Publications

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).

Authors: Qianwen Lu - Neith Little

Heat stress is a common summer problem for crop production and is worsened by rising temperatures and urban heat island effects. This extension brief introduces symptoms of crops impacted by heat stress and tips to mitigate crop heat stress. Authors: Qianwen Lu and Neith Little; Title: Reducing Crop Heat Stress in Urban Farms (EBR-2024-0720).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Naimani Staley - Isaias Tesfalidet

This paper explores the growth of financial technology, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and financial education in reshaping personal finance through apps and online platforms. The surge in mobile banking has forced financial institutions to improve their mobile applications; they are now investing in apps that offer greater convenience and engaging features to retain customers. However, while these advancements offer many benefits, they also introduce unknown risks, such as cybersecurity threats and scams. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to be educated on safety measures to protect themselves. The goal of financial technology is to create a more just economic system by broadening access to financial resources, strengthening financial inclusion for underserved populations and fostering economic empowerment through user-friendly mobile banking apps, accessible micro-loans, and transparent investment platforms. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D., Naimani Staley, and Isaias Y. Tesfalidet; Title: The Relevance of Financial Technology: Bridging the Gap Between Consumers and Services (FS-2024-0724).

Authors: Matthew Trause - James Schupp - Macarena Farcuh

Red skin coloration is highly associated with apple fruit marketability and profitability. It is determined by the content and composition of anthocyanins. A multifaceted approach—considering environmental factors, site of establishment, cultivars, rootstocks, mineral nutrition, crop load, and fruit maturity —are key to meeting the required apple red skin coloration standards. Authors: Matthew Trause, James Schupp, Ph.D., and Macarena Farcuh, Ph. D.; Title: Apple Red Skin Coloration: A Grower's Checklist (FS-2025-0753).

Authors: Anna Glenn - Joseph Cho - Jeff Howard

Global Citizenship Education helps 4-H youth build cultural awareness, empathy, and real-world skills through inclusive programs—no passport required! Learn how you can incorporate it into your 4-H program. Authors: Anna Glenn, Joseph Cho, and Jeff Howard; Title: Global Citizenship Education in 4-H: A Guide for 4-H Professionals (FS-2024-0714).

Authors: Lillian Masson - Elizabeth Thilmany - Stephanie Lansing - Derek Wietelman

A culmination of recent research on Maryland’s livestock sector assesses nutrient production, management practices, and treatment technologies, highlighting areas where nutrient outputs exceed processing capacity to support informed policymaking, strategic investments, and public awareness. Authors: Lillian Masson, Elizabeth Thilmany, Stephanie Landsing, and Derek Wietelman; Title: Maryland’s Nutrient, Animal Waste, and Technology Landscape (FS-2024-0737).