@article{kulesza_leon_sosinski_kilroy_meis_castillo_wilson_2024, title={Risk of weed seed and seedling emergence from poultry litter}, volume={7}, ISSN={["2639-6696"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20479}, DOI={10.1002/agg2.20479}, abstractNote={In areas surrounding large poultry industries, poultry litter is often an alternative nitrogen fertilizer for crop production. However, farmers who have not used poultry litter in the past have concerns regarding potential weed seed contamination. A survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of germinable weed seed in poultry litters (n = 61) submitted by growers and industry representatives across North Carolina. In a 9:1 potting media:poultry litter mix, a single grass seed germinated from the 61 surveyed poultry litters, equating to 0.3 viable seeds 100 g−1 poultry litter. Viable seed content averaged 1.1 seeds 100 g−1 litter using the extractable seedbank method on 25% of the litters from the survey, much higher than the grow out method, and the majority of seeds found were Amaranthaceae. A growth chamber experiment was then conducted and demonstrated that there was a negative relation between poultry litter application and weed seedling emergence. There was a 65%, 75%, and 85% reduction in Senna obtusifolia (L.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult., and Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson germination, respectively, from the control to highest application rate of poultry litter (26.9 Mg ha−1). A laboratory study showed that poultry litter leachates can decrease seed radicle length and integrity and is likely due to osmotic or salinity stress. The weed seed content in litter as well as the negative impact of poultry litter and its leachates on weed seedling emergence make it unlikely that poultry litter applications will significantly increase seedbanks above levels commonly observed in agricultural fields.}, number={1}, journal={AGROSYSTEMS GEOSCIENCES & ENVIRONMENT}, author={Kulesza, Stephanie B. and Leon, Ramon G. and Sosinski, Stephanie C. and Kilroy, Grace M. and Meis, Brittani and Castillo, Miguel S. and Wilson, Melissa L.}, year={2024}, month={Mar} }
 @article{rios_lopez_munoz_dubeux_vendramini_wallau_grossman_anderson_baxter_harris-shultz_et al._2023, title={'Newell' bermudagrass: A public release from the USDA Cynodon collection}, volume={17}, ISSN={["1940-3496"]}, DOI={10.1002/plr2.20318}, abstractNote={Warm‐season perennial grasses are the backbone of the pasture‐based livestock industry in the lower southeastern United States, and bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is the most widely planted forage species, covering ∼15 million ha. The genus Cynodon is native to southern Africa, and germplasm collections possess high genetic and phenotypic variability. The USDA National Plant Germplasm System maintains a collection of bermudagrass plant introductions (PIs) in Griffin, GA, and USDA‐ARS, Tifton, GA, maintains additional germplasm. Multi‐location trials were established in four states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma) to screen Cynodon germplasm for herbage accumulation (HA), nutritive value (NV), and bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM) (Atherigona reversura Villeneuve). Due to the large genotype × environment interaction for HA, we focused on selecting accessions adapted to South Georgia and Florida, and further studies were performed in Florida. Several PIs showed improved HA and NV compared with ‘Tifton 85’. PI 316510, originally introduced from Ingelheim, Germany, produced high HA in Citra, FL, and Tifton, GA, with improved NV traits. In addition, PI 316510 had faster establishment and similar BSM tolerance to Tifton 85. We confirmed PI 316510 as tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) through chromosome counts and flow cytometry, and it is genetically distinct from other commercial cultivars. PI 316510 has been publicly released under the name ‘Newell’, and it is vegetatively propagated. Planting material can be requested from the UF‐IFAS Forage Breeding program.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF PLANT REGISTRATIONS}, author={Rios, E. F. and Lopez, Y. and Munoz, P. and Dubeux, J. C. B. and Vendramini, J. M. B. and Wallau, M. and Grossman, A. J. and Anderson, W. and Baxter, L. and Harris-Shultz, K. and et al.}, year={2023}, month={Sep}, pages={605–615} }
 @article{castillo_acosta_hodge_vann_lewis_2023, title={Analysis of alkaloids and reducing sugars in processed and unprocessed tobacco leaves using a handheld near infrared spectrometer}, volume={1}, ISSN={["1751-6552"]}, DOI={10.1177/09670335221148594}, abstractNote={Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy calibration models were developed to predict chemical properties of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaf samples using a microPHAZIRTM handheld NIR spectrometer. The sample data set consisted of 348 leaf-bundled samples of upper-stalk flue-cured tobacco leaves collected from an array of cultivars evaluated in multiple locations. Unprocessed leaf samples were intact whole unground leaves collected from curing barns. Processed leaf samples were further dried and ground before scanning. The NIR prediction models for percent reducing sugars, percent total alkaloids, and percent nicotine were very good for processed leaves [r2 (SEP in %) values = 0.98 (0.82), 0.92 (0.17), and 0.92 (0.14), respectively]. The models for the same three variables for unprocessed leaves were also very good, with only slightly lower fit statistics [r2 (SEP) = 0.93 (1.58), 0.87 (0.22), and 0.88 (0.18), respectively). Fit statistics for anabasine NIR models were intermediate with r2 (SEP in %) values ranging from 0.73 (0.003) to 0.76 (0.003), while the lowest fit statistics were observed for anatabine and norticotine with r2 (SEP in %) ranging from 0.49 (0.005) to 0.55 (0.017), respectively, for both unprocessed and processed leaves. Hence, use of a handheld NIR spectrometer would be of more limited value for these variables. The chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaf samples for some chemical traits can be directly assessed at the point when the leaves exit the curing barns, thus minimizing the need to dry and grind samples for colorimetric and chromatographic analyses.}, journal={JOURNAL OF NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY}, author={Castillo, Miguel S. and Acosta, Juan J. and Hodge, Gary R. and Vann, Matthew C. and Lewis, Ramsey S.}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @article{castillo_wallau_2023, title={Evaluation of Assertions from Educational, Outreach and Engagement Programs in Pasture-Based Livestock Systems}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad068.058}, abstractNote={
 Assertions about grazing management and grazing systems should be evaluated based on the scientific literature. Prior assumptions can limit our ability to achieve constructive dialogue regarding the merits of various stocking methods. These include the assumption that rotational stocking is inherently superior to continuous stocking, regardless of the nature of the overall grazing system, and the presumption that continuous stocking implies overgrazing. We revisited assertions about grazing management in general, but more specifically the choice of the stocking method, and considered their merit in the context of evidence from the literature, including a chapter titled Prescribed Grazing on Pasturelands from a National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) literature synthesis published in 2012. We framed those assertions in the form of questions. The questions were: a) Does choice of rotational stocking ensure well-managed pastures?, b) Does rotational stocking result in greater accumulation of soil carbon than continuous stocking?, c) Does rotational stocking increase pasture productivity and optimal stocking rate compared with continuous stocking?, d) Does forage nutritive value and individual animal performance increase in rotational versus continuous stocking?, and e) Do pastures “look better” in rotational versus continuous stocking?. The objectives were to consider whether these often-stated assertions about grazing management were supported, refuted, or simply not adequately assessed by the body of scientific evidence. It is important to recognize that choice of stocking method is only one element of grazing management and grazing management is only one element of a grazing system. Thus, stocking method is “one piece of a very large pie”. Additionally, stocking rate (grazing intensity) is a separate and independent grazing management choice from stocking method, such that both rotationally and continuously stocked pastures can be understocked, overstocked, or optimally stocked. It is unfortunate that choice of stocking method dominates discussions of improving grazing management to the expense of other issues, when in fact intensity of grazing has been shown conclusively to be the most important determinant of a wide array of soil, plant, animal, and ecosystem responses. We have observed that terminology such us regenerative grazing, holistic planned grazing, adaptative multipaddock grazing, management intensive grazing, high intensity low frequency grazing, and others, arise frequently and can dominate discussions in the realm of education, outreach and engagement programs in pasture-based livestock systems. These words/themes lack clear definition, and this lack of specificity may promote misconceptions, thus hindering the opportunity for critical thinking and ultimately the advancement and improvement of grazing systems. Educational efforts in pasture management should strive to remain relevant by focusing on experimental evidence. Local (i.e., state or county level) outreach and engagement programs are challenged with providing timely and specific information with implementable guidelines based on frequent observations at the landscape and farm levels.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Castillo, Miguel S. and Wallau, Marcelo}, year={2023}, month={May} }
 @article{castillo_wallau_2023, title={Stocking method and terminology in grazing management: Evaluation of assertions from educational, outreach, and engagement programs}, volume={1}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, DOI={10.1002/csc2.20877}, abstractNote={Abstract We revisited terminology and assertions about grazing management in general, but more specifically the choice of the stocking method, and considered their merit in the context of evidence from the literature, including a chapter entitled Prescribed Grazing on Pasturelands from a National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) literature synthesis published in 2012 (Nelson, 2012). We framed those assertions in the form of questions. Our objectives were to consider whether these often‐stated assertions about grazing management were supported, refuted, or simply not adequately assessed by the body of scientific evidence and to help focus future discussion about the topic.}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, author={Castillo, Miguel S. and Wallau, Marcelo}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @misc{fuentes_gomez_pizarro_alegre_castillo_vela_huaman_vasquez_2022, title={A review of silvopastoral systems in the Peruvian Amazon region}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2346-3775"]}, DOI={10.17138/TGFT(10)78-88}, abstractNote={Livestock in the Peruvian Amazon region is mostly produced in areas considered degraded pastureland and associated with deforestation. Silvopastoral systems (SPS) are an alternative for sustainable livestock production. This article aims to provide information about progress in development of SPS in the Peruvian Amazon region during the last 2 decades and opportunities to develop it further at the national level. The geographical characteristics and climatic conditions of the Peruvian Amazon are described, followed by a review of the experiences with SPS in the 5 most relevant departments of the region. Constraints for implementation of SPS practices in the country and the current initiatives at regional and national level to promote and develop more sustainable livestock production in the region are presented. There is a large variation in SPS practiced along the different departments of the Amazon region. It is imperative that the Peruvian Government continues promoting SPS for recovering degraded lands through generating enabling conditions for farmers to adopt and/or scale up SPS.}, number={2}, journal={TROPICAL GRASSLANDS-FORRAJES TROPICALES}, author={Fuentes, Eduardo and Gomez, Carlos and Pizarro, Dante and Alegre, Julio and Castillo, Miguel and Vela, Jorge and Huaman, Ethel and Vasquez, Hector}, year={2022}, month={May}, pages={78–88} }
 @article{castillo_bekewe_rivera_2022, title={Clover frost-seeding rate effects on productivity and nutritive value of tall fescue pastures during the year of establishment}, volume={4}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, DOI={10.1002/csc2.20724}, abstractNote={Abstract Frost seeding is a low‐cost effective strategy to introduce legumes into existing perennial pastures; however, it has been deemed unreliable in the upper southeast USA. We evaluated frost seeding planting rate effects of clover ( Trifolium spp.) during the year of establishment on productivity and nutritive value of clover‐tall fescue [ Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.) Darbysh.] pastures. Ball ( T. nigrescens Viv.), crimson ( T. incarnatum L.), red ( T. pratense L.), and white ( T. repens L.) clover were frost seeded in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain for 3 yr (2017–2019). Planting rates were 0 X , 0.5 X , 1 X , 1.5 X , and 2 X of the recommended rate ( X ) of 5.6, 13.5, 11.2, and 5.6 kg ha –1 for ball, crimson, red, and white clover, respectively. At Coastal Plain, clover accounted for ≤16%. At Piedmont, ball, crimson, red, and white clover accounted for up to 27, 48, 21, and 15%, respectively. Notwithstanding similar clover frequency early in the growing season at both locations, competition from tall fescue in a higher rainfall environment is attributed to the lower clover contribution at Coastal Plain. Increasing clover frost‐seeding rate resulted in greater crude protein (130–154 g kg –1 ) and total digestible nutrients (586–610 g kg –1 ) only at Piedmont. The results from this study support the practice of frost‐seeding ball, crimson, red, and white clover at planting rates of 5.6, 20.2, 11.2, and 5.6 kg ha –1 , respectively, into tall fescue pastures in the Piedmont; however, minimal or no benefits of frost seeding clover were observed in the Coastal Plain.}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, author={Castillo, Miguel S. and Bekewe, Perejitei E. and Rivera, Raul}, year={2022}, month={Apr} }
 @article{rivera-chacon_castillo_gannon_bekewe_2022, title={Harvest frequency and harvest timing following a freeze event effects on yield and composition of switchgrass}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, DOI={10.1002/agj2.21202}, abstractNote={Abstract Constant supply of biomass from the field is limited by the seasonality of production of warm‐season grasses in the transition U.S. region. Delaying harvest after occurrence of freeze may be an alternative to extend the biomass supply period of switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) in North Carolina. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of harvest frequency (HF) and harvest timing at the end of the growing season (HT) on switchgrass biomass yield, nutrient (N, P, and K) removal, and dry matter (DM) and ash concentrations. Treatments were the factorial combination of two HF (clipped once [1X] or twice [2X] per season) and three HT (before freeze in October, after first freeze in November, and late winter in February). Delaying harvest after occurrence of freeze did not affect total annual biomass yield for the 2X treatment (average of 15.5 Mg ha −1 ), whereas for 1X yield declined from 14.4 to 10.1 Mg ha −1 when harvest was delayed from October to February. Ash concentration declined from 29 g kg −1 in October to 14 g kg −1 in February. The DM concentration level reached in February was lowest (893 g kg −1 ) and it would be considered safe for storage of biomass. Nutrient removal was consistently greater for 2X than 1X (ranging from 43 to 137, 3.6 to 25.1, and 54 to 213 kg ha −1 for N, P, K, respectively). Delaying harvest of switchgrass after a freeze event is feasible when clipping twice a year to extend the window of biomass supply.}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Rivera-Chacon, Raul and Castillo, Miguel S. and Gannon, Travis W. and Bekewe, Perejitei E.}, year={2022}, month={Nov} }
 @article{sosinski_castillo_kulesza_leon_2022, title={Poultry litter and nitrogen fertilizer effects on productivity and nutritive value of crabgrass}, volume={9}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20815}, DOI={10.1002/csc2.20815}, abstractNote={Crabgrass ( Digitaria spp.) is deemed as a productive and nutritious warm-season annual forage for livestock in the U.S. transition zone. However, there is limited information about nitrogen (N) source and rate effects on productivity and nutritive value of crabgrass in North Carolina. Herbage accumulation (HA), N removal, crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and tissue nitrate (NO 3 − ) concentrations were evaluated for 2 yr (2020 and 2021) in two physiographic regions (Piedmont and Coastal Plain). Treatments were five rates of chemical N fertilizer (up to 480 kg N ha − 1 ), five rates of plant-available N from broiler poultry litter (up to 472 and 399 kg N ha − 1 in 2020 and 2021, respectively), and one control (zero N). Overall crabgrass responses were not different between N sources. At Coastal Plain, HA increased from 4,990 kg dry matter (DM) ha − 1 and plateaued at 7,136 kg DM ha − 1 at an agronomic optimum N rate (AONR) of 198 (SE = 49) kg N ha − 1 . At Piedmont, HA responses were erratic, estimation of an AONR was not possible, and HA values were approximately half or less to those at Coastal Plain. Removal of N was linearly associated with HA. Increasing N rate had a marginal positive effect on CP (ranged}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, author={Sosinski, Stephanie and Castillo, Miguel S. and Kulesza, Stephanie and Leon, Ramon}, year={2022}, month={Sep} }
 @article{romero_park_joo_zhao_killerby_reyes_tiezzi_gutierrez-rodriguez_castillo_2021, title={A combination of Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus extended the aerobic stability of conventional and brown midrib mutants-corn hybrids ensiled at low dry matter concentrations by causing a major shift in their bacterial and fungal community}, volume={99}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab141}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skab141}, abstractNote={We evaluated the effects of applying a combination inoculant to 4 corn hybrids harvested at high moisture on their nutritive value and microbial populations. The treatment design was the factorial combination of corn hybrids ensiled with (INO) and without (CON) inoculant. The hybrids were TMF2R737 (MCN), F2F817 (MBR), P2089YHR (PCN), and PI144XR (PBR), ensiled at dry matter (DM) concentrations of 30.5, 26.3, 31.1, and 31.5%, respectively; MBR and PBR were brown midrib mutants (BMR). The inoculant contained Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus (4 × 10 5 and 1 × 10 5 cfu/g of fresh corn). The experiment had a complete randomized design with treatments replicated 6 times. Corn was treated or not with inoculant, packed into 7.6L bucket silos, and stored for 100 d. At d 0, the relative abundance (RA, %) of Enterobacteriaceae was lower in PBR vs. the other hybrids [51.3 vs x= (average of) 58.4] and in the case of fungi, incertae sedis (i.s.) Tremellales and Mucoraceae were more and less abundant, respectively, in conventional hybrids vs. BMRs (x= 25.8 vs. x= 13.9 and x= 3.64 vs. x= 7.52; P < 0.04). After ensiling, INO had higher LAB (9.3 vs. 7.1 log cfu/g of fresh corn) and acetic acid (3.44 vs. 1.32% of DM) and lower yeast (3.1 vs. 4.6) and molds (1.5 vs. 3.0), and also extended the aerobic stability (582 vs. 111h) but decreased DM recovery (95.6 vs. 97.4%) vs. CON (P < 0.02). Inoculation reduced bacterial phylogenetic diversity (6.75 vs. 14.4) but increased fungal observed taxonomical units (46 vs. 20) vs. CON (P < 0.01). Also, a higher relative abundance (RA) for Lactobacillaceae (99.2 vs. 75.7%) and lower for Enterobacteriaceae (0.28 vs. 9.93) was observed due to inoculation (P < 0.001). For fungi, INO had a lower RA compared to CON for Monascaceae (12.6 vs. 44.7) and increased i.s. Tremellales (8.0 vs. 1.2) and i.s. Saccharomycetales (6.4 vs. 0.3%; P < 0.006). Inoculation changed the diverse bacterial community found in the phyllosphere across hybrids to a taxonomically uneven one dominated by Lactobacillaceae. In the case of fungi, INO application increased the fungal diversity at d 100 mainly by reducing the dominance of Monascaceae vs. CON. In conclusion, the INO treatment overwhelmed the disparate microbial populations found across BMR and conventional hybrids ensiled at low DM concentrations and ensured a significant concentration of acetic acid that modified fungal populations and in turn extended the aerobic stability of all hybrids.}, number={8}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Romero, Juan J. and Park, Jin and Joo, Younghoo and Zhao, Yuchen and Killerby, Marjorie and Reyes, Diana C. and Tiezzi, Francesco and Gutierrez-Rodriguez, Eduardo and Castillo, Miguel S.}, year={2021}, month={Aug} }
 @article{quinby_nave_sulc_castillo_bates_schneider_mcintosh_2021, title={Comparison of alfalfa mixed with tall fescue and bermudagrass on forage accumulation, botanical composition, and nutritive value}, volume={8}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, DOI={10.1002/csc2.20461}, abstractNote={Assigned to Associate Editor Joao Vendramini. Abstract In order to utilize alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), alone or in mixtures with grasses, defoliation management practices must be evaluated to assess their performance. The objective was to determine the forage accumulation (FA) and nutritive value of alfalfa grown as a monoculture (ALF) and in mixtures with tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbyish] (ATF) or bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers] (ABG) subjected to four harvest intervals (clipped every 21, 28, 35, and 42 d). The study was conducted in Crossville, TN, and Charleston, OH, during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons, and in Salisbury, NC, during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Harvest intervals of 35 d or greater showed optimal FA, with greatest productivity in spring. In summer, the plot productivity of ATF was not different from ABG. The ATF mixture was superior to ABG in FA for the entire season. Although tall fescue can be very competitive with alfalfa in mixtures, it results in greater FA while reducing weed competition. Botanical composition indicated greater weed infestation in ALF than in mixtures. Growing alfalfa–grass mixtures can increase sward crude protein compared with grass monocultures (average of 128 g kg for ATF and 161 g kg for ABG). We conclude that harvest intervals of 35 d or longer should be adopted to provide greater FA, and the ALF and ATF treatments resulted in superior FA compared with ABG in the southern United States.}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, author={Quinby, Marcia P. and Nave, Renata L. G. and Sulc, R. Mark and Castillo, Miguel S. and Bates, Gary E. and Schneider, Liesel G. and McIntosh, David W.}, year={2021}, month={Aug} }
 @article{vann_reberg-horton_castillo_murphy_martins_mirsky_saha_mcgee_2021, title={Differences among eighteen winter pea genotypes for forage and cover crop use in the southeastern United States}, volume={61}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, DOI={10.1002/csc2.20355}, abstractNote={Abstract Winter pea ( Pisum sativum L.) can be used as a forage and cover crop in the southeast and mid‐Atlantic United states; however, minimal effort has been devoted to optimize winter pea genetics for forage and cover crop production in these regions. Studies were conducted from 2015–2017 in Maryland and North Carolina screening 18 winter pea genotypes for forage and cover crop use. Winter pea genotypes were compared with widely grown crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum L.) and hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth]. All legume genotypes were harvested across four timings. Legume winter hardiness, disease incidence, biomass production, quality, and N release were estimated. Winter hardiness was severe with many winter pea genotypes at the Maryland environments, which restricted winter pea biomass production. There was considerable variation for disease incidence among the winter pea genotypes depending on biotic stressors at each environment. At the North Carolina environments, several winter pea genotypes produced similar biomass to crimson clover and hairy vetch across harvest timings. At the Maryland environments, crimson clover and hairy vetch biomass exceeded winter pea biomass. The winter pea genotypes varied considerably for quality traits including protein, lignin, and cellulose. Relative forage value declined as biomass harvest was delayed and was generally higher with all winter pea genotypes than crimson clover or hairy vetch. These results show wide genetic variation in the winter pea genotypes screened for biomass and quality; this variation could be utilized in breeding efforts to enhance winter pea production in the region.}, number={2}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, author={Vann, Rachel A. and Reberg-Horton, S. Chris and Castillo, Miguel S. and Murphy, J. Paul and Martins, Lais B. and Mirsky, Steven B. and Saha, Uttam and McGee, Rebecca J.}, year={2021}, month={Mar}, pages={947–965} }
 @article{spearman_castillo_sosinski_2021, title={Evaluation of five bermudagrass cultivars fertigated with swine lagoon effluent}, volume={113}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, DOI={10.1002/agj2.20633}, abstractNote={Abstract Bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay is an important output from land receiving swine ( Sus scrofa ) effluent application (also known as spray fields); however, there is limited information about cultivar differences in the upper Southeast United States. Herbage accumulation, nutritive value, tissue nitrate concentration, and stem maggot damage were evaluated for five bermudagrass cultivars (‘Coastal’, ‘Midland 99’, ‘Ozark’, ‘Tifton 44’, and ‘Tifton 85’) fertigated with swine effluent throughout three growing seasons (2016, 2017, and 2018). All cultivars achieved canopy height ≥35 cm by July and cover of 100% by August of year of planting. Based on 3‐yr averages, Tifton 85 (9.3 Mg ha –1 ) had greater herbage accumulation than cultivars Coastal, Ozark, and Tifton 44 (≈7.9 Mg ha –1 ), and Midland 99 was intermediate (8.5 Mg ha –1 ). Bermudagrass stem maggot ( Atherigona reversura ) damage was consistently lower for Tifton 85 and resulted in larger differences in herbage accumulation in 2017 (11.2 vs. 8.4 Mg ha –1 for Tifton 85 and the other cultivars, respectively). There were moderate differences in crude protein concentration (ranged from 179 to 212 g kg –1 ) and no difference in total digestible nutrients (622 g kg –1 ). Tissue nitrate concentrations ranged from 3,433 to 16,168 mg NO 3 – kg –1 . Differences in productivity and nutritive value were moderate among cultivars; however, in areas with potentially high bermudagrass stem maggot damage, greater utilization of Tifton 85, if adapted, is warranted. Hay production from spray fields results in high yields and high nutritive value forage. Frequent nitrate testing, if possible by harvested hay lot, is advised.}, number={3}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Spearman, Rebecca L. and Castillo, Miguel S. and Sosinski, Stephanie}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={2567–2577} }
 @article{stephenson_carvalho_castillo_crozier_smyth_heitman_2021, title={Water use and biomass yield of bioenergy crops in the North Carolina Piedmont}, volume={113}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, DOI={10.1002/agj2.20646}, number={3}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Stephenson, Thomas D. and Carvalho, Henrique D. R. and Castillo, Miguel S. and Crozier, Carl R. and Smyth, Thomas J. and Heitman, Joshua L.}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={2463–2473} }
 @article{vasquez_valqui_castillo_alegre_gomez_bobadilla_maicelo_2020, title={Characterization of Silvopastoral Systems in the livestock basin of Molinopampa, Northwestern Zone of Peru}, volume={25}, ISSN={["2389-9182"]}, DOI={10.21897/rta.v25i1.1908}, abstractNote={La actividad ganadera de la región Amazonas, se ha caracterizado por la aplicación de sistemas no sostenibles de uso del suelo y los recursos, lo que ha generado continuos procesos de deterioro de los ecosistemas presentes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue caracterizar los principales Sistemas Silvopastoriles (SSP) prevalentes en las cuencas ganaderas en Molinopampa. Para ello, se aplicaron encuestas a 130 Unidades Agropecuarias considerando procedimientos de análisis del grado de validez y confiabilidad; validez del instrumento y prueba piloto, se empleó un análisis multivariado mediante conglomerados, correlaciones de Spearman y análisis de componentes principales (ACP), donde se identificaron cinco grupos,  diferenciados por el área de SSP que maneja, número de animales y producción de leche por hato ganadero, el grupo que presentó los mejores indicadores fue el cuarto grupo quienes se dedican netamente a la ganadería, 57% de los productores cuentan con un área de SSP establecido mayor a seis ha, poseen más de 51 cabezas de ganado vacuno y tienen una producción diaria de leche de 70 litros/hato/día; cuanto mayor conocimiento y capacitación reciba, el desarrollo de una ganadería sostenible con SSP se incrementa, teniendo en cuenta la siembra de árboles para protección del ganado, producción de madera, conservación de las fuentes de agua y la biodiversidad.}, number={1}, journal={TEMAS AGRARIOS}, author={Vasquez, Hector V. and Valqui, Leandro and Castillo, Miguel S. and Alegre, Julio and Gomez, Carlos A. and Bobadilla, Leidy G. and Maicelo, Jorge L.}, year={2020}, pages={23–34} }
 @article{acosta_castillo_hodge_2020, title={Comparison of benchtop and handheld near-infrared spectroscopy devices to determine forage nutritive value}, volume={60}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20264}, DOI={10.1002/csc2.20264}, abstractNote={Abstract The quality of predicted plant‐, soil‐, and animal‐response values from near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectra depends on the ability to generate appropriate NIR models. The first step in the development of NIR models is collection of spectral data. Limited work, however, has been reported that compares NIR models for prediction of forage nutritive value when the spectra are obtained from devices with different spectral ranges and resolutions. The objectives of this study were to (a) develop and evaluate NIR spectroscopy models using a benchtop‐type (FOSS) and two handheld NIR devices (microPHAZIR and DLP NIRscan Nano EVM) to predict crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), amylase and sodium sulfite‐treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTD) of dried ground forage grass samples and (b) compare predictions among the three NIR devices. Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) and bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers] hay samples were scanned with the NIR devices and analyzed with wet chemistry for development of NIR prediction models. Among devices, the r 2 of validation values for aNDF models ranged from .81 to .87; all other r 2 values were >.86 and as high as .98 with standard error of prediction (SEP; g kg −1 ) ranging from 8.1 to 11.5 for CP, 19.1 to 23.8 for aNDF, 14.2 to 20.0 for ADF, and 26.8 to 49.9 for IVTD. The FOSS benchtop NIR prediction models consistently had the highest r 2 and lowest SEP values; however, the predictive power for both handheld devices was similar to the benchtop‐type device.}, number={6}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Acosta, J. J. and Castillo, M. S. and Hodge, G. R.}, year={2020}, pages={3410–3422} }
 @article{reyes_annis_rivera_leon-tinoco_wu_perkins_perry_ma_knight_castillo_et al._2020, title={In vitro screening of technical lignins to determine their potential as hay preservatives}, volume={103}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2019-17764}, abstractNote={Our objectives were to evaluate technical lignins for their antifungal properties against 3 molds and 1 yeast causing hay spoilage, and their ability to preserve ground high-moisture alfalfa hay nutritive value in vitro. In experiment 1, 8 technical lignins and propionic acid (PRP; positive control) were tested at a dose of 40 mg/mL. The experiment had a randomized complete block design (RCBD, 4 runs) and a factorial arrangement of 3 molds × 10 additives (ADV). The effects of the ADV on yeast were evaluated separately with a RCBD. Sodium lignosulfonate (NaL) and PRP were the only treatments with 100 ± 2.8% inhibition of fungi. In experiment 2, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for selected lignins and PRP were determined. At pH 4, NaL had the lowest MIC across the molds (20-33.3 mg/mL) and magnesium lignosulfonate (MgL) for the yeast (26.7) among the lignins. However, PRP had MIC values that were several-fold lower across all fungi (1.25-3.33). In experiment 3, a RCBD (5 blocks) with a 3 (ADV; NaL, MgL, and PRP) × 4 (doses: 0, 0.5, 1, and 3% wt/wt fresh basis) factorial arrangement of treatments was used to evaluate the preservative effects of ADV in ground high-moisture alfalfa hay inoculated with a mixture of the fungi previously tested and incubated under aerobic conditions in vitro. After 15 d, relative to untreated hay (14.9), dry matter (DM) losses were lessened by doses as low as 1% for NaL (3.39) and 0.5% for PRP (0.81 ± 0.77%). The mold count was reduced in both NaL at 3% (3.92) and PRP as low as 0.5% (3.94) relative to untreated hay (7.76 ± 0.55 log cfu/fresh g). Consequently, sugars were best preserved by NaL at 3% (10.1) and PRP as low as 0.5% (10.5) versus untreated (7.99 ± 0.283% DM), while keeping neutral detergent fiber values lower in NaL (45.9) and PRP-treated (45.1) hays at the same doses, respectively, relative to untreated (49.7 ± 0.66% DM). Hay DM digestibility was increased by doses as low as 3% for NaL (67.5), 1% MgL (67.0), and 0.5% PRP (68.5) versus untreated hay (61.8 ± 0.77%). The lowest doses increasing neutral detergent fiber digestibility relative to untreated hay (23.3) were 0.5% for MgL and PRP (30.5 and 30.1, respectively) and 1% for NaL (30.7 ± 1.09% DM). Across technical lignins, NaL showed the most promise as a potential hay preservative. However, its effects were limited compared with PRP at equivalent doses. Despite not having an effect on preservation, MgL improved DM digestibility by stimulating neutral detergent fiber digestibility. This study warrants further development of NaL under field conditions.}, number={7}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Reyes, D. C. and Annis, S. L. and Rivera, S. A. and Leon-Tinoco, A. Y. and Wu, C. and Perkins, L. B. and Perry, J. J. and Ma, Z. X. and Knight, C. W. and Castillo, M. S. and et al.}, year={2020}, month={Jul}, pages={6114–6134} }
 @article{flores_caceres_aguirre_castillo_2020, title={Scarification effects on germination of perennial soybean (Nenotonia wightii)}, volume={31}, ISSN={["1609-9117"]}, DOI={10.15381/rivep.v31i3.16728}, abstractNote={El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la germinación de semilla de soya perenne (Nenotonia wightii) cv. Cooper en función de dos métodos de escarificación (agua caliente y escarificación mecánica) versus tratamiento control (sin escarificación). La escarificación mecánica consistió en raspar las cubiertas de las semillas friccionándolas a mano, utilizando papel lija #125 durante 5 minutos. La escarificación con agua caliente consistió en colocar las semillas en agua al punto de ebullición en proporción 1:3 semilla:agua durante 24 horas. El porcentaje de semillas germinadas fue mayor en el tratamiento con escarificación mecánica con papel lija (p<0.05) y similar entre el tratamiento con agua caliente y el control. El mayor porcentaje de germinación fue 37.5, 40, y 96% en los días 14, 12, y 9 para los tratamientos control, agua caliente, y escarificación mecánica, respectivamente.}, number={3}, journal={REVISTA DE INVESTIGACIONES VETERINARIAS DEL PERU}, author={Flores, Enrique M. and Caceres, Wilfredo E. and Aguirre, Lucrecia T. and Castillo, Miguel S.}, year={2020} }
 @article{castillo_tiezzi_franzluebbers_2020, title={Tree species effects on understory forage productivity and microclimate in a silvopasture of the Southeastern USA}, volume={295}, ISSN={["1873-2305"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85081013835&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1016/j.agee.2020.106917}, abstractNote={Ecosystem services provided by silvopastoral systems are mediated by specific management practices, environmental conditions, and overall design of the system. We hypothesized that selection of tree species affects understory forage nutritive value and productivity, light/shade environment, and microclimate. The silvopastoral system was located at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, North Carolina, USA. Three overstory tree-species were Pinus palustris (PP; longleaf pine), Pinus taeda (PT; lobloblly pine), and Quercus pagoda (QP; cherrybark oak). The understory forage component consisted of a four-way mixture of native warm-season grasses [big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii, ‘Eastern’, KY origin), eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides, MO origin), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans, ‘NC ecotype’), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, ‘Alamo’)]. The experimental design was an RCBD with 3 replicates. There was no effect of seedbed preparation (till versus no-till) on forage establishment. Understory dry matter yield, crude protein and total digestible nutrient concentrations of the harvested forage were not affected by tree species, with the exception at the 3.5 south sampling point. Overstory effects on microclimate variables were not different among tree-species, but were more noticeable during the daytime of the summer months, and were at the most 1-degree point for temperature and temperature-humidity index and 3 points for relative humidity. The silvopasture design in our study provided year-round shade by the tree-component, with varying levels of shade (ranging from 90 to 6% of incident photosynthetic active radiation) due to geographic location, tree species, and season. Our results describe and highlight the potential of trees in a silvopasture design in the southeastern USA to mitigate changes in temperature, humidity, the temperature-humidity index, and forage productivity and as a function of tree species and at different distance from the trees.}, journal={AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT}, author={Castillo, Miguel S. and Tiezzi, Francesco and Franzluebbers, Alan J.}, year={2020}, month={Jun} }
 @article{pizarro_vásquez_bernal_fuentes_alegre_castillo_gómez_2019, title={Assessment of silvopasture systems in the northern Peruvian Amazon}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85063188740&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1007/s10457-019-00381-9}, journal={Agroforestry Systems}, author={Pizarro, D. and Vásquez, H. and Bernal, W. and Fuentes, E. and Alegre, J. and Castillo, M.S. and Gómez, C.}, year={2019} }
 @article{harvest management effects on canopy height and light interception of ‘performer’ switchgrass and its relationship with weed infestation_2019, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2018.10.0612}, DOI={10.2135/cropsci2018.10.0612}, abstractNote={Defoliation management can determine the presence or absence of desirable forage species. Canopy characteristics and light interception are two critical determinants of productivity and can influence weed pressure. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of the factorial combination of four defoliation heights (clipped to 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm; DH) and four defoliation frequencies (clipped every 3, 6, 9, and 12 wk; DF) on light interception, canopy height, and weed canopy cover and frequency for ‘Performer’ (Panicum virgatum L.) switchgrass and to relate the abovementioned responses to previously reported productivity measurements. The experiment was conducted for 2 yr (2016 and 2017) at the Central Crops Research Station, Clayton, NC. The 16 treatments were allocated in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. Across years, light interception before harvest ranged from ∼45 to 88%, canopy height ranged from 35 to 97 cm, and weed cover and frequency ranged from 0 to 75 and 0 to 95%, respectively. Greater canopy height was associated with greater light interception and lower weed infestation. Weed infestation occurred mainly for treatments harvested every 3 and 6 wk and defoliated to lower stubble heights; however, there was no impact of DH for DF treatments harvested every 9 and 12 wk. Canopy light interception values of at least 70% obtained in our study were associated with defoliation thresholds previously reported in the literature for sustained yields of ‘Performer’ switchgrass. Switchgrass canopy light interception values of at least 70% were achieved with canopy heights before harvest of ∼60 cm tall.}, year={2019} }
 @article{ajami_shah_wang-li_kolar_castillo_2019, title={Windbreak Wall-Vegetative Strip System to Reduce Air Emissions from Mechanically Ventilated Livestock Barns: Part 2—Swine House Evaluation}, volume={230}, ISSN={0049-6979 1573-2932}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4335-2}, DOI={10.1007/s11270-019-4335-2}, number={12}, journal={Water, Air, & Soil Pollution}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Ajami, Ali and Shah, Sanjay B. and Wang-Li, Lingjuan and Kolar, Praveen and Castillo, Miguel S.}, year={2019}, month={Dec}, pages={289} }
 @article{ajami_shah_wang-li_kolar_castillo_2019, title={Windbreak Wall-Vegetative Strip System to Reduce Air Emissions from Mechanically Ventilated Livestock Barns—Part 3: Layer House Evaluation}, volume={230}, ISSN={0049-6979 1573-2932}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4345-0}, DOI={10.1007/s11270-019-4345-0}, number={12}, journal={Water, Air, & Soil Pollution}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Ajami, Ali and Shah, Sanjay B. and Wang-Li, Lingjuan and Kolar, Praveen and Castillo, Miguel S.}, year={2019}, month={Dec} }
 @article{vann_reberg-horton_castillo_mcgee_mirsky_2019, title={Winter Pea, Crimson Clover, and Hairy Vetch Planted in Mixture with Small Grains in the Southeast United States}, volume={111}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2018.03.0202}, abstractNote={Core Ideas

Legume and small grain cover crops are combined in mixture to provide N fertility and weed suppression for the following cash crop.
In environments where winter pea growth is not restricted by cold, winter pea can produce as much biomass in mixture with small grains as crimson clover and hairy vetch.
Hairy vetch was the most competitive legume with the small grains across environments and restricted small grain biomass production.
The variability in total biomass composition across environments in this study demonstrates the importance of site specific cover crop species selection and mixture seeding rate recommendations.
}, number={2}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Vann, R. A. and Reberg-Horton, S. C. and Castillo, M. S. and McGee, R. J. and Mirsky, S. B.}, year={2019}, pages={805–815} }
 @article{romero_joo_park_tiezzi_gutierrez-rodriguez_castillo_2018, title={Bacterial and fungal communities, fermentation, and aerobic stability of conventional hybrids and brown midrib hybrids ensiled at low moisture with or without a homo- and heterofermentative inoculant}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85041241637&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2017-13754}, abstractNote={We evaluated the effects of adding a combination inoculant to 4 corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids harvested at low moisture on the nutritive value, fermentation profile, aerobic stability, bacterial and fungal populations, and community structure. The treatment design was the factorial combination of 4 corn hybrids ensiled with (INO) and without (CON) inoculant. The hybrids were TMF2R737 (MCN), F2F817 (MBR), P2089YHR (PCN), and PI144XR (PBR), ensiled at 44.0, 38.1, 42.0, and 41.3% of dry matter, respectively; MBR and PBR were brown midrib mutants. The inoculant contained Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus (4 × 105 and 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh corn). The experimental design was a complete randomized design with treatments replicated 6 times. Corn was chopped, treated or not with inoculant, packed into 7.6-L bucket silos, and stored for 100 d. At d 0, we found higher bacterial observed operational taxonomic units in the brown midrib mutants (MBR and PBR) relative to MCN and PCN (654 and 534 vs. 434 and 444 ± 15.5, respectively). The bacterial and fungal families with the highest relative abundance (RA) were Enterobacteriaceae (61.4%) and incertae sedis Tremellales (12.5%). At silo opening, we observed no effects of INO treatment on dry matter recovery (∼94.3 ± 1.07%), but aerobic stability was extended for all INO-treated hybrids (∼217 vs. ∼34.7 h), except for MBR (∼49 ± 38 h), due to a decreased yeast population (3.78 vs. 5.13 ± 0.440 log cfu/g of fresh corn) and increased acetic acid concentration (1.69 vs. 0.51 ± 0.132%) compared with the control. Furthermore, INO treatment reduced bacterial (61.2 vs. 276 ± 8.70) and increased fungal (59.8 vs. 43.6 ± 2.95) observed operational taxonomic units compared with CON. We observed that INO treatment increased the RA of Lactobacillaceae across all hybrids (∼99.1 vs. ∼58.9), and to larger extent MBR (98.3 vs. 34.3 ± 5.29), and decreased Enterobacteriaceae (0.614 vs. 23.5 ± 2.825%) among 4 other bacterial families relative to CON. For fungi, INO treatment increased the RA of Debaryomycetaceae (63.1 vs. 17.3 ± 8.55) and 5 other fungal families and decreased the RA of Pichiaceae (6.47 vs. 47.3 ± 10.95) and incertae sedis Saccharomycetales (8.47 vs. 25.9 ± 5.748) compared with CON. The bacterial and fungal community structures changed, due to ensiling, to a distinct and more stable community dominated by Lactobacillaceae and Debaryomycetaceae, respectively, when INO treatment was applied relative to CON. In conclusion, the INO treatment used in this study improved low-moisture whole-crop corn silage quality because of a shift in the bacterial and fungal community composition during ensiling.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, publisher={Elsevier}, author={Romero, J. J. and Joo, Y. and Park, J. and Tiezzi, F. and Gutierrez-Rodriguez, E. and Castillo, M. S.}, year={2018}, month={Apr}, pages={3057–3076} }
 @article{bekewe_castillo_rivera_2018, title={Defoliation management affects productivity, leaf/stem ratio, and tiller counts of ‘performer’ switchgrass}, volume={110}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85050070546&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2018.01.0003}, abstractNote={Core Ideas
Defoliation management resulted in a wide range of plant responses that varied by year, with deleterious responses more evident in the second year.
Greater leaf/stem ratios occurred with more frequent defoliation treatments.
Frequent defoliations such as every 3 wk should maintain a stubble height of at least 40 cm, defoliation frequencies ≥6 wk to 20‐cm stubble height, and ≥9 wk to 10 cm stubble height are warranted to ensure stand persistence.
}, number={4}, journal={Agronomy Journal}, author={Bekewe, P.E. and Castillo, M.S. and Rivera, R.}, year={2018}, pages={1467–1472} }
 @article{saha_vann_reberg-horton_castillo_mirsky_mcgee_sonon_2018, title={Near-infrared spectroscopic models for analysis of winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) quality constituents}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1097-0010"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85049802740&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1002/jsfa.8947}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={11}, journal={JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE}, author={Saha, Uttam and Vann, Rachel A. and Reberg-Horton, S. Chris and Castillo, Miguel S. and Mirsky, Steven B. and McGee, Rebecca J. and Sonon, Leticia}, year={2018}, month={Aug}, pages={4253–4267} }
 @article{heitman_castillo_smyth_crozier_2018, title={Stem, Leaf, and Panicle Yield and Nutrient Content of Biomass and Sweet Sorghum}, volume={110}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85052711959&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2018.03.0178}, abstractNote={Core Ideas
Sorghum is a potential dedicated bioenergy crop both from biomass and sugar yields.
Increasing rates of N fertilizer affected biomass yield and nutrient removal for sorghum cultivar ES5200 by partitioning resources primarily toward the stem component.
For sorghum M81‐E, the seed head component accounted for a greater proportion of biomass, compared with sorghum ES5200, and biomass yield and nutrients were more evenly distributed among the three components.
Returning the leaf and seed head components back to the field to enhance soil fertility has the potential to provide at least 45, 7, and, 26 kg ha−1 of N, P, and K, respectively.
}, number={5}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Heitman, A. J. and Castillo, M. S. and Smyth, T. J. and Crozier, C. R.}, year={2018}, pages={1659–1665} }
 @article{vann_reberg-horton_castillo_mirsky_mcgee_2018, title={Winter Pea Cultivar/Breeding Line Screening for Grain Crop Potential in the Southeastern United States}, volume={110}, ISSN={0002-1962}, url={https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/aj/abstracts/110/4/1217}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2017.10.0594}, abstractNote={Core Ideas
Winter pea is desirable for grain production in the southeastern USA.
Many pea cultivars/lines survive the NC winter with minimal cold damage.
Regional breeding efforts are needed for disease resistance in pea cultivars.
Pea grain yield was restricted by excessive heat during flowering.
Pea and wheat can be grown together and harvested simultaneously.
}, number={4}, journal={Agronomy Journal}, author={Vann, R. A. and Reberg-Horton, S. C. and Castillo, M. S. and Mirsky, S. B. and McGee, R. J.}, year={2018}, month={Jul}, pages={1217–1225} }
 @article{heitman_castillo_smyth_crozier_wang_gehl_2017, title={Biomass and sweet sorghum fertilized with swine lagoon effluent for bioenergy}, volume={109}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85034060063&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2017.02.0110}, abstractNote={Core Ideas
Dry matter yields were not different between the two sorghums in 11 out of 12 yr–location combinations.
Nitrogen, P, and K removals averaged 138, 28, and 313 kg ha–1, respectively.
Both sorghum cultivars, ES5200 and M81‐E, were productive biomass crops at swine spray fields and may be a feasible alternative for producers that desire the flexibility of an annual crop and high dry matter yields in a single clipping event at the end of the growing season (15.7 ± 5.1 Mg ha–1 yr–1.
}, number={6}, journal={Agronomy Journal}, author={Heitman, A.J. and Castillo, M.S. and Smyth, T.J. and Crozier, C. and Wang, Z. and Gehl, R.J.}, year={2017}, pages={2521–2529} }
 @article{romero_zhao_balseca-paredes_tiezzi_gutierrez-rodriguez_castillo_2017, title={Laboratory silo type and inoculation effects on nutritional composition, fermentation, and bacterial and fungal communities of oat silage}, volume={100}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85009486520&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2016-11642}, abstractNote={The objectives were to evaluate (1) the use of 2 types of experimental silos (S) to characterize whole-crop oat (Avena sativa L.) silage with or without addition of an inoculant (I), and (2) the effect of inoculation on the microbial community structure of oats ensiled using only plastic bucket silos (BKT). From each of 6 sections in a field, oats were harvested, treated (INO) or not (CON) with inoculant, packed into 19-L BKT or vacuum bags (BG), and ensiled for 217 d. The inoculant added contained Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus (4 × 105 and 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh oats, respectively). The experimental design was a complete randomized design replicated 6 times. Treatment design was the factorial combination of 2 S × 2 I. Some differences existed between BG versus BKT at silo opening (217 d), including a decreased CP (7.73 vs. 7.04 ± 0.247% of DM) and ethanol (1.93 vs. 1.55 ± 0.155) and increased lactic acid (4.28 vs. 3.65 ± 0.241), respectively. Also, WSC and mold counts were reduced in BG versus BKT for CON (1.78 vs. 2.70 ± 0.162% of DM and 0.8 vs. 2.82 ± 0.409 log cfu/fresh g) but not for INO (∼1.53 and 1.55), respectively. Application of INO increased DM recovery (96.1 vs. 92.9 ± 0.63%), aerobic stability (565 vs. 133 ± 29.2 h), acetic acid (2.38 vs. 1.22 ± 0.116% of DM), and reduced NDF (65.0 vs. 67.0 ± 0.57), ADF (36.7 vs. 38.1 ± 0.60), ethanol (0.63 vs. 2.85 ± 0.155), and yeast counts (1.10 vs. 4.13 ± 0.484 log cfu/fresh g) in INO versus CON, respectively. At d 0, no differences were found for S and I on the nutritional composition and background microbial counts. Leuconostocaceae (82.9 ± 4.27%) and Enterobacteriaceae (15.2 ± 3.52) were the predominant bacterial families and unidentified sequences were predominant for fungi. A higher relative abundance of the Davidiellaceae fungal family (34.3 vs. 19.6 ± 4.47) was observed in INO versus CON. At opening (217 d), INO had a lower relative abundance of Leuconostocaceae (42.3 vs. 95.8 ± 4.64) and higher Lactobacillaceae (57.4 vs. 3.9 ± 4.65) versus CON. Despite several differences were found between BKT and BG, both techniques can be comparable for characterizing effects of INO on the most basic measures used in silage evaluation. The use of inoculant improved oat silage quality partially by a shift in the bacterial community composition during ensiling, which mainly consisted of an increased relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae and reduction of Leuconostocaceae relative to CON.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, publisher={Elsevier}, author={Romero, J. J. and Zhao, Y. and Balseca-Paredes, M. A. and Tiezzi, F. and Gutierrez-Rodriguez, E. and Castillo, M. S.}, year={2017}, month={Mar}, pages={1812–1828} }
 @article{heitman_castillo_smyth_crozier_wang_heiniger_gehl_2017, title={Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Yield and Nutrient Removal of Biomass and Sweet Sorghum}, volume={109}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85023770813&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2016.12.0710}, abstractNote={Core Ideas
During the 4‐yr period of this trial, N fertilization increased dry matter yield in 2 out of 4 yr for biomass sorghum and there was no effect on dry matter yield of sweet sorghum.
High DM yield supports sorghum as a bioenergy crop, however, the relatively low nutrient removal rate may limit its utilization in nutrient‐rich environments such as spray fields.
Greatest dry matter yields achieved were ∼18.5 Mg ha−1 at a N fertilization rate of 67 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for biomass sorghum.
}, number={4}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Heitman, Adam J. and Castillo, Miguel S. and Smyth, T. Jot and Crozier, Carl R. and Wang, Zan and Heiniger, Ron W. and Gehl, Ronald J.}, year={2017}, pages={1352–1358} }
 @article{castillo_sollenberger_mullenix_blount_williams_mackowiak_2015, title={Grazing management strategies affect year-after establishment performance of a legume strip-planted into warm-season grass pasture}, volume={55}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84939534093&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2135/cropsci2015.02.0090}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, number={5}, journal={Crop Sci}, author={Castillo, M.S. and Sollenberger, L.E. and Mullenix, M.K. and Blount, A.R. and Williams, M.J. and Mackowiak, C.L.}, year={2015}, pages={2384–2389} }
 @article{na_sollenberger_erickson_woodard_castillo_mullenix_vendramini_silveira_2015, title={Management of Perennial Warm-Season Bioenergy Grasses. II. Seasonal Differences in Elephantgrass and Energycane Morphological Characteristics Affect Responses to Harvest Frequency and Timing}, volume={8}, ISSN={["1939-1242"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84939981437&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1007/s12155-014-9542-5}, number={2}, journal={BIOENERGY RESEARCH}, author={Na, Chae-In and Sollenberger, Lynn E. and Erickson, John E. and Woodard, Kenneth R. and Castillo, Miguel S. and Mullenix, M. Kimberly and Vendramini, Joao M. B. and Silveira, Maria L.}, year={2015}, month={Jun}, pages={618–626} }
 @article{mullenix_sollenberger_blount_vendramini_silveira_castillo_2014, title={Growth Habit of Rhizoma Peanut Affects Establishment and Spread when Strip Planted in Bahiagrass Pastures}, volume={54}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84908179193&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2135/cropsci2014.03.0254}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, number={6}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, author={Mullenix, M. Kimberly and Sollenberger, Lynn E. and Blount, Ann R. and Vendramini, Joao M. B. and Silveira, Maria L. and Castillo, Miguel S.}, year={2014}, pages={2886–2892} }
 @article{sollenberger_woodard_vendramini_erickson_langeland_mullenix_na_castillo_gallo_chase_et al._2014, title={Invasive populations of elephantgrass differ in morphological and growth characteristics from taxa selected for biomass production}, volume={7}, ISSN={["1939-1242"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84912120918&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1007/s12155-014-9478-9}, number={4}, journal={Bioenergy Research}, author={Sollenberger, L.E. and Woodard, K.R. and Vendramini, J.M.B. and Erickson, J.E. and Langeland, K.A. and Mullenix, M.K. and Na, C. and Castillo, M.S. and Gallo, M. and Chase, C.D. and et al.}, year={2014}, pages={1382–1391} }
 @article{castillo_sollenberger_blount_ferrell_na_williams_mackowiak_2014, title={Seedbed Preparation Techniques and Weed Control Strategies for Strip-Planting Rhizoma Peanut into Warm-Season Grass Pastures}, volume={54}, ISSN={["1435-0653"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84903176368&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2135/cropsci2013.06.0408}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, number={4}, journal={CROP SCIENCE}, author={Castillo, Miguel and Sollenberger, Lynn and Blount, Ann and Ferrell, Jason and Na, Chae-In and Williams, Mary and Mackowiak, Cheryl}, year={2014}, pages={1868–1875} }
 @article{castillo_sollenberger_ferrell_blount_williams_mackowiak_2013, title={Strategies to control competition to strip-planted legume into a warm-season grass pasture}, volume={53}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84881487053&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2135/cropsci2012.11.0629}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, number={5}, journal={Crop Sci}, author={Castillo, M.S. and Sollenberger, L.E. and Ferrell, J.A. and Blount, A.R. and Williams, M.J. and Mackowiak, C.L.}, year={2013}, pages={2255–2263} }
 @article{castillo_sollenberger_blount_ferrell_williams_mackowiak_2013, title={Strip planting legume into a warm-season grass pasture: defoliation effects during the year of establishment}, volume={53}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84873558951&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2135/cropsci2012.08.0485}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, number={2}, journal={Crop Science}, author={Castillo, M.S. and Sollenberger, L.E. and Blount, A.R. and Ferrell, J.A. and Williams, M.J. and Mackowiak, C.L.}, year={2013}, pages={724–731} }
 @article{castillo_sollenberger_vendramini_woodard_o’connor_silveira_sartain_2011, title={Incorporation of municipal biosolids affects organic N mineralization and elephantgrass biomass production}, volume={103}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79957605563&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2010.0497}, abstractNote={Municipal biosolids (MBS) represents an alternative source of nutrients for the production of bioenergy crops like elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). Two experiments were conducted during 2 yr in Florida to evaluate the effect of soil incorporation vs. surface application of MBS on: (i) elephantgrass dry matter (DM) yield, tissue N and P concentration and removal, and soil C and P (Exp. 1); and (ii) organic N mineralization and DM decomposition rates of MBS measured in the field using a litter bag incubation technique (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, three treatments supplied 350 kg total N ha−1 yr−1 from surface‐applied municipal biosolids (MBS‐SA), soil‐incorporated municipal biosolids (MBS‐INC), and surface‐applied ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). A fourth treatment provided 700 kg total N ha−1 yr−1 from MBS‐SA (double rate of municipal biosolids, 2x‐MBS). In Exp. 2, MBS was field incubated in litter bags placed on the soil surface or at a 5‐cm soil depth. Elephantgrass DM yield, and N and P removal were greater for MBS‐INC than MBS‐SA. Dry matter yield for MBS‐INC was not different than for NH4NO3 fertilizer (22.5 vs. 24.3 Mg ha−1). Removal of N and P increased 39 and 10 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, for MBS‐INC and MBS‐SA. Total organic N mineralized was greater for MBS‐INC (386 g kg−1) than MBS‐SA (308 g kg−1). Incorporation of MBS increases elephantgrass DM yield and nutrient removal compared to surface application and allows MBS to replace a greater proportion of inorganic N fertilizer.}, number={3}, journal={Agronomy Journal}, author={Castillo, M.S and Sollenberger, L.E. and Vendramini, J.M.B. and Woodard, K.R. and O’Connor, G.A. and Silveira, M.L. and Sartain, J.B.}, year={2011}, pages={899–905} }
 @article{castillo_sollenberger_vendramini_woodard_o’connor_newman_silveira_sartain_2010, title={Municipal biosolids as an alternative nutrient source for bioenergy crops: I. Elephantgrass biomass production and soil responses}, volume={102}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-77954338721&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2010.0106}, abstractNote={High‐yielding bioenergy crops remove large quantities of soil nutrients. Nutrients must be replenished in a manner that minimizes production costs and negative environmental impact. Class A municipal biosolids (MBS) were evaluated as an alternative nutrient source to inorganic fertilizer for ‘Merkeron’ and Chinese Cross elephantgrasses (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) in a 2‐yr field experiment in Florida. Elephantgrass plots received 0, 33, 67, or 100% of total N applied (350 kg ha−1 yr−1) from MBS, with the remainder from NH4NO3. Dry matter (DM) yield, tissue N and P concentrations and removal, and soil C and P concentrations were assessed. Elephantgrass yield decreased linearly from 24.2 to 20.1 (Merkeron) and 24.3 to 16.9 Mg ha−1 (Chinese Cross) as the percentage of N supplied by MBS increased from 0 to 100. Nitrogen removal decreased from 208 to 127 kg ha−1 yr−1 over the same range of N from MBS. Phosphorus removal ranged from 28 to 43 kg ha−1 yr−1, but the effect of N source was not consistent. There was no effect of percentage of N from MBS treatment on soil responses including water‐extractable (WEP), Mehlich‐1, or total P, nor was there an effect on total C concentration in the Ap horizon. Replacing 33% of N from inorganic fertilizer with N from MBS reduced elephantgrass biomass production 0 to 11%, so there is potential benefit to including MBS in a fertilization program for bioenergy crops, even in situations where MBS are limited to P‐based application rates.}, number={4}, journal={Agronomy Journal}, author={Castillo, M.S. and Sollenberger, L.E. and Vendramini, J.M.B. and Woodard, K.R. and O’Connor, G.A. and Newman, Y.C. and Silveira, M.L. and Sartain, J.B.}, year={2010}, pages={1308–1313} }
 @article{castillo_sollenberger_vendramini_woodard_gilmour_o’connor_newman_silveira_sartain_2010, title={Municipal biosolids as an alternative nutrient source for bioenergy crops: II. Decomposition and organic nitrogen mineralization}, volume={102}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-77954333018&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.2134/agronj2010.0107}, abstractNote={High‐yielding biomass crops remove significant quantities of soil nutrients, and nutrient replacement using inorganic fertilizers may not be sustainable. Municipal biosolids (MBS) are an alternative nutrient source. Organic N is the primary N form in MBS, and patterns of N mineralization can determine the effectiveness of MBS as an N source. The objectives of this experiment were to: (i) determine the effect of season of application on organic N mineralization rate and dry matter (DM) decomposition of Class A MBS measured in the field with litter bags and (ii) compare N mineralization measured using a field‐based technique with that predicted from the DECOMPOSITION model. Treatments were season of MBS application (spring and summer) during 2 yr. Organic N mineralization measured using litter bags followed the same pattern and arrived at a similar endpoint as predicted by the DECOMPOSITION model in three of four seasons. Lower spring temperatures and rainfall were associated with lower rates of N mineralization and DM decomposition during the 50 d following spring vs. summer application of MBS. When MBS were applied in summer, organic N mineralization leveled off approximately 50 d after application compared with 150 to 250 d following spring application. Seasonal weather conditions and N mineralization patterns should be considered when determining whether to apply MBS as the source of N, the timing of MBS application, and if single or split applications are best.}, number={4}, journal={Agronomy Journal}, author={Castillo, M.S and Sollenberger, L.E. and Vendramini, J.M.B. and Woodard, K.R. and Gilmour, J.T. and O’Connor, G.A. and Newman, Y.C. and Silveira, M.L. and Sartain, J.B.}, year={2010}, pages={1314–1320} }
 @article{castillo_wright_2008, title={Microbial activity and phosphorus availability in a subtropical soil under different land uses}, volume={4}, journal={World Journal of Agricultural Sciences}, author={Castillo, M.S. and Wright, A.L.}, year={2008}, pages={314–320} }
 @article{castillo_wright_2008, title={Soil phosphorus pools in Histosols under sugarcane and pasture in the Everglades, Florida}, volume={145}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-43649087008&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1016/j.geoderma.2008.03.006}, abstractNote={Land use changes in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in southern Florida may influence the distribution and availability of P. Cultivated soils in the EAA are being converted back to their historic use as seasonally-flooded prairies as part of Everglades restoration projects. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of P in soil chemical fractions in relation to long-term land management to predict P cycling and transformations for future land uses. Soil under pasture (100 yr) and planted to sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) for 50 yr were amended with P (0, 10, 50, 150 kg P ha− 1), and its distribution in labile, Fe–Al bound P, Ca-bound P, humic–fulvic acid P, and residual P pools determined for surface soil (0–15 cm). Most P fertilizer entered Fe–Al and Ca-bound fractions. Cultivation contributed to higher pH and increased the Ca content in soil compared to pasture due to incorporation of bedrock limestone into soil by tillage. The land uses were differentiated by P storage in different pools. Subsequently, long-term fertilization increased soil total P for cultivated soil relative to pasture, but plant-available P constituted less than 1% of the total P. Labile P increased with increasing P application rate, ranging from 1.3 to 7.2 mg kg− 1 for cultivated soil and 1.4 to 10.7 mg kg− 1 for pasture. Most of the applied P was recovered in the Fe–Al fraction for pasture and the Ca-bound P fraction for cultivated soil. The Ca-bound P fraction represented the greatest proportion of total P for sugarcane (41%), but only 12% for pasture. The majority of P in the pasture was present in the humic–fulvic acid fraction (45%), compared to only 23% for sugarcane. The higher pH of the cultivated soil (6.8) favored retention in Ca fractions while the lower pH of pasture (5.3) favored P retention in the humic–fulvic acid fraction. The proportion of total P as organic P was greater for pasture (78%) than cultivated soil (52%). Higher P levels in more recalcitrant fractions for cultivated soils indicated that more of the applied fertilizer P was sequestered in stable fractions, which decreased P availability to crops and may subsequently increase P fertilizer requirements necessary to maintain optimal plant-available nutrient levels. Subsequently, continuation of current farming practices and tillage regimes promotes the redistribution of Ca from subsurface to surface soil, which leads to greater P sequestration in the Ca-bound fraction. However, P in inorganic fractions may be released upon onset of changes in land use. Thus, conversion to seasonally-flooded prairies may have a more dramatic effect on P release from cultivated than pasture soils since cultivated soils have more P in inorganic pools.}, number={1-2}, journal={Geoderma}, author={Castillo, M.S. and Wright, A.L.}, year={2008}, pages={130–135} }
 @article{castillo_vélez_rosas_trabanino_2006, title={Producción y composición de los cultivares Mulato I y II de Brachiaria híbridos inoculados con Micorriza y Trichoderma harzianum}, volume={47}, DOI={10.5377/ceiba.v47i1-2.444}, abstractNote={Se evaluó la producción de Materia Seca (MS), Fibra Neutro Detergente (FND), Fibra Ácido Detergente (FAD), Digestibilidad in vitro de la Materia Orgánica (DIVMO), Proteína Cruda (PC) y absorción de nutrientes de los cultivares Mulato I y II de Brachiaria híbridos en respuesta a la aplicación de los hongos micorriza y Trichoderma harzianum en El Zamorano, Honduras. Se utilizaron 32 parcelas de 3 × 5 m, con cuatro cortes cada 21 días.  Se contaron las conidias de T. harzianum cada mes en los tres primeros meses y de esporas e infección de raíces con micorriza al tercer mes. En base a análisis del suelo se fertilizó con 150 kg N/ha/año (Urea) cada dos cortes. Se usó un diseño factorial en el cual el factor principal fue la variedad de pasto (Mulato I o Mulato II) y el factor secundario la aplicación de biofertilizantes (Mycoral®, Trichozam®, Mycoral® + Trichozam® y el Testigo). Para analizar las variables de producción de MS y conteo de conidias de T. harzianum se utilizaron medidas repetidas en el tiempo y sin medidas repetidas para esporas y porcentaje de infección de raíces con micorriza. La aleatorización en campo se realizó en un Diseño Completo al Azar (DCA) con cuatro repeticiones por cada combinación de tratamientos. No hubo diferencia (P>0.05) en la producción de MS entre los pastos (117.4 kg/ha/día  y 110.9 kg/ha/día para Mulato I y II, respectivamente) ni entre la aplicación del biofertilizante. El tratamiento con micorriza + T. harzianum tuvo el menor rendimiento (107.1 kg/ha/día). El contenido de FND (50.5%), FAD (29.2%) y DIVMO (60.3%) fueron similares en ambos pastos. El contenido de PC fue mayor en Mulato II (15.1%) que en Mulato I (29.2%). La absorción de nutrientes fue similar en ambos pastos, a excepción del zinc y nitrógeno.Palabras clave: Digestibilidad In Vitro de la Materia Orgánica (DIVMO); Fibra Ácido Detergente (FAD); Fibra Neutro Detergente (FND); Materia Seca (MS); Proteína Cruda (PC). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v47i1-2.444 Ceiba, 2006. Volumen 47(1-2):25-32}, journal={Ceiba}, author={Castillo, M.S. and Vélez, M. and Rosas, J.C. and Trabanino, R.}, year={2006}, pages={25–32} }