Life Sciences Commons^™

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.

Annual Summary Of Weather Data For Parsons - 2022, 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 Southeast Research and Extension Center Agricultural Research Report.

Reviton And Vida With Tank Mixtures For Fallow Weed Control, Randall S. Currie, Patrick W. Geier

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.

Effect Of Defoliation At Different Stages On Grain Sorghum, K. L. Roozeboom, B. Owuoche

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Loss of leaf area usually results in yield loss in grain crops, but the amount of yield loss varies with extent and timing of defoliation. Grass crops, such as corn and grain sorghum, are particularly sensitive to leaf area loss near the time of seed set because there is little opportunity for the plant to compensate. An experiment to quantify yield reductions associated with various levels of defoliation imposed at different stages of grain sorghum development was conducted at Manhattan, KS, in 2022. Target defoli­ations of 0, 33, 66, and 100% were imposed at 5-leaf, flag-leaf-appearance, half-bloom, and hard-dough stages. …

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 …

Industrial Weed Control With Plainview Sc, Randall S. Currie, Patrick W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this research was to determine application variable influence on Plainview SC (aminocyclopyrachlor/imazapyr/indaziflam) efficacy in an industrial setting. Plainview SC was applied at three rates and three application timings using two nozzle types to compare season-long weed control in noncropland. Late-season kochia control was best when Plainview SC was applied at 48 or 64 oz/a using flat-fan nozzles. Application timing did not affect these treatments. Similar control using the boomless nozzle required 64 oz/a of Plainview SC be applied either in fall or winter.

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.

Increasing Winter Wheat Grain Yield By Replicating The Management Adopted In High-Yielding Commercial Fields In Kansas During 2021–2022, L. Ryan, L. Haag, J. D. Holman, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Large winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield gaps between actual yields from farmers and yield potential in the U.S. Great Plains indicate the need to improve recommendations of best management strategies to profitably bridge these gaps. Many studies have compared individual management factors pre-determined by the individual researcher, but we are not aware of studies comparing combination of practices that producers are currently using, which would be more relevant for real-world scenarios. Our objective was to determine the yield gains resulting from management intensification using the combination of practices currently adopted in commercial wheat fields. Four management intensities (i.e., …

Source-Sink Manipulation And Its Impacts On Canola Seed Filling Period, D. Ricciuto, M. A. Secchi, A. J. P. Carcedo, L. Nieto, J. Lacasa, M. Stamm, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Canola yield production is driven by the balance between source (leaves) and sink (pods and seeds) activity during the reproductive period of a crop. However, previous literature has not reported the impact of source-sink limitations under different nitrogen (N) supplies, and its effect on seed filling. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to 1) explore the impact of source-sink manipulations during the seed filling period and its main parameters: duration and rate; and 2) understand the interactions between N supply and source-sink manipulations to explain variations in seed weight. With these objectives, a field experiment was conducted during 2019–2020 …

Assessing Corn Response To Cover Crops And Nitrogen Fertilization In A No-Till, Three-Year Rotation In Northeast Kansas, Jessica GrüNberg, Alexis Correira, Kraig L. Roozeboom, Deann R. Presley, Peter J. Tomlinson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A long-term cover crop experiment was established in 2007 at Ashland Bottoms near Manhattan, KS, to determine the effect of cover crops and nitrogen (N) rates on subse­quent corn growth and yield in a wheat-corn-soybean rotation. Treatments included chemical fallow, double crop soybean, different cover crops (cereal rye,crimson clover, a mix of cereal rye and crimson clover, and a diverse mix of seven species) planted in late summer after wheat harvest, and five N rates (0, 40, 80, 160, and 240 lb/acre) applied to the subsequent corn crop. Yield responded differently to N rate depending on cover crop …

The Effect Of Live Yeast Probiotics In Lactation Diets With And Without A Yeast Prebiotic In Nursery Diets On Lifetime Growth Performance, Antibody Titers, And Carcass Characteristics, Abigail K. Jenkins, Joel M. Derouchey, Jordan T. Gebhardt, Jason C. Woodworth, Mike D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Joseph A. Loughmiller, Brian T. Kremer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 28 mixed parity sows (Line 241 DNA) and their offspring were used in a farrow-to-finish study to evaluate the effect of live yeast supplementation during lactation with or without yeast extract supplementation during the nursery period on sow and litter performance and lifetime growth performance, serum antibody titers, and carcass characteristics. Sows were blocked by parity and BW on d 110 of gestation and allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments which consisted of a standard corn-soybean meal lactation diet with or without yeast-based probiotics (0.10% Actisaf Sc 47 HR+; Phileo by Lesaffre, Milwaukee, WI). Following weaning, …

Consumer Color And Discoloration Thresholds For Purchase Of Retail Ground Beef When Evaluating Packages Of A Single Day Of Display, K. R. Lybarger, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, L. A. Egger, L. N. Drey, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, M. D. Chao, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study utilized a simulated retail display to investigate the impact of ground beef color and discoloration on consumer purchase intent, while identifying the best objective measurements to predict consumer preferences of ground beef on the same day of retail display.

Study Description:For this study, 180 1-lb 80% lean/20% fat ground beef loaves were assigned to a specific day of retail display (day 0–9). Consumers (n= 318) and trained descriptive panelists assessed ground beef samples, with a single day of display evaluated per consumer group. Spectral data andL*(lightness),a* (redness), andb* (yellowness) …

Nitrogen And Phosphorus Rates’ Impact On Different Varieties Of Alfalfa In Central Kansas, Mariana O. Mota, Luiz O. Pradella, Wallas M. Da Silva, Romulo P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The United States is the largest producer of alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) in the world, with a vast area grown under rainfed conditions. Under these conditions, and especially in a transition state such as Kansas, the alfalfa crop often suffers from water deficit stress. Environments under water-limited conditions promote a decrease in crop yield when inadequate water leads to an nitrogen deficiency and reduces crop biomass. This research aimed to investigate the production of different alfalfa varieties under different nitrogen and phosphorus rates in a rainfed environment. Three nitrogen application rates (0 lb/a; 200 lb/a; 400 lb/a) and three …

Summary Of Methodology Used In Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (Etec) Challenge Experiments In Weanling Pigs And Quantitative Assessment Of Observed Variability, Payton L. Dahmer, Joel M. Derouchey, Jordan T. Gebhardt, Chad B. Paulk, Cassandra K. Jones

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Post-weaning diarrhea in pigs can be caused by the F4 or F18 strains of enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC). To evaluate interventions for ETEC, experimental infection via a challenge model is critical. To our knowledge, there is a lack of explanation for the variability in responses observed across ETEC challenge studies. Our objective was to quantitatively summarize the responses and variability among recent ETEC challenge studies and develop a tool for sample size calculation. The most widely evaluated response criteria across ETEC challenge studies are growth performance, fecal consistency and bacterial shedding, intestinal morphology, and immune responses. Factors that contribute to …

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 …

Evaluating Hiphorius Phytase In Two Diet Formulation Strategies On Finishing Pig Growth Performance, Serum Chemistry, Bone Mineralization, And Carcass Characteristics, Macie E. Reeb, Jason C. Woodworth, Joel M. Derouchey, Mike D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jordan T. Gebhardt, Jon R. Bergstrom

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of HiPhorius (DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) phytase on finishing pig growth performance, serum chemistry, bone mineralization, and carcass characteristics. In Exp. 1, 1,161 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 80.9. ± 1.06 lb) were used in a 105-d trial. There were 27 pigs per pen and 10 or 11 replications per treatment. Treatments consisted of: 1) Control diet with no added phytase and formulated to NRC (2012) requirement estimates for standard total tract digestible (STTD) P; 2) 600 FYT/kg added phytase formulated to the same STTD P as the control diet …

Algorithm To Estimate Sorghum Grain Number From Panicles Using Images Collected With A Smartphone At Field-Scale, G. N. Santiago, A. J. P. Carcedo, L. Marziotte, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An estimation of on-farm yield before harvest is important to help farmers make decisions about additional input use, time to harvest, and options for end uses of the harvestable product. However, obtaining a rapid assessment of on-farm yield can be challenging, especially for a sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.) crop due to the complexity of counting the total number of grains in a panicle at field-scale. One alternative to reduce labor is to develop a rapid assessment method employing computer vision algorithms. Computer vision has already been utilized to account for the number of grains within a panicle, yet it …

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 …

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 …

Consumer Sensory Evaluation Of Ground Beef And Plant-Based Ground Beef Alternatives Used In A Hamburger Application, L. A. Egger, K. J. Farmer, E. S. Beyer, K. R. Lybarger, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, M. D. Chao, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the palatability traits and consumer acceptance of three plant-based ground beef alternatives in comparison to ground beef in a foodservice-like hamburger application.

Study Description:Three popular plant-based ground beef alternatives (GBA) and 80% lean, 20% fat composition ground beef chubs (n = 20) were selected for consumer analysis. Samples were cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, plated on a bun and served to consumers with the opportunity to apply ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Consumers evaluated the differences in palatability traits and purchase intent for the samples identified as: …

Kansas Field Research 2023

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A summary of research conducted in 2021-2023 on field production and management practices for crops in Kansas. Published in 2023 from the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.https://www.ag.k-state.edu/

Evaluating The Distribution Of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus, And Seneca Valley Virus 1 Inoculated Feed After The Use Of Physical Or Chemical Mitigants To Flush A Feed Manufacturing Facility, Olivia L. Harrison, Haley K. Otott, Jianfa Bai, Vaughn A. Hamill, Aaron Singrey, Phillip C. Gauger, Marcelo N. Almeida, Jason C. Woodworth, C. R. Stark, Roman M. Pogranichniy, Cassandra K. Jones, Jordan T. Gebhardt, Chad B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Contaminated feed is a route of virus transmission between feed mills and swine farms. To reduce the risk of transmission, an understanding of the virus distribution and mitigation strategies are needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and Seneca Valley virus 1 (SVV1) inoculated feed in the environment and feed of a feed mill before and after the use of chemical mitigants. A 50-lb batch of feed was run through a mixer and bucket elevator followed by a batch inoculated with PEDV, PRRSV, …

Effects Of Increasing Energy Or Lysine In Soybean Meal-Based Diets On Early And Late Finishing Pig Performance, Ty H. Kim, Jamil E. G. Faccin, Robert D. Goodband, Mike D. Tokach, Joel M. Derouchey, Jason C. Woodworth, Jordan T. Gebhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 2,265 finishing pigs (337 × 1050 PIC; initially 110.7 ± 6.14 lb) were used in two 28-d trials to determine the effect of increasing energy or lysine in soybean meal-based diets on early and late finishing pig performance. Pigs were housed in mixed gender pens with 27 pigs per pen and 21 pens per treatment. Soybean meal (SBM) NE values used in diet formulation were either 946 kcal/lb (78% NE of corn; NRC) or 1,212 kcal/lb (100% NE of corn). The treatments were structured as a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of: 1) a diet containing a …

Diagnostic Survey Of Biological Measurements Used To Determine Bone Mineralization In Pigs Across The Us Swine Industry, Hadley R. Williams, Mike D. Tokach, Jason C. Woodworth, Joel M. Derouchey, Robert D. Goodband, Jon R. Bergstrom, Michael C. Rahe, Christopher L. Siepker, Panchan Sitticharoenchai, Jordan T. Gebhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Pigs from 64 commercial sites across 14 production systems in the Midwest US were used to evaluate the baseline biological measurements used to determine bone mineralization. Three pigs were selected from each commercial site representing: 1) a clinically normal pig (healthy); 2) a pig with evidence of clinical lameness (lame); and 3) a pig from a hospital pen that is assumed to have recent low feed intake (unhealthy). Pigs ranged in age from nursery to market weight, with the three pigs sampled from each site representing the same age or phase of production. Blood, urine, metacarpal, fibula, 2nd rib, and …

Evaluation Of Variation In Nursery Pig Growth Performance Utilizing Different Allotment Strategies, Abigail K. Jenkins, Jordan T. Gebhardt, Jason C. Woodworth, Joel M. Derouchey, Mike D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 pigs (200 × 400 DNA) were used in a 43-d nursery trial (initially 12.4 ± 0.37 lb) to evaluate multiple strategies for allotting pigs to pens in swine research trials. At placement, the population was split into 3 cohorts with similar average weight and standard deviation. Each cohort was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 allotment strategies. Strategy 1 (random) utilized a simple randomization strategy with each pig randomized to pen independent of all other pigs. Strategy 2 [body weight (BW) distribution] sorted each pig within the cohort into 1 of 5 BW groups. One pig …

Effects Of Zinc Source And Level In Low Abc-4 Diets On Nursery Pig Growth Performance And Fecal Characteristics, Jonathan Riedmüller, Jamil E. G. Faccin, Alessandra R. Monteiro, JüRgen Zentek, Joel M. Derouchey, Jordan T. Gebhardt, Robert D. Goodband, Jason C. Woodworth, Mike D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 weanling barrows (DNA 200 × 400; initially 13.0 ± 0.07 lb) were used in a 38-d study to evaluate the effects of diets containing different levels of a novel Zn source (HiZox, Animine Precision Minerals, Annecy, France) and different levels of crude protein (CP) in low acid-binding capacity at pH 4 (ABC-4) diets on growth performance and fecal characteristics. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (5 pigs per pen) and pens were assigned to 1 of 6 treatments with 12 pens per treatment. Diets were fed in 3 phases: phase 1 from d 0 to 10, …

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 …

Effects Of Altering Dietary Acid-Binding Capacity-4 With Specialty Soy Protein Sources Or Acidifiers On Nursery Pig Performance And Fecal Dry Matter, Ethan B. Stas, Mike D. Tokach, Jason C. Woodworth, Joel M. Derouchey, Robert D. Goodband, Jordan T. Gebhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 300 pigs (241 × 600 DNA; initially 13.2 lb) were used to evaluate the effects of altering the dietary acid-binding capacity-4 (ABC-4) with specialty soy protein sources or acidifiers on nursery pig performance and fecal dry matter (DM). At weaning, pigs were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments. There were 5 pigs per pen and 12 replications per treatment. Pigs were fed experimental diets in two phases with phase 1 fed from d 0 to 10 post-weaning followed by phase 2 from d 10 to 24. Diets were formulated with increasing ABC-4. A single low ABC-4 …

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 …

Evaluating The Effect Of Accelerated Aging At Different Temperature And Time Points On Beef Quality And Enzyme Activity Of Lower Quality Beef Cuts, H. Jeneske, C. K. Chun, S. Hene, L. A. Koulicoff, H. Aufdemberge, J. L. Vipham, T. G. O'Quinn, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study aimed to explore the effects of four accelerated aging (AA) methods at different temperature and time points on meat quality and enzymatic activity of two lower quality beef cuts.

Study Description:Shoulder clod and top round were collected from 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture choice beef carcasses, fabricated into steaks, and assigned to one of six treatments: 3 days postmortem (control), cooler aged for 21 days, AA 120°F for 2 h, AA 120°F for 3 h, AA 130°F for 2 h, and AA 130°F for 3 h. Yield was calculated based on loss during AA and cooking …