Life Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Aerification Effects On ‘Innovation’ Zoysiagrass Thatch And Quality, Jack Fry, Dani Mcfadden

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When a thatch layer accumulates on turfgrass it can be detrimental to the stand. A field experiment was initiated to investigate aerification treatments and their influence on organic matter, quality, and color of ‘Innovation’ zoysiagrass that was sodded within the past year. Turfgrass that was intensely aerified had less organic matter content in the surface inch of the profile compared to turfgrass that was not aerified. Color was also enhanced in treatments receiving aerification compared to nonaerified turf, which may have been attributed to trending of higher nitrate content in aerified plots.

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 …

Corn Tiller Yield Contributions And Ear Development In Low Plant Densities, R. Veenstra, C. D. Messina, D. Berning, S. Wallace, M. Legleiter, L. Haag, P. V. Prasad, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research in modern corn (Zea maysL.) hybrids investigating tiller contributions and ear development at low plant densities is scarce, particularly in water-limited environments. To fill this research gap, a second season of replicated experiments was conducted in 2020 at 7 sites across Kansas (Keats, Buhler, Greensburg, Garden City, Goodland, and two sites in Colby) evaluating two common, tiller-prone corn hybrids (P0805AM and P0657AM) at three target plant density levels (10000, 17000, and 24000 plants/a). Five of the listed sites also considered a tillering factor (tiller removal at development stage V10 [tenth-leaf] or tiller maintenance). Seasonal phenology, partitioned grain …

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 …

Precipitation Data, M. Knapp

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

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

Long-Term Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium 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 2020, N applied alone increased yields 60 bu/a, whereas N and P applied together increased yields up to 83 bu/a. Averaged across the past 10 years, N and P fertilization increased sorghum yields up to 82 bu/a. The application of 160 lb/a N (with P) produced the maximum yield in 2020, which is slightly less than the 10-year average (2011–2020). The application of potassium (K) has had no effect on sorghum yield throughout the study period. …

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 …

Biomass And Nutrient Accumulation By Dual-Purpose Hemp And Concurrent Soil Profile Water Depletion At Two Locations In Kansas In 2020, Kraig Roozeboom, Jason Griffin, Lucas Haag, Gerard Kluitenberg, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Michael Shelton, Tami Myers, Clint Wilson, Jared Petz, Matthew Nielsen, Andrew Euler

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Some crop producers are considering hemp as an alternative to the typical crops grown in the region. Hemp is viewed as a crop to potentially access new markets. Two of those potential markets are hemp grain and fiber. Little information is available for this region about production management for hemp intended for those markets. Experiments were planted in 2020 at Manhattan, Haysville, and Colby, KS, to characterize plant growth, nutrient uptake, and soil water depletion. Results illustrated typical biomass and nutrient uptake patterns. Half of the total biomass was accumulated by 2,200 growing degree days (GDD), but accumulation continued until …

2019 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Bermudagrass Test: 2019–2020 Data, Linda Parsons, Jason Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas represents the northernmost region in the central United States where bermudagrass (Cynodonspp.) 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.

On-Farm Assessment Of Aquaspy Soil Moisture Sensors For Irrigation Scheduling, P. Rossini, A. Patrignani

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The aim of this study was to compare a commercially-available radio-frequency (RF) spectroscopy soil moisture sensor with an array of calibrated research-grade soil water reflectometers in a no-till irrigated corn field from June to September 2020. The RF probe consisted of 12 sensors spaced at 4-inch intervals across 48 inches in length, while the array of soil water reflectometers consisted of four sensors deployed along the soil profile at 4, 12, 20, and 28 in. depth. Soil moisture sensors were installed at approximately 30-ft apart in two different regions within the same field characterized by contrasting soil textural classes. Hourly …

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 …

Effects Of Prescribed Fire Timing On Native Plant Composition, Forage Biomass Accumulation, And Root Carbohydrate Reserves In The Kansas Flint Hills: 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 document the effects of prescribed fire timing on native plant composition, forage biomass, and root carbohydrate concentrations in key native tallgrass species in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:This experiment was conducted at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit. Eighteen pastures were grouped by watershed and assigned 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). Botanical composition, forage biomass, and root carbohydrate concentrations in big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass, and purple prairie clover were evaluated …

Impact Of Fungicide On Wheat, G. F. Sassenrath, H. Zhao, X. Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This is a report of research to test the impact of fungicide and management on wheat yield and quality. Fusarium head blight (FHB), or scab, is a persistent problem in wheat production, especially in high rainfall areas such as eastern Kansas. Two cultivars of winter wheat varying in FHB sensitivity (Everest, moderately resistant, and KanMark, susceptible) were tested for control of FHB using fungicide treatments made to the seed prior to planting or to the wheat plant at heading, in tilled or no-tilled management. The wet spring of 2020 resulted in high FHB pressure, but dry conditions at harvest re­duced …

Evaluation Of Implants, Clover, And Fescue Variety On Stocker Steers, Z. T. Buessing, J. K. Farney

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 implants. 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, Ralgro). Data collected were weights, hair coat scores, hair length, rectal temperature (every 28 days), and ultrasound carcass characteristics coming off grass. Steers on High Endophyte had the lowest average daily gain (ADG), longest hair, and highest …

Influence Of Herbicides And Irrigation On Tall Fescue Shoot And Root Growth, Dani Mcfadden, Jack Fry, Steve Keeley, Jared Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When turfgrass stands are under renovation, a common problem is removing weeds prior to seeding because seedling turf does not emerge and compete well with weeds that are present. However, most herbicide labels recommend waiting for a defined period of time prior to seeding. If seeding is done prior to the date prescribed on the herbicide label, seed germination and seedling growth may be inhibited. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of irrigation prior to seeding on seedling growth after herbicide application. Overall, irrigation had no influence on the impact of herbicides on shoot or root growth …

Comparison Of Static And Active Downforce On Corn At The Kansas River Valley Experiment Field In 2020, E. A. Adee

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Uniformity of plant spacing and emergence have been shown to be significant contributing factors to increasing corn yields. Improved seed meters that offer very precise seed drop have been available on planters for a number of years. However, uniformity in plant emergence continues to be a challenge, especially with reduction of tillage and in fields with variable soils. Correct, consistent depth is critical for uniform corn emergence. By keeping the gauge wheels on the ground, consistent depth is achieved. An active downforce system, such as Precision Planting’s DeltaForce, applies hydraulic downforce or lift to the row unit. With a Precision …

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 …

Corn Yield Response To Sulfur Applied With Nitrogen Fertilizer, T. E. Husa, D. A. Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) with added sulfur (S) fertilizer on corn yield. The treatments included 1) a control with no sulfur and no nitrogen; 2) urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) (180 lb N/a; 0 lb S/a); and 3) UAN plus ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) (180 lb N/a; 15 lb S/a). Both the UAN and UAN+ATS were balanced to 180 lb N/a. These three treatments were evaluated at two locations in 2019 and three locations in 2020. Preliminary results show that yield trended upward with the application of nitrogen plus sulfur fertilization over N …

2020 K-State Industrial Hemp Cbd Variety Trial, Jason Griffin, Clint Wilson, Tami Myers

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 once again in the United States. Varieties have been selected and are currently grown with a wide cannabinoid profile. Cannabinoids are of high interest for their putative medical and therapeutic role in humans and companion pets. Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are the two cannabinoids of primary interest. THC is of interest because it determines whether the final product is considered hemp (0.3% THC). CBD is …

Alternative Cropping Systems With Limited Irrigation, A. Schlegel, D. Bond

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A limited irrigation study involving four cropping systems and evaluating four crop rotations was initiated at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, KS, in 2012. The cropping systems were two annual systems (continuous corn and continuous grain sorghum) and two 2-year systems (corn-grain sorghum and corn-winter wheat). In 2020, corn yields were similar for all rotations, although averaged across the past 8 years, corn yields were greater following wheat than following corn. There were no significant differences in grain sorghum yields in 2020, which was similar to the multi-year average. Wheat yields were below the multi-year average.

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 …

Testing Irrigated Cotton Production, J. Aguilar, R. S. Currie, D. Tomsicek, L. Haag, S. Duncan

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Cotton research was initiated in Garden City, KS, which is the northern rim of the typical cotton production area. Initial results showed that with specific seed varieties and strategic irrigation management, cotton could be grown and provide decent yield in this region. There is still additional research that needs conducted, particularly with regards to germination and seeding rates.

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 Grain Sorghum Response To Long-Term Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium 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 grain sorghum in western Kansas. In 2020, N applied alone increased yields 60 bu/a, whereas N and P applied together increased yields up to 83 bu/a. Averaged across the past 10 years, N and P fertilization increased sorghum yields up to 82 bu/a. The application of 160 lb/a N (with P) produced the maximum yield in 2020, which is slightly less than the 10-year average (2011–2020). The application of potassium (K) has had no effect on sorghum yield throughout the study period. …

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

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was conducted from 2008–2020 at the Kansas State University Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, KS. The purpose of the study was to identify whether more intensive cropping systems can enhance and stabilize production in rainfed cropping systems to optimize economic crop production, more efficiently capture and utilize scarce precipitation, and maintain or enhance soil resources and environmental quality. The crop rotations evaluated were continuous grain sorghum (SS), wheat-fallow (WF), wheat-corn-fallow (WCF), wheat-sorghum-fallow (WSF), wheat-corn-sorghum-fallow (WCSF), and wheat-sorghum-corn-fallow (WSCF). All rotations were grown using no-tillage (NT) practices except for WF, which was grown using reduced-tillage. The efficiency of precipitation …

Weed Control With Imazamox Rates And Timings In Herbicide-Tolerant Grain Sorghum, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this trial was to evaluate weed control and crop response using imazamox (KFD-365-02) in herbicide-resistant grain sorghum. Palmer amaranth control was 80% or less late in the season due to the herbicide-resistant weed biotype in the experiment. Both velvetleaf and shattercane control exceeded 90% with most herbicides late in the year. Using KFD-365-02 at the 9.0 oz/a rate applied preemergence alone or with atrazine or Moccasin II Plus controlled green foxtail and puncturevine the best. Most early postemergence treatments caused minor sorghum necrosis 6 days after treatments, but sorghum recovered fully within one week.

Zest Application Timings For Efficacy In Grain Sorghum, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was conducted to compare Zest (nicosulfuron) herbicide at two rates and two application timings for efficacy in grain sorghum. Palmer amaranth control was best when a preemergence (PRE) herbicide was followed by a late postemergence (LPOST) treatment. Zest at 0.67 or 1.33 oz/a provided the best velvetleaf and shattercane control. Either rate of Zest applied early postemergence (EPOST) controlled green foxtail more than 90%, but the higher rate was required for greater than 90% control when applications were delayed until LPOST.

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.

Novel Sorghum Herbicides For Grass Control In Fallow, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was conducted to compare herbicides for use in herbicide-tolerant grain sorghum for grass control in fallow. Imazamox applied preemergence (PRE) was generally the most effective herbicide regardless of weed species or evaluation date. Postemergence (POST) treatments did not control green foxtail more than 78% late in the season. Imazamox, Assure II (quizalofop), and Accent (nicosulfuron) applied PRE or early POST controlled shattercane and crabgrass 90% or more late in the season. Assure II applied late POST also controlled shattercane 93 to 95% late in the year.