Education

Research Description

A member of the Bio & Ag Agricultural Water Management Group conducting field and simulation hydrologic modeling.

Publications

Drainage water recycling reduced nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment losses from a drained agricultural field in eastern North Carolina, USA

Moursi, H., Youssef, M. A., Poole, C. A., Castro-Bolinaga, C. F., Chescheir, G. M., & Richardson, R. J. (2023), AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT, 279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108179

Effect of controlled drainage on nitrogen fate and transport for a subsurface drained grass field receiving liquid swine lagoon effluent

Liu, Y., Youssef, M. A., Chescheir, G. M., Appelboom, T. W., Poole, C. A., Arellano, C., & Skaggs, R. W. (2019), AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT, 217, 440–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2019.02.018

EFFECT OF DRAINAGE WATER MANAGEMENT ON NITRATE NITROGEN LOSS TO TILE DRAINS IN NORTH CAROLINA

Poole, C. A., Skaggs, R. W., Youssef, M. A., Chescheir, G. M., & Crozier, C. R. (2018), TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASABE, Vol. 61, pp. 233–244. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.12296

Effects of drainage water management on crop yields in North Carolina

Poole, C. A., Skaggs, R. W., Cheschier, G. M., Youssef, M. A., & Crozier, C. R. (2013), JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION, 68(6), 429–437. https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.68.6.429

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Detecting In-Season Crop Water Stress to Improve Climate Resiliency

NC Soybean Producers Association, Inc.(2/01/23 - 1/31/24)

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Detecting In-Season Crop Water Stress to Improve Climate Resiliency

Sponsor: NC Soybean Producers Association, Inc.

Start Date: 2/01/23

End Date: 1/31/24

Abstract

The cost of soybean production is increasing. Nutrient inputs are at historically high costs at a time where there is increased variability in growing season conditions. Crops can experience multiple kinds of stresses and better information is needed on strategies that allow the crop to perform as well as possible while using a minimum of inputs. In North Carolina three of the most substantial production costs are seed, nutrient inputs, and water management infrastructure. This project further develops relationships between water stresses and nutrient uptake so that the response to stress conditions will protect the variety’s yield potential, optimize nutrients, and suggest water management approaches – addressing all the major cost centers. The larger outcome of this research and extension effort is in-season response to water challenges such that nutrient input may be reduced, applications timed to environmental stress and profitability improved. The ability to utilize UAV data to assess plant water and nutrient stress in-season as it occurs and ultimately use the data to prescribe an appropriate course of action is necessary to protect soybean crop profits. This process will provide a framework to quickly assess areas in the field and allow for corrective measures to protect the crop from climatic conditions that ultimately would cause severe yield reductions.

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Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program 2021 (NCSU Component: Land Summit Professional Development)

US Dept. of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA)(7/01/22 - 6/30/24)

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Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program 2021 (NCSU Component: Land Summit Professional Development)

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA)

Start Date: 7/01/22

End Date: 6/30/24

Abstract

The Rural Land Summit (RLS) is a two-pronged professional development education series - with original content support - to address matters related to farm and forest land use. One education prong is a professional credit series - assisted by NC State Office of Continuing Education - for lawyers and others across North Carolina. The second prong builds the capacity of front line contacts - cooperative extension, soil & water, etc. - to serve rural landowners and farmers and forest land managers with guidance to resources and professional assistance on land use matters. The project produces a book - The North Carolina Rural Lands Guide (RLG) - targeted to assist rural landowners not traditionally served by commodity group education programming, and thus operating at a scale not often served by risk management education outside of dedicated programming. Additional media produced will be a suite of 1) interview-based youtube videos on sundry legal topics, 2) professional-grade white papers, 3) lay narratives published on two websites - NC Farm Law (farmlaw.ces.ncsu.edu) and NC Farm Planning Portal (in development), and 4) matching powerpoint presentations. The main topic of “land use” is somewhat of a catchall - designed to capture the attention of landowners (i.e. farm landlords) and land owner/operators on a range of topics of normal concern, such as heir property resolution, property taxes, zoning and building, and environmental matters such as pesticide use, conservation program practices, leasing and farm tenancies, drainage management, access and easements (including utilities), and basic forest management and marketing.

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Detecting In-Season Crop Water Stress to Improve Climate Resiliency and Nutrient Use

Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.(2/01/22 - 1/31/24)

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Detecting In-Season Crop Water Stress to Improve Climate Resiliency and Nutrient Use

Sponsor: Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.

Start Date: 2/01/22

End Date: 1/31/24

Abstract

The cost of corn production is increasing. Nutrient inputs are at historically high costs at a time where there is increased variability in growing season conditions. Crops can experience multiple kinds of stresses and better information is needed on strategies that allow the crop to perform as well as possible while using a minimum of inputs. In North Carolina three of the most substantial production costs are seed, nutrient inputs, and water management infrastructure. This project further develops relationships between water stresses and nutrient uptake so that the response to stress conditions will protect the variety’s yield potential, optimize nutrients, and suggest manage water approaches – addressing all the major cost centers. The larger outcome of this research and extension effort is in-season response to water challenges such that nutrient input may be reduced and profitability improved.

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Statewide Soil Moisture Monitoring Network for Corn Growers

Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.(2/01/22 - 1/31/24)

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Statewide Soil Moisture Monitoring Network for Corn Growers

Sponsor: Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.

Start Date: 2/01/22

End Date: 1/31/24

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to set up a statewide soil moisture monitoring network for corn production that research and extension specialists, area specialized agents, county agents and growers can use in developing corn specific irrigation and water management protocols during the growing season based on existing soil water conditions across the state. This project will provide the initial instrumentation across the state, the cloud database, and access to the data, along with training to growers and agents on how to interpret and use the real time data for making irrigation and water management decisions during the growing season.

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Evaluation of Soybean Varieties for Climate Resiliency and Nutrient Use

NC Soybean Producers Association, Inc.(2/01/22 - 1/31/24)

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Evaluation of Soybean Varieties for Climate Resiliency and Nutrient Use

Sponsor: NC Soybean Producers Association, Inc.

Start Date: 2/01/22

End Date: 1/31/24

Abstract

This research and extension project will evaluate the yield of various soybean varieties to various soil water conditions. Excessive soil water, deficit soil water and adequate soil water condition will be considered. In addition, the project will evaluate the nutrient use of the varieties under each soil water scenario. This information will provide valuable data for variety selection and in season nutrient needs given observed and expected soil water conditions for individual farms.

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On-farm water capture and reuse: performance demonstration, economic feasibility, and design tool development

US Dept. of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)(3/25/22 - 3/18/25)

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On-farm water capture and reuse: performance demonstration, economic feasibility, and design tool development

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)

Start Date: 3/25/22

End Date: 3/18/25

Abstract

The the objectives of this integrated proposal are: 1) demonstrate and evaluate the crop yield and water quality benefits of drainage water capture and reuse for supplemental irrigation; 2) conduct an economic analysis to assess the feasibility of implementing the practice; 3) develop a design tool to optimize the performance of drainage water capture and reuse systems; and 4) educate the stakeholder on the proposed practice.

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Evaluation of Corn Hybrids for Climate Resiliency and Nutrient Use

Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.(2/01/21 - 1/31/24)

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Evaluation of Corn Hybrids for Climate Resiliency and Nutrient Use

Sponsor: Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.

Start Date: 2/01/21

End Date: 1/31/24

Abstract

This research and extension project will evaluate the potential yield of various corn hybrids from multiple maturity groups to various soil water conditions. Excessive soil water, deficit soil water and adequate soil water condition will be considered. In addition, the project will evaluate the nitrogen and phosphorus use of the hybrids under each soil water scenario. This information will provide valuable data for hybrid selection and nutrient needs given observed and expected soil water conditions for individual farms.

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Novel Agricultural Water Management Systems for Increasing the Production and Consistency of Corn Yields in North Carolina

Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.(2/01/18 - 1/31/21)

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Novel Agricultural Water Management Systems for Increasing the Production and Consistency of Corn Yields in North Carolina

Sponsor: Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.

Start Date: 2/01/18

End Date: 1/31/21

Abstract

The primary goal of this research and education project is to evaluate and demonstrate an economical system to automatically manage agricultural drainage and subirrigation in order to maximize corn yields, conserve water, and significantly minimize direct user management. Specific objectives are: 1. Developing corn-specific management protocols for the new generation of drainage water management systems. 2. Conducting a DRAINMOD modeling analysis using historic weather data and different soil types to optimize the management protocol for different soils and weather conditions. 3. Evaluating and demonstrating the management protocol on research fields equipped with the recently developed “SMART” water control structure, which drains and subirrigates the field based on real time feedback from sensors measuring the water table level in the field. 4. Documenting the corn yield and water conservation benefits of the practice. 5. Demonstrating the use of the new generation of water control structures to growers

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Development and testing of soybean management protocols for a new “SMART” water management system for increased soybean yield and quality while minimizing water use and production cost

NC Soybean Producers Association, Inc.(4/01/15 - 12/31/18)

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Development and testing of soybean management protocols for a new “SMART” water management system for increased soybean yield and quality while minimizing water use and production cost

Sponsor: NC Soybean Producers Association, Inc.

Start Date: 4/01/15

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

The overall goal of the project is to demonstrate and evaluate an economical system to will maximize water use efficiency and reduce energy consumption utilizing existing irrigation and drainage system. Existing or retrofitted “SMART” system capabilities allow for automated water table controls by managing drainage outlets coupled with both surface and subsurface irrigation systems. However, management protocols need to be tailored to maximize water management for all periods in the soybean growth stages (Emergence (VE) through Full Maturity (R8)). Specific objectives are: 1) Develop a comprehensive water table management protocol for soybeans to enhance soybean yield, conserve water, conserve energy and improve water quality; 2) Document soybean yields and water conservation benefits of the practice; 3) Promote plant health and increase soybean quality; 4) Reduce irrigation and management expenses by managing soil water stresses at all growth stages; 5) Demonstrate the use of the “SMART” water management system to producers on farm; 6) Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to assess the feasibility of the system

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Testing an Alternative Drainage System for Corn Production in NC to Maximize Crop Yield and Water Use

Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.(2/01/15 - 1/31/18)

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Testing an Alternative Drainage System for Corn Production in NC to Maximize Crop Yield and Water Use

Sponsor: Corn Growers Association of NC, Inc.

Start Date: 2/01/15

End Date: 1/31/18

Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to demonstrate and evaluate a low input economical water management system to maximize corn yield, enhance water quality, reduce operation cost, and greatly minimize production risk. Specific objectives are to: 1) Test a new drainage system design that has the potential to greatly reduce both drought stresses and excessive soil water stresses; 2) Document the yield and water conservation benefits of the practice; 3) Promote plant health and increase corn quality; 4) Reduce the cost of ditch maintenance; 5) Maximize the return on drainage system improvements 6) Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to assess the feasibility of the system

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