Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Marty Matlock
Abstract
Nitrogen fertilizer management is a critical challenge in modern agriculture. This thesis develops a system dynamics model of nitrogen in Arkansas rice and corn systems to explore barriers to translating agricultural research into practical farmer guidance. The modeling process revealed key challenges: (1) scarcity of Arkansas-specific factors and best management practice (BMP) effectiveness data; (2) tension between model comprehensiveness and accessibility; (3) misalignments in conservation incentive structures; and (4) difficulty in validating models without field measurements. The resulting model demonstrates basic nitrogen cycle processes and BMP integration, but validation against published literature revealed significant issues with predictive accuracy. These findings highlight barriers to nitrogen BMP modeling and adoption. This thesis documents critical data needs and contributes to understanding the gap between research and on-farm practice in Arkansas nitrogen management.
Keywords
nitrogen, agriculture, nitrogen cycle
Citation
Lindon, A. (2026). A Systems Approach to Nitrogen Fertilizer Management: Modeling Emissions and Runoff Pathways in Arkansas Agriculture. Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/baeguht/112
