Plant Sciences Commons^™

2017 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Perennial Ryegrass Test: 2018 Data, Mingying Xiang, Jack Fry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

More than 100 entries of perennial ryegrass were evaluated in the perennial ryegrass National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) study in Manhattan, KS, in 2018. A broad variation occurred among entries. Several entries consistently ranked in the top 10 in quality from month to month.

Effects Of Interseeding Ladino Clover Into Tall Fescue Pastures Of Varying Endophyte Status On Grazing And Subsequent Finishing Performance Of Stocker Steers, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred ninety-two yearling steers grazing tall fescue pastures were used to evalu­ate the effects of fescue cultivar and interseeding ladino clover on available forage, grazing gains, and subsequent finishing performance in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Fescue cultivars evaluated were high-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ low-endophyte Kentucky 31, ‘HM4,’ and ‘MaxQ.’ In 2016 and 2018, steers that grazed pastures of low-endophyte Kentucky 31, HM4, or MaxQ gained significantly more (P<0.05) and produced more (P<0.05) gain/a than those that grazed high-endophyte Kentucky 31 pastures. Gains of cattle that grazed low-endophyte Kentucky 31, HM4, or MaxQ were similar (P>0.05). In 2017, steer gains were similar (P>0.05) among all cultivars. High-endo­phyte Kentucky 31 pastures had more (P<0.05) available forage than low-endophyte Kentucky 31, HM4, or MaxQ pastures during both 2016 and 2017. Steer gains and gain/acre were similar (P>0.05) between pastures fertilized with nitrogen (N) in the spring and those interseeded …

Effects Of Various Grazing Systems On Grazing And Subsequent Finishing Performance, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 mixed black yearling steers were used to compare grazing and subsequent finishing performance from pastures with ‘MaxQ’ tall fescue, a wheat-bermudagrass double-crop system, or a wheat-crabgrass double-crop system in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Daily gains of steers that grazed MaxQ fescue, wheat-bermudagrass, or wheat-crabgrass were similar (P>0.05) in 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Daily gains of steers that grazed wheat-bermudagrass or wheat-crabgrass were greater (P>0.05) than those that grazed MaxQ fescue in 2011 and 2012. Daily gains of steers that grazed wheat-crabgrass were greater (P>0.05) than those …

Evaluation Of Supplemental Energy Source For Grazing Stocker Cattle, L. W. Lomas, J. K. Farney, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 180 steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to evaluate the effects of supplemental energy source on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Supple­mentation treatments evaluated were: no supplement, a supplement with starch as the primary source of energy, and a supplement with fat as the primary source of energy. Supplements were formulated to provide the same quantity of protein and energy per head daily. Supplementation with the starch-based or fat-based supplement during the grazing phase resulted in higher (P<0.05) grazing gains than feeding no supplement during all five years. In 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, grazing gains of steers supple­mented with the starch-based or fat-based supplement were similar (P>0.05). In 2015, steers supplemented with …

Cattle Preference For Annual Forages, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Many plant species that are available to use as cover crops also have potential as for­age for cattle. With this array of options it can be daunting to decide which plants to establish to meet goals as either a cover crop, forage, or for both. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the annual forages fed to cattle in the fall, winter, or sum­mer that cattle preferred. To summarize, grasses were the most highly preferred forage for cattle regardless of grazing period. Low glucosinolate brassicas such as ‘Graza’ forage radish was the most highly preferred brassica that was …

Use Of A Fungicide To Reduce Stomatal Conductance For Production Of Sweet Corn Planted At Different Populations With Limited Irrigation, D. W. Sweeney, M. B. Kirkham

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sweet corn in 2018 was affected by irrigation, plant population, and a fungicide applied for stomatal control. Even though measured stomatal conductance was unaffected and no disease pressure was noted, applying fungicide at V6 more than doubled the number of harvested ears per acre and per plant, but an additional application at R1 did not increase harvested ears. Applying 1 inch of irrigation at the VT growth stage resulted in approximately 20% greater number of harvested ears per acre and ears per plant, but did not increase fresh weight. Under these dry conditions, increasing plant population tended to decrease harvested …

Southeast Kansas Crop Production Summary – 2018, G. F. Sassenrath, L. Mengarelli, J. Lingenfelser, X. Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This is a summary of the crop production conditions in southeast Kansas in 2018, and the results of the variety testing for corn, soybean, sorghum, sunflower, and wheat.

Controlling Soil-Borne Disease In Soybean With A Mustard Cover Crop, G. F. Sassenrath, C. Little, K. Roozeboom, X. Lin, D. Jardine

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Charcoal rot is a soil-borne disease that is prevalent in southeast Kansas. The disease infects multiple crops, including soybean, and causes yield reductions. A high-gluco­sinolate mustard with biofumigant properties reduced the population levels in soil and in soybean plants of the fungus (Macrophomina phaseolina) that causes charcoal rot. In this study, management practices that incorporate use of mustard as a cover crop in soybean production systems were tested. Results indicate that tillage increases the char­coal rot fungus. The mustard cover crop was tested in field studies for its impact on soil health, fungal disease and propagules, and soybean …

Characterization Of Claypan Soils In Southeastern Kansas, M. A. Mathis Ii, S. E. Tucker-Kulesza, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil erosion reduces topsoil depth. In areas with a claypan, removal of productive topsoil reduces crop yield where the claypan layer is near the surface. The topsoil and claypan layer each have unique characteristics that impact crop production and within-field variability. To better understand these differences, the soil from an area of low crop yield and high crop yield were collected and laboratory tests were performed to determine the soil classification and undrained shear strength. Understanding the soil properties and the interaction between the topsoil and claypan layers may aid in under­standing the process by which topsoil is being eroded.

Annual Summary Of Weather Data For Parsons - 2018, M. Knapp

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Annual summary of weather data for Parsons, Kansas, 2018.

Acknowledgments

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

We thank the following individuals, organizations, and firms that contributed to this year’s research programs through financial support, product donations, or services.

Herbicide Strategies For Managing Glyphosate- And Dicamba-Resistant Kochia In Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybean, V. Kumar, R. Liu, T. Lambert, P. W. Stahlman

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kochia populations with multiple resistance to glyphosate and dicamba are an increasing concern for growers in the High Plains region, including Kansas. A field study was conducted at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, to evaluate and develop herbicide options for controlling glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant kochia in Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean. The study site was uniformly infested with a glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant kochia population prior to soybean planting. Fifteen herbicide treatments (programs), including PRE alone and PRE followed by (fb) POST-applied herbicides, were investigated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. …

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

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Summary of 2018 weather for research conducted at the Tribune field location.

Occasional Tillage In A Wheat-Sorghum-Fallow Rotation, A. Schlegel, J. Holman

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beginning in 2012, research was conducted in Garden City and Tribune, KS, to determine the effect of a single tillage operation every 3 years on grain yields in a wheat-sorghum-fallow (WSF) rotation. Grain yields of wheat and grain sorghum were generally not affected by a single tillage operation every 3 years in a WSF rotation. Grain yield varied greatly by year from 2014–2018. Wheat yields ranged across years from mid-20s to 80 bu/a at Tribune and less than 10 to near 60 bu/a at Garden City. Grain sorghum yields ranged from less than 50 to greater than 140 bu/a, depending …

Application Timing Efficacy Of Enlist Duo In Irrigated Corn, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In this study, herbicides were tested to compare application timing for weed control in irrigated corn. All herbicides tested provided season-long control (90% or more) of Palmer amaranth, Russian thistle, quinoa, and common sunflower. The inclusion of Enlist Duo to SureStart II as an early postemergence (V2) treatment increased kochia and johnsongrass control compared to a preemergence treatment of SureStart II alone early in the season. However, by later in the year, control of kochia and johnsongrass was best when Enlist Duo application was delayed until the V4 stage. Enlist Duo provided equal control of all weeds when applied at …

Efficacy Of Zest Application Timings In Irrigated Acetolactase Synthase-Resistant Grain Sorghum, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Acetolactase synthase inhibiting (ALS) herbicides were evaluated for efficacy in ALS-resistant grain sorghum. Kochia and quinoa control were similar among all herbicides tested regardless of evaluation date. Cinch ATZ alone preemergence, and Cinch plus Resolve and Harmony GT PRE followed by Zest POST controlled puncturevine 73-78%. Late-season green foxtail control was best when Zest was included as an early postemergence or postemergence application. Cinch ATZ applied alone preemergence, Cinch ATZ preemergence followed by Zest POST, and Cinch plus Resolve and Harmony GT PRE followed by Zest POST controlled Palmer amaranth 81–84%, and resulted in the highest grain yields.

Efficacy Of Sequential Herbicide Applications In Glufosinate- And Glyphosate-Resistant Corn, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

To determine their efficacy in corn, this study compared two preemergence programs and sequential glufosinate (Interline) or glyphosate (Roundup PowerMax). Control of common sunflower and Russian thistle was excellent regardless of herbicide treatment. Preemergence herbicides alone provided no more than 78% johnsongrass control early in the season. By late season, only those plots receiving Roundup PowerMax had more than 85% johnsongrass control. However, corn yields did not differ among treatments, and all herbicides increased yield 70–97% relative to nontreated corn.

Long-Term Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium Fertilization Of Irrigated Grain Sorghum, A. J. 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 2018, N applied alone increased yields 44 bu/a, whereas N and P applied together increased yields up to 67 bu/a. Averaged across the past 10 years, N and P fertilization increased sorghum yields up to 75 bu/a. Application of 80 lb/a N (with P) produced the maximum yield in 2018, which is slightly less than the 10-year average. Application of potassium (K) has had no effect on sorghum yield throughout the study period. Average grain N …

Thermal Imaging Detects Early Drought Stress In Turfgrass Utilizing Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Mu Hong, Dale J. Bremer, Deon Van Der Merwe

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Plots of fairway-height creeping bentgrass were watered differently to create a gradient of drought stress from severe deficit irrigation to well-watered, under an automatic rainout shelter in Manhattan, KS. Canopy temperature (Tc) measured by a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) predicted drought stress approximately 5 days or more before drought symptoms were evident in either turfgrass visual quality (VQ) or percentage green cover (PGC). The ability of Tc to predict drought stress was comparable to the best spectral parameters acquired by sUAS on companion flights [i.e., near infrared (NIR) and GreenBlue VI], and slightly better than with spectral data obtained …

High And Low Management Input Regimes Result In Similar Net Carbon Sequestration Rates In Zoysiagrass Golf Course Fairway Turf, Ross C. Braun, Dale J. Bremer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was conducted from 2013–2016 to determine how irrigation and N fertilization may be managed to enhance carbon (C) sequestration in turf. In this study, the annual rate of change in soil organic carbon (ΔSOC) was measured under two management regimes, a high management input regime (HMI) and low man­agement input regime (LMI), in a ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonicaSteud.) golf course fairway.

Both management regimes maintained acceptable turf quality and at least 75% green cover during both summers. In both management regimes, soil organic carbon (SOC) increased after the 3.16-yr (1154-d) period indicating that C was sequestered …

Herbicide And Application Timing Effects On Windmillgrass (Chloris Verticillata) Control, Nicholas Mitchell, Jared Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Windmillgrass (Chloris verticillataNutt.) populations commonly infest turfgrass systems in the midwest, which result in aesthetically unacceptable turfgrass stands. Research trials were initiated in 2017 and 2018, in Onaga and Junction City, KS, to determine windmillgrass control with various single herbicide applications at dif­ferent application timings. Pylex (topramezone) resulted in more than 80% wind­millgrass control 8 weeks after spring and summer application.

Influence Of Herbicide Combinations And Sequential Applications On Windmillgrass (Chloris Verticillata) Control, Nicholas Mitchell, Jared Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Windmillgrass (Chloris verticillataNutt.) populations commonly infest turfgrass systems in the midwest, which result in aesthetically unacceptable turfgrass stands. Pylex (topramezone) and Acclaim Extra (fenoxaprop) have resulted in fair control of windmillgrass with single applications. For adequate control of windmillgrass, a sequential application of Tenacity (mesotrione), three weeks after the initial application, is recommended. Additionally, studies have shown the addition of triclopyr to HPPD inhibitor herbicides increases windmillgrass control in a controlled environ­ment. Field experiments were initiated in 2018, at the Kansas State University Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center in Manhattan, KS, to determine the influence of herbicide combinations …

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

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Planting date studies have been conducted for corn over many years. Often the focus has been to determine the 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 …

Pre-Plant Nitrogen Rate And Application Method And Side-Dress Nitrogen Rate Effects On Corn Grown No-Till On A Claypan Soil, D. W. Sweeney, D. Ruiz-Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Corn yield in 2018 was increased by about 5 bu/a with knife application of pre-plant nitrogen (N) fertilizer compared with broadcast application. Fertilizing with increasing rates of N applied pre-plant, at side-dress, or both had little effect on yield or yield components of corn in 2018.

Using Cover Crops As An Effective Weed Control Method In Southeast Kansas, L. I. Chism, J. A. Dille, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Weed control is important to optimize crop production. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of different methods of fall-implemented weed control strategies. These strategies included different cover crop mixes, chemical control, and mechanical control. The cover crop mixes included four different commonly-planted winter cover crops. The chemical control was a fall-applied burndown, and the me­chanical control was vertical tillage. We found cover crop mixes that contained cereal rye provided the most weed control, with the chemical control being a close second. Spring oats die during the winter because of the low temperatures. The three cover crop mixes containing …

Biomass Production Of Single Species Cover Crop, G. F. Sassenrath, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Cover crops can benefit agricultural production by improving soil health and productivity, reducing weeds, and providing biomass for grazing. In this one-year study, biomass production was measured in 17 different single species summer cover crops and a fallow control. Overall, grass species produced more biomass than brassicas, with legumes, broadleaves, and fallow yielding intermediate amounts of biomass. Within the grass species, pearl millet, brown midrib (BMR) sorghum, and sorghum sudan produced more biomass than proso millet; German millet and browntop millet had intermediate biomass production. Within the brassicas, both brown and yellow mustards produced more biomass than collards. There was …

Estimating Annual Forage Yields With Plant Available Water And Growing Season Precipitation, J. Holman, A. Obour, A. Schlegel, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Forage production is important for the western Kansas region’s livestock and dairy industries and has become increasingly important as irrigation-well capacity declines. Forages require less water than grain crops and may allow for increased cropping intensity and opportunistic cropping. Being able to estimate forage production is important for determining forage availability versus forage needs. Data from several studies were used to quantify annual forage yield response to plant available water (PAW) at planting and growing season precipitation (GSP). In addition, water use efficiency was quantified. Forages evaluated included winter triticale, spring triticale, and forage sorghum. Preliminary results showed PAW and …

Determining Profitable Forage Rotations, J. Holman, A. Obour, A. Schlegel, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Annual forages are an important crop in the High Plains, yet the region lacks recommended annual forage rotations compared to those developed for grain crops. Forages are important for the region’s livestock and dairy industries and are becoming increasingly important as irrigation capacity and grain prices decrease. Forages require less water than grain crops and may allow for increased cropping system intensity and op-opportunistic cropping. A study was initiated in 2012 at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Garden City, KS, comparing several 1-, 3-, and 4-year forage rotations with no-tillage and minimum-tillage. Data presented are from 2013 through 2018. Tillage …

Long-Term Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilization Of Irrigated Corn, 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 2018, N applied alone increased yields by 76 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields by more than 17 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 169 bu/a. This is 26 bu/a more than the 10-year average, where N and P fertilization increased corn yields up to 143 bu/a. Application of 120 lb/a N (with highest P rate) produced 97% of the maximum yield in 2018, which is slightly greater than the 10-year average. …

Mobile Drip Irrigation For Water Limited Crop Production: Initial Results, J. Aguilar, T. Oker, I. Kisekka

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The farmers within the Ogallala aquifer desire to extend the usable life of this aquifer despite experiencing diminishing well capacities, thus the quest for more efficient irrigation application technologies. Mobile drip irrigation (MDI), which integrates drip lines onto a mechanical irrigation system such as a center pivot, has attracted their attention lately. The concept is that by applying water along crop rows, it was hypothesized that MDI could eliminate water losses due to spray droplet evaporation, wind drift, and reduce soil evaporation due to limited surface wetting especially before canopy closure. A study was conducted with the following objectives: 1) …