Progress 03/01/16 to 02/28/20
Outputs
Target Audience:All research activities conducted by students were recorded as research reports. These reports were shared with scientists and students in agricultural disciplines. The following industrial collaborators expressed interest in biochar applications in agriculture. Harry Harlow, Principle Scientist Product Development, Raven Engineered Films (biochar as soil amendment and fumigant delivery method) Rod Dickerson, Dickerson Consultants, LLC. (biochar as a crop production enhancer, soil amendment, and fertilizer) Steve Gruhn, Black Gold Biochar LLC (biochar as a crop production enhancer, soil amendment, and fertilizer) Jason Rutz, Institute of Range and the American Mustang (sustainable range & farm scale biochar production and application methods) Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?All undergraduates gained experience in experimental design, statistical data analysis (with statistic software, e.g. EXCEL or JMP), data interpretation, critical thinking, and professional writing of research reports and presentations. Undergraduate students also learned and practiced how to deliver professional presentations of their research activities and results. Students also visited an industrial partner (Raven Inc) and toured their precision agricultural farm and learned industrial applications of precision agricultural technology During this four year undergraduate fellowship program, mentors and graduates in multiple departments at South Dakota State University trained all 27 undergraduate fellows in interdisciplinary environments. David Corbin, Univ. of Georgia, Agriculture (supervisor: Dr. Wei Lin, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Biochar supported transition metal catalysts were successfully developed and applied in biooil upgrading. Shannon Johnson, SDSU (supervisor: Dr. Songxin Tan, Electrical Engineering Dept) A laser depolarization method was developed to evaluate the impact of biochar on crops leaf health and nutrition condition. Sara Abbett, SDSU (supervisor: Dr. Aaron Franzen, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) A standard protocol to quantify the impact of biochar (as soil amendments) on the levels of glomalin (beneficial glycoprotein associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) was developed and verified. Ms. Annika Oetken, Montana State University, Chemical Engineering (Supervisor: Dr. Laurent Ahiablame, (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Biochar was evaluated as an adsorbent for pollutant removal from agricultural runoff. Ms. Kelyah Spurgeon, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Biological Engineering (Supervisor: Dr. Heike Bucking, Biology and Microbiology Dept) Benefits of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for crop growth were successfully evaluated and quantified. Ms. Jane Rouse, University of Maryland, Biological Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Joe Darrington, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) The effect of time and traffic on efficacy of boot baths in swine barns was quantified. Mr. Bryce Dahl, Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Rachel McDaniel, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Biochar was evaluated as an adsorbent to reduce E.coli from de-nitrification bio-reactor leached liquid. Mr. Jose Gonzalez, University of Costa Rica, San José, CR., Agronomy) (supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Dept) Biochar was evaluated as a soil amendment with manure application. Mr. Lucas Ramos, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chemical Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Lin Wei, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Plasma assisted catalysis was tested to upgrade bio-oil and regenerate the catalysts. Ms. Shelby Adair, Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Songxin Tan, Electrical Engineering Dept) Laser polarimetric reflectivity was developed as an analysis tool for measuring water stress of corn leaves. Ms. Camille Massmann, SDU (supervisor: Dr. Bishnu Karki, Biology and Microbiology Dept) Pullulan was successfully generated from soybean industry waste water through fermentation with Aureobasidium pullulans. Mr. Brad Jones, Montana State University, Civil Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Seaweed biochar derivate biorenewable graphene was prepared through catalytic thermochemical processes and used to fabricate electrodes for supercapacitors. Ms. Kristen Lacy, Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) A graphene based DNA electrochemical biosensor was developed to detect bacterial DNA by measuring impedance resistance changes. Mr. Matt Cole, SDSU (supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Biochar was tested to adsorb glucosinolates from oil-seeds to serve as an organic pesticide and herbicide. Ms. Anderson Kjersti, Cornell University, Bioengineering Department (Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept). A biochar derivate graphene based DNA electrochemical biosensor was developed to detect bacterial DNA by measuring impedance resistance changes. Ms. Amber Schuster, SDSU (Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept). Graphene coated magnetic nanoparticles were successfully prepared by using Fe(NO3)3 and graphite oxide as feeding materials. Ms. Sabrina Hang, University of Minnesota, Bioengineering Department (Supervisors: Drs. Zhengrong Gu and Rachel McDaniel, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Antibiotic resistant bacteria were selected as target organisms to evaluate microbial pollution in water system of rural agricultural areas using a magnetic graphene based electrochemical biosensor. Mr. Erin Lee, Maryland University, Bio-Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) An innovative flash thermochemical process was developed to produce graphene directly from lignin. Mr. Cameron McCoy, University of Illinois, Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering (supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Dept) To determine substantial effects on soil health and soil activity (e.g. urease and β-glucosidase activity) under switchgrass, differentiated nitrogen fertilization rates were applied at two different landscape positions in Bristol, South Dakota. Ms. Rebecca Thom, SDSU (Supervisor: Dr. Heike Bucking, Biology and Microbiology Dept). Impacts of endophytes on crops growth were evaluated with corn and wheat. Ms. Madison Best, University of Minnesota, Bioengineering (supervisor: Dr. Lin Wei, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Nanocellulose and activated carbon were used to synthesize a cellulose-carbon composite film for future environmental applications, such as water purification. Ms. Camille Massmann, SDSU (supervisor: Dr. Bishnu Karki, Biology and Microbiology Dept). Polyphenols, which possess antioxidant activity, were successfully extracted from grape pomace with alternative techniques such as high power ultrasonication (UAE) and microwave assisted (MAE) extractions. Ms. Audrey Karsteter, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Horticulture Department (Supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Dept) The influence of biochar on soil quality was evaluated at two different landscape positions. Mr. Sam Ireland, SDSU (Supervisor: Dr. Guanghui Hua, Civil Engineering Dept) Agricultural residues and biochar were found to be able to leach higher amounts of organic carbon than woodchips and further promote the growth of denitrifying bacteria in drainage water treatment unit. Ms. Emily Leupp, Oregon State Univ. Ag. Bio. Eng. (Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) The innovative flash thermochemical process to produce graphene directly from lignin was developed. Mr. Zebadiah Nelson, SDSU (Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) A novel electrochemical dopamine sensor based on a composite film solely consisting of kappa-carrageenan and hierarchical porous graphene that was synthesized directly from alkali lignin. Mr. Elliot VanWell, SDSU (Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept) Glucosinolate extracted from oil-seeds was evaluated as substitute of antibiotics to inhibit E coli, and Salmonella. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results obtained in this project have been published as journal articles and presented at regional conferences What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: Establish a summer undergraduate fellowship program to train undergraduates in an interdisciplinary environment in basic and applied research of biochar's agricultural applications. (100% Accomplished) Since 2016, this undergraduate fellowship program has trained 18 female and 9 male undergraduates from 14 different universities and 10 agricultural related Science and Engineering majors. Participants have included 3 African American and 2 Latino students (Table 1). All students joined multi-disciplinary teams and obtained hands-on training in various basic and applied research projects related to agricultural applications of biochar. In this fellowship program 3 students from SDSU worked continuously on same project for at least 20 weeks. This practice shown that continuous hand on training in research laboratory significantly inspired students to continue their career pathway in agricultural science, technology and engineering. All 27 undergraduates subsequently expressed interest in pursuing careers in agricultural science and engineering, and biological engineering related areas. Students Trained in SD00G634-15 Sara Abbett (Female), Univ. of Missouri-Columbus, Ag. Eng. 2016 summer Shannon Johnson (Female), Univ. of Missouri-Columbus , Ag. Eng. 2016 summer Fletcher Corbin (Male), Univ. of Georgia, Agriculture, 2016 summer Shelby Adair (Female), Mississippi State Univ. Ag. Bio. Eng. 2017 summer Kristen Lacy (Female), Mississippi State Univ. , Ag. Bio. Eng. 2017 summer Bryce Dahl (Male), Mississippi State Univ. , Civ. Eng. 2017 summer Annika Oetken (Female), Montana State Univ.; Chem. Eng. 2017 summer Brad JonesG (male), Montana State University, Civ. Eng. 2017 summer Kelyah Spurgeon* North Carolina Ag .&Tech. State Univ. Bio. Eng. 2017 summer F Massmann Camille G (Female) South Dakota State Univ. (SDSU), Bio Microbial. 2017& 2018 summer Sutko, Kelly Marie (Female), SDSU, Bio Microbial. 2017 Cole, Matthew G, SDSU, Ag. Bio. Eng. 2017 & 2019 summer Jane Rouse (Female), Univ. of Maryland, Bio. Eng. 2017 summer Lucas Ramos** , UMass Amherst Chem. Eng. 2017 summer Jose Gonzalez G **, Univ. of Costa Rica, Agronomy 2017 summer Anderson Kjersti (Female), Cornell University, Bio. Eng. 2018 summer Schuster AmberG (Female), SDSU, Chemistry Bio, 2018 summer and 2018-19 Ac. year Thom Rebecca (Female), SDSU , Bio Microbial. 2018 summer Ireland SamG, SDSU, Civ. Eng. 2018 summer Karsteter Audrey (Female), Southern Illinois University Agriculture 2018 summer Lee ErinG (Female), Univ. of Maryland Bio. Eng. 2018 summer Best Madison (Female), Univ. of Minnesota Ag. Bio. Eng. 2018 summer Hang Sabrina* (Female), Univ. of Minnesota, Bio. Eng. 2018 summer McCoy Cameron* (Male), Univ. of Illinois Agr. Eng. 2018 summer Emily Leupp (Female), Oregon State Univ. Ag. Bio. Eng. 2019 summer Nelson, Zebadiah Peter SDSU, Bio Microbial. 2019 summer VanWell, Elliot, SDSU Bio Microbial. 2019 summer * African Americans student ** Latino students G Joined graduate school now or will continue in graduate school To this point, 5 original research articles have been published based on results obtained from this fellowship program, with two of the articles being co-authored by undergraduates.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Y Cao, X Wang, Z Gu, Q Fan, W Gibbons, V Gadhamshetty, N Ai, G Zeng. 2018. Potassium chloride templated carbon preparation for supercapacitor. Journal of Power Sources. 384, 360-366.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
S Tan, S Johnson, Z Gu. 2018. Laser depolarization ratio measurement of corn leaves from the biochar and non-biochar applied plots. Optics express. 26 (11), 14295-14306.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Sekaran U., McCoy C., Kumar S., Subramanian S. 2018. Soil microbial community structure and enzymatic activity responses to nitrogen management and landscape positions in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). GCB Bioenergy (in press) DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12591.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Gu Y, Hummel M, Gu Z, Muthukumarappan K, Zhao Z. 2019. Synthesis and characterization of allyl terpene maleate monomers. Scientific Reports, 9, 19149 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55356-8.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Lu S., et al. 2019. Trash to treasure: A novel chemical route to synthesis of NiO/C for hydrogen production. Intern. J. Hydrogen Energy 44 (31), 16144-16153, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.04.191.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Schuster A, Anderson K, Hang S, Hummel M, Gu Z. 2018. Electrochemical DNA sensor for the detection of antibiotic resistance gene. SD EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Symposium. Aug 2. Pierre, SD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Lee E, Hummel M, Gu ZR. 2018. Low-cost carbon-based supercapacitors via one-step thermochemical conversion. SD EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Symposium. Aug 2. Pierre, SD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Schuster A, Hummel M, Gu ZR. 2018. Electrochemical DNA sensor for the detection of antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae. ACS Midwest Regional meeting. Oct 21-23. Ames, IA.
|
Progress 03/01/18 to 02/28/19
Outputs
Target Audience:All research activities conducted by students are recorded as research reports. These reports will be shared with scientists and students in agricultural disciplines. The following industrial collaborators have expressed interest in biochar applications in agriculture. Harry Harlow, Principle Scientist Product Development, Raven Engineered Films (biochar as soil amendment and fumigant delivery method) Rod Dickerson, Dickerson Consultants, LLC. (biochar as a crop production enhancer, soil amendment, and fertilizer) Steve Gruhn, Black Gold Biochar LLC (biochar as a crop production enhancer, soil amendment, and fertilizer) Jason Rutz, Institute of Range and the American Mustang (sustainable range & farm scale biochar production and application methods) Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?All undergraduates gained experience in experimental design, statistical data analysis (with statistic software, e.g. EXCEL or JMP), data interpretation, critical thinking, and professional writing of research reports and presentation. Undergraduate students also learned and practiced how to deliver professional presentations of their research activities and results. Students also visited an industrial partner, Raven Inc.'s precision agricultural farm and learned industrial application of precision agricultural technology In the third year of this program, mentors and graduates in multiple departments at South Dakota State University trained all 10 undergraduate fellows in interdisciplinary environments Ms. Kjersti Anderson, Cornell University, Bioengineering Department. Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: graphene electrode fabrication, oligo single stranded DNA ligand design, microfluidic device design and fabrication, electrochemical analysis (impedance and peak current), data processing and statistical analysis, internal calibration. Ms. Amber Schuster, South Dakota State University, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: thermochemical conversion of biochar to graphene, covalent immobilization of penicillinase gene (PPNG-1) on graphene, impedance (resistance) analysis. Ms. Sabrina Hang, University of Minnesota, Bioengineering Department. Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong and Dr. McDaniel Rachel (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: magnetic nanoparticle based water sample treatment, spiked sample (in bovine serum) preparation, field water sample collection and storage, impedance analysis, data analysis and processing. Mr. Erin Lee (Maryland University, Bio-Engineering). Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Flash thermochemical process for producing graphene from lignin directly, supercapacitor electrode fabrication, packing and electrochemical analysis (charging/discharging, impedance, current-voltage scanning and etc.), data analysis and processing. Mr. Cameron McCoy (Africa American), University of Illinois, Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering. Supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Plant Science). Experience: urease and β-glucosidase activity analysis, soil sample collection, processing and storage, biostatistics of plots design, crops maintenance and sample collections, nitrogen content (biosamples) analysis, data processing. Ms. Rebecca Thom, South Dakota State University, Microbiology Department. Supervisor: Dr. Heike Bucking (Microbiology). Experience: microbial inoculation, endophytes isolation and analysis of nitrogen content in plant tissue, indole-3-acetic acid analysis (HPLC), crops planting and management, data analysis. Ms. Madison Best, (University of Minnesota, BioEngineering). Supervisor: Dr. Lin Wei (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: preparation of nanocellulose and activated carbon composite films, adsorption capacity (dynamic and equilibrium) analysis, quantification of methylene blue, scanning electron microscope and micropore analyzer, data analysis. Ms. Camille Marie Massmann, South Dakota State University, Biochemistry /Biotechnology. Supervisor: Dr. Karki, Bishnu (Microbiology). Experience: Extraction, quantification and bioactivity analysis of polyphenols from biosample (grape pomace), ultrasonication and microwave assisted extractions, central composite design with different parameters, statistical analysis. Ms. Audrey Karsteter, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Horticulture Department. Supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Plant Science). Experience: Soil sample collection, storage, treatment and analysis (pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity), data analysis. Mr. Sam Ireland, South Dakota State University, Civil Engineering. Supervisor: Dr. Hua Guanghui (Civil Engineering). Design, setting up, and operation of denitrifying bioreactor, organic carbon analysis, leaching experiments, and quantification of nitrate in water, data analysis. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results obtained in this project have been published as journal articles and presented at regional conferences What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We already announced the 2019 summer fellowship program in mid-January 2019 and plan to recruit 4-6 more students. Additional undergraduates from under-represented groups will be recruited and encouraged to apply. We will also organize a field trip to local farms and industrial partner's facilities. For example, all students will have a chance to visit Raven's experiment farm at which they test land films and precision agriculture technologies.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
All undergraduates gained experience in experimental design, statistical data analysis (with statistic software, e.g. EXCEL or JMP), data interpretation, critical thinking, and professional writing of research reports and presentation. Undergraduate students also learned and practiced how to deliver professional presentations of their research activities and results. Students also visited an industrial partner, Raven Inc.'s precision agricultural farm and learned industrial application of precision agricultural technology In the third year of this program, mentors and graduates in multiple departments at South Dakota State University trained all 10 undergraduate fellows in interdisciplinary environments. Ms. Kjersti Anderson, Cornell University, Bioengineering Department. Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: graphene electrode fabrication, oligo single stranded DNA ligand design, microfluidic device design and fabrication, electrochemical analysis (impedance and peak current), data processing and statistical analysis, internal calibration. Ms. Amber Schuster, South Dakota State University, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: thermochemical conversion of biochar to graphene, covalent immobilization of penicillinase gene (PPNG-1) on graphene, impedance (resistance) analysis. Ms. Sabrina Hang, University of Minnesota, Bioengineering Department. Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong and Dr. McDaniel Rachel (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: magnetic nanoparticle based water sample treatment, spiked sample (in bovine serum) preparation, field water sample collection and storage, impedance analysis, data analysis and processing. Mr. Erin Lee (Maryland University, Bio-Engineering). Supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Flash thermochemical process for producing graphene from lignin directly, supercapacitor electrode fabrication, packing and electrochemical analysis (charging/discharging, impedance, current-voltage scanning and etc.), data analysis and processing. Mr. Cameron McCoy (Africa American), University of Illinois, Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering. Supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Plant Science). Experience: urease and β-glucosidase activity analysis, soil sample collection, processing and storage, biostatistics of plots design, crops maintenance and sample collections, nitrogen content (biosamples) analysis, data processing. Ms. Rebecca Thom, South Dakota State University, Microbiology Department. Supervisor: Dr. Heike Bucking (Microbiology). Experience: microbial inoculation, endophytes isolation and analysis of nitrogen content in plant tissue, indole-3-acetic acid analysis (HPLC), crops planting and management, data analysis. Ms. Madison Best, (University of Minnesota, BioEngineering). Supervisor: Dr. Lin Wei (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience: preparation of nanocellulose and activated carbon composite films, adsorption capacity (dynamic and equilibrium) analysis, quantification of methylene blue, scanning electron microscope and micropore analyzer, data analysis. Ms. Camille Marie Massmann, South Dakota State University, Biochemistry / Biotechnology. Supervisor: Dr. Karki, Bishnu (Microbiology). Experience: Extraction, quantification and bioactivity analysis of polyphenols from biosample (grape pomace), ultrasonication and microwave assisted extractions, central composite design with different parameters, statistical analysis. Ms. Audrey Karsteter, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Horticulture Department. Supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Plant Science). Experience: Soil sample collection, storage, treatment and analysis (pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity), data analysis. Mr. Sam Ireland, South Dakota State University, Civil Engineering. Supervisor: Dr. Hua Guanghui (Civil Engineering). Design, setting up, and operation of denitrifying bioreactor, organic carbon analysis,leaching experiments, and quantification of nitrate in water, data analysis.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Y Cao, X Wang, Z Gu, Q Fan, W Gibbons, V Gadhamshetty, N Ai, G Zeng. 2018. Potassium chloride templated carbon preparation for supercapacitor. Journal of Power Sources. 384, 360-366
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
S Tan, S Johnson, Z Gu. 2018. Laser depolarization ratio measurement of corn leaves from the biochar and non-biochar applied plots. Optics express. 26 (11), 14295-14306.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
A Schuster, K Anderson, S Hang, M Hummel, ZR Gu. 2018. Electrochemical DNA sensor for the detection of antibiotic resistance Gene, SD EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Symposium. Aug 2. Pierre, SD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
E Lee, M Hummel, ZR Gu. 2018. Low-cost carbon-based supercapacitors via one-step thermochemical conversion, SD EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Symposium. Aug 2. Pierre, SD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
A Schuster, M Hummel, ZR Gu. 2018. Electrochemical DNA sensor for the detection of antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae. ACS Midwest Regional meeting. Oct 21-23. Ames, IA.
|
Progress 03/01/17 to 02/28/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists in agricultural engineering and science, undergraduate students in biology, agriculture and related majors, and industrial collaborators. Harry Harlow, Principle Scientist, Product Development, Raven Engineered Films (biochar as soil amendment and fumigant delivery method) Rod Dickerson, Dickerson Consultants, LLC. (biochar as a crops production enhancer, soil amendment and fertilizer) Steve Gruhn, Black Gold Biochar LLC (biochar as a crops production enhancer, soil amendment and fertilizer) Jason Rutz, Institute of Range and the American Mustang (Sustainable Range & Farm Scale Biochar Production and Application Methods) Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Faculty mentors and graduate students in multiple departments at South Dakota State University trained all 11 undergraduate fellows in interdisciplinary environments. All undergraduates gained the following experiences, including but not limited to: experimental design and statistical data analysis (with statistic software, e.g. EXCEL or JMP), data interpretation and critical thinking, how to prepare and present scientific presentations, and professional writing of research reports. Students also visited an industrial partner, Raven Inc, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where they learned about precision agricultural technology. Specific training each student received is described below: Ms. Annika Oetken (Montana State University, Chemical Engineering), Supervisor: Dr. Ahiablame, Laurent (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience in adsorption/desorption on porous biochar, water quality analysis (nitrate, phosphate and sulfate. quantification) with wet laboratory and instruments. Data analysis of adsorption/desorption equilibrium and dynamics. Ms. Kelyah Spurgeon (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Biological Engineering), Supervisor: Dr. Heike Bucking (Microbiology). Experience in soil nutrient analysis, planting crops in green house, microbial inoculation, quantitative analysis of crops tissues and monitoring of crop growth, soil microbial analysis and identification with genomic tools. Ms. Jane Rouse (University of Maryland, Biological Engineering), supervisor: Dr. Joe Darrington (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience in microbial analysis tools such as plate count; chemical analysis of water samples, operation of clean room and biosafety hood. Mr. Bryce Dahl (Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), supervisor: Dr. Rachel McDaniel (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience in water quality analysis (nitrate, phosphate and sulfate quantification) with wet laboratory and instruments, quantification and identification of microbes in solid and liquid samples with microbial methods and genomic tools. Mr. Jose Gonzalez (University of Costa Rica, San José, CR., Agronomy), supervisor: Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Plant Science). Experience of biostatistics and plot design of field tests, soil chemical analysis as well as greenhouse gas monitoring and analysis in field. Mr. Lucas Ramos (University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chemical Engineering), supervisor: Dr. Lin Wei (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience in catalysts and porous support characterization, catalytic reactions (dynamics and catalysts degradation); reactor designation and operation, data analysis of characterization instruments. Ms. Shelby Adair (Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), supervisor: Dr. Tan Songxin (Electrical Engineering). Experiments in laser polarimetric reflectivity radar; wet laboratory analysis of water stress of crops; biostatistics and data analysis. Ms. Camille Massmann (South Dakota State University, Biochemistry / Biotechnology), supervisor: Dr. Bishnu Karki (Microbiology). Experience in inoculation, microbial fermentation, bioseparation of pullulan, HPLC, enzymatic treatment and biostatistics. Mr. Brad Jones (Montana State University, Civil Engineering), supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience in biochar and graphene characterization (XRD, TEM and porous analyzer), thermochemical catalytic process for graphene preparation, fabrication of electrode for supercapacitor, electrochemical analysis of electrodes and data analysis. Ms. Kristen Lacy (Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering) supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience in graphene electrode fabrication, quantification of DNA with UV-spectrophotometer, electrochemical analysis and data analysis. Mr. Matthew Cole (South Dakota State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), supervisor: Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Experience in glucosinolate extraction and quantitative analysis with HPLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometer How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of biochar's impact on microbes in soil were shared with local biochar users and manufactures, such as Rod Dickerson in Dickerson Consultants, LLC. (biochar producer and consulting Inc.); Steve Gruhn, Black Gold Biochar LLC (biochar and biochar based microbial compost producer); Jason Rutz, Institute of Range and the American Mustang (Sustainable Range & Farmer, who is using biochar to enhance nutrients efficient in range lands). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals??In January we announced the 2018 summer fellowship program, and plan to increase student recruitment to 15. We also established collaboration with Benedict College (HBCU) and Oglala Lakota College (Native American Tribal College) to increase participation of undergraduates from under-represented groups. We will also organize field trips to local farmer and industrial partner facilities. For example, all students will have a chance to visit Raven's experiment farm to learn about land film testing and precision agriculture practices, as well as to learn how agricultural research and development can change our agricultural practices. We will also visit local biochar manufacturers and users in Eastern South Dakota.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the second year of this program, 11 undergraduates from different universities were recruited to participate in the summer of 2017 (May 30 - Aug 5). Students joined multi-disciplinary teams to conduct basic and applied research into agricultural applications of biochar. Specific project foci included sustainable agriculture, biorenewable products, precision agriculture, and water resource management in agriculture. Research mentors came from several departments at South Dakota State University and provided hands-on education and training to the students. All 11 undergraduates subsequently expressed interest in developing future careers in agricultural science and engineering related areas. Ms. Annika Oetken (Montana State University, Chemical Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Ahiablame, Laurent (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Ms. Oetken evaluated the ability of biochar to adsorb pollutants in agricultural runoff. Biochar demonstrated the capability to effective remove nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrate from agricultural runoff. Biochar was also effective in adsorbing metals such as aluminum and iron from storm water runoff. Ms. Kelyah Spurgeon (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Biological Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Heike Bucking (Microbiology). Ms. Spurgeon was an underrepresented group participant with Africa American heritage. Ms. Spurgeon successfully evaluated and quantified the benefits of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on crop growth, and the effects of biochar on these fungal/plant relationships. She showed that arbuscular mycorrhizal provide different levels of benefits to different plants. For example, arbuscular mycorrhizal strain AM 09 promoted a better growth response from Medicago truncatula, an annual legume. Biochar was evaluated as a microbial growth enhancer and was shown to boost the growth of beneficial microbes and the crop plant. Ms. Jane Rouse (University of Maryland, Biological Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Joe Darrington (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Ms. Rouse investigated the effect of time and traffic on efficacy of boot baths in swine barns. The biocide efficacy of boot baths decreased significantly with traffic. She found that in high traffic conditions (75 or more passes through per week), boot baths should be changed every 2-3 days, while in low traffic conditions (less than 20 passes/week) baths only need to be changed once per week. Based on microbial analysis of field boot bath liquid, Ms. Rouse subsequently determined that foot baths should be changed after 20-25 passes. Mr. Bryce Dahl (Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Rachel McDaniel (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Mr. Dahl evaluated biochar as an adsorbent to reduce E. coli levels emitted from de-nitrification bio-reactors. Woodchips have commonly been used in de-nitrication bioreactors because their low cost and high surface area. Mr. Dahl determined that biochar can be used to replace woodchips, and that its porous structure improves bioactivity. Moreover, E. coli levels were reduced in the outflowing water due to adsorption onto the biochar. Mr. Jose Gonzalez (University of Costa Rica, San José, CR., Agronomy) was supervised by Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Plant Science). Mr. Gonzalez was an underrepresented group participant with Hispanic heritage. Mr. Gonzalez evaluate biochar as a soil amendment during manure application. Biochar's impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon fractions were investigated at two different landscape positions in South Dakota. Biochar and manure application significantly increased recalcitrant carbon levels in soil, while landscape location also affected soil labile and recalcitrant carbon fractions. In 2017 summer tests, greenhouse gas emissions were influenced by landscape shape, but no effects on greenhouse gas emissions were observed from biochar or manure applications. Mr. Lucas Ramos (University of Massachesstus Amherst, Chemical Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Lin Wei (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Mr. Ramos was an underrepresented group participant with Hispanic heritage. Mr. Ramos evaluated plasma assisted catalysis as a method to upgrade bio-oil and regenerate catalysts. He found that plasma assisted catalysis of biooil didn't achieve continuous operation because biooil cannot be continuous vaporized. However he did find that plasma treatment was able to increase the surface area of used catalysts, thus regenerating the catalysts. The most important variables were the intensity and duration of the plasma treatment. Ms. Shelby Adair (Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Tan Songxin (Electrical Engineering). Ms. Adair developed laser polarimetric reflectivity as an analytical tool for measuring water stress of corn leaves. Results indicated that laser depolarization was able to quantify water stress in corn. For example, the depol value of corn leaves decreased significantly after precipitation, and the decrease in the depol value was correlated with the amount of precipitation. Ms. Camille Massmann (South Dakota State University, Biochemistry / Biotechnology) was supervised by Dr. Bishnu Karki (Microbiology). Ms. Massmann investigated production of pullulan from soybean industry waste water via fermentation with Aureobasidium pullulans. Enzymatic and HPLC analysis methods were developed to quantify true pullulan from a crude pullulan slurry recovered after fermentation via solvent precipitation. Mr. Brad Jones (Montana State University, Civil Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Mr. Jones used seaweed as a biorenewable feedstock to produce biochar via pyrolysis. This biochar was then subjected to a catalytic thermochemical process to derive biorenewable graphene which was used to fabricate supercapacitor electrodes. Ms. Kristen Lacy (Mississippi State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Ms. Lacy developed a graphene based DNA electrochemical biosensor to detect the DNA of pathogenic bacteria by measuring impedance resistance changes. The graphene electrode was successfully applied as a nano-biosensing platform to detect a targeted DNA sequence by using an oligo single stranded DNA with complimentary sequence asa bioaffinity ligand (immobilized through adsorption on the graphene electrode). The probe DNA modified graphene electrode shown high selectivity of targeted DNA in spiked samples containing extracted yeast DNA as a model contaminant. Mr. Matthew Cole (South Dakota State University, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering) was supervised by Dr. Zhengrong Gu (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Mr. Cole investigated the recovery of glucosinolates from oilseed meal for use as a naturally based anti-microbial and anti-insect product. A novel aqueous phase glucosinolate extraction process was developed and achieve 75% glucosinolate yield. Biochar was found to efficiently adsorb glucosinolate from the extract. In addition, we also involved one other undergraduate, Ms. Erin Benson, who was supported by the Electrical Engineering Department at South Dakota State University for the 2017 summer activities. Ms. Benson worked together with Ms. Shelby Adair to develop the laser polarimetric reflectivity biosensing tool to measure water stress of corn leaves. After the 2017 summer program, Ms. Erin Benson was admitted into the REU fellowship program and worked on using the laser polarimetric reflectivity biosensing tool to quantify the impact of biochar on water stress and health of crops.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Tan SX, Gu ZR, Johnson S, 2018, Laser Depolarization Ratio Measurement of Corn Leaves from the Biochar and Nonbiochar Applied Plots, Optics Express (submitted in 2018 Feb)
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Progress 03/01/16 to 02/28/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists in agricultural engineering and science, undergraduate students in biology, agriculture and related majors, industrila collaborators. Harry Harlow,Principle Scientist, Product Development,Raven Engineered Films (biochar as soil amendment and fumigant delivery method) Rod Dickerson, Dickerson Consultants, LLC. (biochar as a crops production enhancer, soil amendmentand fertilizer) Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Three undegraduates,David Corbin, Shannon Johnson,Sara Abbettwere recruited in the first summer and participated in the 10 week undergraduate training program. All three undergraduateslearned data processing and statistics analysis (with statistic software, e.g. JMP). Students and their supervisors also joined weekly meetings (held on every Tuesday), discussed their progress and challenges, and gavepresentations about their projects. For details, all three students gaveinitial presentations about their projectsin the second meeting, then gave presentations of intermediate progress reports in the fifth meeting, finally gavepresentations of their finalreports in the ninthmeeting. Allthree undergraduates also submitted their final reports to their mentors. David Corbin (University ofGeorgia):Biochar as support of biooil upgrading catalysts.Mr. Corbin got training and hands on experience with state-of-the-art science tools of renewable bioenergy and sustainable agriculture, such asGC-MS, HPLC, heating value quantification (Calorimeter), viscosity measurement, automatic Titrator,pyrolysis and biooil upgrading. The training also included learning of mass balance, energy balance and reaction dynamics of biochar preparation. Shannon Johnson (University of Missouri): Impact of biochar as soil amendments onleaves healthy - evaluationwith depolarization laser precision agricultural tool. Ms. Johnsongot training and hands on experience of precision agricultural tools,such asdepolarization laser radar. Sara Abbett(University of Missouri): Biochar as soil amendments - Impact onthe levels of glomalin. Ms.Sara Abbett obtained training of sample collection in field, wet chemical analysis of biosamples in laboratory as well asdata processing and statistics analysis. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We are planning to announce the 2017 summer fellowship program before January 2017 to increase student recruitmentto 15. We also established collaboration withBenedict College (HBCU), andOglala(Native American Tribal College), more undergraduates from underrepresentative groups will be encouraged to apply and will be recruited. We will also organize a field trip to local farmers and industrial partners facilities. For example, all students will have a chance to visitRaven's experimentfarm for land film testing and precision agriculture practice, as well as to learn how agricultural science and technology experimental change our agricultural practice.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the first year of this program, three undergraduates, David Corbin, Shannon Johnson,Sara Abbettwere recruited to participate in the summer of 2016 (May 30 - Aug 5). Students joinedmulti-disciplinary teams to developbasic and applied research of biochar's agricultural applications. All three undergraduates subsequently expressed interestin developing future careers in agricultural scienceand engineering related areas. David Corbin (supervisor: Dr. Wei Lin) Biochar supported transition metal catalysts were successfully developed and applied in biooilupgrading. 10%Fe10%Ni-Biochar catalyst demonstrated optimal performance for increasing heating value of upgraded biooil after hydrodeoxygenation, while10%Ni-Biocharcatalyst shown the best results for reducing water content and total acid content. On the other hand, 30%Fe10%Ni-Biochar catalyst had the best result for reducing viscosity of upgraded biochar. Shannon Johnson (supervisor:Dr. Tan, Songxin) A laser depolarization method was developed to evaluate the impact of biochar on crops leaf health and nutrition condition. This proof of concept study suggests that biochar is an effective soil amendment and improved corn leaf health (with lower leaf surface roughness and higher chlorophyll content). Sara Abbett(supervisor:Dr. Franzen, Aaron) A standard protocol to quantify the impact of biochar (as soil amendments) on the levels of glomalin (beneficial glycoprotein associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) was developed and verified. This proof of concept study suggest that biochar is an effective soil amendment and improved growth of beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (e.g. higher levels of glomalin in the soil).
Publications
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