(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joseph Hopper)

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February 5, 2024

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By Dr. Chris Hay, Affiliate Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University

Drainage water recycling is a practice that combines crop production benefits for the farmer and water quality benefits downstream. A drainage water recycling system captures subsurface (tile) drainage and potentially water from surface runoff or other sources, and stores it in a reservoir for supplemental irrigation. The Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) has been collaborating with researchers from Iowa State University to evaluate this practice in Iowa.

Three sites are being monitored for the impacts of drainage water recycling on crop yield and water quality. Each site is uniquely designed.

The first site, near Story City was installed in 2015. It captures subsurface drainage from about 20 acres that is supplemented by water pumped from a nearby creek.

The reservoir for the second site, near Lake City, was constructed in a waterway fed by the outflow from a large drainage district main and has an outlet structure for when inflows exceed the reservoir storage capacity.

The third site, near Dayton, uses a sump to pump water from an adjacent county drainage main into an excavated reservoir.

Crop yield

At the Story City site, 60 acres are irrigated and another 100 acres are not irrigated. However, the acres have the same soil type and management, serving as a good control for comparing the irrigated and rainfed yields.

Corn yield data has been available since the system began operation in 2016. Yields were greater in the irrigated portion of the field in every year except for 2018, when there was ample rain and no irrigation was used, and in 2020, when the derecho damaged the center pivot.

Yield increases ranged from -7 bushels per acre in 2018, when there was no irrigation, to 119 bushels per acre in 2017. The yield increases are largely explained by differences in precipitation, with 2017 precipitation 32% less than the 30-year average whereas precipitation in 2018 was well above the 30-year average. The overall average corn yield increase from the supplemental irrigation was 35 bushels per acre. In addition to greater overall yields, there was less year-to-year variability in yield in the irrigated portion of the field. Yield monitor data show that yields were more consistent in the irrigated portion within individual years.

Water quality

With the two new sites in Lake City and Dayton, there are now four site years of water quality monitoring to evaluate the water quality benefits of drainage water recycling.

To understand the water balance of each system, inflows and outflows were measured. Those inflows and outflows and the water stored in the reservoir were also sampled for nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.

Other water losses from evaporation and seepage and nutrient losses in the seepage were estimated. The nutrient load reductions from the drainage water recycling systems could be calculated with the flow amounts and nutrient concentrations.

In all four site years, nitrogen loads were substantially reduced. This was from a combination of concentration reductions from storage within the reservoirs and nitrogen recycled back into the field through supplemental irrigation.

Nitrogen in the irrigation water was assumed to be available for plant uptake or would otherwise be reduced, and nitrogen load reductions were calculated as nitrogen in the inflows minus nitrogen in any outflows and seepage.

On a percentage basis, nitrogen load reductions ranged from 63% to 92%. Nitrogen load reductions at Story City and Dayton were 90% and 92% with no outflows other than seepage.

At Lake City, nitrogen load reductions varied by year. With greater inflows in 2022, more water and nitrogen were released back to the stream in reservoir outflows, so nitrogen load reductions were less. In the drier conditions of 2023, reservoir inflows were less, outflows were minimal, and the nitrogen load reduction was greater.

Looking at load reductions in terms of the total amount of nitrogen removed shows the differences in the system designs.

Dayton is entirely filled from pumped inflows, and inflows to Story City are largely pumped from the stream. Therefore, the water pumped in is only enough to fill the reservoir, so the inflow amounts of nitrogen were less than at Lake City.

At Lake City, all the discharge from the upstream drainage district main passes through the Lake City reservoir. So, even though some of the water and nitrogen exceeded the reservoir storage capacity and was released back to the stream, there was still an opportunity for nitrogen reduction from treatment as it passed through the reservoir.

Although 2022 at Lake City had the smallest percentage reduction, it had the greatest overall load reduction of more than 2,700 lbs. of nitrogen.

Conclusions

Drainage water recycling has shown strong potential as a practice that boosts crop production and improves water quality. Research continues on these sites and will hopefully expand to more sites. Additional site years will allow us to better understand how drainage water recycling performs at different sites and under different weather conditions which will then help us better understand the economics of these systems.

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(NEW YORK) — Could a recently discovered “super-Earth” have the potential temperature and conditions to sustain life?

The new exoplanet is situated “fairly close to us” — only 137 light-years away — and orbits within a “habitable zone,” according to NASA.

Astronomers say the planet, dubbed TOI-715 b, is about one and a half times the width of Earth and orbits a small, reddish star. The same system also might harbor a second, Earth-sized planet, which, if confirmed, “would become the smallest habitable-zone planet discovered by TESS [the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite] so far,” NASA said in a Jan. 31 press release.

Due to the super-Earth’s distance from its parent star, it could be in a conservative “habitable zone” and harbor the right temperature for liquid water to form on its surface, which is essential to sustain life, according to the agency, which also added that “several other factors would have to line up, of course.”

NASA said the measurements of the habitable zone — “a narrower and potentially more robust definition than the broader ‘optimistic’ habitable zone” — put the newly discovered planet, and possibly the smaller Earth-sized planet, in “prime position” from its parent star.

The agency said that because of the short distance the super-Earth orbits from its parent star, a red dwarf that’s smaller and cooler than our Earth’s sun, a “year” for the planet is equal to 19 Earth days.

The tighter orbits mean the “planets can be more easily detected and more frequently observed,” NASA said.

Since its launch in 2018, TESS has been adding to astronomers’ stockpile of habitable-zone exoplanets, such as TOI-715 b, that could be more closely scrutinized by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the agency said.

The Webb telescope is designed to not only detect exoplanets but “explore the composition of their atmospheres, which could offer clues to the possible presence of life,” NASA said.

The super-Earth research and discovery was led by Georgina Dransfield at the University of Birmingham in the U.K. and published in the “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society” journal in January.

The findings mark another step forward in astronomers’ mission to understand what atmospheric conditions are needed to sustain life and further explore the characteristics of exoplanets beyond our solar system, NASA said.

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Kia has recalled about 1,200 electric vehicles (EVs) because their drive shafts can break, causing a loss of all power.

Recalled models include:

Kia tells federal safety regulators “the left-hand drive shaft in the subject Niro EV vehicles and rear inner drive shaft in the subject EV6 vehicles may have been improperly heat-treated.” Heat treating helps determine the strength of a metal, so “an improperly heat-treated drive shaft may break under load resulting in a loss of motive power.”

Dealers will replace the affected drive shafts with new, properly heat-treated parts.

Recall repairs, by law, are free. Many cars are recalled, often more than once, during their lifespan. Automakers try to contact every owner but don’t always reach them all. Find out whether your car has any outstanding recalls with the easy VIN tool at our recall center.

Disneyland Resort guests can Celebrate Soulfully in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month with special menus, entertainment, and activities.

What’s Happening:

Elsewhere in Downtown Disney, guests can enjoy soul warming cooking at an eatery fusing its authentic New Orleans roots with its adopted California influence at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio

In the ever-evolving landscape of product presentation, businesses are turning to innovative solutions to capture the attention of their target audience. One such transformative tool is product visualisation, a technique that breathes life into ideas and concepts. In this article, we delve into the world of product visualisation and explore the pivotal role that 3D exterior rendering services play in elevating the overall appeal of products.

The Power of product visualisation

In the digital age, consumers demand a dynamic and immersive experience when interacting with products. product visualisation serves as the bridge between imagination and reality, enabling businesses to showcase their offerings in a visually stunning and compelling manner. Unlike traditional 2D images, 3D product visualisation provides a holistic view, allowing customers to explore every angle and detail.

Understanding product visualisation

product visualisation encompasses various techniques, from simple 2D images to advanced 3D rendering. Among these, 3D exterior rendering services stand out as a game-changer. These services utilize cutting-edge technology to create lifelike representations of products, particularly emphasizing their exteriors. Whether it’s architectural designs, industrial products, or consumer goods, 3D exterior rendering adds a layer of realism that captivates and engages the audience.

Benefits of 3D Exterior Rendering Services

Realism and Detail: One of the key advantages of 3D exterior rendering is its ability to showcase products with unparalleled realism. High levels of detail, including textures, lighting, and shadows, contribute to a lifelike representation that goes beyond the capabilities of traditional photography.

Customization and Iteration: 3D rendering allows for easy customization and iteration. Businesses can experiment with different colors, materials, and designs without the need for physical prototypes. This flexibility accelerates the product development process and ensures that the final product aligns perfectly with the envisioned design.

Cost-Effective Solutions: Contrary to the belief that advanced technology comes with a hefty price tag, 3D exterior rendering services offer a cost-effective solution for product visualisation. The ability to create and modify virtual prototypes reduces the expenses associated with physical prototypes and reshoots.

Enhanced Marketing Materials: 3D rendered images and animations serve as powerful marketing tools. These visuals can be used across various platforms, including websites, social media, and marketing collateral. The captivating nature of 3D renders enhances brand visibility and fosters a stronger connection with the audience.

Implementing 3D Exterior Rendering in Different Industries

Architecture and Real Estate: Architects and real estate developers leverage 3D exterior rendering to present their designs in a realistic manner. From residential projects to commercial spaces, rendering services help clients visualize the end result, making decision-making more informed and confident.

Industrial Design: In the realm of industrial product design, 3D exterior rendering is invaluable. It allows designers to showcase intricate details, functionality, and aesthetics of complex machinery, ensuring that stakeholders have a comprehensive understanding of the product.

Consumer Goods: From electronic gadgets to furniture, consumer goods benefit greatly from 3D exterior rendering. The ability to display products in various settings and scenarios enhances the consumer’s perception and aids in quicker purchasing decisions.

Conclusion

As we navigate the digital age, the importance of visually appealing product presentation cannot be overstated. product visualisation, particularly through 3D exterior rendering service, is a powerful tool that empowers businesses to showcase their offerings with unmatched realism and detail. By embracing this innovative approach, companies can elevate their marketing efforts, streamline product development, and create a lasting impact on their target audience. In the competitive landscape of today, staying ahead often means embracing the transformative potential of 3D exterior rendering.

For an interior designer who has cultivated a reputation for installing highly detailed interior environments, AD100 designer Nicole Hollis says the commission to furnish this penthouse in Manhattan’s Nolita offered her a rare opportunity.

“Because of the building’s rich history, we really wanted to respect the interior architecture of the space,” Hollis says of an apartment with arching brick ceilings and cast-iron columns that preserve its authentic 19th-century character. “But we also knew we had a unique chance to blend the modern and historic elements to create the sense of relaxed functional luxury the apartment lacked.”

What the apartment didn’t lack was size and space—it clocks in at 5,627 square feet spread over two levels. Hollis says she focused on minimally refining an interior space blessed with sweeping views of both the Midtown and downtown skylines. But she also wanted the handling of form, flow, and proportion to allow the clients to find and express their own distinctive style.

“The owners are repeat clients, so we had a strong intuition for how they wanted to live and function in their surroundings,” Hollis says of the couple with three children. The design studio worked with builder DeBono Brothers on a yearlong project that employs understated colors and strong, simple forms to create interiors with a sophisticated, urbane sensibility.

A spiral staircase featuring a smoked glass chandelier by Bocci greets you as you enter the penthouse. The foyer has black, white, and gray stone flooring arranged in a geometric pattern along with white walls that allow artwork by the artist Vija Celmins to stand out. A large black stone double-sided fireplace commands attention in a living room that includes white oak flooring, rolling brick ceilings, and a striking sculptural brass coffee table by AD100 architect Vincenzo De Cotiis. A pair of vintage wingback lounge chairs by the Finnish artist Arttu Brummer add to the allure of the space. The furnishings sit atop a subtle, geometric patterned wool and silk rug by Marc Phillips.

The soul of the interiors are animated by the homeowners’ contemporary art collection, which encompasses works by a diverse roster of artists. The collection includes a large playful mirrored work by the artist Olafur Eliasson, and a colorfully woven sculpture by Sheila Hicks. An energetic grouping of Donald Judd works in the family room provides a lively framework for the space, says Hollis, who kept the fabrics and finishes neutral with a few accents that play along with the colorful artworks. “The goal was to work with the art instead of fighting with it,” she says.

The dining room features an overscale mobile chandelier by Celine Wright hanging above a walnut slab dining table by BDDW. Surrounding the dining table are a set of vintage handcrafted dining chairs by Sam Maloof. Up the spiral staircase, on the home’s second level, lies the primary suite and a pair of guest bedrooms.

The primary bedroom features walls and ceiling painted in a soft warm gray by Farrow & Ball in Purbeck Stone, and brick detailing along the window wall. Furnishings include a custom bed by Nicole Hollis fabricated by Barahona, cast bronze table lamps by Elan Atelier, and a bench by Atelier Purcell. The pieces all sit atop a custom wool and silk rug with an abstracted pattern scattered throughout by Fort Street Studio. The first of the guest bedrooms has brick detailing along the window wall, a pair of bedside tables by Hao Wai, and gray and marble table lamps by Gubi. The room also features a series of colorful palm trees artwork by American artist Charles Gaines.

“You’re greeted with a sense of peace and serenity” when you enter the bedrooms, adds Hollis. “That was the goal underpinning the entire project.”

LONDON / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 18, 2024 / Sabio Group has confirmed that acclaimed generative AI expert Nina Schick will be its keynote speaker for Disrupt 2024 in the UK.

An expert on emerging technologies, Schick will share her vision for AI’s potential, educating delegates on how to adopt and benefit from its immense CX possibilities. 

“We are delighted to have Nina Schick, a true visionary in artificial intelligence, headline our event,” said Craig Pumfrey, VP of Marketing at Sabio Group. “Her unparalleled expertise and unique perspective will provide our attendees with great insight into how AI will shape the future of customer engagement. 

“Nina’s vision for the future of AI inspires and challenges us to think bigger in order to build deeper consumer connections. We couldn’t have asked for a better keynote to round off what is set to be another thought-provoking event.” 

Schick forged her reputation in the House of Commons as a geopolitical adviser. She is now an acclaimed author, entrepreneur, and global speaker specialising in the societal and business impacts of emerging technologies.  

She founded Tamang Ventures, an advisory firm focused on generative AI, and created the “Era of Generative AI” project to promote awareness of AI’s possibilities. She is also a trusted advisor to leading companies in the space such as Anthropic and Synthesia. 

Her bestselling book “Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse” examines the societal risks of synthetic media and she has previously keynoted events for the likes of Microsoft, the UN, DARPA and more. Her media appearances include CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, and CNBC. 

On Sabio’s Disrupt, she said: “Events like Disrupt spark thought-provoking dialogue and are key as we shape the ethical development of world-changing technologies such as AI. 

“I’m genuinely excited to connect with the innovators and pioneers who are driving this AI revolution and I am looking forward to discussing how we can steer the technology to uplift cross-industry customer experiences not only in the UK but globally.” 

Sabio, the global digital experience transformation services specialist, will once again host Disrupt at the Brewery in London, this year on Tuesday March 5th. 

The conference has attracted leading minds and voices from all across the digital transformation and CX landscape and this year will explore how emerging technologies such as AI are revolutionising CX. 

Sabio’s Chief Innovation Officer, Stuart Dorman, added: “Nina is on the leading edge when it comes to the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Her keynote will help our audience understand how they can harness the power of AI like generative models to transform the customer experience and build deeper consumer connections.”  

With 15+ sessions, 25+ speakers, and 500+ delegates, Disrupt 2024 will cover today’s most important topics in CX, including AI, data analytics, CRM, and more. Other highlights include a session on “Delivering Exceptional Experiences in the Real World” with case studies from Sabio clients, a discussion on “The Future of Productive Conversations” across channels, and a frontline stories panel about engaging customers.   

To register and save your space at Disrupt 2024, visit the event website.