UAES Bulletins

Bulletin No. 313 - Canal Lining Experiments in the Delta Area, Utah

Orson W. Israelsen et al. — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:08:49 PDT

THIS bulletin reports data collected in a three-year experimental study of seepage losses from typical canal sections in the Delta Area, Millard County, Utah. It includes analyses of the justifiable cost of lining irrigation canals based on the value of the water saved and on assumed or estimated annual maintenance costs of the lining. vVith present water values and interest rates and canal lining maintenance costs not greater than 9 percent annually, Delta Area irrigation companies can justify initial lining costs of 9 cents per square foot on some of their canals . Seepage losses were measured in eight experimental sections during 1940, in five sections during l!H1 , and in three sections during 1942. In March and April 1941 , a L1.,000-foot section of the C-Canal, which had the largest second-foot loss in 19L:I

Bulletin No. 385 - Comparitive Nutritive Value and Palatability of Some Introduced and Native Forage Plants for Spring and Summer Grazing

C. Wayne Cook et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:44:19 PST

From 1952 to 1954 studies were conducted on foothill ranges of central Utah to determine the forage production, palatability, and nutritive value of some of the more important native and introduced species used for spring and summer grazing.

Plants studied were four introduced wheatgrasses (crested, tall, pubescent, and intermediate) , four native grasses (western wheatgrass, beardless wheatgrass, squirreltail grass, and Indian ricegrass), and two introduced annual forbs (Russian-thistle, and smother weed).

Field digestibility trials were conducted to determine the nutrient content by the lignin-ratio technique. In addition, both sheep and cattle preferences were studied on areas where both introduced and native species were planted.

Bulletin No. 387 - Evaluation of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in Northern Utah

Jay M. Bagley et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:44:16 PST

Following the availability of lightweight aluminum tubing in quantity, irrigation by sprinkling has expanded rapidly in the United States as well as other areas of the world. Quick couplers, better pumps, and more dependable power units and power supplies have also contributed to the increased use of sprinkler irrigation. Future land developments will probably be more favorable to sprinkler irrigation since many of the areas best suited for surface irrigation have already been developed. Sprinkler irrigation can be an efficient way of applying water, and as water supply becomes more and more a limiting factor, more efficient methods for its use must be employed.

Because of its relative newness, its rapid growth, and its aesthetic appeal, sprinkler irrigation has received much publicity. Advertising has cited the tremendous savings in water, labor, and investment together with increased quality, yield, and profits as a result of using sprinkler irrigation. It is doubtful that the plant knows or cares how it gets its water as long as it can have it where and when required.

Bulletin No. 386 - Production of Lettuce Seed as Affected by Soil Moisture and Fertility

Leslie R. Hawthorn et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:40:31 PST

Much of the lettuce seed produced in the United States is grown under irrigation in various western states. Few studies have been made to determine the extent to which yields of seed are influenced by soil moisture and other cultural conditions. Crops have been irrigated mostly on the basis of local practices and the general experience of the grower. Recent studies in Utah (Hawthorn 1951) showed rather conclusively that carrot and onion seed crops grown side by side under the same climatic conditions differ widely in their response to soil moisture. High seed yields were obtained from carrots grown under low soil moisture conditions. In contrast high yields of onion seed were obtained only when the soil moisture level was high. However, even with onions, surprisingly satisfactory yields were recorded under low soil moisture conditions. Such findings suggest that desirable and efficient cultural practices for other vegetable seed crops, including lettuce, can only be determined by field experiment.

Bulletin No. 384 - Virus and Viruslike Diseases of Stone Fruits in Utah: A Handbook for Their Identification and Control

B. L. Richards et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:39:59 PST

Intensive research over the last 20 years has shown that many of the previously unexplained and seemingly mysterious disorders of stone fruit trees in Utah are infectious diseases caused by viruses. Others were shown to be the result of noninfectious genetic abnormalities or of adverse chemical and physical factors in the environment of the plant. The purpose of this handbook is to help orchardists and others recognize these diseases and disorders and understand better their etiology or cause. The handbook will also bring together basic information which will aid in their control.

Bulletin No. 379 - Biology and Control of the Peach Twig Borer (Anarsia lineatella Zeller) in Utah

Charles J. Sorenson et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:37:15 PST

The peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller, sometimes called the peach worm, annually damages peach, apricot, nectarine, prune, and plum orchards in Utah. Many buds and twig terminals are destroyed each spring by the overwintered generation of partially grown larvae. These emerge from their winter quarters almost as soon as host trees begin their spring growth. From the time the fruit becomes about half grown until it is harvested, later generations of twig-borer larvae feed on it causing irregular, gummy cavities which make it unfit for market.

In order to work out a control program for any insect, its life history must be known. Consequently the first part of this study was made to obtain specific information on the biology of the peach twig borer as it occurs in Utah, and second, to determine the effectiveness and best time to apply the various insecticides for the control of this pest. The authors studied the life history of the borer during 1936 and 1937 in Davis County and during 1941 in Washington County. They studied methods of control in the Brigham-Perry district of Box Elder County from 1940 to 1943, inclusive.

Bulletin No. 383 - Cooperative Nutritional Status Studies in the Western Region: I. Nutrient Intake

Ethelwyn B. Wilcox et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:35:14 PST

In 1947, a concerted study of the nutritional status of selected population groups was initiated in the western region of the United States. Previous dietary surveys had indicated that substantial portions of the country's population were consuming lower than recommended levels of essential nutrients. Deficiency diseases that may have nutritional background, such as dental caries, anemia, and rickets, existed. Investigators reported subclinical signs of malnutrition in several areas. Few studies had been made in the West, although reports of high incidence of dental caries and suspected undernutrition had come from several western states. The regional committee thought it evident that the presence of endemic nutritional deficiencies, imbalances, and excesses should be investigated within the western region, and their causes in environmental factors or food habits should be studied. Such conditions might be widespread and cross state lines. Hence the regional approach was appropriate.

Bulletin No. 378 - Labor Structure and Labor Problems: Utah Sheep Ranches, 1952-1953

William A. DeHart et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:32:15 PST

This study deals with the problem sheep ranchers have in recruiting workers to meet their labor needs. Consideration is given to the composition of the work force on sheep ranches, to wages, the amount and causes of labor turnover, and to ways to reduce turnover. Labor recruitment practices are also discussed and evaluated in terms of available sources of farm labor, the possibilities of maintaining a stable supply, and the effect of farm labor problems on recent changes in the operations of sheep ranch enterprises. The primary focus of attention is on regular hired labor on Utah sheep ranches, although seasonal labor is given some consideration.

The study is not exhaustive or general in scope and does not represent the general labor situation of sheepmen in the whole Intermountain Area. Nevertheless, certain labor conditions described in this report are typical of those in other states and should be of general interest. It will be evident that sheep ranching in Utah has had its own unique development in relation to local geographic, social, and economic conditions.

This publication is designed primarily for sheep men and various public and private agencies who are concerned with the problem that sheep ranchers have in recruiting workers to meet their labor needs.

Bulletin No. 377 - Performance Testing Studies with Beef Cattle

James A. Bennett et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:28:56 PST

The goal in beef cattle breeding is the production of animals that make rapid and efficient gains and have desirable conformation. Performance testing has recently been advanced as a means of identifying individuals possessing superior productive qualities and as a means of evaluating sires for transmitting these qualities to their offspring. This report gives the results of performance tests conducted with Hereford and Shorthorn calves fed over a constant time period as well as the results of a supplemental study undertaken to gain information that might add refinement to the evaluation of gains in beef cattle.

Bulletin No. 382 - Grass-Legume Mixtures for Irrigated Pastures for Dairy Cows

George Q. Bateman et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:28:26 PST

Pastures have been important in the agricultural economy of the Intermountain Region. But as long as nearby valley bottom or other land not well suited for cultivation was available, the pressure for better irrigated pastures remained secondary to that for improved cash crops.
Only in recent years have dairymen generally realized that a productive herd, coupled with proper management, could make a good pasture a highly profitable crop. Bateman and Packer pointed out in 1945 this concept of pastures. Bateman et al. using newer mixtures strikingly verified the concept in 1949 and 1954. The growing awareness of the value of pastures when established on the most productive soils gave rise to the need for further studies to make available the most productive pasture mixtures.

Bulletin No. 376 - Potato Production, Utah 1953: An Economic Analysis

E. M. Morrison et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:26:43 PST

The potato enterprise is important in providing a cash crop and a means of diversifying and intensifying the operations on many of Utah's irrigated farms. It is particularly important in those areas where, because of short growing season or inadequate markets, other intensive crops cannot be produced economically.

Potatoes have accounted for around 2.5 percent of the total cash farm income and around 10 percent of the cash farm income from crop sales over the past several years. The gross value of the crop has been between four and five million dollars in 8 of the last 12 years from 1943 to 1954, inclusive. It fell below four million dollars in 1950, 1953, and 1954 and reached a high of 5.5 million dollars in 1952.

Bulletin No. 375 - Eradication of Mule Ear with Herbicides and Its Relation to Production of Forage on Range Lands

D. C. Tingey et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:23:46 PST

Mule ear (Wyethia amplexicaulis) , also known as green dock and black sunflower, is a tufted perennial with smooth waxy leaves and a thick woody taproot. It reproduces only by seed, yet it is aggressive, and once it becomes established it is highly competitive.

Cattle seldom eat mule ear when other forage is available; however, sheep eat the heads when in full bloom and occasionally consume a small quantity of the young leaves before they completely unfold. Since mule ear is relatively unpalatable, it increases in density with continued heavy use of the range and in some cases has increased almost to the exclusion of other species.

Rehabilitation of mule-ear-infested ranges through protection requires many years and such a procedure seems to be economically impractical. It would be highly desirable if a more expedient and practical method could be found for rehabilitating infested ranges.

Bulletin No. 381 - The Organization and Structure of Egg Marketing in Utah

Roice H. Anderson — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:23:30 PST

Sale of eggs is one of the major sources of farm income in Utah. In 1954 egg receipts represented 8 percent of the farm cash income. This was the lowest percentage since 1929; receipts reached a high of 13 percent in 1935.

The relative importance of egg production doubled from 1924 to 1929 when the proportion of cash farm income from eggs increased from 4 to 9 percent. Since 1929 it has fluctuated without apparent trend. The percentage of cash income from eggs was high in years when egg prices were high relative to the other agricultural products and low when egg prices were low.

Utah is unique among the Western States in that egg production exceeds consumption. Not only are eggs from Utah sold in nearby intermountain states, but they are also shipped to distant markets. Prior to World War II most of the excess production above requirements of the intermountain market Was shipped to the East Coast. Since that time, with increased population on the West Coast, eggs from Utah have been marketed in California, Oregon, Washington, and many islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Bulletin No. 380 - Feed Lot Fattening of Cattle in Utah, 1953-54

Lynn H. Davis — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:19:31 PST

This publication has been prepared for your use. It is not intended that the average presented here will represent your farm exactly, but the information will be useful to you in planning your fattening enterprise for greater profit.

The information reported is based on interview with 103 feedlot operator who fattened cattle during the 1953-54 feeding year. The operators fed an average of 57 head for a 133 day feeding period. The cattle were steers and heifers of pr dominantly Hereford breeding. They gained a total of 279 pound in the feedlot at an average daily rate of 2.1 pounds. The figures presented, with the exception of actual a rage, represent practical ranges of costs, receipt , and returns. All are based on 1953-54 prices. You will need to adjust prices to current levels when making any estimate based on the study but you will b able to us the requirement for labor and feed unless your method of feeding or your ration is radically different from that commonly used in Utah.

The report contains two part. The regular printed material can be read to understand the general relations as they occur. The data set off by the printer give detailed findings of the survey. You may read this for more detailed study.

Bulletin No. 374 - Fertilizer Reuirements of Alfalfa Hay in Utah

R. F. Nielson et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:18:33 PST

This bulletin is a report of one phase of research in agronomy. What is agronomy? Agronomy is the science of crop production and soil management and includes a scientific study of all phases of soils and soil conservation, irrigation practices, fertilizer usage, crop rotations, plant breeding, selection and management of new crop varieties, weed control, and other practices that lead to increased production of better quality crops.

Bulletin No. 373 - Biennial Report of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, 1952-1954

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:16:20 PST

Our way of life is based on the ability of our agriculture to produce abundantly, efficiently, and at a low cost; and the position of agriculture today is largely a result of the research efforts of the state agricultural experiment stations and the United States Department of Agriculture. In the 66 years since the establishment of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, its scientists have found solutions to many of the problems peculiar to its location, topography, and climate. It is logical to rely on these same research forces to solve the problems of the future.

During the past biennium a competent staff has delved into the problems in many aspects of the agricultural industry and come up with some of the answers. A brief statement of the results of some of this research is made in the following pages. Results of other research investigations are published from time to time in the station quarterly publication, Farm and Home Science.

Bulletin No. 369 - Impact of Urbanization in Davis County, Utah

Therel R. Black et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:13:05 PST

This study of Davis County should assist community leaders to understand some areas of change and possible effects of changes in an urbanizing area and to understand possible sources of friction and cooperation. It should help residents of any urbanizing area to understand personal adjustments that may be necessary. Such understanding is needed by Utah's residents because Utah is becoming urban-in fact, approximately two-thirds of her population was urban in 1950. A brief summary of the study of Utah's fastest growing county shows the following changes during the 1940-1950 decade.

Bulletin No. 372 - The Nutritive Value of Winter Range Plants in the Great Basin as Determined with Digestion Trials with Sheep

C. W. Cook et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:13:03 PST

During the winter grazing seasons from 1946 to 1953, studies were carried on throughout the desert ranges of western Utah to determine nutritive content and digestibility of range forage plants.

These desert areas receive about 7 inches of precipitation annually and the vegetation consists, chiefly, of saltbush and sagebrush types.

The average floral composition of the desert areas studied was about 74 percent browse, 25 percent grass, and 1 percent forbs. However, on some areas there was more grass than browse and, on still others, large quantities of forbs were present, primarily Russian-thistle.

Digestion trials were carried out under normal range conditions by the use of the lignin-ratio method. Desert ranges in winter were found to be from borderline to decidedly deficient in digestible protein, phosphorus, and metabolizable energy. Diets containing appreciable quantity of browse furnished more than 10 times the minimum requirement of carotene, whereas, grass ranges were decidedly deficient in this respect.

Bulletin No. 368 - Drainage of the Cache Valley Lowlands

Willard Gardner et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:09:01 PST

Now, slightly more than a hundred years since irrigation was first started in the West, many of the low-lying valley lands produce only poor quality pasture grasses because of waterlogging, salinity, and alkali. Other lands now produce only light crops of wild hay, and still other land areas are almost wholly non-productive because of the concentration of excessive quantities of harmful salts. This waterlogging is largely a result of irrigation on the higher lands, although rain and snow waters aggravate the situation. The water not used by the highland crops seeps into the lower areas, bringing harmful salts to the surface of the soil. This makes crop production difficult both because of lack of soil aeration and because of harmful salts.

Bulletin No. 371 - Fifty Years of Dry Land Research at the Nephi Field Station

W. H. Bennett et al. — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:07:45 PST

The Nephi Field Station is the oldest dry-Iand experimental farm in America still in operation. It was established in 1903 by action of the Utah legislature and has been in continuous operation since. Five other arid experimental farms were established in Utah at the same time (Widtsoe and Merrill 1905) but they were all discontinued prior to 1920 (Harris et al. 1920).

The Nephi Field Station has had a most interesting history, and it is worthy of note that many of the men who were closely associated with it during its early history subsequently distinguished themselves as outstanding leaders. The station came into being largely as a result of the efforts of Dr. John A. Widtsoe, noted irrigation and dry farm authority of the west until his death in 1952. Under his leadership a systematic investigation was undertaken in 1901 to determine the possibilities of farming without irrigation in Utah. The experimental farm at Nephi was established largely as a result of that study.