Life Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Warm Season Annual Forages For Livestock: Biomass And Cost Of Production, J. K. Farney, M. E. Reeb, Z. T. Buessing, K. Malone, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Seventeen warm season annual forage options were evaluated as livestock feed to be grazed, hayed, ensiled, or left as a cover crop. Treatments were planted in mid-May and terminated in late September with one harvest for silage, two hay cuttings, and three grazing rotations. One additional treatment was unharvested to serve as a cover crop. Biomass production and cost to produce final outputs were determined. Even with restricted rainfall during the summer months in 2020, the growth for the chosen forage options was at least 1,500 lb of dry matter (DM) per acre, with the exception of sun­flowers that had …

Impact Of Fertility And Mowing On Crabgrass Quantity And Quality For Hay Production In Southeast Kansas, D. Helwig, M. Haywood, J. K. Farney, B. C. Pedreira, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A crabgrass variety trial comparing Quick-N-Big and MoJo crabgrasses was conducted during the summer of 2020 at the K-State Research and Extension experiment station near Columbus, Kansas. The trial evaluated quantity and quality of forage produced under different nitrogen fertility scenarios and mowing management techniques. MoJo produced more biomass than Quick-N-Big. Addition of nitrogen fertilizer increased biomass production and forage protein content. Mowing was also found to enhance forage quality.

Winter Wheat Variety Response To Flag Leaf Foliar Fungicide Application In 2019–2020, G. Cruppe, B. R. Jaenisch, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Foliar fungicide can be an important tool in improving wheat yields, but its effectiveness is season- and variety-dependent. To evaluate the yield, test weight, and protein responses of different commercial winter wheat varieties to one foliar fungicide application around heading, we conducted a trial combining four winter wheat varieties and two fungicide management treatments in Manhattan during 2019–2020. The control treatment consisted of no fungicide application, and the alternative treatment consisted of 5 oz/a Absolute Maxx + NIS applied at heading. Varieties evaluated were Bob Dole, Larry, WB4269, and Zenda. The study was conducted under no-tillage practices following a previous …

Wheat Variety-Specific Response To Seeding Rate Under Intensive Management Conditions In Western Kansas In 2019–2020, R. P. Lollato, B. R. Jaenisch

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Wheat response to seeding rate is variable and depends on resource availability during the growing season (e.g., fertility, moisture, and temperature). Our objective was to evaluate winter wheat population and grain yield responses to seeding rate and its interaction with variety in a highly-managed production system where manageable stresses were limited. One experiment evaluating the response of the wheat varieties Joe, WB-Grainfield, Langin, and LCS Revere to seeding rates ranging from 200,000 to 1,000,000 seeds per acre was established in a field managed by growers that consistently win state and national wheat yield contests near Leoti, KS. The trials were …

Testing Efficacy Of Plant Growth Regulator Products For Enhanced Winter Wheat Grain Yield And Quality, R. M. Aiken

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Experimental plant growth regulator compounds are expected to improve wheat grain yield by extending the duration of green leaf area and altering remobilization of stored carbohydrates. In order to evaluate this, plant growth regulator materials supplied by a commercial third party were applied to Tatonka hard red winter wheat during the mid-grain fill development stage. Overall, crop productivity increased. Compared to the control treatment, two of the treatment combinations had increased grain yield (13%, machine harvest; 31%, hand harvest); increased above-ground biomass (AGB, 8%); and increased harvest index (HI, 22%). Yield components also increased, including seeds/a (21%) and seed mass …

Dual-Purpose Cover Crop Effects On Soil Health In Western Kansas No-Till Dryland Cropping, L. M. Simon, A. K. Obour, J. D. Holman, S. K. Johnson, K. L. Roozeboom

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Increasing interest in soil health has led producers in western Kansas to consider cover crops (CCs) for increased soil cover and improved soil properties. However, grain yield reductions following CCs in dryland cropping systems necessitate dual-purpose forage harvest to balance goals of environmental and economic sustainability. This study was initiated in 2015 near Brownell, KS, to investigate the effects of dual-purpose CC management in place of fallow on selected soil chemical and physical properties in a no-till winter wheat-grain sorghum-fallow cropping system. Mixed oat and triticale cover crops were either mechanically harvested as hayed forage to a height of 6 …

Fallow Weed Control With Liberty And Enlist One Tank Mixtures And Application Timings, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study evaluated Liberty (glufosinate) and Enlist One (2,4-D choline) at three application timings and with various tank mix partners for weed control in fallow. Most herbicides tested controlled 94% or more of volunteer sorghum 17 days after the late postemergence treatments in the season. Conversely, Palmer amaranth and crabgrass control was less than 90% with most herbicides. However, control of these species was good when Tricor, or Zidua plus OpTill were applied preemergence followed by Liberty or Liberty and Enlist One late postemergence.

2020 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Dual-Purpose And Fiber Trial, Jason Griffin, Kraig Roozeboom, Lucas Haag, Andrew Euler, Michael Shelton, Tami Myers, Matthew Nielsen, Jared Petz, Clint Wilson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties ofCannabis sativaL. that produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The crop is globally significant, but only recently was allowed to be grown again in the United States. There are many uses for industrial hemp, which include oil, seed, and fiber, and the market for industrial hemp is rapidly growing as more states are legalizing its production. The market for industrial hemp is expected to grow from $5.33 billion in 2020 to 15.26 billion (15.8%) by 2027 as it gains more popularity (Grand View Research 2021, Valuates Reports …

Effect Of Late Planting Dates On Corn Yield, E. A. Adee

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Planting date studies have been conducted for corn over many years. Often the focus has been to determine optimum planting date for maximizing yield. In some areas, planting early-maturing corn hybrids as early as possible has been a successful strategy for avoiding hot, dry conditions at the critical pollination and early grain fill stages. Planting later can be an alternative strategy that attempts to avoid the most intense heat by moving the critical growth stages for corn centered around pollination to later in the growing season. This strategy has been adopted by some growers in areas that often encounter heat …

Using A Sprayable Biodegradable Polymer To Reduce Soil Evaporation In Greenhouse Conditions, J. Flory, J. Grane, A. Patrignani

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sprayable biopolymer membranes (SBM) is an emerging mulching alternative to increase horticultural and agricultural productivity by reducing soil erosion and evapo­rative losses. The SBM is usually applied in liquid form directly to the soil surface where the polymer molecules form a thin biodegradable film. In order to test this technology, an experiment was performed in greenhouse conditions with the goal of quantifying the impact on soil evaporation rate and biomass accumulation in winter wheat.

Effect Of Tank-Mixing Glyphosate, Dicamba, And Graminicides On Grass Weed Control In Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybeans, R. Liu, I. Effertz, T. Lambert, A. Jhala, V. Kumar

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The adoption of Roundup Ready 2 Xtendsoybean allows growers to use dicamba (Xtendimax or Engenia) in mixtures with glyphosate (Roundup PowerMax) or graminicides (Select Max or Assure II) for broad spectrum weed control. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that Xtendimax may cause antagonism when applied with Select Max and/or Assure II herbicides. The main objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Roundup PowerMax, Select Max, and/or Assure II alone or in tank-mixtures with Xtendimax for grass weed control in Xtendsoybean. Field studies were conducted in 2020 at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center (KSU-ARC) near Hays, KS, …

Winter Wheat Variety Response To Timing And Number Of Fungicide Applications During The 2019–2020 Growing Season In Kansas, G. Cruppe, B. R. Jaenisch, B. Valent, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this project was to evaluate the yield response of different winter wheat varieties to different fungicide management treatments during the 2019–2020 growing season in Kansas. Fourteen varieties were evaluated under four fungicide treatments (no fungicide, application either at jointing, heading, or at both stages) in five locations across Kansas in a split-plot design. Disease incidence was assessed approximately 20-d after each fungicide application. Septoria blotch and tan spot were the most prevalent early-season diseases at the studied fields, while stripe rust, leaf rust, and tan spot prevailed late in the season. Late-season diseases had a greater effect …

Wheat Stubble Height On Subsequent Corn And Grain Sorghum Crops, A. Schlegel, A. Burnett, L. Haag

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A field study initiated in 2006 at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, KS, was designed to evaluate the effects of three wheat stubble heights on subsequent grain yields of corn and grain sorghum. Corn and sorghum yields in 2020 were near the long-term average despite lower than normal precipitation. When averaged across years from 2007 through 2020, corn grain yields were 8 bu/a greater when planted into either high or strip-cut wheat stubble than into low-cut stubble. Average grain sorghum yields were 5 bu/a greater in high-cut stubble than low-cut stubble. Similarly, water use efficiency was greater for high …

Tillage Intensity In A Long-Term Wheat-Sorghum-Fallow Rotation, A. Schlegel, A. Burnett

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was initiated in 1991 at the Kansas State University Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, KS. The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of tillage intensity on precipitation capture, soil water storage, and grain yield in a wheat-sorghum- fallow rotation. Grain yields of wheat and grain sorghum increased with decreased tillage intensity in a wheat-sorghum-fallow (WSF) rotation. In 2020, available soil water at sorghum planting was greater for no-tillage (NT) than reduced tillage (RT), which was greater than conventional tillage (CT). For wheat there was a similar pattern as sorghum, with available soil water at wheat …

Working With Less Water For Corn Production, A. Schlegel, F. Lamm, D. O'Brien

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research was conducted at Colby and Tribune, KS, from 2018–2020 to evaluate irrigation strategies, hybrid maturity, and seeding rate on corn production. Irrigation strategies were a combination of irrigation frequency/timing (weekly or bi-weekly) applied pre- and post-silking, and irrigation amounts (1 and 1.5 inch/week). Hybrid maturities were 108- and 111-day hybrids planted at 25,000 and 30,000 seeds/a. Average irrigation amounts ranged from 7.33 to 12.50 in. at Colby and 8.41 to 13.44 in. at Tribune. At Colby, average corn yields were not affected by irrigation strategies or seeding rate but were 8 bu/a greater with the 108-day hybrid. At Tribune, …

Irrigated Corn Response To Long-Term Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilization, A. Schlegel, 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 2020, N applied alone increased yields by 85 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields 10 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 136 bu/a which is 11 bu/a less than the 10-year average of 147 bu/a. The application of 120 lb N/a (with highest P rate) produced 98% of maximum yield in 2020, which is greater than the 10-year average (2011–2020). The application of 80 instead of 40 lb P₂O_{5 …}

Impact And Liberty Rates And Mixtures For Efficacy In Corn, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of the study was to compare Impact (topramezone), Liberty (glufosinate) and a premixture of the two herbicides (Sinate) for efficacy in corn. Rates for each herbicide were 0.75 and 1.0 oz/a for Impact, 22 and 30 oz/a for Liberty, and 21 and 28 oz/a for Sinate. Impact and Sinate, each at the high rates, and Status plus glyphosate provided the best kochia control for corn late in the season. These treatments, along with the low rate of Impact controlled crabgrass the best. Status was also the best treatment for Russian thistle, Palmer amaranth, and green foxtail control. The …

Outlook Alone And In Mixtures For Efficacy In Corn, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of the study was to compare Outlook (dimethenamid) alone and in various tank mixtures for season-long weed control in corn. Kochia control with most herbicides was 95% or more late in the season. However, Russian thistle control did not exceed 83% with any herbicide tested. Palmer amaranth control at 59 days after the postemergence treatments was similar among all herbicides, while green foxtail control was 93% or more with each treatment. All herbicides increased grain yields relative to the untreated control, but corn treated with Outlook or Verdict alone yielded less grain than the best yielding plots.

Weather Information For Tribune, 2020, D. Bond, J. Slattery

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Summary of 2020 weather for research conducted at the Tribune Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station field location.

Precipitation Data, M. Knapp

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Precipitation data for Kansas Agricultural Experiment Stations and fields, 2019-2020.

Evaluation Of Long-Term Phosphorus Fertilizer Placement Effect On Soil Phosphorus And Crop Yield, M. J. Coelho, D. A. Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Phosphorus (P) accumulation in soil with long-term P fertilizer placements can result in a potentially large available reserve of this nutrient for subsequent crop production. This study investigated the effect of phosphorus fertilizer management (placement: broadcast versus deep band) after ten years on soil P, and yield response of crop rotation. Field studies were conducted for a period of ten years in Manhattan, KS. Three treatments were evaluated: 1) control with no P fertilizer application and two fertilizer treatments (80 lb P₂O₅/a); 2) surface broadcast; and 3) deep band at approximately 4- to 6-in. depth. All …

Timing, Source, And Placement Of Nitrogen Fertilizer Increases Wheat Yield And Protein Content In High Yielding Environments, L. M. Simão, D. A. Ruiz Diaz, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilizer management depends on rate, timing, placement, and source, but the benefits of an integrated program have not been clearly quantified, to our knowledge. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrated N management on winter wheat grain yield, grain protein content, grain test weight, and biomass in Kansas. The study consisted of two N management treatments: Normal (single N application as UAN using broadcast nozzles with the absence of urea inhibitors); and Progressive (split N application into two timings using streamer bars with urease inhibitors). Both treatments had similar results in all variables …

Wheat Variety Yield Response To Nitrogen And Sulfur Rates During The 2019–2020 Growing Season, B. R. Jaenisch, T. Wilson, N. Nelson, M. Guttieri, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Early spring visual sulfur (S) deficiency symptoms are increasingly a concern for Kansas wheat growers, but the extent of yield limitation due to S deficiencies and its interaction with nitrogen (N) supply is not well quantified in this environment. Our objective was to evaluate the responses of three wheat varieties to the interaction of N and S rates. The experiment was conducted in four Kansas locations during the 2019–2020 winter wheat growing season: Ashland Bottoms, Argonia, Belleville, and Hutchinson. These locations were selected to provide a range in soil textures and organic matter content, as these variables might impact the …

Evaluation Of Soil Parameters After Long-Term Subsurface Drip Irrigation Under Minimum Tillage System, E. B. Rutter, D. A. Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to evaluate soil parameters after the long-term use of sub-surface drip irrigation under no-till, with the use of high pH irrigation water. Results from this study showed that stratification of soil pH and soil test phosphorus (P) was more prominent when compared to other soil parameters. However, the stratification of pH and soil test P is likely the combined effect of surface fertilizer application and sub-surface irrigation water. The stratification of other parameters, such as soil calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na) and electrical conductivity (EC), was less clear. Soil test potassium (K) showed some …

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 2 Of 4, M. P. Ramirez, A. J. Tajchman, Z. M. Duncan, J. Lemmon, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective was to document the effects late-summer prescribed fire on soil cover, botanical composition, and forage production in the Kansas Smoky Hills and the associated effects on dense Caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) stands therein.

Study Description:The study took place on a private ranch in Ellsworth County, in the Kansas Smoky Hills. Eighteen one-acre plots were assigned randomly to one of three prescribed-fire treatments: no burn, single burn (i.e., one burn treatment only in 2019), or biennial burn (i.e., two burn treatments in 2019 and 2021). Soil cover, plant composition, and forage production were evaluated annually. …

Yearling Cattle Grazing Pastures Burned During Summer Perform Similarly To Cattle Grazing Pastures Burned In Early Spring: Year 2 Of 6, Z. M. Duncan, A. J. Tajchman, M. P. Ramirez, J. Lemmon, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective was to evaluate the impact of prescribed fire timing on grazing performance of yearling beef cattle in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:This study was conducted at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit. Yearling stocker cattle were assigned randomly to one of three prescribed-burn treatments: spring (April 7 ± 2.1 days), summer (August 21 ± 5.7 days), or fall (October 2 ± 9.9 days) and grazed from May to August of 2019 and 2020. Individual body weights were recorded at the beginning and end of the grazing season to determine total body weight gain and …

Evaluation Of Grazing Options During Summer For Growing Heifers, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Developing methods to provide high quality forage through a majority 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) were used in a completely randomized design and stocked with growing heifers (n = 47; initial wt 419 ± 20 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 grazed FES/SS-FES pastures April to November (213 d) or CRAB and BERM …

Using Cover Crops To Suppress Weeds And Improve Soil Health, J. A. Dille, L. I. Chism, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Herbicide-resistant weeds are creating challenges for producers to control weeds in crop fields. This study explores the potential of cover crops to reduce weed pressure and im­prove soil health. Cover crops were planted after corn harvest in tilled and no-till fields, and included Graza radish, winter wheat, annual ryegrass, spring oats, winter oats, and forage collards. The control was fallow with herbicide application but no cover crop. Soil health was determined prior to cover crop termination. Graza radish and forage collards did not grow consistently in all plots due to poor germination and winter kill. Significant weed biomass was produced …

Southeast Kansas Weather Summary - 2020, G. F. Sassenrath, M. Knapp, X. Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This is a summary of the weather conditions in southeast Kansas during the 2019/2020 growing season. The wet weather pattern that began in 2019 continued into the spring of 2020, creating adverse conditions for spring crop establishment. Dry conditions dur­ing the summer and fall limited crop and pasture production. Temperatures were very near the 10-year averages at each location.

Southeast Research And Extension Center Agricultural Research 2021

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report of agricultural research from Southeast Research and Extension Center, Kansas State University.