Publications

Authors: Hayden Schug - Dr. Galen P. Dively II

A practical identification and management guide for common soybean pests in Maryland. Including pest biology, seasonal scouting guidance, and current IPM recommendations to help reduce yield loss. Authors: Hayden Schug and Dr. Galen Dively; Title: Common Soybean Pests in Maryland" (FS-2025-0759).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Jesse Ketterman

Credit plays a pivotal role in modern financial planning, enabling individuals to manage cash flow, make major purchases, and secure future financial stability through strategic borrowing. While installment, revolving, and open credit accounts offer flexibility, responsible repayment is critical to avoid financial pitfalls. Budgeting is also essential to manage expenditures and prevent debt cycles. Securing credit depends on factors like payment history, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio, impacting loan terms and interest rates. Mismanagement can lead to financial distress, while effective credit use can enhance economic well-being. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D., and Jesse Ketterman, Ph.D.; Title: Consumer Credit: Balancing Access and Risks to Achieve Financial Stability (FS-2025-0755).

Authors: Willie Lantz - Philip Malone - Karen Wood - Amy Lang - Brad Hartle - Mark DeMorra - Amanda Wahle - Mary Elizabeth Bissell - Aimee Cristy - Bobbi Hudson - Thomas Hutson - Jessica Mellon

The “Investigating Oysters” underwater science activity booklet is an educational component of the Smart, Sustainable Shellfish Aquaculture Management (S3AM) program. S3AM is a nationwide, multi-institutional, USDA-funded project that uses smart technology to increase farming efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of oyster aquaculture. This guide provides young people with an introduction to oysters and an overview of underwater robotics through engaging activities that connect to the future of oyster harvesting. The activities included in this booklet are a virtual oyster dissection, experiments in buoyancy and propulsion and a guide to building the 4-H SAM underwater robot. Authors: Willie Lantz, Phil Malone, Karen Wood, Amy Lang, Brad Hartle, Mark Demorra, Amanda Wahle, Aimee Cristy, Mary Elizabeth Bissell, Bobbi Hudson, Tom Hudson, and Jessica Mellon.; Title: Investigating Oysters 4-H Guide to Underwater Science Activities for Youth (EC-2025-0751)

Authors: Amy Lang

The Power of Pollinators lessons provide engaging, interactive activities for youth audiences to explore the role pollinators play in our food supply, providing opportunities to explore pollinator species and habitats and engage in environmental stewardship practices to support these vital organisms.  As youth explore these concepts they will develop an increased affinity for the natural world and the science that can be used to explore and understand it. Author: Amy Lang; Title: The Power of Pollinators (EC-2023-0675).

Authors: Sarah Hirsh

Soil health is the status of soil in terms of its ability to function and sustain life. It involves physical, chemical, and biological factors that are all interrelated. Soil organisms are critical for building good soil structure, ensuring air and water movements through the soil, decomposing organic materials, and cycling nutrients. A soil with good physical structure and with sufficient nutrient cycling will encourage increased numbers and diversity of soil organisms. When we manage soil with practices that minimize disturbance, maximize soil cover, maximize biodiversity, and maximize the presence of living roots, we can increase soil health, increasing the sustainability and profitability of agriculture. Author: Sarah Hirsh; Title: Soil Health (FS-2025-0754).

Authors: Patricia Steinhilber - Joshua M. McGrath

This publication provides crucial insights into assessing your corn crop's nitrogen levels at the end of the season. Learn how to identify excess nitrogen and optimize your fertilizer strategies for maximum yield and profitability. The publication offers detailed instructions for sampling and interpretation, helping producers make informed decisions about their nitrogen use. Whether you're managing a grain or silage crop, the CSNT can enhance your nutrient management plan. Authors: Dr. Patricia Steinhilber, Dr. Joshua McGrath; Title: Corn Stalk Nitrate Test (NM-8)

Authors: Kurt Vollmer - Dwayne Joseph - Alan Leslie - Cerruti RR Hooks - Thierry Besançon

This publication will help growers understand the benefits of incorporating spring-seeded cereal cover crops into plasticulture cucurbit production systems. It provides information from two years of university research trials evaluating spring-seeded cereal cover cropping systems along with post-plant control tactics for integrated weed management in cucumber and watermelon. Throughout a growing season, between row (inter-row) cereal cover crop treatments reduced weed density and provided better weed control compared to plots without cover crops. Post-plant applications of paraquat or including a residual herbicide often provided better weed control when used alongside a cover crop. Crop yields also were higher when a cover crop was planted between cucurbit rows versus no cover crop. Authors: Kurt Vollmer, Dwayne Joseph, Alan Leslie, Cerruti Hooks, and Thierry Besançon; Title: Spring-Seeded Cereal Cover Crops for Weed Management in Plasticulture Cucurbit Production (FS-2024-0736).

Authors: Drew Schiavone

UMD's Solar Energy Curriculum is an educational program aimed at equipping homeowners, farmers, business owners, and educators with the skills to effectively use solar energy. It covers topics such as system design, market dynamics, financial considerations, and regulatory aspects. Participants can choose from tailored tracks to meet specific goals, whether it's reducing energy costs, promoting sustainability, or educating others. By completing the program, individuals will acquire the knowledge to design, install, and maintain solar PV systems, as well as understand financial incentives and navigate regulatory landscapes, ultimately becoming advocates for sustainable energy solutions. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Solar Energy Curriculum (EC-2024-0710).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson

This paper delves into the multifaceted dynamics of consumer education and decision-making within diverse cultural contexts. It underscores the pivotal role consumer knowledge plays in navigating today's complex marketplace, addressing both individual and collective needs in a globalized world. By understanding essential consumer rights; such as safety, access to accurate information, and the art of choosing, individuals can enhance satisfaction and mitigate potential negative impacts. The discussion extends to exploring how consumer education enriches financial literacy and refines resource management, equipping individuals with the tools needed to understand guarantees and warranties comprehensively. The paper also highlights the consumer's crucial role in fostering ethical behavior, emphasizing the significance of laws designed to protect consumers. By merging these elements, the article presents a thorough view of how informed consumers contribute to a more equitable and efficient marketplace. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D.; Title: Understanding Choices: Navigating Consumer Education for a Better Tomorrow (FS-2024-0742).

Authors: Brilliant Asamoah - Colby Silvert

This publication addresses best practices Extension and outreach educators can use to engage stakeholders in their program planning and evaluation efforts. The authors emphasize the importance of applying different techniques to involve stakeholders, from initial planning and design all the way to the point when recommendations are finalized and implemented. To help educators identify target stakeholders, the article describes brainstorming and analysis tools that can map and define relevant individuals and groups. A central tool described is the Power Versus Interest Stakeholder Analysis Grid, used to classify stakeholders based on the power and interest they will likely bring to an existing or proposed program. Educators can employ the structured processes in the article to help ensure that key stakeholders are not overlooked and community leaders buy into new programs. Both face-to-face and virtual engagement techniques and participatory evaluation models are highlighted, and a list is provided of resources for educators to deepen their knowledge on stakeholder engagement strategies within program planning and evaluation. Authors: Brilliant Asamoah and Colby Silvert; Title: Engaging Stakeholders in Extension Program Planning and Evaluation Efforts (FS-2024-0741).