Life Sciences Commons^™

Kansas River Valley Experiment Field, Eric Adee

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The 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). The Paramore Unit consists of 80 acres located 3.5 miles east of Silver Lake on U.S. Highway 24, then 1 mile south of Kiro, and 1.5 miles east on 17th street. The Rossville Unit consists of 80 acres located 1 mile east of Rossville or 4 miles west of Silver Lake on U.S. Highway 24.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Iron Chelates In Managing Iron Deficiency Chlorosis In Grain Sorghum, A. Obour, A. Schlegel, R. Perumal, D. Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Grain sorghum production in alkaline or calcareous soils is frequently affected by iron (Fe) chlorosis. Soil conditions such as high pH, high free calcium carbonate (lime), and low organic matter favor development of Fe deficiency chlorosis (IDC), which can delay crop maturity and reduce yields. Field experiments were conducted in the summer of 2014 and 2015 to determine the effectiveness of Fe chelate application in alleviating IDC in grain sorghum. Treatments were four Fe chelate application rates (0, 3, 6, and 9 lb product/a) applied either in-furrow with the seed at the time of planting or 2 weeks after planting …

Evaluation Of Phosphorus Source And Chelate Application As Starter Fertilizer In Corn, C. L. Edwards, D. Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The differences between common phosphorus (P) fertilizers as a starter in corn production have been studied for many years. However, little research has been conducted showing which P fertilizer sources are most effective with varying compositions of ortho- and poly-phosphate. The objectives of this study were to evaluate three commercially available P fertilizers, 0-16-19, 10-34-0, and 0-18-18 (N-P₂O₅-K₂O) as starter band with and without the addition Cee*Quest-70 (CQ-70), a glucoheptonate chelate. The study was conducted at two locations, Scandia and Rossville, in 2014 and 2015. Experimental design was a randomized, complete block with four …

Long-Term Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilization Of Irrigated Grain Sorghum, 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 grain sorghum in western Kansas. In 2015, N applied alone increased yields 66 bu/a, whereas N and P applied together increased yields up to 92 bu/a. Averaged across the past 10 years, N and P fertilization increased sorghum yields up to 76 bu/a. Application of 40 lb/a N (with P) was sufficient to produce 88% of maximum yield in 2015 which is slightly above the 10-year average. Application of potassium (K) has had no effect on sorghum yield throughout the study period. …

Weed Control With Single Or Sequential Herbicide Applications In Acetolactase Synthase-Tolerant Grain Sorghum, R. Currie, P. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Palmer amaranth control was best when Resolve (rimsulfuron) plus Harmony GT (thifensulfuron) and Abundit Extra (glyphosate) were applied 15 days preplant fol­lowed by Zest (nicosulfuron) and atrazine postemergence, or by Zest plus atrazine alone postemergence. Palmer amaranth control was less than 80% with all other herbicide treatments. Preemergence herbicides alone provided less than 60% green foxtail control at 53 days after postemergence applications, and Zest plus atrazine alone postemergence controlled green foxtail 70%. Sequential applications of preemergence and postemer­gence herbicides were needed to provide the best green foxtail control. The relatively low weed control provided by these treatments may be …

Effects Of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum On Crop Yield And Soil Properties In Kansas, Deann Presley

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum was recently approved for use in Kansas as a sulfur (S) fertilizer and as a soil amendment. Gypsum has been known as an effective product used in remediation of sodic soils, as the calcium (Ca) can exchange with sodium (Na) on the cations on clay particles. Marketing efforts have promoted the use of FGD gypsum on non-sodic soils as a means of improving soil health. Two 3-year study sites were established in Kansas in 2013, and no yield effects were observed for any of the site years. Treatment differences for grain quality and soil chemical …

Corn Yield Response To Plant Populations, D. E. Shoup, Eric Adee, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Corn hybrid development with a focus on drought tolerance has emerged in recent years, and producers have questions about their yield performance across a range of plant populations. A three-year study was conducted to determine the yield of corn hybrids across several plant populations. Corn hybrids responded differently across three different yield environments in 2013, 2014, and 2015. In 2013, a lower yield environment occurred. The hybrid with drought tolerance had the greatest yield of 95 bu/a at a plant population of 21,500 plants/a, whereas the non-drought tolerant hybrid’s greatest yield was 90 bu/a at a plant population of 13,500 …

Response Of Drought-Tolerant Hybrids To Environmental Yield Potential, T. Newell, K. Roozeboom, I. A. Ciampitti, Eric Adee, G. Cramer, J. D. Holman, A. Schlegel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Due to increasing non-irrigated corn acres, decreasing availability of irrigation water in some areas of western Kansas, and increasing water restrictions, producers are looking for more efficient ways to use available water. Drought-tolerant (DT) hybrid technologies are marketed for their ability to produce more stable yields in stress-prone environments. The objective of this research was to understand how DT and non-DT corn hybrids respond to a wide range of environmental conditions in terms of soil water status change, canopy indicators of stress, dry matter partitioning, and grain yield. Two DT hybrids, and one non-DT hybrid were compared in 2014 and …

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium Fertilization For Newly Established Tall Fescue, D. W. Sweeney, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

(Abstract only. Link to: http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/1/) Article is nearly identical toNitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilization for Newly Established Tall Fescuepreviously published in Southeast Agricultural Research Center 2015, included in this PDF.

First-year production of tall fescue (Site 1 in 2013 and Site 2 in 2014) was affected by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), but not potassium (K) fertilization. Environmental conditions likely influenced the growth of the fescue and the response to fertilizer N and P in the first year of production at the two sites.

Tillage And Nitrogen Placement Effects On Yields In A Short-Season Corn/Wheat/Double-Crop Soybean Rotation, D. W. Sweeney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

(Abstract only. Link to: http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/2/) Article is nearly identical toTillage and Nitrogen Placement Effects on Yields in a Short-Season Corn/Wheat/Double-Crop Soybean Rotationpreviously published in Southeast Agricultural Research Center 2015.

Overall in 2014, adding nitrogen (N) improved average wheat yields, but different N placement methods resulted in similar yields. Double-crop soybean yields were unaffected by tillage or the residual from N treatments that were applied to the previous wheat crop.

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 2015, N applied alone increased yields 70 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields only 12 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 129 bu/a. This is below the 10 year average, where N and P fertilization increased corn yields up to 144 bu/a. Application of 120 lb/a N (with P) produced about 98% of maximum yield in 2015, which is 5% more than the 10-year average. Application of 80 instead of 40 lb …

Determining Profitable Annual Forage Rotations, J. D. Holman, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, I. Kisekka

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Producers are interested in growing annual forages, yet the region lacks proven recom­mended crop rotations such as those for grain crops. Forage production is important to the region’s livestock and dairy industries and is becoming increasingly important as irrigation well capacity declines. Forages require less water than grain crops and may al­low for increased cropping intensity and opportunistic cropping. A study was initiated in 2013 comparing several 1-, 3-, and 4-year forage rotations with no-till and minimum-till (min-till). Data presented are from 2013 through 2015. Winter triticale yields were increased by tillage. Double-crop forage sorghum yielded 23% less than full-season …

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

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Producers are interested in growing forages in rotation with grain crops. Many produc­ers are interested in diversifying their operations to include livestock or grow feed for the livestock industry. By integrating forages into the cropping system, producers can take advantage of more markets and reduce market risk. Forages require less water to make a crop than grain crops, so the potential may exist to reduce fallow by including forages in the crop rotation. Reducing fallow through intensified grain/forage rotations may increase the profitability and sustainability compared to existing crop rotations.

This study was started in 2013, with crops grown in-phase …

Sorghum Yield Response To Water Supply And Irrigation Management, I. Kisekka, F. Lamm, A. Schlegel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Grain sorghum yield, under full and limited irrigation, was evaluated at three locations in western Kansas (Colby, Tribune, and Garden City). The top-end yield under full ir­rigation was 190 bu/a. However, there were no significant differences among irrigation treatments at all the three locations due to the above normal rainfall received during the 2015 growing season. These preliminary results indicate that there is potential to improve grain sorghum yields under limited irrigation. Additionally, best management practices to maximize kernels per head could have the greatest effect on grain yields.

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

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research on 4-year crop rotations with wheat and grain sorghum was initiated at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, Kansas, in 1996. Rotations were wheat-wheat-sorghum-fallow (WWSF), wheat-sorghum-sorghum-fallow (WSSF), and continuous wheat (WW). Soil water at wheat planting averaged about 9 in. following sorghum, which is about 3 in. more than the average for the second wheat crop in a WWSF rotation. Soil water at sorghum planting was only about 1 in. less for the second sorghum crop compared with sorghum following wheat. Grain yield of recrop wheat averaged about 80% of the yield of wheat following sorghum. Grain yield of …

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 2015, N applied alone increased yields 70 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields only 12 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 129 bu/a. This is below the 10- year average, where N and P fertilization increased corn yields up to 144 bu/a. Applica­tion of 120 lb/a N (with P) produced about 98% of maximum yield in 2015, which is 5% more than the 10-year average. Application of 80 instead of 40 lb …

Alternative Cropping Systems With Limited Irrigation, A. Schlegel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A limited irrigation study involving six cropping systems was initiated at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, KS, in 2012. The cropping systems were two annual systems (continuous corn [C-C] and continuous grain sorghum [GS-GS]) and four 2-year systems (corn-sorghum [C-GS]), corn-sunflower [C-SF], corn-winter wheat [C-W], and corn-wheat/double sunflower [C-W/SF]). In 2015, corn yields were lower following corn than other crops while wheat and grain sorghum yields were similar for all rotations. This tended to agree with the 3-year average yields except for average sorghum yields being higher following corn than sorghum. Sunflowers were destroyed by rodents and no yields …

Alion, Sencor, And Sharpen For Preemergence Kochia Control In An Abandoned Alfalfa Field, R. Currie, P. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Alion (indaziflam) combined with Sencor (metribuzin) were the most effective herbi­cides for kochia control. Sharpen (saflufenacil) alone or with Prowl H2O (pendimeth­alin), Sencor, or Alion was less effective at controlling kochia compared to Alion plus Sencor. By 91 days after treatment (DAT), Alion at rates above 3 oz/a plus Sencor were more effective than lower rates for kochia control. However, all Alion plus Sencor treat­ments were better than Sharpen-containing tank mixes 91 DAT.

Efficacy Of Preemergence Or Early Postemergence Weed Control With Keystone Nxt, Hornet Wdg, Atrazine, Surestart Ii, Lumax Ez, And Resicore, R. Currie, P. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Control of buffalobur was complete regardless of herbicide used. Velvetleaf and punc­turevine control, although not perfect, was excellent by all herbicides. The premix of SureStart II (acetochlor + flumetsulam + clopyralid) with atrazine and Durango DMA (glyphosate) applied early postemergence and the preemergence herbicides Resicore (acetochlor + mesotrione + clopyralid) with atrazine and Lumax EZ (S-metolachlor + atrazine + mesotrione) provided excellent Palmer amaranth control. The early pos­temergence treatment of SureStart II plus atrazine and Durango DMA was the only treatment to provide excellent control of green foxtail.

Efficacy Of Preemergence And Sequential Applications With Corvus, Atrazine, Starane, Balance, Anthem, Capreno, Diflexx And Halex Gt In Irrigated Corn, R. Currie, P. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Control of kochia and quinoa was 98 to 100% regardless of herbicide treatment at 48 days after post applications (DAPT), and 95% or more with all herbicides for Russian thistle. Palmer amaranth control was slightly less with preemergent (PRE) treatments alone compared to sequential treatments. Corvus (isoxaflutole + thiencarbazone) plus atrazine, Starane Ultra (fluroxypyr), and nonionic surfactant preemergence controlled crabgrass by 88%; whereas all other treatments provided 91% or more crabgrass control. Corn with the best herbicide treatments yielded 33 to 66 bu/a more than untreated corn.

Development Of A Berry Processing Score For Sorghum Silage, J. R. Johnson, J. P. Goeser, Michael Brouk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was done in an effort to develop a berry processing score (BPS) for sorghum silage, similar to the kernel processing score (KPS) currently used for corn silage. Sorghum silage samples were collected from 3 dairies in Kansas and processed in the Grain Science & Industry grain processing laboratory at Kansas State University using one of four different roll gap settings to give four differently processed samples: unprocessed, 1.5, 1.0, or 0.5 mm. After drying, samples were placed into a Ro-Tap particle separation machine for 10 minutes until the whole sample was separated. Whole samples, as well as separated …

Fallow Weed Control With Preemergence Applications Of Clarity, Atrazine, Spartan Guard, Sharpen, Zidua, And Corvus, R. Currie, P. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kochia control at 8 weeks after spring application (WAST) was greatest when Clar­ity (dicamba) was included in the spring applications or when Corvus (isoxaflutole + thiencarbazone) was applied with atrazine and Clarity in the fall. The best kochia con­trol at 13 WAST occurred with spring applications containing Clarity. Only Clarity plus Atrazine, Sharpen, Zidua, Spartan Guard, or Corvus applied in the spring provided as much as 90% kochia control at 20 WAST. Only the spring application of Spartan Guard and Clarity controlled Russian thistle 90% at 20 WAST.

Effects Of Growing-Season Prescribed Burning On Vigor Of The Noxious Weed Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) In The Kansas Flint Hills, J. A. Alexander, W. H. Fick, J. Lemmon, C. A. Gurule, G. W. Preedy, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sericea lespedeza (SL) was introduced into the United States from Asia in the late 19th century. Early land managers recognized that SL was adaptable; tolerant of shallow, acidic or low-fertility soils; and resistant to insects and disease. This combination of traits made SL a widely-used plant for reseeding strip-mined lands, highway right-ofways, dams, and waterways in the US for nearly a century.

Regrettably, SL is highly fecund. Individual plants are capable of producing up to 850 lb of seed per acre annually. Vigorous seed production allows SL to rapidly infiltrate native grasslands that are adjacent to reseeding projects; seed can …

Effects Of Various Grazing Systems On Grazing And Subsequent Finishing Performance, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 240 mixed black yearling steers were used to compare grazing and subsequent finishing performance from pastures with ‘MaxQ’ tall fescue, a wheat-bermudagrass double-crop system, or a wheat-crabgrass double-crop system in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Daily gains of steers that grazed MaxQ fescue, wheatbermudagrass, or wheat-crabgrass were similar (P>0.05) in 2010. The daily gains of steers that grazed wheat-bermudagrass or wheat-crabgrass were greater (P>0.05) than those that grazed MaxQ fescue in 2011 and 2012. The daily gains of steers that grazed wheat-crabgrass were greater (P>0.05) than those that grazed wheat-bermudagrass and similar …

Including Legumes In Bermudagrass Pastures, J. L. Moyer, L. W. Lomas

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Use of legumes in bermudagrass pastures has often increased summer cow gains. Forage production was greater where ladino clover was used in the Legume system than where Nitrogen (N) alone was used in the first sampling, but the reverse was true in midsummer. Estimated forage crude protein during 2015 was greater for the Legume than the Nitrogen system in the first and last samplings, but similar in mid-summer pasture. Cow performance over the season was increased 68% where legumes were used.

Evaluation Of Tall Fescue Cultivars, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Spring 2015 yield was higher for ‘Ky 31 EF’ than for nine of the 19 other entries. Summer production of ‘PBU-B7’ was greater than for five lower-yielding entries. Total 2015 production was greater for ‘PBU-B1’ and Ky 31 EF than for seven other cultivars.

Adaptability Of Miscanthus Cultivars For Biomass Production, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 2015, miscanthus dry matter (DM) did not differ between cultivars, averaging 10,250 lb DM/a. Total three-year production for the cultivars was also similar, averaging 26,170 lb/a.

Nitrogen Management For Teff Hay Production, D. H. Min, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Fertilization of teff with the ESN source of nitrogen (N) at the higher rates, 100 and 125 lb N/a resulted in increased seasonal forage production. The primary increase occurred in the second of three cuttings.

N, P, And K Fertilization For Newly Established Tall Fescue, D. W. Sweeney, J. L. Moyer, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Second-year production of tall fescue was affected by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization rates at Site 1 in 2014 and only by N fertilization rates at Site 2 in 2015, with little effect from potassium (K) fertilization at either site.

Response Of Soybean Grown On A Claypan Soil In Southeastern Kansas To The Residual Of Different Plant Nutrient Sources And Tillage, D. W. Sweeney, Philip Barnes, Gary Pierzynski

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The residual from previous high rate turkey litter applications, which were based on N requirements of the previous grain sorghum crop, increased soybean yield above that obtained from the residual of P-based turkey litter applications (low rate), commercial fertilizer, or the control. Even though early soybean growth was not significantly affected by residual treatments, the greatest dry matter production at the R6 growth stage was where the N-based litter had been applied and incorporated.