Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Reducing Tick Populations Through Prescribed Burning, Andrea Salazar, Herman Griese, Victoria Pickens, Cassandra Olds

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Explore the effect of prescribed fire on tick population dynamics in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:Ticks were collected from spring (April), summer (August), or fall (September) burned pastures as well as control, unburned areas. Burning had been carried out for four consecutive years prior to this study. Tick populations were sampled every other week from March to August using material dragging and dry ice bait sampling methods. Tick species, sex, and life stage were identified morphologically and the total numbers for each burn treatment were calculated.

The Bottom Line:Consecutive burning of grazing pasture could be considered …

The Effects Of Seasonal Prescribed Burning On Flint Hills Dung Beetle (Scarabaeinae) Populations, Herman Griese, Andrea Salazar, Victoria Pickens, Cassandra Olds

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study aimed to determine if the season of prescribed burning impacted dung beetle communities on pastures grazed by cattle in the Flint Hills.

Study Description:Dung beetle populations at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker unit were sampled biweekly for three months over the summer grazing period to determine if beetle populations varied between spring, summer, or fall burned pastures.

Results:At least eight species of dung beetles were identified with a total of 8,646 dung beetles collected. Dung beetle populations were not different (P>0.05) between spring, summer, and fall burned pastures although peak beetle populations …

Evaluation Of Grazing Options During Summer For Growing Heifers – Year 3, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Kloey Rash, Noelle Collins, Emily Black, Hailey Gillespie

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. Three grass pasture treatments (8 pastures total; 4 acres each) were used in a completely randomized design and stocked with growing heifers (n = 32; initial weight 559 ± 20 lb). Pasture treatments consisted of crabgrass (CRAB), bermudagrass (BERM), and sorghum-sudan interseeded into novel fescue (SS-FES). Novel fescue is fescue variety that has endophyte organism but does not produce toxin. Heifers were weighed and grazed …

Southeast Research And Extension Center Agricultural Research 2024

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The 2024 Southeast Research and Extension Center Agricultural Research report includes research conducted in the areas of beef cattle management, cropping systems, and forage crops.

Corn And Soybean Production – 2023 Summary, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Jane Lingenfelser, Xiaomao Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soybean and corn varieties were tested in replicated field trials at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons through the Kansas State University variety testing program. In total, 21 corn varieties and full-, mid-, and short-season maturity checks were tested. Fifteen full-season and nine double-cropped soybean varieties were tested, with three maturity checks ranging in maturity from 3.1 to 5.2. Fourteen sunflower varieties were also tested. The 2023 summer crop growing season was nearly average for both temperature and rainfall. Yields from the variety tests were slightly lower than the 13-year average.

Variety Trial And Fertility Of Fescue Cultivars In Southeast Kansas, Dale Helwig, Bruno Pedreira, Junior Yasuoka

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In fall 2021, five varieties of fescue were planted at the K-State Research station outside of Columbus, Kansas. The varieties included two endophyte free (E-) varieties, two novel endophyte (NE) varieties, and one endophyte (E+) variety. The varieties were Atlas (E-), Cajun (E-), Bar Optima (NE), Estancia (NE), and K-31 (E+). Three rates of nitrogen were applied in the spring to each variety; 0, 50, and 100 units and each treatment was replicated three times. Due to the drought, measurements were not taken in 2022 but samples were obtained in 2023. The only stress the plots received was lack of …

Hard Red And Soft Red Winter Wheat Variety Testing - 2023, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Jane Lingenfelser, Xiaomao Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This is a summary of the winter wheat production conditions in Kansas, with particular emphasis on the variety trial results from southeast Kansas in 2023. After the dry conditions of 2022, adequate rain for wheat establishment and growth in the fall in southeast Kansas was received, although drought conditions were observed in central and western Kansas. The growing season had slightly below average rainfall, with adequate soil moisture in the fall for good stand establishment. Overall yields of hard and soft red wheat varieties were above multi-year averages, but slightly below the yields from 2022. As in previous years, soft …

Role Of Soil Management In Control Of Soil-Borne Diseases, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Christopher R. Little, Xiaomao Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil-borne diseases are a significant cause of crop yield reduction. Alternative soilmanagement methods can enhance the soil’s natural disease-controlling organisms. This study explores the effect of alternative production methods on a primary soybean disease, charcoal rot, caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. Treatments that could potentially enhance or reduce the disease pressure were implemented, and soil tests were conducted for nutrients, soil properties, and disease presence. Manure increased the nutrient levels in the soil, as expected, but did not influence disease control. Solarization increased the temperature within the plots and increased the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) of M. …

Southeast Kansas Climate Summary For 2023, Matthew Sittel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Temperature and rainfall are important factors influencing agricultural performance. This report summarizes weather conditions in southeast Kansas. Comparisons to long-term records are used to indicate deviations from historical averages. Overall, in 2023 the southeast region had below average precipitation and above normal temperatures.

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 …

Biomass And Nutrient Accumulation By Dual-Purpose Hemp And Concurrent Soil Profile Water Depletion At Three Locations In Kansas In 2022, Kraig Roozeboom, Jason Griffin, Scott Dooley, Gerard Kluitenberg, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp has garnered interest as a potential crop that is not constrained by the typical food, feed, and fuel market channels. Although hemp varieties are available for either grain, fiber, or both (dual-purpose: both grain and fiber) markets, little information is available on hemp growth and water use in Kansas environments. Experiments were conducted at three locations representing the precipitation gradient across Kansas in 2022 to characterize hemp growth, nutrient uptake, and soil water depletion. One fiber and one grain variety were evaluated with and without fertilizer nitrogen at Manhattan, Haysville, and Scandia, KS. Both non-irrigated and fully irrigated plots …

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 …

2021 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Dual-Purpose Variety And Planting Date Trials, Kraig Roozeboom, Jason Griffin, Andrew Euler, Ike Bahr, Brian Owuoche

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, and the market for industrial hemp is rapidly growing as more states are legalizing its production. The market for industrial hemp exceeded $205 million in 2020 and could surpass $310 million by 2028 (Global Market Insights Inc., 2020). The main components of the industrial hemp market are oil, seeds, and fiber. Varieties have …

Biomass And Nutrient Accumulation By Dual-Purpose Hemp And Concurrent Soil Profile Water Depletion At Manhattan, Ks, In 2021, Kraig Roozeboom, Jason Griffin, Lucas Haag, Gerard Kluitenberg, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Michael Shelton, Tami Myers, Clint Wilson, Andrew Euler, Ike Bahr, Brian Owuoche

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp has garnered interest as a potential crop that is not constrained by the typical food, feed, and fuel market channels. Although hemp varieties are available for the production of either grain, fiber, or both (dual-purpose: both grain and fiber) markets, little research-based information is available on hemp growth and water use in Kansas environments. In 2019, Kansas State University researchers began conducting experi­ments to characterize hemp growth, nutrient uptake, and soil water depletion at three locations representing the precipitation gradient across Kansas. In 2021, one fiber and one grain variety were evaluated with and without fertilizer nitrogen. Soil water …

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 …

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 …

Effect Of Corn Type And Form Of Supplement On Grazing Steers – Year 2, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Harley Allen, Larissa Muniz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eighty stocker steers were grazed on bromegrass from the end of May to the middle of August and were provided five different feeds while on grass during the summer. Treatments evaluated included (1) mineral only; (2) free-choice supplementation in the form of liquid feed (MIX30) or (3) block format (Mintrate 40 Red); and hand-fed supplements of 60% corn:40% dried distillers grains at 0.5% of body weight on a dry matter basis offered daily where the corn was either an (4) isoline corn (ISO; parent genetic line) or (5) Enogen feed corn (ENO; includes alpha-amylase gene). Steers were weighed every 28 …

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.

Improving Resilience Of Corn To Weather Through Improved Fertilizer Efficiency, Na Huang, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Xiaomao Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Fertilization is a critical management tool to improve crop productivity. Corn requires more N fertilizer than some other crops, but the fertility needs of the crop vary based on the growing environment. In this study, we used a modeling approach to examine the historical record and delineate the interaction between fertilizer and weather on the sensitivity of corn yield to climate in southeastern Kansas. Providing optimal fertilizer can improve corn yield. However, too much fertilizer can be expensive and wasteful. This study demonstrated that the climate resilience of corn is moderated by how much fertilizer is applied. The model results …

Yield And Forage Quality On Native Meadows As Affected By Burn And Fertilization Management, Junior I. Yasuoka, Dale Helwig, Walter H. Fick, Bruno C. Pedreira

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Native meadows are widely used by producers in southeast Kansas. However, there are few studies about management practices to improve agronomic performance in southeast Kansas. This study evaluated the spring burn effect combined with the application of lime, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on yield and forage quality in native meadows. Yield and forage quality on native meadows were not affected by lime application, or P and K fertilization in the first year of the study. However, N fertilization increased yield, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients when associated with spring burn.

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 …

Field Evaluations Of Nitrogen-Fixing Products In Grain Sorghum, Kraig L. Roozeboom, Lucas A. Haag, Will Davis, Dorivar A. Ruiz Diaz, Charles W. Rice

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the largest input expenses for grain crops. Biological prod­ucts are currently available that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria to supply nitrogen to a crop throughout the growing season. Pivot Bio PROVEN (developed for corn), RETURN (developed for sorghum) and experimental product versions were evaluated in grain sorghum at Manhattan, KS, in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Products were compared with an untreated check at five rates of nitrogen fertilizer. Products were applied at planting in-furrow in a volume of five gallons of water solution per acre. Crop response was characterized by several in-season parameters plus grain parameters and …

2021-2022 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Cannabidiol (Cbd) Research Report, Jason Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties of Cannabis sativa L. 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 …

2022 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Dual-Purpose Variety Trials, Kraig Roozeboom, Jason Griffin

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 and has recently been approved in the United States. There are many uses for industrial hemp, and the market for industrial hemp is rapidly growing as more states are legalizing its production. Industrial hemp is marketed for oil, grain, and fiber. Varieties have been selected for improved fiber and grain production that can service these markets. However, little research-based information is available regarding adaptability or production of these varieties in Kansas. The objectives …

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 …

Effect Of Early Planting On Soybean Yield: 2022 Growing Season, E. Adee, S. Dooley, B. Pedreira

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In an effort to increase soybean yield potential, early planting dates have been promoted as a management practice that can increase yield of soybeans. Early planting of soybeans can be a relative term, meaning late April/early May for some soybean producers in Kansas, but this definition of early planted soybeans is late March/early April. Theoretically, the earlier planting date could allow for more vegetative growth and interception of more light before blooming, increasing the yield potential. With the improvement of soybean seed treatments to protect seed when emergence is slowed due to cool and wet conditions, the early planting may …

Wheat Variety-Specific Response To Seeding Rate Under Intensive Management Conditions In Western Kansas In 2021–2022, R. P. Lollato, N. Giordano, L. Ryan, L. M. Simão, J. A. Romero Soler, L. O. Pradella

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. This study was established to evaluate the response of the wheat varieties Joe, WB-Grainfield, Langin, and LCS Revere to five seeding rates ranging from 200,000 to 1,000,000 seeds per acre. The site was managed by growers who consistently win state and national wheat yield contests near Leoti, KS. The …