Using the probably approximately correct (PAC) learning hypothesis, we have conducted experiments using clustered computers, high-performance workstations and ad-hoc grids of personal computers, to develop an analytical model for, and demonstrate asymptotic convergence of simple parallel search in the parameter space of complex environmental models such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SW...

The asphalt industry is constantly working to enhance the performances of materials, introducing innovative and more sustainable solutions. In this context, incorporation such as additives, polymers, used improve properties neat bitumen. This leads even complex bituminous binders, raising question, are current specifications test methods appropriate for materials? To deal with this, RILEM Techn...

Globally, about 1.5 billion people are infected with at least one species of soil-transmitted helminth (STH). Soil is a critical environmental reservoir of STH, yet there is no standard method for detecting STH eggs in soil. We developed a field method for enumerating STH eggs in soil and tested the method in Bangladesh and Kenya. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method for enumerat...

abstract phosphorus (p) sorption in soils is a key process governing the availability of p to crops. p sorption characteristics and their relationship to soil properties were determined in twenty-one paired surface soil samples (21 cultivated and 21 adjacent virgin soils) belonging to five soil types: typic calcixerepts, typic haploxerepts, typic endoaquepts, vertic endoaquepts, and vertic calc...

Managing fertilizer applications to maintain soil P below environmentally unacceptable levels should consider the contribution of manure and synthetic fertilizer sources to soluble and extractable forms of P. Our objective was to evaluate soil and manure characteristics and application rates on P extractability in recently amended soils. Five soils of the U.S. southern High Plains were amended ...

Abstract Continuous manure application based on crop nitrogen (N) requirements could substantially increase field nutrient losses from croplands. Although phosphorus-based (P) is an alternative, crops may suffer potential microbial P immobilization and fixation of in soil. A three-year study (2012–2014) was carried out Manitoba, Canada, to evaluate the agronomic environmental benefits tradeoffs...

Precision agriculture technologies have potential for improving soil fertility evaluation and nutrient management. Global positioning systems (GPS), yield monitors, various forms of remote sensing, geographical information system (GIS) software, and variable rate technology are available to producers. Intensive soil sampling, crop scouting, and other practices complete the new technological pac...

Runoff P associated with eroded soil is partly solubilized in receiving waters and contributes to eutrophication, but the significance of particulate phosphorus (PP) in the eutrophying P load is debatable. We assessed losses of bioavailable P fractions in field runoff from fine-textured soils (Cryaquepts). Surface runoff at four sites and drain-flow at two of them was sampled. In addition to di...

Volcanic ash derived soils represent between 50-60% of the total arable land area of southern of Chile, and they are the most important soils for pasture production. In these soils, high phosphorus (P) fixation and, in turn, low P availability and high aluminium (Al) soluble concentrations (at low pH) are the most limiting factors for pasture production. At the same time, the complexes between ...