Public Service Activities
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Building a “green” infrastructureLike all cities, as Aiken has grown, so have the number of roads, parking lots and roofs – all impervious surfaces that prevent rainwater from soaking into the soil. The result has been increased stormwater runoff that has caused severe erosion in the Sand River and Hitchcock Woods just outside the city. |
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Need for more for food-animal veterinariansA national decline in food supply veterinarians could put South Carolina’s animal food supply at risk. Public health officials are concerned that the lack of veterinarians could lead to an increase in livestock disease outbreaks that could threaten the food supply as well as human health. |
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New forage & grassland councilThe Georgia and South Carolina Piedmont Forage and Grassland Council was launched in March to share information on the important role forage plays in livestock production. “Changes in climate, consumer tastes and research support make it vital for forage and hay growers and sellers to keep up with the issues affecting the industry,” said John Andrae, Extension forage specialist. |
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Variable rate irrigationA new variable-rate irrigation system uses less water and places it more strategically in a field. The Low Energy Precision Application system was shown to growers attending the fall field day at Edisto Research and Education Center. Variable-rate irrigation allows growers to apply water as needed in individual management zones within a field. |
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Seeds are worth plantingA partnership between Clemson and the S.C. Crop Improvement Association is seeking to bring growers the highest quality planting stock as soon as possible. “Our mission is to cooperate with Clemson University, USDA and other agricultural agencies in developing, testing, producing and distributing superior strains and varieties of planting stock,” said Chris Ray, director of the crop improvement program. |
