Projects

Current Research

Research will demonstrate the complementary use of manure and commercial fertilizers, carbon amendments, and cover crops as best management practices to reduce groundwater nitrates below the drinking water standard. Agronomic, economic, and environmental impacts of BMPs and the impact of demonstration and engagement targeting nutrient management decision-makers will also be evaluated.

Demonstrating an Integrated Nutrient Management Approach for Improving Drinking Groundwater Quality in Nebraska

PI: J. Iqbal; Co-PI’s: A.M. Schmidt, L. Johnson, A. Malakar, J. Milander, C. Proctor, and D. Snow.

Through this project, we intend to conduct replicated on-farm research on commercial crop operations throughout Nebraska, engage high school agriculture programs, and cooperate with agricultural communications experts to deliver educational programming to equip farmers and their advisors with knowledge and skills to identify relevant and optimal opportunities for recycling animal manures and cedar mulch as soil amendments.

Improving Soil Health Using Heat-treated Manure

PI: X. Li; Co-PIs: C. Tan and A. Schmidt

As the swine industry seeks to prepare for the management of foreign animal disease outbreaks, this research explores the environmental, and potential human and animal health impacts of catastrophic animal mortality disposal.

Evaluation of Swine Carcass Disposal Benefits and Challenges Using Composting and Shallow Burial with Carbon

PI: A. Schmidt; Co-PI: B. Mote

Unseasonal spread of PRRSv in recent raised has raised questions about transmission of the virus via aerosols produced during manure handling activities. This research will quantify PRRSv present in manure sources and the risk of infection by aerosolized manure.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Transmission Risk Associated with Exposure to Aerosolized Slurry Manure

PI: A. Schmidt; Co-PIs: H. Vu, B. Mote

explore other past and ongoing projects

Join the Team

As a part of the Schmidt team you'll be a part of research and outreach efforts to support responsible livestock production. Challenge yourself with outreach to help Nebraskans make good decisions today, and meet the challenges of tomorrow. If you are interested in joining the Schmidt team please contact Dr. Schmidt directly (aschmidt@unl.edu). We welcome undergraduates of all majors and graduate students in the Deptartments of Biological Systems, Natural Resources, and Animal Science.

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