Life Sciences Commons^™

Nutrient Management Strategies To Control Broomsedge Infestation And Improve Yield And Quality Of Tall Fescue Hayfields, Junior I. Yasuoka, Dale Helwig, Wendie Powell, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Bruno C. Pedreira

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A study in tall fescue hayfields infested with broomsedge and bluestem was conducted at four locations in southeast Kansas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium fertilization affect yield, forage quality, and broomsedge/bluestem control in tall fescue hayfields. This trial will be repeated in 2023.

Assessing The Influence Of Strategic Tillage On Crop Yields And Soil Properties In Dryland No-Tillage Systems, Mikaela A. Lawrence, Augustine K. Obour, John D. Holman, Logan M. Simon, Lucas A. Haag, Kraig L. Roozeboom

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Implementing strategic tillage (ST) in otherwise long-term no-till (NT) systems could control herbicide resistant weeds and increase profitability of crop production in semi-arid dryland cropping systems. For the purpose of this study, ST is defined as a single tillage event (once every 6-10 years) in an otherwise NT system to reduce density of herbicide tolerant grass weeds. However, there is little information on the long-term (>5 years) effects of ST on soil health parameters and crop yields. This study used long-term tillage and crop rotation plots established in 1976 at the Kansas State University Agriculture Research Center in Hays, …

Depth Of Moist Soil At Planting Affected Grain Sorghum Response To Nitrogen Fertilizer, Augustine K. Obour, John D. Holman, Yared Assefa Mulisa

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The depth of moist soil before planting is a critical factor for grain crop production in dryland cropping systems. We investigated depth of moist soil at planting and nitrogen (N) fertilizer application effects on continuous grain sorghum yields on a Crete silt loam soil over 32 years in western Kansas. Treatments were four N rates (0, 20, 40, and 60 lb/a) in a randomized complete block design with four replications and depth of moist soil at planting determined with a Paul Brown moisture probe. Grain sorghum yield response to N fertilizer application was -0.10, 14.4, 29.3, and 36.5 lb of …

Climate Long-Term Trends Impacting Wheat Production Systems In Kansas, Octavia M.M. Tavares, Fábio Marin, Romulo Lollato, Bruno C. Pedreira

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Winter wheat production is of major importance in Kansas. The purpose of the study was to verify the evidence of climate change in a long-term weather data series from Wellington and Parsons, KS, to understand whether climate change has been affecting yield production.

Wheat And Grain Sorghum Sequencing For Three Crops In Four-Year Rotations, Lucas A. Haag, Dewayne Bond, Amanda Burnett, Jeffrey Slattery, Alan Schlegel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 1996, an effort began to quantify soil water storage, crop water use, and crop productivity on dryland systems in western Kansas. Research on 4-year crop rotations with wheat and grain sorghum was initiated at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, KS. Rotations were wheatwheat- sorghum-fallow (WWSF), wheat-sorghum-sorghum-fallow (WSSF), and continuous wheat (WW). Soil water at wheat planting averaged about 9.1 in. following sorghum, which is about 3.8 in. more than the average for the second wheat crop in a WWSF rotation. Soil water at sorghum planting was only about 1.5 in. less for the second sorghum crop compared with …

Evaluation Of Novel Deficit Irrigation Techniques In Western Kansas, Jonathan Aguilar, Farzam Moghbel, Forough Fazel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In search of techniques to reduce irrigation water use in the Ogallala Aquifer region, several deficit irrigation techniques were evaluated in corn and cotton production. Several iterations of deficit irrigation (based on ET), including partial root-zone deficit (PRD) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatments, were implemented in the 2021 and 2022 summer season. Corn and cotton did respond to the different deficit irrigation treatments. Significant yield advantages were observed in fixed PRD on both crops while RDI also showed some yield advantage for corn.

Could The Use Of Nitrification Inhibitor Optimize The Nitrogen Use Efficiency Of Corn Production?, Pedro Morinigo, Dorivar A. Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for corn production, higher grain yields are depen­dent on N fertilizer application. Substances like the nitrification inhibitors (NI) were created to increase yields, promote nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and reduce N losses. The study was carried out in ten site-years in Kansas from 2017 to 2021, with the objec­tive of evaluating the nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE) in corn with and without the use of NI and comparing corn grain yield, grain N uptake, and soil mineral nitrogen content with the use of the NI. Nitrogen fertilizer at the rates of 100, 150, and 200 …

Corn And Soybean Yield As Affected By Cover Crop And Phosphorus Fertilizer Management, Megan A. Bourns, Elaheh Khosh Manzar, Nathan O. Nelson, Kraig L. Roozeboom, Gerard J. Kluitenberg, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Elizabeth A. Yeager, Peter J. Tomlinson, Deann R. Presley

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer additions are often required to meet crop nutrient demands, but over-fertilization can have economic consequences, as well as environmental consequences from agricultural P loss. Therefore, we require management strategies that balance crop P demand and the need to minimize environmental P loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cover crop addition and P fertilizer management strategy [build and maintain (BM), sufficiency (SF), and a zero-P control (CN)] on crop yield of a no-till, corn-soybean system for 2020, 2021, and 2022 crop years for a site near Manhattan, KS. The addition of a …

Fungicide Efficacy On Fusarium Head Blight Of Hard Red Winter Wheat In Parsons, Ks, Sylvia R.G. Moraes, Bruno C. Pedreira, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Erick De Wolf, Rodrigo B. Onofre, Kelsey Andersen Onofre

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 2022, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of fungicide programs on Fusarium head blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol (DON) levels. Fungicide treatments were evaluated in plots of the hard red winter wheat cultivar ‘KanMark’ inoculated withFusarium graminearumin Parsons, KS. Treatments consisted of a single application of Prosaro, Caramba, Miravis Ace, Prosaro Pro, or Sphaerex at early anthesis (Feekes 10.5.1), or dual application of Miravis Ace at early anthesis followed by (fb) Prosaro Pro, Sphaerex, or Folicur at 4 days after early anthesis. All fungicide programs numerically reduced FHB visual symptoms and resulted in …

Evaluation Of Grazing Options During Summer For Growing Heifers – Year 3, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Larissa Muniz, Harley Allen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Developing methods to provide high quality forage through most of the year is important for cattle operations. The purpose of this study was to determine forage management options to offset the summer “slump” with fescue. Four grass pasture treatments (10 pastures total; 4 acres each) were used in a completely randomized design and stocked with growing heifers (n = 49; initial wt 461 ± 65 lb). Pasture treatments consisted of novel fescue (FES), crabgrass (CRAB), bermudagrass (BERM), and sorghum-sudan interseeded into novel fescue (SS-FES). Heifers were weighed and they grazed pastures from May to September. Heifers on FES were continuously …

Impact Of Lime, Phosphorus, And Potassium On Yield And Forage Quality On Native Hay Meadows In Southeast Kansas, Junior I. Yasuoka, Wendie Powell, Walter H. Fick, Bruno C. Pedreira

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Native meadows are frequently harvested for hay in southeast Kansas to produce forage for winter use. However, the low soil fertility associated with nutrient removal has resulted in limited yield potential and broomsedge infestation. This study evaluated the effect of phosphorus, potassium, and lime on the forage yield and quality in a native meadow. Our results indicated that P and K fertilization contributes to improving yield and quality on native meadows in southeast Kansas. This study will be repeated in 2023, including broomsedge measurements.

Control Of Soil-Borne Disease Of Soybean, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Christopher R. Little, Xiaomao Lin, Sylvia R.G. Moraes

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil-borne diseases are a significant cause of reduction in crop yield. Alternative management of soils can enhance the natural disease-controlling organisms in the soil. This study explores the impact of alternative production methods on a primary soybean disease, charcoal rot, caused by the fungusMacrophomina phaseolina. Treatments that could potentially enhance or control the disease were implemented, and soil tests were conducted for nutrient and disease presence. Manure increased the nutrient levels in the soil, as expected, but did not impact the disease control. Solarization increased the temperature within the plots, and increased the number of colony forming units …

Critical Soil Health Parameters To Improve Crop Production, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Bruno C. Pedreira, Carlos B. Pires

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil health is a critical determinant of plant performance. This manuscript describes how the physical, chemical, and biological components within the soil interact to create good soil health. Soil structure is important to provide support for plants, nutrient and water cycling, decreased compaction, and more efficient carbon storage. Measurements of soil properties are presented that can be done in the field on any soil.

Weed Control With Imiflex In Igrowth Forage Sorghum, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier, S. H. Lancaster, C. M. Weber

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Igrowth (imidazolinone-resistant) forage sorghum hybrids were recently commercialized in Kansas. Even though the active ingredient of the herbicide associated with these systems, imazamox, is used in other crops, data are needed to define best practices for use in forage sorghum. The objective of experiments in Manhattan and Garden City, KS, was to investigate the use of ImiFlex (imazamox) herbicide in Igrowth (imidazolinone-tolerant) forage sorghum. At Garden City, volunteer corn and johnsongrass control 29 days after treatment was 90% or greater in all treatments that included ImiFlex. Similarly, Palmer amaranth control 28 days after treatment was 91% or greater at Manhattan. …

2022 Fertilizer Station Weather Report, Matthew Sittel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This report includes the annual summary of precipitation and temperatures from 2022 at the research locations represented in the 2023 fertilizer report.

Performance Of Corn Hybrids With Contrasting Maturity In Northeastern Kansas, L. N. Lingua, I. Massigoge, A. J. P. Carcedo, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Corn (Zea maysL.) hybrid selection is one of the most important agricultural management decisions made by farmers. Both genetic yield potential and adaptation to the local environment vary widely across corn hybrids, and have a direct impact on yield and input costs. This study compared the performance of corn hybrids with contrasting comparative relative maturity (CRM, referring to their growth cycle), to evaluate their differences in crop phenology, grain yield and its components—grain number and grain weight. The field experiment was conducted during the 2022 growing season in Manhattan, KS (U.S.), testing five commercial corn hybrids with contrasting …

Dynamics Of Oil And Fatty Acid In Historical Sorghum Varieties, N. S. Volpato, A. J. P. Carcedo, T. Durrett, L. Marziotte, L. Mayor, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One of the important characteristics of cereal crops is their diverse pool of fatty acids. This study aims to determine the changes in sorghum oil content and fatty acid profile across many years of the market’s variety releases. Six sorghum varieties, all released between 1960 and 2019, were evaluated and grain traits were analyzed using linear models. Ten different fatty acids were characterized, but only three out of the total represented more than 90% of the total oil concentration: linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acid. Total oil and linoleic acid concentration (g of oil/kg) slightly decreased across years of release. In …

Tillage Study For Corn And Soybeans: Comparing Vertical, Deep, And No-Tillage / Year 10, E. Adee

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Trends from a tillage study conducted since 2011 have shown no clear differences between tillage systems for either corn or soybeans in lighter soils under irrigation. One year out of eight years has shown a yield advantage for either corn or soybeans for any tillage system, which appears to be related to environmental conditions experienced during the season. Averaged across all years of the study, the treatments with deep tillage either every or every-other year had about 4.5% higher corn yields, and soybeans had up to a 3.2% yield increase with some form of tillage.

Imiflex Evaluation At Two Kansas Locations In Igrowth Grain Sorghum, P. W. Geier, R. S. Currie, S. H. Lancaster, C. M. Weber

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Herbicide-tolerant grain sorghums, such as Igrowth (imidazolinone-resistant) hybrids were recently commercialized in Kansas. Even though the active ingredient of the herbicide associated with these systems, imazamox, is used in other crops, data are needed to define best practices for use in grain sorghum. The objective of these studies was to evaluate ImiFlex (imazamox) herbicide in Igrowth grain sorghum at two Kansas locations in 2022. ImiFlex applied postemergence provided 93% volunteer corn control, and 90 to 95% johnsongrass control regardless of application timing at Garden City. At Manhattan, ImiFlex controlled Palmer amaranth 90 to 99%. Early season grain sorghum injury was …

Does Winter Wheat Yield Response To Fungicide Application Depend On Nitrogen Management?, J. A. Romero Soler, L. O. Pradella, N. Giordano, G. Cruppe, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Nitrogen and fungicide are among the more important management tools to increase wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) grain yield in Kansas. However, there is limited information on whether hard red winter wheat grain yield is impacted by the interaction of nitrogen rates and foliar fungicide application. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effects of different N rates with or without a fungicide application at Feekes 10.5 on grain yield of two winter wheat genotypes with contrasting disease resistances to leaf and stripe rust. Eleven field experiments were established across Kansas using a factorial structure of two fungicide management options …

Stocker Steer Gains And Fly Numbers As Impacted By Burn Date And Type Of Mineral On Tallgrass Native Range – Year 4, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Harley Allen, Larissa Muniz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of two operational management systems for steer gains and fly control. The first strategy evaluated was pasture burn date of March (MAR) or April (APR). The second management strategy was free-choice mineral with spices (SPICE) or without spices (CON). Eight pastures (n = 281 steers; initial weight 566 lb) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. Steers were weighed individually, randomly assigned to treatment, and grazed for 89 days. Weekly, 33% of steers were photographed to count flies and evaluated for hair coat score. Steers that grazed pastures that were burned …

Impact Of Stubble Heights On Native Hay Meadows In Southeast Kansas, Junior I. Yasuoka, Wendie Powell, Walter H. Fick, Bruno C. Pedreira

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Management practices affect hay production in native meadows. The objective of this study was to evaluate how stubble heights affect forage yield and quality in a native meadow. Prescribed spring burns contribute to improving forage quality. Setting the stubble height at 3 inches resulted in high forage quality and had a low yield impact.

Previous Crop Impacts Winter Wheat Sowing Dates, Available Water At Sowing, And Grain Yield, L. M. Simão, A. Patrignani, S. Cominelli, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Cropping systems choices can directly affect the sowing date for winter wheat, which is among the most important variables that determine attainable yields in the U.S. Central Great Plains. Our objective was to investigate the effect of the previous crop on winter wheat grain yield through the modulation of sowing date and its impact on plant available water at sowing, and temperatures during the critical period for yield determination. A no-tillage rainfed field experiment was established in 2019 at Ashland Bottoms, KS. Winter wheat was sown either after summer fallow, full-season soybean, double-cropped soybean, or corn—thus, resulting in a range …

Tillering Potential And Stability Of Winter Wheat Varieties Commonly Grown In Kansas, L. O. Pradella, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The tillering potential and stability of winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) can be positive traits by conferring adaptation to distinct production environments. The literature demonstrates a high correlation between the tillering potential and many yield components. However, the actual impact of tillering potential on grain yield is not clear. Our goal was to quantify the tillering potential and stability of a range of winter wheat varieties. Field experiments were conducted in six locations in the state of Kansas during the 2021–2022 season. A complete factorial treatment structure of twenty-five winter wheat varieties by two seeding rates (400,000 seeds per …

Evaluating The Impact Of Long-Term Phosphorus Placement On Corn And Soybean Rotation Under Minimum Tillage System, Gustavo A. Roa, Dorivar A. Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Phosphorus (P) management is typically done with a focus on the long term, given its impact on soil fertility. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term P placement on corn and soybean yields under a minimum tillage system in Kansas. Long-term research trials were established in Scandia (irrigated field) and Ottawa (rainfed) in 2006. Fertilizer treatments were applied annually to corn, including broadcast, deep-band, and starter/deep-band at 40 lb/a of P₂O₅, with a control having no phosphorus fertilizer. Corn and soybean responded significantly to P fertilizer at both locations (compared …

Effects Of Late-Summer Prescribed Fire On Botanical Composition, Soil Cover, And Forage Production In Caucasian Bluestem-Infested Rangeland In The Kansas Smoky Hills: Year 4 Of 5, H. P. Giefer, K. R. Harmoney, M. P. Ramirez, A. J. Tajchman, Z. M. Duncan, J. Lemmon, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Our objective was to determine effects of late-summer prescribed fire on frequency of Caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) in the Kansas Smoky Hills as well as changes in soil cover, botanical composition, and forage production associated with fire treatment.

Study Description:The study was in Ellsworth County, KS. Eighteen one-acre plots were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: no burn, one burn (August 14, 2019), and two burns (August 14, 2019, and August 11, 2021). Soil cover, botanical composition, forage production, and Caucasian bluestem frequency were measured annually beginning in 2019.

The Bottom Line:These data suggest …

Effects Of Prescribed-Fire Timing On Stocker Cattle Performance, Forage Biomass Accumulation, And Native Plant Species Composition, Z. M. Duncan, A. J. Tajchman, J. Lemmon, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this experiment was to document the effects of prescribed-fire timing on stocker cattle performance, forage biomass accumulation, soil cover, and plant species composition in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:A total of 1,416 yearling stocker cattle were assigned to one of three prescribed-burn treatments: spring (April 9 ± 5.1 days), summer (August 23 ± 4.9 days), or fall (September 29 ± 8.7 days) over a 4-year period. Calves were grazed from May to August for 90 days. Individual body weights were recorded at the beginning and end of the grazing season. Native plant composition and …

Evaluation Of Implants, Clover, And Fescue Variety On Stocker Steers – Year 3, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Larissa Muniz, Harley Allen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sixty-four growing steers were used in a split-plot experiment, where the whole plot was pasture, and the split-plot was the implant level. Whole plot treatment was a 4 × 2 factorial with four levels of fescue (High Endophyte, Low Endophyte, Novel, or Endophyte Free) and two levels of legume (Legumes or No Legumes). The split-plot included four implant levels (No Implant, Synovex One Grass, Revalor-G, or Ralgro). Data collected were weights and ultrasound carcass characteristics when steers were coming off grass. Steers on High Endophyte had a lower average daily gain (ADG) and final weight than steers on novel endophyte, …

Weaning Method Evaluation For Beef Cattle, Jaymelynn K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Weaning is a stressful event for calves. Various management practices have been suggested to reduce weaning stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three different weaning management practices on calf gains at weaning. Eighty-eight bull and heifer calves were assigned to one of three weaning treatments at two research locations. The weaning management options were abrupt weaning, fence-line weaning, and use of a nose-flap weaning device. Calves were weighed at the start of the measurement period and then two weeks later after weaning was completed. Calves that were weaned using the nose-flap method had significantly lower gains than …

Early Soybean Planting In A Water-Limited Growing Season, Sylvia R.G. Moraes, Bruno C. Pedreira, Vaishalai Sharda, Rodrigo B. Onofre, Gretchen F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Appropriate management, with a longer growing season during reproductive growth stages, can increase biomass and yield in soybean. Our objective was to determine the impact of three planting dates, two seed populations, and three maturity groups on grain yield in southeast Kansas. However, due to the severe drought in 2022, with a total rainfall of 18.84 inches during the soybean growing season (55% lower than the 10-yr average), the growing conditions were very limited, resulting in an average yield of 1.7 bu/a.