Corn Insect and Crop Genetics Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Iowa State University

Plants require 20 micronutrients for proper growth and development, but environmental conditions often limit soil nutrient availability resulting in stunted growth and reduced yield. O'Rourke will discuss how she combines functional genomics, physiology and plant breeding to identify biological pathways and gene networks associated with nutrient deficiency responses and enhanced stress tolerance.

How to Optimize Student Engagement with Active Learning and Formative Assessments

BRIAN COUCH
Assistant Professor, School of Biological Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

In recent years, the undergraduate education community has placed an increased focus on implementing formative assessment activities in which students actively engage with course material and receive iterative feedback to improve their understandings. This presentation will summarize research findings and recommendations on how to optimize student engagement with formative assessments.

Soil in Space and Time

RICHARD FERGUSON
Professor and Interim Department Head of Agronomy & Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Ferguson will discuss how soils vary in space and across time, how we manage accordingly and how that variation influences development of cropping systems and careers.

Nitrogen Fertigation in Corn

BRIAN KRIENKE
Assistant Extension Educator, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

The elevated levels of nitrate in groundwater in Nebraska are considered a direct result of Nitrogen management in corn production. Decades of research have attempted to develop methods that increase the use efficiency of applied N, while also optimizing profit for growers. A new approach to N management will be discussed that utilizes a combination of crop canopy sensors with and without the use of a crop model to aid in decision making. Results are promising.