ABSTRACT
Seeking to fine-tune nitrogen (N) application, increase economic returns, and decrease environmental N loss, some Arkansas rice (Oryza sativa L.) producers are turning away from blanket N recommendations based on soil texture and cultivar and using the Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice (N-STaR) to determine their field-specific N rates. In 2010, Roberts et al. correlated years of direct steam distillation (DSD) results obtained from 0- to 18-in. soil samples to plot-scale N response trials across the state to develop a field-specific, soil-based N test for Arkansas rice. After extensive small-plot and field-scale validation, N-STaR is available to Arkansas farmers for both silt loam and clay soils. Samples submitted to the N-STaR Soil Testing Lab in 2021 were summarized by county and soil texture, totaled 21 fields across 9 Arkansas counties, and were from 6 clay and 15 silt loam fields. Depressed sample submissions were again observed likely due to another wet spring and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The N-STaR N-rate recommendations for samples were compared to the producer's estimated N rate, the 2021 Recommended Nitrogen Rates and Distribution for Rice Cultivars in Arkansas, and the standard Arkansas N-rate recommendation of 150 lb N/ac for silt loam soils and 180 lb N/ac for clay soils. Each comparison was divided into 3 categories based on a decrease in recommendation, no change in recommended N rate, or an increase in the N rate recommendation. In all 3 comparisons, county, but not soil texture, was a significant factor (P < 0.04) in observed decreases in N recommendation strategies demonstrating variations in the soil's ability to supply N across the state. Further stressing the potential N cost savings opportunities, reductions greater than 30 lb N/ac were recommended by N-STaR in 71%, 50%, and 74% of fields in the standard, estimated, and cultivar comparisons, respectively.
ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with a rare cancer (RC) diagnosis face unique challenges affecting psychological wellbeing. Vast geographical distances further compound challenges in accessing RC sub-specialist expertise, clinical trials, research and non-reimbursed therapies. The Australian Rare Cancer (ARC) Portal is a novel model of care delivery that has a positive psychological impact on these patients. Methods: The ARC Portal is a national free online referral platform implemented to overcome barriers to accessing excellent care. It is funded by Omico, with support from BioGrid Australia, Rare Cancers Australia (RCA), and The WEHI Stafford Fox Rare Cancer Program (SFRCP). We have recorded 924 referrals for a diverse range of RC in early (30%) and late stages (70%). Our 162 referring clinicians derive from every Australian state and from both regional and metropolitan centres. Over 50 content experts from Australia and internationally have provided case advice. Referring clinical impact surveys and patient feedback surveys were analysed to identify psychosocial impacts of the ARC Portal. Results: Our model of care keeps patients with their primary oncologists by equipping referrers with increased expertise drawing from, on average, two to five experts. The entirely online consent process overcomes geographical barriers to enrolment, and is of particular importance in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions removing in person interaction. Provision of expertise and treatment recommendations meets informational needs and increased the patient confidence patients in their treating clinicians. Report recommendations directly altered the treatment delivered to patients in 20/ 48 of surveyed referrer respondents. Early stage patients are eligible for referral to guide neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, and those in remission for anticipatory identification of next lines of therapy. We identify appropriate access to investigator-driven research efforts to overcome financial barriers to genomic sequencing e.g. via the MoST Program funded by OMICO and the WEHI-SFRCP enabling access to molecularly-guided therapy. A lack of reimbursed therapeutic options in RC poses financial stress on patients. The ARC Portal expands patients' treatment options via links with clinical trial networks, coordination with industry, and cross-referral to the charity, RCA, for fundraising assistance. We provide patients with the opportunity for involvement in research, which for many provides hope, either for themselves, or for others, as they can opt to provide access to biomarker and tumour specimens via the WEHI-SFRCP;the majority of patients (82.5%) have provided consent. Conclusions: The ARC Portal offers patients access to excellent rare cancer care resulting in positive impacts upon patients' psychological wellbeing. These initial observations require more formal assessment.
ABSTRACT
Seeking to fine-tune nitrogen (N) application, increase economic returns, and decrease environmental N loss, some Arkansas rice (Oryza sativa L.) producers are turning away from blanket N recommendations based on soil texture and cultivar and using N-STaR (Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice) to determine their field-specific N rates. In 2010, Roberts et al. correlated several years of direct steam distillation (DSD) results obtained from 0 to 18-in. soil samples to plot-scale N response trials across the state to develop a field-specific, soil-based N test for Arkansas rice. After extensive small-plot and field-scale validation, N-STaR is available to Arkansas farmers for both silt loam and clay soils (using 0 to 12-in. soil samples). To summarize the samples submitted to the N-STaR Soil Testing Lab in 2020, samples were categorized by county and soil texture. Samples were received from 24 fields across 11 Arkansas counties. Total samples received were from 9 clay and 15 silt loam fields. Sample submission was depressed this season due to COVID-19, but expectations are that sample numbers will increase for the 2021 growing season. The N-STaR N-rate recommendations for these samples were compared to the producer's estimated N rate, the 2020 Recommended Nitrogen Rates and Distribution for Rice Cultivars in Arkansas, and the standard Arkansas N-rate recommendation of 150 lb N/ac for silt loam soils and 180 lb N/ac for clay soils. Each comparison was divided into 3 categories based on a decrease in the recommendation, no change in recommended N rate, or an increase in the N rate recommendation. Neither county nor soil texture was found to be significant factors in any of the comparisons made in this year's data, yet the same general trends seen in previous years were observed.