Two lines of maize which had different levels of expressions of leaf osmotic potential (OP) under water-deficit conditions in the field were previously found to differ in leaf area duration and water extraction at soil depths greater than 0.80 m. In the current study, the hypothesis was explored that the difference in leaf OP between the two lines was associated with differences in transpiration rate which in turn had a major effect on the temporal dynamics of soil water use. The line with the lowest (most negative) OP in the early stages of the soil drying cycle was found to have the greatest transpiration rate and delayed wilting which was consistent with the original field observations. However, with further soil drying, the line with higher OP was able to sustain transpiration over a longer time period and actually reached the end point of transpirable soil water at a later date. The results of these experiments highlighted the necessity of accounting for temporal dynamics when interpreting crop water use in response to soil drying, particularly when comparing genotypes with differing OP.

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the student participants’ motivations to partake in a short-term study abroad experience. This was an observational case study of the North Carolina State University College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Agribusiness Short-Term Study Abroad Program with the 2014 program student participants. The study explored student participants’ motivations to participate in a short-term study abroad program. This study found students were motivated to participate in a short-term study abroad program because of the short-term length aspect, the completion of course credits, and encouragement from other people, both other students and faculty.

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