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Tillage Study For Corn And Soybeans: Comparing Vertical, Deep, And No-Tillage, E. A. Adee

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Trends from a tillage study conducted since 2011 are beginning to show that corn yields are greater when there is an occasional deep tillage. The yield of soybeans have not been affected significantly by tillage systems ranging from no-till to conventional tillage every year.

Extent Of Larval Populations Of Turfgrass Insect Pests At Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center At Manhattan, Ks, Raymond A. Cloyd

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Many insect pests have a larval or grub stage that resides belowground and feeds on turfgrass roots (Potter, 1998; Vittum et al., 1999; Held and Potter, 2012). The major belowground insect pests (white grubs) associated with turfgrass throughout Midwestern states that are present in Kansas include: May/June beetles (Phyllophagaspp), masked chafers (Cyclocephalaspp), and bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus) (Miller et al., 2013). However, there is limited information on the annual occurrence of these insect pests affiliated with the common turfgrass species planted in Kansas, including zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa …

Evaluating Small Unmanned Aerial Systems For Detecting Drought Stress On Turfgrass, Mu Hong, Dale Bremer, Deon Van Der Merwe

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was conducted to evaluate early detection ability of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) technology for drought stress on turfgrass. Certain reflectances collected by sUAS and a handheld device declined more in less irrigated treatments before drought stress was evident in visual quality rating (VQ) and percentage green cover (PGC). The near infrared (NIR) band and GreenBlue vegetation index performed the best consistently for drought stress prediction among the other vegetation indices (VI) or bands from sUAS. Results indicate using ultra-high resolution remote sensing with sUAS can detect drought stress as well as, if not better than, a handheld …

Evaluating Zoysiagrass-Tall Fescue Mixtures In Kansas, Mingying Xiang, Jack D. Fry, Megan M. Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Water conservation is increasingly important when selecting turfgrasses. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica), a C4 grass, is more drought resistant than C3 grasses. However, there is some resistance to the use of zoysiagrass in lawns and golf courses due to its extended dormant period when turf is brown. The objective of this study was to evaluate mowing height, and tall fescue seeding rate and time for establishment of a mixed stand with seeded zoysiagrass. Seeding zoysiagrass and tall fescue together in June generally resulted in a less uniform mixture than seeding zoysiagrass in June and then seeding tall fescue in …

2013 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Bermudagrass Test: 2013–2017 Summary Report, Linda R. Parsons, Michael J. Shelton, Jason J. Griffin, Jared A. Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas represents the northernmost region in the central United States where bermudagrass can be successfully grown as a perennial turfgrass. Historically, few cultivars that have both acceptable quality and adequate cold tolerance have been available to local growers. Because new introductions are continually being selected for improved hardiness and quality, both seeded and vegetative types need regular evaluation to determine their long-range suitability for use in Kansas.

Brown Patch Occurrence In A Zoysiagrass-Tall Fescue Polystand Compared To A Tall Fescue Monostand, Mingying Xiang, Jack D. Fry, Megan M. Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research has demonstrated that polystands of zoysiagrass and tall fescue can be established successfully, with the potential to provide a high quality turfgrass stand with reduced inputs. Our objective was to determine whether mixing zoysiagrass with tall fescue will reduce brown patch severity while maintaining overall accept­able quality. Studies were established at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center in Manhattan, KS. In the split-plot design, natural infection byRhizoctoniasolanior a fungicide-treated control was the whole plot treatment factor and species (tall fescue monostand and the zoysiagrass/tall fescue mixture) were subplots. During July and August 2016 and 2017, when …

2012 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Tall Fescue Test: 2017 Data, Linda R. Parsons, Michael J. Shelton, Megan M. Kennelly, Jason J. Griffin, Jared A. Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research efforts to improve cultivar quality include selecting for disease resistance and stress tolerance as well as finer leaf texture, a rich green color, and better sward density. Several cultivars included in the 2012 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Tall Fescue Test performed well and showed good brown patch resistance in south central Kansas during the 2017 growing season.

Field Station Weather Reports, E. A. Adee, M. C. Knapp

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Summary of weather for research locations for the 2018 Field report.

The research program at the Kansas State University East Central Kansas Experiment Field is designed to keep area crop producers abreast of technological advances in agronomic agriculture. Specific objectives are to (1) identify top performing varieties and hybrids of wheat, corn, soybean, and grain sorghum; (2) establish the amount of tillage and crop residue cover needed for optimum crop production; (3) evaluate weed and disease control practices using chemical, no chemical, and combination methods; and (4) test fertilizer rates, timing, and application methods for agronomic proficiency and environmental stewardship. …

Effect Of Fungicides On Southern Rust Of Corn, E. A. Adee, S. Duncan

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The decision to apply fungicides to corn is not an easy decision in Kansas, especially when grain prices are low. Numerous factors determine what diseases are present, and whether the plants will be defoliated enough to reduce yield. Correctly identifying the disease, knowing what environmental conditions favor the development of an epidemic, and knowing the hybrid’s resistance to the diseases can be known before making the decision. However, knowing if the conditions will be favorable for the spread of the disease up the plant is very unpredictable. A situation like a ‘perfect storm’ for foliar diseases defoliating corn occurred in …

High Yielding Soybean: Genetic Gain And Nitrogen Limitation, O. A. Ortez, F. Salvagiotti, J. M. Enrico, E. A. Adee, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The United States and Argentina account for more than 50% of the global soybean production. Closing yield gaps (actual on-farm yield vs. genetic yield potential) would require an improvement in the use of the available resources. Overall, 50-60% of soybean nitrogen (N) demand is usually met by the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) process. A scientific knowledge gap still exists related to the ability of the BNF process to satisfy soybean N demand at varying yield levels. The overall objective of this project is to study the contribution of N via utilization of varying N strategies under historical and modern soybean …

Best Management Systems To Intensify Soybean Production, G. R. Balboa, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The aim of this study was to evaluate different management systems to close the yield gap in soybean production. A soybean experiment was established in Scandia, KS, evaluating five management systems under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. For the 2017 season, dryland and irrigated average yields were similar (63–65 bu/a) due to herbicide injury on the irrigated phase. In both water scenarios, intensification (high input) increased yields compared with common practice (low input) systems. Under irrigation, a consistent response to a balanced nutrition program was documented.

Effects Of Nitrogen In Soybean Seed Quality Definition During Seed-Filling Period, S. Tamagno, E. A. Adee, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

During the seed filling period (SFP), parallel to the seed changes, translocation of assimilates and nutrients takes place from different plant organs to the seed in order to provide sufficient supply for the seed storage components (i.e., starch, oil, and protein) that ultimately will determine the seed quality. There are two processes that define the final seed weight in any crop: 1) the amount of dry mass deposited per unit of time (rate) and 2) the duration of this process from beginning of seed formation to physiological maturity. As seed number is defined, any source limitation during the SFP can …

Impact On Soybean Yield From Sudden Death Syndrome And Soybean Planting Date, E. A. Adee, C. Little, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is a disease caused by the soilborne fungusFusarium virguliforme. This fungus prefers wet conditions and thus is usually most severe in irrigated fields. SDS tends to be most severe on well-managed soybeans with a high yield potential. It also tends to be more prevalent on fields that are infested with soybean cyst nematode (SCN) or planted early when soils are wet and cool. Historical yield losses from this disease are generally in the range of 1–25%.

Soybean planting dates have been moving increasingly earlier in much of the soybean growing region, including Kansas. Yield …

Variable Response Of Kochia Accessions To Dicamba And Fluroxypyr In Western Kansas, V. Kumar, P. W. Stahlman, R. Currie, R. Engel, G. Boyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The rapid development of glyphosate resistance in kochia has increased the use of auxinic herbicides (dicamba and fluroxypyr) in the US Great Plains, including Kansas. Increasing reliance on auxinic herbicides for controlling glyphosate-resistant (GR) kochia may also enhance the evolution of resistance to these herbicide chemistries. The main objectives of this research were to (1) investigate the variation in kochia response to dicamba and fluroxypyr, and (2) characterize the dicamba resistance levels among progeny of kochia accessions collected from western Kansas. Greenhouse experiments were conducted at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS. Discriminate-dose studies with field-use …

Timing And Positioning Of Simulated Hail Damage Effects On Wheat Yield In Kansas: 2015–2016 And 2016–2017 Growing Seasons, R. P. Lollato, A. De Oliveira Silva, R. E. Maeoka, G. P. Bavia, L. Bonassi, B. R. Jaenisch

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hail events often decrease wheat yields in Kansas; however, estimates of yield loss due to hail event timing and position relative to the flag leaf are only available for older varieties. Our objectives were to quantify wheat yield losses as affected by timing of hail event relative to the crop development and positioning of the damage relative to the flag leaf. A total of 14 hail damage treatments including seven different timings during the growing season (boot, anthesis, watery ripe, milk, soft dough, hard dough, and ripe) and two different positioning relative to the flag leaf (above or below) were …

Reducing The Wheat Yield Gap Through Variety-Specific Management, A. De Oliveira Silva, A. K. Fritz, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In Kansas, wheat yields have been nearly stagnant at approximately 40 bu/a for the past 30 years, which corresponds to a yield gap (the difference between average producer yield and yield potential) of approximately 35 bu/a relative to the state average yield potential of ~75 bu/a. Our objective was to continue investigation on the influence of varieties with different genetic and agronomic characteristics and management practices on grain yield to demonstrate that appropriate variety-specific management can help producers to achieve long-term profitability in a sustainable manner. The Kansas State University wheat variety performance tests (VPT) evaluate 35–50 varieties in more …

Evaluating Teff Grass As A Summer Forage, J. M. Davidson, D. Min, R. M. Aiken, G. J. Kluitenberg

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objectives of this study were to determine the forage yield, nutritive value, and water use efficiency of teff grass (Eragrostis tef) under field conditions as compared to sorghum sudangrass and forage pearl millet. Water use efficiency was determined by regressing above-ground biomass on crop water use between sampling periods. Yield was determined by quadrat area clippings of above-ground biomass. Nutritive value was determined using wet chemical analysis. Cultivars showed significant differences in biomass production at all sampling dates in both years. Teff grass demonstrated potential to provide producers with a fast-growing and competitive forage crop by reaching …

Kansas Field Research 2018

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The research program at the Kansas State University East Central Kansas Experiment Field is designed to keep area crop producers abreast of technological advances in agronomic agriculture.

The Kansas State University Kansas River Valley Experiment Field was established to study management and effective use of irrigation resources for crop production in the Kansas River Valley (KRV).

Weather Information For Tribune, H. D. Bond, J. Slattery

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Summary of weather for research conducted at the Tribune field location.

Estimating Annual Forage Yields With Plant Available Water And Growing Season Precipitation, J. D. Holman, A. Obour, A. Schlegel, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Forage production is important for western Kansas region’s livestock and dairy industries and has become increasingly important as irrigation-well capacity declines. Forages require less water than grain crops and may allow for increased cropping intensity and opportunistic cropping. Being able to estimate forage production is important for determining forage availability versus forage needs. Data from several studies were used to quantify annual forage yield response to plant available water (PAW) at planting and growing season precipitation (GSP). In addition, water use efficiency was quantified. Forages evaluated included winter triticale, spring triticale, and forage sorghum.

Integrated Grain And Forage Rotations, J. D. Holman, A. Obour, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Interest in growing forages and reducing fallow has necessitated research on soil, water, and crop yields in intensified grain/forage rotations. Fallow stores moisture, which helps stabilize crop yields and reduces the risk of crop failure; however, only 25 to 30% of the precipitation received during the fallow period of a no-till wheat-sorghum-fallow rotation is stored. . The remaining 75 to 70% precipitation is lost, primarily due to evaporation. Moisture storage in fallow is more efficient earlier in the fallow period, when the soil is dry, and during the winter months when the evaporation rate is lower. It may be possible …

Effects Of Fallow Replacement Crops On Wheat And Grain Sorghum Yields, J. Holman, A. Obour, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Interest in replacing fallow with a cash crop or cover crop has necessitated research on soil, water, and wheat yields following a shortened fallow period. Fallow stores moisture, which helps stabilize crop yields and reduces the risk of crop failure; however, only 25 to 30% of the precipitation received during the fallow period of a no-till wheat-fallow rotation is stored. The remaining 75 to 70% of precipitation is lost, primarily due to evaporation. Moisture storage in fallow is more efficient earlier in the fallow period, when the soil is dry, and during the winter months when the evaporation rate is …

Occasional Tillage In A Wheat-Sorghum-Fallow Rotation, A. Schlegel, J. D. Holman

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beginning in 2012, research was conducted in Garden City and Tribune, KS, to de­termine the effect of a single tillage operation every 3 years on grain yields in a wheat-sorghum-fallow (WSF) rotation. Grain yields of wheat and grain sorghum were not affected by a single tillage operation every 3 years in a WSF rotation. Grain yield varied greatly by year from 2014 to 2017. Wheat yields ranged across years from mid-20s to 80 bu/a at Tribune and about 10 (hail damage) to near 60 bu/a at Garden City. Grain sorghum yields ranged from less than 60 to greater than 140 …

Large-Scale Dryland Cropping Systems, A. Schlegel, L. Haag

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The change from conventional tillage to no-till cropping systems has allowed for greater intensification of cropping in semi-arid regions. In the central High Plains, wheat-fallow (1 crop in 2 years) has been a popular cropping system for many decades. This system is being replaced by more intensive wheat-summer crop-fallow rotations (2 crops in 3 years). There has also been increased interest in further intensifying the cropping systems by growing 3 crops in 4 years or continuous cropping. The objective of the study was to identify whether more intensive cropping systems can enhance and stabilize production in rainfed cropping systems to …

Long-Term Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilization Of Irrigated Grain Sorghum, A. Schlegel, H. D. Bond

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was initiated in 1961 to determine responses of continuous grain sorghum grown under flood irrigation to N, P, and K fertilization. The study is conducted on a Ulysses silt loam soil with an inherently high K content. The irrigation system was changed from flood to sprinkler in 2001.

Wheat And Grain Sorghum In Four-Year Rotations, A. Schlegel, J. D. Holman, C. Thompson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In recent years, cropping intensity has increased in dryland systems in western Kansas. The traditional wheat-fallow system is being replaced by wheat-summer crop-fallow rotations. Is more intensive cropping feasible with concurrent increases in no-till? Objectives of this research were to quantify soil water storage, crop water use, and crop productivity of 4-year and continuous cropping systems.

Long-Term Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilization Of Irrigated Corn, A. Schlegel, H. D. Bond

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Long-term research shows that phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer must be applied to optimize production of irrigated corn in western Kansas. In 2017, N applied alone increased yields by 70 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields by less than 10 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 130 bu/a. This is 10 bu/a less than the 10-year average, where N and P fertilization increased corn yields up to 140 bu/a. Application of 120 lb/a N (with highest P rate) produced 93% of maximum yield in 2017, which is similar to the 10-year average. Application of …

Efficacy Of Zest, Resolve, And Harmony Tank Mixes Used Sequentially In Irrigated Acetolactase Synthase (Als)-Resistant Grain Sorghum, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Palmer amaranth control was best when Cinch was applied preemergence (PRE) fol­lowed by Zest plus atrazine postemergence (POST) or when Cinch ATZ was applied early postemergence (EPOST) with Zest and atrazine. Most herbicides provided excellent crabgrass control. Shattercane control was excellent with all herbicides except Cinch ATZ applied PRE. Minor sorghum stunting was observed with some treatments three days after application, but sorghum had completely recovered within one week. Herbicide-treated grain sorghum yielded 48 to 93 bu/a more grain than untreated sorghum. Sorghum yields were best when Cinch or Cinch ATZ was applied PRE followed by Zest and atrazine POST, …

Efficacy Of Mesotrione-Based Tank Mixtures And Application Timings Compared To Standards In Irrigated Corn, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kochia, Russian thistle, and quinoa control was excellent regardless of treatment or rating date. Sunflower control at 10 DAPT was very good when Anthem Maxx (pyroxasulfone + fluthiacet) + Solstice (fluthiacet + mesotrione) + atrazine and glyphosate were applied EPOST, while green foxtail control was 94% with the same treatment at 68 DAPT. Palmer amaranth and green foxtail control at 68 DAPT was 93 and 91%, respectively, when SureStart II (acetochlor + flumetsulam + clopyralid) + atrazine and glyphosate were applied PRE followed by glyphosate POST. All herbicide-treated corn yielded 34 to 69 bu/a more grain than the untreated control. …

Liberty Rates And Tank Mixes With Balance Flexx, Capreno, Diflexx, Halex Gt, And Laudis For Weed Control In Irrigated Liberty-Resistant Corn, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Control of common sunflower, quinoa, green foxtail, and kochia was excellent regardless of herbicide treatment or evaluation date. Palmer amaranth and crabgrass control was 95% or more regardless of herbicide treatment at 7 days after postemergence application (DAPT). Postemergence applications of Liberty (glufosinate) at any rate alone controlled Palmer amaranth greater than 85% 72 DAPT, whereas tank mixing any herbicide with Liberty increased control 7 to 15%. Crabgrass control was greater than 89% at 72 DAPT with all treatments except when Liberty at 22 oz/a was applied with Diflexx (dicamba). Corn yields did not differ among herbicide-treated plots, but all …