BUILDING AND IMPROVING SUSTAINABLE CROPPING SYSTEMS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0213741
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2008
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2014
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
KANSAS STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MANHATTAN,KS 66506

Performing Department
KSU SW Agriculture Research Center

Non Technical Summary
KS is the fifth largest producing state of all agricultural commodities in the nation. Crop production represents 28% of KSs agricultural product revenue, and the other 72% is derived primarily from livestock sales. KS produces the most wheat and grain sorghum of all other states, is the fifth leading state for forage production, is tenth for corn production, and eleventh for soybean production (USDA, 2007a). Crop production plays a significant role in KSAEs economy and our national food security. Crop production must remain economically and environmentally sustainable to maintain this important industry. Cropping systems research is required for meeting the increasing demand for agricultural commodities, increasing input costs coupled with historically stagnant commodity prices, and declining rural populations. It is inevitable that large regions of KS and the US will have to transition from full irrigation to limited irrigation or dryland production in the future, yet maintain or increase crop production to meet the ever increasing food, fiber, and bio-fuel demand (KS v. CO, 2001; Schneekloth et al. 1995). In order to maintain the viability of agriculture production, sustainable limited irrigation and dryland cropping systems must be developed. Dryland cropping systems in the semi-arid Great Plains rely on fallow for storing soil moisture for following crop (Anderson et al. 1999). Fallow efficiency has increased from about 19% in 1916 to 33% in 1975 to 40% currently (Greb 1979; Peterson et al. 1996). Fallow efficiency was increased by many factors including improved pest management, particularly effective and timely weed control; increased chemical fallow and no-till production; increasing stubble amount and height; and reduced fallow period length (Peterson et al. 1996; Tanaka and Aase, 1987). Of these factors, reducing the fallow period duration has had the greatest impact on increasing fallow efficiency (Peterson et al. 1996). Fallow efficiency is currently limited in the Great Plains by the amount of residue remaining on the soil after harvest, which averages approximately 3 ton/A for the region (Peterson et al. 1996). Since 2006 the price of many commodities including corn, wheat, and barley increased almost 100% due to a current short world supply and increased bio-fuel production. This has increased the demand for corn and at least in the short term has resulted in a large increase in price. There is a concern that the increase in corn price will result in feed costs that are too high for livestock producers and feedlots to remain economically profitable (Swanson, 2007). If feed costs remain high, forage crops and alternative feed crops will be needed in feedlot rations and cow-calf operations. This is particularly important since 72% of KSAEs agricultural economy is derived from livestock sales (USDA, 2007a). Ultimately finding methods of sustainable dryland crop production that maximize fallow efficiency, meet the demands for food, fiber, and bio-fuel, and support KSAEs livestock industry will help sustain the viability of producers, local rural communities, natural resources, and the viability of the surrounding region.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	1510	1060	15%
102	1540	1060	15%
102	1649	1060	15%
205	1540	1060	20%
205	1848	1060	15%
216	1510	1140	20%

Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1510 - Corn; 1540 - Hard red winter wheat; 1649 - Forage legumes, general/other; 1848 - Canola;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1140 - Weed science;

Keywords

cropping systems

sustainability

soil conservation

water use efficiency

crop residue

cover crops

forages

canola

camelina

wheat

corn

forage sorghum

triticale

weed control

no-till

tillage

Goals / Objectives
Goals,Objectives and Outputs: 1. Improving fallow use efficiency through increased wheat stubble height. Increasing the fallow efficiency of the cropping systems of the region will reduce production risk and variability and increase profit. Field tours, presentations, and publications will be produced. An extension bulletin will be produced. 2. Decision Matrix for weed management. Integrating cover crops into common Kansas crop rotations has been promoted as a weed IPM tool capable of reducing weed population density while also reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements and increasing cropping system profitability and sustainability. Critical to Kansas cropping systems are increased costs and reduced availability of water for irrigation, higher nitrogen fertilizer costs, and historically stagnant commodity prices. Evaluating cover crop impact on rotational-crop yields, fertility, weed population dynamics, and soil water balance over time will be critical for understanding the implications of intensification of cropping systems in response to greater demands for forage, biomass, and grain for food, feed, and fuel markets 3. Enhancing water efficiency and sustainability. Field tours, presentations, and publications will be produced. An extension bulletin will be developed to assist producers for determining their forage yield and profit potential. 4. Establishing winter canola and camelina. The primary benefit will be identification of cropping systems that facilitate improved winter canola and camelina stand establishment, winter survival, and consistency of yields. 5. Managing volunteer glyphosate tolerant corn. Information will be disseminated to producers at local and regional extension meetings, field days, updates, and conferences. This information will reduce unnecessary herbicide applications, promote appropriate economic threshold applications, and increase producer profits. 6. Optimal production of no-till winter wheat following irrigated corn. This study intends to determine the factors affecting poor no-till wheat yields following corn. This study intends to help answer a very common question amongst wheat producers, increase the success of no-till wheat production, and increase the yield and profitability of wheat producers. Results will be disseminated through extension meetings, field days, reports, on the KSU Research-Extension website, and in a refereed journal publication.

Project Methods
1. Wheat stubble will be cut low and high with a conventional grain header and with a stripper header. Soil water is measured after wheat harvest and the following spring. Fallow use efficiency will be quantified. The affect of stubble height on crop yield, moisture, and test wt will be quantified. 2. Locally appropriate crop rotations that include cover crops in a no-till system will be established in eastern and western KS. Weed population changes will be measured over time. Crop water use efficiency will be measured. N dynamics will be quantified in both studies. Grain, forage, and biomass yields will be determined for the cover crops and other crops in rotation. Wheat grain test wt and protein content will be measured. These data will serve as inputs for economic analysis. 3. Triticale, sorghum-sudangrass, and double crop triticale and sorghum-sudangrass rotations will be measured for a complete cycle of the rotation. Soil moisture will be measured at planting and harvest to determine water-use and fallow efficiency. Crop yield response to plant available water at planting will be determined. Forage yield, quality, and nitrate concentration will be measured. An enterprise budget will determine system profit and risk. 4. Winter canola in 3 different row spacings: 7.5 in, 12 in, and 15 in in no-till and conventional till will be measured for stand, winter survival, vigor, height, oil content, test wt, and yield. Winter camelina lines will be evaluated to identify a variety adapted to the region. 5. A range of volunteer corn densities will be established from 0 to 20,000 plants/ha with F1 corn seed during fallow of a W-C-F rotation in a RCB design with 4 replications. Weeds other than volunteer corn will be controlled with glyphosate. Soil moisture will be determined every ft to a 5 ft soil depth before and after volunteer corn growth. Wheat will be harvested following each volunteer corn density plot. Wheat yield, protein, and test wt will be determined. 6. The study design is a RCB design with 4 replications. The proposed study will be conducted for 2 years following irrigated corn. Wheat will be planted using 7.5 in row spacing at 120 lbs/A with the variety Jagalene. Starter fertilizer will be applied. All other crop production practices will be implemented so that yield is not limited. A total of 10 different seeding practice treatments will be implemented. The treatments are tilled wheat, tilled plus an in-furrow coulter, no-till wheat with no seed treatment with and without coulter, no-till wheat with an insecticide with and without coulter, no-till wheat with a fungicide with and without coulter, and no-till wheat with an insecticide and fungicide with and without coulter. Wheat yield and attributes will be quantified by measuring reproductive head density, yield, protein, moisture, and test wt. Chlorophyll content of the flag leaf will be measured at flag leaf emergence. All measurements will be done using standard published protocols. Results of the research will be used to identify the best no-till planting methods for wheat planted into heavy irrigated corn residue.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: County extension agents, fellow scientists, crop consultants, crop and livestock producers, and policy makers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Through field days, extension presentations, research reports, extension publications, and refereed journal publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Major activities completed: Cropping systems: cover crops, annual forages, and grain peas were evaluated in place of full-season fallow. In years without drought a cover crop or annual forage crop can be grown in place of fallow without reducing the following winter wheat yield when the previous crop is terminated before June. Harvesting annual forages or grain peas can increase profit of the system, but cover crops have not increase profit. Forage production: alfalfa yield and stand life were quantified at six irrigation levels, ranging from dryland to full irrigation. Maximum stem density (67 stem/ft2) and yield (6 ton/A) occurred at 24 inch of applied irrigation water. Several crop rotations consisting of winter triticale, spring oat, and forage sorghum were evaluated for yield, quality, profitability, and risk. Rotations with forage sorghum maximized tonnage. Rotating out of forage sorghum should improve weed control and reduce production risk by growing a crop during a different time of the year. By using a combination of spring oat and winter triticale, these cool season forages can be used to rotate out of and back into forage sorghum. The findings of this research are being adopted by several producers. Canola production: about 50 canola varieties were evaluated annually in the National Winter Canola Variety Trial. The yield potential for canola is about 3,000 lb/A, resulting in $750/A gross return. Planting date and tillage were evaluated for canola establishment, winter survival, and yield. In southwest KS, canola should be planted from mid to late August or about one month earlier than winter wheat, which is much earlier than previous recommendations. Growing canola using conventional-tillage increased yield 120 lb/A more than no-till, but did not affect winter survival. Planting early resulted in 5 years of successful production and might overcome the historical challenges of growing canola in the region. Producers have started to grow canola in the region due to reduced water available for irrigation. Specific objectives met: Canola: research continues to determine the best varieties and management practices to grow winter canola in the region. Best planting date for canola was identified and current research is evaluating tillage and planting method of canola. About 50 winter canola varieties were evaluated annually. Winter canola averaged 3,000 lb/A, had similar input expenses as winter wheat, and grossed about $200/A more than winter wheat. Cover crops, annual forages, and short season grain production were evaluated in place of full-season fallow in a wheat-fallow rotation. Crops grown in place of full-season fallow and terminated before June did not reduce wheat yield in years with normal precipitation. Wheat yield was reduced by growing a crop in place of fallow in dry years. Averaged across all years, growing annual forages or grain peas in place of fallow increased profit. Cover crops that produced the most biomass resulted in the greatest precipitation storage efficiency after the crop was terminated, but due to the moisture used to grow the crop, resulted in less stored soil moisture than fallow at wheat planting. Increasing residue cover can result in more soil moisture in the seed zone at wheat planting.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sohm, G., C. Thompson, Y. Assefa, A. Schlegel, and J. Holman. 2014. Yield and quality of irrigated bermudagrass as a function of nitrogen rate. Online. Agronomy Journal 106(4):14891496. doi:10.2134/agronj13.0580
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J. 2014. Fallow replacement crops (cover crop, annual forage, and short-season grain crops) impact on wheat. Western Society Crop Science annual meeting abstract.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Min, D., A. Zukoff, S. Zukoff, and J. Holman. 2014. Cutting frequency effects on yield and nutritive values of alfalfa. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., A. Schlegel, and D Min. 2014. Developing rainfed annual forage rotations. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Schlegel, A., D. OBrien, L. Haag, and J. Holman. 2014. Crop rotations to enhance profitability in western Kansas. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., D. Min., T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2014. Determining profitable annual forage rotations. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:31-36.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, and M. Zarnstorff. 2014. 2013 grain filling rates of irrigated and dryland corn in southwest Kansas. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:37-40.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., M. Stamm, and D Min. 2014. Nurse cropping and fall grazing of winter canola. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Min, D. and J. Holman. 2014. Irrigation amount and frequency effects on alfalfa forage quality. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Schlegel, A., J. Holman, and C. Thompson. 2014. Four-year rotations with wheat and grain sorghum. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:47-51.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Min, D., A. Zukoff, S. Zukoff, J. Holman, J. Aguilar, R. Currie, S. Maxwell, J. Waggoner, and I. Kiseka. 2014. Alfalfa cutting frequency study. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:54-56.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J. 2014. Fallow replacement crops (cover crops, annual forages, and grain pea) impact on wheat yield. Proceedings of Great Plains Soil Fertility Conference. Vol. 15. Denver, CO.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J. 2014. Garden City, Kansas. p. 30-31. In M. Stamm and S. Dooley (ed.) 2012 National Winter Canola Variety Trial. Report of Progress 1098. Contribution No. SRP-1098 from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Davis, R., S. Watson, and J. Holman. 2014. Changes in cover crop termination guidelines by USDA. Agronomy e-updates. No. 436, January 10, 2014.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Haag, L. and J. Holman. 2014. Managing glyphosate-tolerant volunteer corn in summer fallow. Agronomy e-updates. No. 466, July 18, 2014.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2014. Fallow replacement crops (cover crops, annual forages, and short-season grain crops) effects on wheat yield. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:5-14.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2014. Fallow replacement crops (cover crops, annual forages, and short-season grain crops) effects on available soil water. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:15-24.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., D. Min., T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2014. Cover crop forage yield and nutritive values. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:25-30.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., D. Min, N. Klocke, and R. Currie. 2014. The influence of irrigation amount and frequency on alfalfa forage quality. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1106:83-86.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Stamm, M., J. Holman, K. Roozeboom, and G. Cramer. 2014. Winter canola project. USDA Supplemental and Alternative Crops Annual Report.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., A. Schlegel, L. Baumhardt, J. Falk, and L. Haag. 2014. Determining profitable annual forage rotations for the Ogallala Aquifer Region. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2013 Annual Report.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., A. Schlegel, L. Baumhardt, L. Haag. 2014. Replacing fallow for increasing producer profitability and facilitating the transition to dryland production systems. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2013 Annual Report.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J. and A. Schlegel. 2014. Occassional tillage for weed control in no-till production. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2013 Annual Report.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Holman, J., and A. Schlegel. 2014. Enhancing water efficiency and sustainability of the Ogallala Aquifer through forages. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2013 Annual Report.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Holman, J. Falk Jones, L. Haag. 2014. Sunflower cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF887. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Hol J. Holman man, L. Haag. 2014. Cane hay cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF997. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Holman, L. Haag. 2014. Wheat cost-return budget in southwest Kansas. MF3146. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Holman, L. Haag. 2014. Grain sorghum cost-return budget in southwest Kansas. MF3145. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Holman, L. Haag. 2014. Soybean cost-return budget in southwest Kansas. MF3142. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Holman, L. Haag. 2014. Corn cost-return budget in southwest Kansas. MF3144. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Holman, L. Haag. 2014. Sub-irrigated alfalfa cost-return budget in southwest Kansas. MF3143. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, J. Holman, L. Haag. 2014. Cotton cost-return budget in southwest Kansas. MF2565. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated wheat cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF583. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated grain sorghum cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF582. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated soybean cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF586. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Falk Jones, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated dry-edible bean cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF999. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated corn cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF585. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated corn silage cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF589. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated forage sorghum silage cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF998. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated alfalfa cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF584. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Falk Jones, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated sunflowers cost-return budget in western Kansas. MF800. Dhuyvetter, K.C., D.M. OBrien, L. Haag, J. Holman. 2014. Center-pivot irrigated cotton cost-return budget in southwest Kansas. MF2567.

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: County extension agents, fellow scientists, crop consultants, crop and livestock producers, and policy makers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Southwest Kansas Agricultural agent update and training. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results disseminated through extension presentations, scientific meetings, research reports, extension publications, and refereed journal articles. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Major activities completed: Conducted field research to meet project objectives. Cropping systems: cover crops, annual forages, and grain peas were evaluated in place of full-season fallow. In years without drought a cover crop or annual forage crop can be grown in place of fallow without reducing the following winter wheat yield when the previous crop is terminated before June. Harvesting annual forages or grain peas can increase profit of the system, but cover crops have not increase profit. Forage production: alfalfa yield and stand life were quantified at six irrigation levels, ranging from dryland to full irrigation. Maximum stem density (67 stem/ft2) and yield (6 ton/A) occurred at 24 inch of applied irrigation water. Several crop rotations consisting of winter triticale, spring oat, and forage sorghum were evaluated for yield, quality, profitability, and risk. Rotations with forage sorghum maximized tonnage. Rotating out of forage sorghum should improve weed control and reduce production risk by growing a crop during a different time of the year. By using a combination of spring oat and winter triticale, these cool season forages can be used to rotate out of and back into forage sorghum. The findings of this research are being adopted by several producers. Canola production: about 50 canola varieties were evaluated annually in the National Winter Canola Variety Trial. The yield potential for canola is about 3,000 lb/A, resulting in $750/A gross return. Planting date and tillage were evaluated for canola establishment, winter survival, and yield. In southwest KS, canola should be planted from mid to late August or about one month earlier than winter wheat, which is much earlier than previous recommendations. Growing canola using conventional-tillage increased yield 120 lb/A more than no-till, but did not affect winter survival. Planting early resulted in 5 years of successful production and might overcome the historical challenges of growing canola in the region. Producers have started to grow canola in the region due to reduced water available for irrigation. Presented preliminary findings to clientele and scientific community. Specific objectives met: Completed field research for the current year. Canola: research continues to determine the best varieties and management practices to grow winter canola in the region. Best planting date for canola was identified and current research is evaluating tillage and planting method of canola. About 50 winter canola varieties were evaluated annually. Winter canola averaged 3,000 lb/A, had similar input expenses as winter wheat, and grossed about $200/A more than winter wheat. Cover crops, annual forages, and short season grain production were evaluated in place of full-season fallow in a wheat-fallow rotation. Crops grown in place of full-season fallow and terminated before June did not reduce wheat yield in years with normal precipitation. Wheat yield was reduced by growing a crop in place of fallow in dry years. Averaged across all years, growing annual forages or grain peas in place of fallow increased profit. Cover crops that produced the most biomass resulted in the greatest precipitation storage efficiency after the crop was terminated, but due to the moisture used to grow the crop, resulted in less stored soil moisture than fallow at wheat planting. Increasing residue cover can result in more soil moisture in the seed zone at wheat planting. Alfalfa stand life and yield were quantified under six different irrigation levels, ranging between dryland and full irrigation. Information is disseminated through local and regional extension meetings and conferences, clientele contacts, extension publications, KSU website, and regional and national meetings. Significant results achieved: None to report at this time. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Clientele were interested in our research and attended extension meetings, conferences, and field days to learn about our research. Several producers have experimented with growing canola; incorporated information from our forage research into their production systems; and incorporated information from our cropping systems research into their management. Canola production acreage has increased in the region. Cover crop, annual forage, and grain pea production interest was increased and producers are beginning to incorporate these crops into their cropping systems. Producers adopting our research findings. County extension agents were trained and sharing information with producers in their counties.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Roozeboom, K., J. Holman, and J. Jennings. 2013. Effect of cover crops on crop yields and other factors. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 428, November, 2, 2013. Min, D. and J. Holman. 2013. Tips to minimize storage loss of large round bales. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 430, November, 15, 2013. Ciampitti, I., J. Holman, K. Roozeboom, and M. Stamm. 2013. Effect of management practices on winter canola production. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 434, December, 13, 2013. Min, D. and J. Holman. 2013. Testing forages and interpreting the results. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 435, December, 20, 2013. Holman, J., T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2013. Fallow replacement crops (cover crops, annual forages, and grain pea) impact on wheat yield. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1088:5-11. Holman, J., A. Schlegel, T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2013. Cover crop, annual forages, and grain pea effects on soil water in wheat-fallow and wheat-sorghum-fallow cropping systems. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1088:12-19. Holman, J., T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, and M. Zarnstorff. 2013. 2011 grain filling rates of irrigated and dryland corn in southwest Kansas. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1088:20-23. Holman, J., T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, and M. Zarnstorff. 2013. 2012 grain filling rates of irrigated and dryland corn in southwest Kansas. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1088:24-28. Holman, J., T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, and M. Stamm. 2013. Effects of companion cropping and fall grazing on winter canola. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1088:29-40. Stamm, M., K. Roozeboom, and J. Holman. 2013. Harvest management of canola. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-3092.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Klocke, N. L., R. S. Currie, and J. D. Holman. 2013. Alfalfa response to irrigation from limited water supplies. Transactions of the ASABE. 56(5): 1-10 Blanco, H., J. Holman, A. Schlegel, and J. Tatarko. 2013. Replacing fallow with cover crops in a semiarid soil: effects on soil properties. Online. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.: doi:10.2136/sssaj2013.01.0006
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops in semi-arid regions. Proceedings of Heartland Regional Water Coordination Initiative. Nebraska City, NE. Holman, J. 2013. Cover Crops in the High Plains. Proceedings of 10th annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference. Oberlin, KS. Holman, J., D. Nielsen, H. Blanco, A. Schlegel, and D. Lyon. 2013. Viability of semi-arid dryland cover crop systems in the U.S. central Great Plains. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Holman, J., M. Stamm, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, and D. Min. 2013. Companion cropping and fall grazing of winter canola. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Arnall, B. and J. Holman. 2013. Extension and Education community poster. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Minn, D. C. Kapp, J. Holman, and K. Cassida. 2013. Switchgrass performance as a bioenergy crop in the upper peninsula of Michigan. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Stamm, M., J. Holman, and K. Roozeboom. 2013. Freeze and ice effects on winter canola. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 398, April 12, 2013. Stamm, M., J. Holman, and K. Roozeboom. 2013. Winter canola and recent freezes: response and recovery. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 401, April, 26, 2013.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: J. Holman. 2013. Winter wheat and canola diagnostic school. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 401, April, 26, 2013. Shoup, D., J. Holman, and J. Farney. 2013. Double crop forages after wheat. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 402, May, 3, 2013. Holman, J., E. DeWolf, and D. Min. 2013. Drought stress, late effects of freeze damage, and premature leaf death in wheat. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 407, June, 7, 2013. Min, D., J. Holman, J. Shroyer, S. Duncan, and D. Shoup. 2013. Alfalfa management during drought. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 411, July, 2, 2013. Min, D., J. Holman, D. Shoup, and D. Peterson. 2013. Planting winter triticale for fall grazing in Kansas. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 417, August, 16, 2013. Min, D., J. Holman, and W. Fick. 2013. Management of introduced cool-season perennial pastures during and after drought. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 417, August, 16, 2013. Holman, J., K. Roozeboom, M. Stamm, and I. Ciampitti. 2013. Winter canola fall management practices. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 418, August, 23, 2013. Min, D., D. Shoup, J. Holman, and S. Duncan. 2013. Planting oats and turnips to extend the grazing season. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 419, August, 30, 2013. Min, D., J. Holman, J. Waggoner, K. Roozeboom, D. Mengel, and D. Blasi. 2013. Managing forages to minimize prussic acid poisoning. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 424, October, 10, 2013.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Peter, M.L., N. Klocke, J. Holman, and R. Currie. 2013. Garden City research center completes five year water impact study on alfalfa. High Plains Public Radio. December 5, 2013. Peter, M.L., N. Klocke, J. Holman, and R. Currie. 2013. Alfalfa study may help southwest Kansas growers determine economic returns as water resources dwindle. KTIC Radio. December 2, 2013. Peter, M.L., N. Klocke, J. Holman, and R. Currie. 2013. Alfalfa study may help southwest Kansas growers determine economic returns as water resources dwindle. High Plains Journal, Western Kansas Ed. November 29, 2013. Min, D. and J. Holman. 2013. Minimizing round bale storage loss. High Plains Journal, Western Kansas Ed. November 22, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Cellulosic bio-fuel production in western Kansas. Kansas City Star. October 28, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Fall crop condition. Hutchinson News, Amy Bickel. September 23, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Summer crop prospects. Garden City Telegram. September 5, 2013. viii. Holman, J. 2013. Winter triticale production. K-State Radio Network, Eric Atkinson. August 27, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Drought and winter wheat yields. Syracuse Newspaper. July 22, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Wheat harvest update. Garden City Telegram, Angie Haflich. July 15, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Wheat harvest begins with few bright spots. Garden City Telegram, Ruth Campbell. June 25, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Wheat condition in western Kansas. KSN TV, Felix Rodrigues Lima. Holman, J. 2013. Tough rows to hoe: droughts impact hits home for farmer. Hutchinson News, Amy Bickel. June 25, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Wheat crop not looking good. Garden city Telegram. June 22, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Kansas cotton production outlook. Cotton Magazine. May 6, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Crop condition in western Kansas. Garden City Telegram, Scott. April 29, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Crop condition in western Kansas. Garden City Telegram, Ruth Cambell. April 12, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops. The Furrow Magazine, Larry Reichenberger. April 10, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Spring freeze damage in winter wheat. Hutchinson News, Amy Bickel. April 10, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. USDA planting intentions and drought condition. Emporia Gazette, Jason Johnson. March 29, 2013. Holman, J. 2013. Crop outlook for western Kansas. Kansas Farmer, PJ Griekspoor. March 14, 2013.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: J. Holman. 2013. Cropping Systems Update. Southwest Agriculture Agent update. Garden City, KS (40 participants). xxiii. Nielsen, D. and J. Holman. 2013. Cover crops in semi-arid High Plains. Colorado State University Crop Clinic. Brush, CO. (75 participants). Shoup, D., J. Holman, and K. Roozeboom. 2013. Kansas cover crop research overview. KSRE Annual Conference. (40 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Crop insurance implications: Cover crops, fallow, and winter canola. MAP Insurance meeting. Jetmore, KS. (50 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Sorghum production. Edwards county extension meeting and field tour. (25 participants). Holman, J. 2013. The importance of fallow and fallow alternatives: Cover crops and annual forages. Hays field day. (30 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Enhancing sorghum nitrogen use efficiency through fertilizer management. Southwest Research-Extension Center Summer Field Day. (150 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops in western Kansas. Southwest Research-Extension Center Summer Field Day. (150 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Canola production. ADM grower meeting. Greensburg, KS. (30 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops in the High Plains. Tear Down the Walls Conference. Colby, KS. (20 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Soil moisture and no-tillage. 3I Show. Dodge City, KS. (50 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Sorghum production. 3I Show. Dodge City, KS. (50 participants).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Waggoner, J. and J. Holman. 2013. Effects of sample handling method on prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid) content of forage. KSU Beef Roundup. Hays, KS. (30 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Canola production. Clark county extension meeting. Minneola, KS. (40 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops and soil water. Gray county extension and NRCS meeting. Cimarron, KS. (40 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops and NRCS programs. NRCS area meeting. Jetmore, KS. (10 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops in western Kansas. Hodgeman County extension meeting. Jetmore, KS. (15 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Winter canola production. Harper County extension meeting. Anthony, KS. (40 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Winter canola production in the Ogallala Aquifer region. Amarillo, TX. (100 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Canola production. McPherson County extension meeting. McPherson, KS. (60 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Annual forages and cover crops. Vitaferm meeting. Kinsley, KS. (45 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops in semi-arid regions. Heartland animal manure management. Nutrient management-bioenergy water resources event. Nebraska City, NE. (50 participants). xliv. Holman, J. 2013. Cover crop and double cropping for grazing and/or harvested forage production. Research update and issues: Semi-arid conditions. Heartland Regional Water Coordination Initiative. Nebraska City, NE. (75 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Sorghum production. KSRE Sorghum School. Ulysses, KS. (50 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Sorghum production. KSRE Sorghum School. Tribune, KS. (50 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Sorghum production. KSRE Sorghum School. Oakley, KS. (60 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Sorghum production. KSRE Sorghum School. Greensburg, KS. (50 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops and soil moisture storage. Crop Quest Agronomy training. (50 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Forage options and pasture management during the drought. Kingman County extension update. (20 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops in the High Plains. Cover your acres conference. (200 participants). Holman, J. 2013. Cover crops and fallow in western Kansas. Kansas Agriculture Retailers Association (KARA). (150 participants). Holman, J., S. Maxwell, and T. Roberts. 2013. Southwest Research Advisory Council: Cropping systems agronomy update. Kansas State University Southwest Research-Extension Center (40 participants).

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research continues to determine the best management practices and varieties to grow winter canola in the region. Best planting date for canola was identified and current research is evaluating dual-purpose use of canola grown with and without a nurse crop in the fall. About 50 winter canola varieties are evaluated annually. Winter canola averaged 3,000 lb/A, had similar input expenses as winter wheat, and grossed about $200/A more than winter wheat. Cover crops, annual forages, and short season grain production were evaluated in place of full-season fallow in a wheat-fallow rotation. Crops grown in place of full-season fallow and terminated before June did not reduce wheat yield in years with normal precipitation. Wheat yield was reduced by growing a crop in place of fallow in dry years. Averaged across all years, growing annual forages or grain peas in place of fallow, increased profit. Cover crops that produced the most biomass resulted in the greatest precipitation storage efficiency after the crop was terminated, but due to the moisture used to grow the crop, resulted in less stored soil moisture than fallow at wheat planting. Increasing residue cover can result in more soil moisture in the seed zone at wheat planting. The simulated effect of stand thinning by hail in corn at four different growth stages is being evaluated to determine the response of principle yield components and final yield. This study was initiated in 2008; preliminary results indicate yield is affected differently by growth stage, with later growth stage thinning having a greater impact on yield relative to thinning early. Alfalfa stand life and yield are being quantified under six different irrigation levels, ranging between dryland and full irrigation. Information is disseminated through local and regional extension meetings and conferences, clientele contacts, extension publications, KSU website, and regional and national meetings. Within this reporting period, 5 proceedings papers, along with 22 research progress reports, 5 extension publications, 5 national presentations, 4 field days/workshops, 27 extension presentations, 4 mass media articles, and 10 mass media interviews were provided. PARTICIPANTS: Holman J. (PI), Associate Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems Agronomist. Thompson C., Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Extension Weed Management. Schlegel A., Professor of Agronomy and Agronomist in Charge, Kansas State University, Soil Management. Roozeboom K., Associate Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Crop Production/Cropping Systems. Maxwell S. Plant Technician-II, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems. Roberts T. Assistant Scientist, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems. Partner Organizations: Dodge City Community College Garden City Community College United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Collaborators: Dille A., Associate Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Weed Ecology. Dumler T., Extension Specialist, Kansas State University, Agricultural Economics. Stamm M., Assistant Agronomist, Kansas State University, Canola breeder. Klocke N, Professor of Agricultural Engineering, Retired, Kansas State University, Agricultural Engineering. Godsey C., Associate Professor of Agronomy, Oklahoma State University, Cropping Systems. Presley D., Associate Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Environmental Soil Science and Management. Shoup, D. Associate Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Southeast Crops and Soils Specialist. Graduate Students: Haag L., PhD student, Agronomy, Kansas State University. TARGET AUDIENCES: Producers, agriculture consultants, conservation specialists, and county extension educators are served in western Kansas and throughout the central Great Plains region of western Kansas, northwest Oklahoma, northern Texas, eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, southeast Wyoming, and western South Dakota. In addition, fellow scientists are extended information through regional and national meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Cropping systems: cover crops, annual forages, and grain peas were evaluated in place of full-season fallow. In years without drought, a cover crop or annual forage crop can be grown in, place of fallow, without reducing the following winter wheat yield when the previous crop is terminated before June. Harvesting annual forages or grain peas can increase profit of the system, but cover crops did not increase profit. Forage production: alfalfa yield and stand life were quantified at six irrigation levels, ranging from dryland to full irrigation. Maximum stem density (67 stem/ft2) and yield (6 ton/A) occurred at 24 inches of irrigation. Several crop rotations consisting of winter triticale, spring oat, and forage sorghum were evaluated for yield, quality, profitability, and risk. Rotations with forage sorghum maximized tonnage. Rotating out of forage sorghum should improve weed control and reduce production risk by growing a crop during a different time of the year. By using a combination of spring oat and winter triticale, these cool season forages can be used to rotate out of and back into forage sorghum. The findings of this research are being adopted by several producers. Canola production: about 50 canola varieties were evaluated annually in the National Winter Canola Variety Trial. The yield potential for canola is about 3,000 lb/A, resulting in $750/A gross return. Planting date and tillage were evaluated for canola establishment, winter survival, and yield. In southwest KS, canola should be planted from mid to late August or about one month earlier than winter wheat, which is much earlier than previously recommended. Conventional-till increased yield 120 lb/A more than no-till, but did not affect winter survival. Planting early resulted in 5 years of successful production and might overcome the historical challenges of growing canola in the region. Producers have started to grow canola in region due to reduced water available for irrigation. Weed science: the impact of glyphosate tolerant volunteer corn in a wheat-corn-fallow rotation was evaluated. On average, wheat yield was reduced 1 bu/A for every 500 volunteer corn plants/A. Producer fields averaged 500 volunteer corn plants/A. Evidence: clientele were interested in our research and attended extension meetings, conferences, and field days to learn about our research. Several producers have experimented with growing canola, incorporated information from our forage research into their production systems, and incorporated information from our volunteer corn research into their management. Changes: producers now have the information to make economical threshold decisions on controlling volunteer corn. Canola production acreage has increased in the region. Cover crop, annual forage, and grain pea production interest was increased and producers are beginning to incorporate these crops into their fallow period.

Publications

• Presley, D., D. Shoup, J. Holman, and A. Schlegel (ed.). 2012. Efficient crop water use in Kansas. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-3066.
• K. Roozeboom, J. Holman, and J. Jennings. 2012. Cropping systems and cover crops. p. 18-23. In Presley, D., D. Shoup, J. Holman, and A. Schlegel (ed.). Efficient crop water use in Kansas. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-3066.
• Shoup, D. and J. Holman. 2012. Controlling weeds to conserve water. p. 33-35. In Presley, D., D. Shoup, J. Holman, and A. Schlegel (ed.). Efficient crop water use in Kansas. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-3066.
• Armstrong, J., B. Arnall, Boyles, M., J. Bushong, J. Damicone, E. DeVuyst, F. Epplin, K. Giles, C. Godsey, W. Heer, G. Hergert, J. Holman, D. Jardine, J. Jennings, C. Jones, B. Kard, D. Mengel, T. Peeper, D. Peterson, K. Roozeboom, T. Royer, H. Sanders, M. Stamm, C. Thompson, and H. Zhang. 2012. Great Plains Canola Production Handbook. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-2734.
• Roozeboom, K., D. Mengel, D. Blasi, and J. Holman. 2012. Prussic acid poisoning. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF3040.
• Holman, J., L. Haag, M. Zarnstorff, J. Ransom, S. Maxwell, and T. Roberts. 2012. Impact of hail damage (stand thinning) on irrigated corn. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Holman, J., T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2012. Making a profit replacing fallow but not with cover crops. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Holman, J. 2012. Extension and Education community poster. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Haag, L., J. Falk, A. Schlegel, and J. Holman. 2012. Grain and forage yield, yield components, water use, and rotational effects of field pea grown in the Central High Plains. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Blanco, H. and J. Holman. 2012. Soil and environmental benefits of cover crops in the semiarid central Great Plains. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Shoup, D., J. Holman, and J. Waggoner. 2012. Tall fescue stockpiling for winter forage. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 365, August 24, 2012.
• Shoup, D., J. Holman, and M. Stamm. 2012. Brassica forage options for this fall. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 365, August 24, 2012.
• Shoup, D., J. Holman, and J. Waggoner. 2012. Small grain forage options for this fall. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 365, August 24, 2012.
• Holman, J., S. Johnson, J. Falk, D. Mengel, and J. Waggoner. 2012. Potential for nitrate, prussic acid, and oxalate toxicity in forages. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 365, August 24, 2012.
• Watson, S., J. Holman, R. Currie, L. Haag, T. Dumler, and P. Stahlman. 2012. Southwest Research-Extension Center at Garden City Field Day Aug. 23. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 363, August 10, 2012.
• Holman, J., S. Johnson, J. Falk, D. Mengel, and J. Waggoner. 2012. Start planning now for winter canola planting. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 363, August 10, 2012. Roozeboom, K., B. Heer, R. Nelson, and J. Holman. 2012. Sorghum planting management. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 349, May 11, 2012.
• Stamm, M., J. Holman, and K. Roozeboom. 2012. Winter Canola Risk Management schools: March 13 and 15. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 339, March 2, 2012.
• Holman, J. 2012. Fallow replacement crops for cover, forage, or grain in western Kansas. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 337, February 17, 2012.
• Stamm, M., J. Holman, and K. Roozeboom. 2012. Winter Canola Risk Management schools scheduled in March. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 337, February 17, 2012.
• Holman, J. 2012. Garden City, Kansas. p. 31-32. In M. Stamm and S. Dooley (ed.) 2011 National Winter Canola Variety Trial. Report of Progress 1062. Contribution No. SRP-1062 from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
• Blanco, H. and J. Holman. 2012. Cover crops reduce wind and water erosion. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1070:7-11.
• Holman, J., T., Dumler, T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2012. Cover crop forage biomass yield. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1070:12-17.
• Holman, J., T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, and M. Zarnstorff. 2012. Effect of simulated hail damage on corn yield. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1070:18-23.
• Holman, J., T., Dumler, T. Roberts, and S. Maxwell. 2012. Fallow replacement crop effects on wheat yield. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1070:24-29.
• Schlegel, A., T. Dumler, J. Holman, and C. Thompson. 2012. Four-year rotations with wheat and grain sorghum. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1070:30-33.
• Holman, J. 2012. Garden City, Kansas. p. 24-25. In J. Lingenfelser (ed.) 2012 Kansas Performance Tests with Winter Wheat Varieties. Report of Progress 1072. Contribution No. SRP-1072 from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, K. Martin, T. Dumler, M. Warner-Holman, and S. Maxwell. 2012. Enhancing water efficiency and sustainability through forages. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2011 Annual Report.
• Holman, J., and A. Schlegel. 2012. Enhancing water efficiency and sustainability of the Ogallala Aquifer through forages. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2011 Annual Report.
• Holman, J. and M. Stamm. 2012. Canola forage and grain yield response to companion crop and dual-purpose use. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2011 Annual Report.
• Roozeboom, K., J. Holman, J. Jennings. 2012. Increasing cropping intensity with cover crops. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 375, November 2, 2012.
• Roozeboom, K., J. Holman, J. Jennings. 2012. Crop intensity and selection can increase water use efficiency. Agronomy e-updates. No. 374, October 26, 2012.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research continues to determine the best management practices for growing canola in the region. Best planting date for canola was identified and current research is evaluating dual-purpose use of canola grown with and without a nurse crop in the fall. About 50 winter canola varieties are evaluated annually. Winter canola averaged 3,000 lb/A, had similar input expenses as winter wheat, and grossed about $200/A more than winter wheat. Cover crops, annual forages, and short season grain production were evaluated in place of full-season fallow in a wheat-fallow rotation. Crops grown in place of full-season fallow and terminated before June did not reduce wheat yield and increased profit. Cover crops that produced the most biomass resulted in the greatest precipitation storage efficiency after the crop was terminated, but due to the moisture used to grow the crop, resulted in less stored soil moisture than fallow at wheat planting. Increasing residue cover resulted in more soil moisture in the seed zone at wheat planting. The simulated effect of stand thinning by hail in corn at four different growth stages is being evaluated to determine the response of principle yield components and final yield. This study was initiated in 2008; preliminary results indicate yield is affected differently by growth stage. Alfalfa stand life and yield are being quantified under six different irrigation levels, ranging between dryland and full irrigation. Information is disseminated through local and regional extension meetings and conferences, clientele contacts, extension publications, KSU website, and regional and national meetings. Within this reporting period 5 journal publications, 3 proceedings papers, 9 research progress reports, 2 extension publications, 2 field days, 3 national presentations, 12 producer extension presentations, 10 mass media articles, and 5 mass media interviews were provided. PARTICIPANTS: Holman J. (PI), Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems Agronomist. Thompson C., Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Extension Weed Management. Schlegel A., Professor of Agronomy and Agronomist in Charge, Kansas State University, Soil Management. Roozeboom K., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Crop Production/Cropping Systems. Maxwell S. Plant Technician-II, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems. Roberts T. Assistant Scientist, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems. Partner Organizations: Dodge City Community College Garden City Community College United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Collaborators: Dille A., Associate Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Weed Ecology. Dumler T., Extension Specialist, Kansas State University, Agricultural Economics. Stamm M., Assistant Agronomist, Kansas State University, Canola breeder. Klocke N, Professor of Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University, Agricultural Engineering. Godsey C., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Oklahoma State University, Cropping Systems. Presley D., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Environmental Soil Science and Management. Graduate Students: Haag L., PhD student, Agronomy, Kansas State University. TARGET AUDIENCES: Producers, agriculture consultants, conservation specialists, and county extension educators are served in western Kansas and throughout the central Great Plains region of western Kansas, northwest Oklahoma, northern Texas, eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, southeast Wyoming, and western South Dakota. In addition, fellow scientists are extended information through regional and national meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Cropping systems: cover crops, annual forages, and grain peas were evaluated in place of full-season fallow. In years without drought a cover crop or annual forage crop can be grown in place of fallow without reducing the following winter wheat yield when the previous crop is terminated before June. Harvesting annual forages or grain peas can increase profit of the system, but cover crops did not increase profit. Forage production: alfalfa yield and stand life were quantified at six irrigation levels, ranging from dryland to full irrigation. Maximum stem density (67 stem/ft2) and yield (6 ton/A) occurred at 24 in of irrigation. Several crop rotations consisting of winter triticale, spring oat, and forage sorghum were evaluated for yield, quality, profitability, and risk. Rotations with forage sorghum maximized tonnage. Rotating out of forage sorghum should improve weed control and reduce production risk by growing a crop during a different time of the year. By using a combination of spring oat and winter triticale, these cool season forages can be used to rotate out of and back into forage sorghum. The findings of this research are being adopted by several producers. Canola production: about 45 canola varieties were evaluated annually in the National Winter Canola Variety Trial. The yield potential for canola is about 3,000 lb/A, resulting in $750/A gross return. Planting date and tillage were evaluated for canola establishment, winter survival, and yield. In southwest KS, canola should be planted from mid to late August or about one month earlier than winter wheat, which is much earlier than previously recommended. Conventional-till increased yield 120 lb/A more than no-till, but did not affect winter survival. Planting early resulted in 5 yrs of successful production and might overcome the historical challenges of growing canola in the region. Producers have started to grow canola in region due to reduced water available for irrigation. Weed science: the impact of glyphosate tolerant volunteer corn in a wheat-corn-fallow rotation was evaluated. On average, wheat yield was reduced 1 bu/A for every 500 volunteer corn plants/A. Producer fields averaged 500 volunteer corn plants/A. Evidence: clientele was interested in our research and attended extension meetings, conferences, and field days to learn about our research. Several producers have experimented with growing canola; incorporated information from our forage research into their production systems; and incorporated information from our volunteer corn research into their management. Changes: producers now have the information to make economical threshold decisions on controlling volunteer corn. Canola production acreage has increased in the region. Cover crop, annual forage, and grain pea production interest was increased and producers are beginning to incorporate these crops into their fallow period.

Publications

• Holman J., Schlegel A., Thompson C., and Lingenfelser J. 2011. Influence of precipitation, temperature, and 55 years on winter wheat yields in western Kansas. Online. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2011-1229-01-RS.
• Joy M., Al-Khatib K., Olson B., Stahlman P., Geier P., Thompson C., Currie R., Schlegel A., Holman J., Hudson K., Shoup D., Moechnig M., Grichar W., Bean B. 2011. Efficacy of postemergence herbicides tankmixes in Aryloxyphenoxypropionate-resistant grain sorghum. Crop Protection 30(1): 1623-1628.
• Holman J., Schlegel A., Olson B., Maxwell S., and Martin K. 2011. Volunteer glyphosate-tolerant corn reduces soil water storage and winter wheat yields. Online. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2011-0629-01-RS.
• Holman J., Maxwell S., Stamm M., and Martin K. 2011. Effects of planting date and tillage on winter canola. Online. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2011-0324-01-RS.
• Holman J., Moyer J., Maxwell S., and Martin K. 2011. Switchgrass cultivar establishment, iron chlorosis, and biomass yield in southwest and southeast Kansas. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2011-0126-02-RS.
• Holman J., Schlegel A., and Olson B. 2011 Impact of volunteer Roundup-Ready corn in wheat-corn-fallow. In Annual meetings abstract. No. 315. Weed Science Society of America, Portland, OR.
• Holman J. 2011. Guildlines for grazing cover crops. USDA NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program report.
• Holman J., Schlegel A., Martin K., Dumler T., Warner-Holman M., and Maxwell S. 2011. Enhancing water efficiency and sustainability through forages. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2011 Annual Report.
• Holman J., Dumler T., Maxwell S., Olson B., Roberts T., Schlegel A., and Thompson C. 2011. Volunteer corn in fallow. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1052:5-8.
• Holman J., Schlegel A., Thompson C., and Lingenfelser J.. 2011. Influence of precipitation, temperature, and 55 years on winter wheat yields in western Kansas. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1052:9-15.
• Holman J., Maxwell S., and Stamm M. 2011. Effects of planting date and tillage on winter canola. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1052:16-20.
• Holman J. and Maxwell S. 2011. Switchgrass stand establishment, iron chlorosis, and biomass yield under irrigation. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1052:21-24.
• Schlegel A., Dumler T., Holman J., and Thompson C. 2011. Switchgrass stand establishment, iron chlorosis, and biomass yield under irrigation. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1052:31-34.
• Joshi A., Buschman L., and Holman J. 2011. Winter canola: potential pests and monitoring methods. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1052:63-65.
• Stamm M., Buck J., Godsey C., Heer W., Holman J., Johnson J., Krall J., ONeill M., Rife C., Santra D., Sij J., Spradlin D., Starner D. 2011. Riley Canola. Contribution No. L-929 from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
• Holman J., Roberts T., Dumler T., Fick W., Gillen R., Harmoney K., Martin K., Maxwell S., Moyer J., Sloderbeck P., Staggenborg S., and Thompson C. 2011. Switchgrass production handbook. Kansas Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin MF3018. Holman J., Dumler T., Maxwell S., Olson B., Roberts T., Schlegel A., and Thompson C. 2011. Volunteer corn in fallow. Keeping Up With Research, SRL 141, Kansas State University, May 2011.

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The effects of planting date and tillage were evaluated for canola stand establishment, winter survival, and yield. A wheat-cover crop/annual forage rotation was compared to wheat-fallow and continuous wheat. Cover crops were left in the field as standing cover or hayed. Eleven different switchgrass varieties were evaluated for cellulosic biofuel production. Hail damage was simulated by thinning corn stands at four different growth stages to determine the response of principle yield components and final yield. Alfalfa stand life and yield were quantified under six different irrigation levels, ranging between dryland and full irrigation. Three different cropping intensities of 1, 1.5, and 2 annual forage crops per year were evaluated to determine forage yield, nutritive value, and profitability. Information is disseminated through local and regional extension meetings, workshops, and conferences, clientele contacts, extension publications, the Western Kansas Agricultural Research Center website, and at least two regional or national meetings annually. Within this reporting period 18 research-extension outreach presentations, 2 mass media interviews, and 2 workshops/field days were provided. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Holman, J. D. (PI), Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems Agronomist. Thompson, C. R., Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Extension Weed Management. Schlegel, A. J., Professor of Agronomy and Agronomist in Charge, Kansas State University, Soil Management. Roozeboom, K. L., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Crop Production/Cropping Systems. Partner Organizations: Dodge City Community College Garden City Community College United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service. Collaborators: Dille, A., Associate Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Weed Ecology. Dumler, T., Extension Specialist, Kansas State University, Agricultural Economics. Olson, B., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Northwest Area Extension Agronomist. Stamm, M., Assistant Agronomist, Kansas State University, Canola breeder. Klocke, N, Professor of Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University, Agricultural Engineering. Godsey, C., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Oklahoma State University, Cropping Systems. Martin, K., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Southwest Area Extension Agronomist. Presley, D., Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Environmental Soil Science and Management. Warner Holman, M., Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Agriculture Department Head Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, Kansas. Graduate Students: Arnet, K., Masters of Science student in Agronomy, Kansas State University. Petrosino, J., Masters of Science student in Agronomy, Kansas State University. TARGET AUDIENCES: Producers, agriculture consultants, conservation specialists, and county extension educators are served in western Kansas and throughout the central Great Plains region of western Kansas, northwest Oklahoma, northern Texas, eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, southeast Wyoming, and western South Dakota. In addition fellow scientists are extended information through regional and national meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Change in knowledge: Cropping Systems: Cover crops, annual forages, and peas were evaluated in place of fallow in a wheat-fallow rotation. Cover crops or forages can be grown in place of fallow without reducing wheat yield and increase profit when the crop is terminated before June. Cover crops that produced the most biomass resulted in the greatest precipitation storage after the crop was terminated, but due to the moisture used to grow the crop, less soil moisture was available than fallow at wheat planting. Increased residue cover resulted in more soil moisture in the seed zone at wheat planting. Forage Production: Hard red and white winter wheats were evaluated for dual-purpose use (grazing and grain). Grazing did not impact the yield of hard white or red wheat, with the exception of NuHorizon, which yielded less when grazed. Alfalfa yield and stand life were quantified at six irrigation levels, ranging from dryland to full irrigation. Maximum stem density (67 stem/ft2) and yield (6 ton/A) occurred at 24 in of irrigation. Several crop rotations consisting of winter and spring triticale, and forage sorghum were evaluated for yield, quality, and risk. Cropping intensities were 1, 1.5, and 2 crops/yr. Annual forage cropping intensity was successfully increased from 1 to 1.5 crops/yr. This research indentified a 3 yr annual forage rotation of winter cereal/double crop forage sorghum-forage sorghum-spring cereal that is being adopted by several producers. Canola Production: About 50 canola varieties were evaluated annually in the National Winter Canola Variety Trial. The yield potential for canola ranged between 3,000 and 3,600 lb/A, resulting in $500/A gross return. Planting date and tillage were evaluated for canola establishment, winter survival, and yield. In southwest KS, canola should be planted from mid to late August or about one month earlier than winter wheat, which is much earlier than previously recommended. Conventional-till increased yield 120 lb/A more than no-till, but did not affect winter survival. Planting early resulted in 4 yrs of successful production and might overcome the historical challenges of growing canola in the region. Weed Science: The impact of glyphosate tolerant volunteer corn in a wheat-corn-fallow rotation was evaluated. On average, wheat yield was reduced 1 bu/A for every 500 volunteer corn plants/A. Producer fields averaged 500 volunteer corn plants/A. Change in action: Clientele was interested in our research and attend extension meetings, conferences, and field days to learn about our research. Several producers have experimented with growing canola; incorporated information from our forage research into their production systems; and incorporated information from our volunteer corn research into their management. Change in conditions: Producers have the information to make economical threshold decisions on controlling volunteer corn, canola production acreage has increased in the region, cover crop, annual forage, and grain pea production interest was increased and producers are beginning to incorporate these crops into their fallow period.

Publications

• Holman, J., C. Thompson, R. Hale, and A. Schlegel. 2010. Forage yield and nutritive value of hard red and hard white winter wheat. Agronomy Journal. 102(2):759-773.
• Olson, B., A. Schlegel, and J. Holman. 2010. Comparison of skip-row grain sorghum and corn in western Kansas. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Pidaran, K., R. Aiken, M. B. Kirkham, K. Roozeboom, B. Olson, A. Schlegel, and J. Holman. 2010. Planting geometry effects on sorghum productivity in water limiting conditions. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Holman, J., S. Maxwell, A. Dille, K. Roozeboom, K. Martin, D. Presley, A. Schlegel, J. Petrosino, and K. Arnet. 2010. Evaluation of annual cover crops for forage yield in a wheat-fallow rotation. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:100-104.
• Peter, M. L. and J. Holman. 2010. K-State Agronomy Research: K-State scientists study wheat yield reduction linked to volunteer RR corn grown in rotation. High Plains Journal.
• Holman, J., M. Stamm, S. Maxwell, C. Godsey, K. Martin, and K. Roozeboom. 2010. Effects of planting date on winter canola. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:96-99.
• Holman, J., K. Martin, and S. Maxwell. 2010. Evaluation of Accolade in winter wheat for reducing the amount of nitrogen required. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:93-95.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, R. Hale, and A. Schlegel. 2010. Forage yield and nutritive value of hard red and hard white winter wheat. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:90-92.
• Martin, K., D. Ruiz Diaz, A. Liesch, and J. Holman. 2010. Effect of iron application methods on soybean at Garden City. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:88-89.
• Martin, K., R. Wolf, E. Blasi, and J. Holman. 2010. Corn disease and fungicide activity in 2009. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:85-87.
• Martin, K. and J. Holman. 2010. Winter wheat disease severity and control in 2009. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:83-84.
• Joshi, A., L. Buschman, P. Sloderbeck, J. Holman, and M. Stamm. 2010. Insect pests of winter canola in Kansas. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:55-56.
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, B. Olson, S. Maxwell, K. Martin, and T. Dumler. 2010. Effect of volunteer Roundup Ready corn on winter wheat. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:40-42.
• Klocke, N., J. Holman, and R. Currie. 2010. Alfalfa production with limited irrigation. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:29-32.
• Schlegel, A., T. Dumler, J. Holman, and C. Thompson. 2010. Four-year rotations with wheat and grain sorghum. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1034:10-13.
• Reichenberger, L and J. Holman. 2010. Peas on the plains. The Furrow. September 2010.
• Reichenberger, L and J. Holman. 2010. Cover crops in the plains. Successful Farming Magazine. August 2010.
• Reichenberger, L and J. Holman. 2010. Volunteer corn costs next years wheat. Successful Farming Magazine. February 2010.
• Kochenower, R., K. Larson, B. Bean, N. Kenny, K. Martin, and J. Holman. 2010. High plains sorghum production handbook. United sorghum checkoff program. Lubbock, TX.
• Stamm, M., C. La Barge, G. Cramer, W. Heer, J. Holman, D. Ladd, V. Martin, and D. Elvin. 2010 Winter Canola Variety Trial. In 2010 Kansas Wheat Book. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1036:24.
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, B. Olson. 2010. Agronomists study effects of volunteer corn on wheat yields. In 2010 K-State Agronomist. Annual report of the Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan. Summer 2010, No. 24:8.
• Martin, V., W. Herr, K. Roozeboom, M. Stamm, and J. Holman. 2010. Winter canola establishment in the southern Great Plains. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Godsey, C., R. Taylor, M. Stamm, K. Roozeboom, V. Martin, and J. Holman. 2010. Overcoming the obstacles of producing winter canola in no-till production systems in the southern Great Plains. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Holman, J., M. Stamm, C. Godsey, K. Martin, and K. Roozeboom. 2010. Effects of planting date on winter canola. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Martin, K., T. Marshall, T. Gillum, and J. Holman. 2010. Grazing effects on wheat varieties. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, B. Olson, S. Maxwell, and T. Dumler. 2010. Weed control in fallow-Part II. p 8-9. Proceedings of 7th Annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference. Oberlin, KS.
• Holman, J., S. Maxwell, A. Dille, K. Roozeboom, K. Martin, D. Presley, A. Schlegel, J. Petrosino, and K. Arnet. 2010. Evaluation of annual cover crops for forage yield in a wheat-fallow rotation. p 45-49. Proceedings of 7th Annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference. Oberlin, KS.
• Peter, M. L., M. Stamm, J. Holman, and K. Roozeboom. 2010. 2010 Fall Canola Field Tour. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 268, October 22, 2010.
• Olson, B., A. Schlegel, and J. Holman. 2010. Skip-row corn and grain sorghum research. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 247, May 28, 2010.
• Holman, J., M. Stamm, K. Roozeboom. 2010. 2010 Fall Canola Field Tour. High Plains Journal.
• Schlegel, A., J. Holman, and T. Dumler. 2010. Cropping intensity affect on precipitation capture. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2009 Annual Report.
• Schlegel, A., L. Stone, T. Dumler, and J. Holman. 2010. Crop rotations with limited irrigation. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2009 Annual Report.
• Holman, J., and A. Schlegel. 2010. Enhancing water efficiency and sustainability of the Ogallala Aquifer through forages. USDA Ogallala Aquifer Initiative 2009 Annual Report.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The effects of planting date, row spacing, and opener were evaluated for canola stand establishment, winter survival, and yield. A wheat-cover crop rotation was compared to wheat-fallow and continuous wheat. Cover crops were left in the field as standing cover or hayed. Eleven different switchgrass varieties were evaluated for cellulosic biofuel production. Hail damage was simulated by thinning corn stands at four different growth stages to determine the response of principle yield components and final yield. Alfalfa stand life and yield were quantified under six different irrigation levels, ranging between dryland and full irrigation. Three different cropping intensities of 1, 1.5, and 2 annual forage crops per year was evaluated to determine forage yield, nutritive value, and profitability. Information is disseminated through local and regional extension meetings, workshops, and conferences, clientele contacts, extension publications, the Western Kansas Agricultural Research Center website, and at least two regional or national meetings annually. Within this reporting period 17 research-extension outreach presentations, 5 mass media interviews, and 1 workshop/field day was provided. PARTICIPANTS: Holman, J. D. (PI), , Cropping Systems Agronomist; Thompson, C. R., Extension Weed Management; Schlegel, A. J., Soil Management; Roozeboom, K. L., Crop Production/Cropping Systems; all of Kansas State University. Collaborators from Kansas State University include: Dille, A., Weed Ecology; Dumler, T., Agricultural Economics; Olson, B., Northwest Area Extension Agronomist; Stamm, M., Canola breeder; Klocke, N, Agricultural Engineering; Martin, K., Southwest Area Extension Agronomist; Presley, D., Environmental Soil Science and Management. Other collaborators are Godsey, C., Oklahoma State University, Cropping Systems; and Warner Holman, M., Agriculture, Dodge City Community College. K. Arnet and J. Petrosino are graduate students and Scott Maxwell is a research technician on the project. Partner organizations are USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Dodge City Community College, and Garden City Community College. TARGET AUDIENCES: Producers, agriculture consultants, conservation specialists, and county extension educators are served in western Kansas and throughout the central Great Plains region of western Kansas, northwest Oklahoma, northern Texas, eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and southeast Wyoming. In addition fellow scientists are extended information through regional and national meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Canola Production: Canola varieties were evaluated, and KS9135 was identified as a good variety for southwest KS. For winter survival and optimum yield, canola needs to be planted between early and mid September in southwest KS, using narrow row spacing, irrigation, conventional tillage, and if planting into high residue using a coulter. Dryland Cropping Systems: Cover crops yielded between 900 and 4,500 kg/ha. Increasing residue resulted in more soil moisture in the seed zone at wheat planting, and increased wheat stand establishment. Terminating the cover crop prior to June provided adequate soil moisture recharge for planting wheat that fall. Wheat yielded 30% greater in a wheat-cover crop rotation compared to a continuous wheat rotation. Several varieties of switchgrass were identified for successful production in western KS. Early stand thinning of corn by simulated hail caused less yield reduction than later thinning. Annual Forage Production: A forage rotation study with winter and spring triticale, and forage sorghum compared different levels of cropping system intensity. Cropping intensities of 1, 1.5, and 2 (number of crops produced within a year) were compared. Producers commonly raise one crop annually. Double cropping was successful, but crop stand establishment was extremely challenging. A crop rotation of winter triticale-forage sorghum in year 1, and spring triticale in year 2 (cropping intensity of 1.5) increases production and is less risky than double cropping every year. Glyphosate-tolerant volunteer corn: Wheat yield was reduced 1 bu/A for approximately every 75 volunteer corn plants/A in a wheat-corn-fallow rotation. Producer fields averaged 500 volunteer corn plants/A, which would cause an estimated yield loss of 4.5 bu/A. Several producers are now experimenting with producing canola; producers have incorporated information from our forage research into their production systems; and other producers have incorporated information from our volunteer corn research into their systems.

Publications

• Arnet, K., J. Holman, and K. Roozeboom. 2009. Effects of cover crops in no-tillage crop rotations in eastern and western Kansas. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Schlegel, A., D. Mengel, L. Maddux, L. Stone, C. Thompson, T. Dumler, M. Alam, and J. Holman. 2009. Nitrogen Management to reduce nitrate leaching while optimizing profitability. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1014:11-13.
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, B. Olson, G. Miller, S. Maxwell, and T. Dumler. 2009. Effect of volunteer Roundup Ready corn on winter wheat. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1014:68-73.
• Petrosino, J., J. Holman, and J. A. Dille. 2009. Response of kochia (Kochia scoparia) to fall- and spring-sown cover crops in a wheat-fallow rotation. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1014:74-79.
• Holman, J., M. Stamm, S. Maxwell, G. Miller, C. Godsey, K. Roozeboom, and V. Martin. 2009. Effect of row spacing, tillage, opener, and coulter on winter canola. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1014:112-119.
• Holman, J., M. Stamm, S. Maxwell, G. Miller, C. Godsey, K. Roozeboom, and V. Martin. 2009. Effect of planting date on winter canola. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1014:120-126.
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, M. Warner Holman, G. Miller, S. Maxwell, and T. Dumler. 2009. Enhancing water efficiency and sustainability through forages. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1014:127-129.
• Holman, J., J. Petrosino, K. Arnet, G. Miller, S. Maxwell, A. Dille, K. Roozeboom, K. Martin, D. Presley, and A. Schlegel. 2009. Evaluation of annual cover crops for forage yield in a wheat-fallow rotation. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 1014:130-133.
• Holman, J. M. Stamm, S. Maxwell, C. Godsey, K. Roozeboom, and V. Martin. 2009. Effects of planting date on winter canola. Fifth Annual Oklahoma-Kansas Winter Canola conference proceedings. July 21, 2009.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, R. Hale, and A. Schlegel. 2009. Grazing Effects on Yield and Quality of Hard Red and Hard White Winter Wheat. Agronomy Journal. 101(4):775-788.
• Boyles, M., J. Criswell, F. Epplin, K. Giles, C. Godsey, W. Heer, G. Hergert, J. Holman, D. Jardine, C. Jones, V. Martin, D. Mengel, T. Peeper, D. Peterson, K. Roozeboom, T. Royer, H. Sanders, P. Sloderbeck, M. Stamm, and C. Thompson. 2009. Great Plains Canola Production Handbook. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-2734.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, R. Hale, and A. Schlegel. 2009. Forage yield and quality of hard red and hard white winter wheat across cutting dates. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Information on needed research is gathered from producers, agriculture consultants, county extension educators, conservation specialists, and fellow scientists through field tours, extension meetings and workshops, producer meetings, the Southwest Research-Extension Center (SWREC) Research Advisory Council (RAC), southwest area extension updates, and from regional and national scientific meetings such as Tear Down the Walls, Great Plains Fertility conference, American Society of Agronomy, and Weed Science Society of America. Information is disseminated through local and regional extension meetings, workshops, and conferences, clientele contacts, extension publications, the Western Kansas Agricultural Research Center website, and disseminating information to at least two regional or national meetings annually. Within this reporting period 17 research-extension outreach presentations, 5 mass media interviews, and 1 workshop/field day was provided. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Holman, J. D. (PI), SW Research-Extension Center, Kansas State University, Cropping Systems Agronomist. Thompson, C. R., Agronomy, Kansas State University, Extension Weed Management. Schlegel, A. J., SW Research-Extension Center-Tribune, Kansas State University, Soil Management. Roozeboom, K. L., Agronomy, Kansas State University, Crop Production/Cropping Systems. Partner Organizations: Kansas State University Research and Extension, Dodge City Community College, Garden City Community College, United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service. Collaborators: Dille, A., Agronomy, Kansas State University, Weed Ecology. Dumler, T., Extension Specialist, Kansas State University, Agricultural Economics. Olson, B., Agronomy, Kansas State University, Northwest Area Extension Agronomist. Stamm, M., Kansas State University, Canola Breeder. Klocke, N, SW Research-Extension Center, Kansas State University, Agricultural Engineering. Godsey, C., Agronomy, Oklahoma State University, Cropping Systems. Martin, K., Kansas State University, Southwest Area Extension Agronomist. Presley, D., Agronomy, Kansas State University, Environmental Soil Science and Management. Warner Holman, M., Agriculture, Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, Kansas. Graduate Students: Arnet, K., and Petrosino, J., Kansas State University. TARGET AUDIENCES: Producers, agriculture consultants, conservation specialists, and county extension educators are served in western Kansas and throughout the central Great Plains region of western Kansas, northwest Oklahoma, northern Texas, eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and southeast Wyoming. In addition fellow scientists are extended information through regional and national meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Change in knowledge: Canola Production: Canola varieties were evaluated, and KS9135 was identified as a good variety for southwest KS. The effects of planting date, row spacing, and opener were evaluated for canola stand establishment, winter survival, and yield. In southwest KS canola needs to be planted between early and mid Sept; use narrow row spacing; irrigation; and with a residue management coulter when planting into high residue for successful production. Dryland Cropping Systems: A wheat-cover crop rotation was compared to wheat-fallow and continuous wheat. Cover crops are left in the field as standing cover or hayed. Cover crops yielded between 900 and 4,500 kg/ha. Increasing residue resulted in more soil moisture in the seed zone at wheat planting, and increased wheat stand establishment. Terminating the cover crop prior to June provided adequate soil moisture recharge for planting wheat that fall. Wheat yielded higher in a wheat-cover crop rotation compared to a continuous wheat rotation. Eleven different switchgrass varieties were evaluated for cellulosic biofuel production. Several varieties were identified for successful production in western KS. Hail damage was simulated by thinning corn stands at four different growth stages to determine the response of principle yield components and final yield. Early stand thinning caused less yield reduction than later thinning. Alfalfa stand life and yield were quantified under six different irrigation levels, ranging between dryland and full irrigation. This study was initiated in 2007 and will be completed when stands are no longer productive. Annual Forage Production: A forage rotation study with winter and spring triticale, and forage sorghum compared different levels of cropping system intensification. Cropping intensities of 1, 1.5, and 2 (number of crops produced within a year) were compared. Producers commonly raise one crop annually. Double cropping was successful, but crop stand establishment was extremely challenging. A crop rotation of winter triticale-forage sorghum in year 1, and spring triticale in year 2 (cropping intensity of 1.5) increases production and is less risky than double cropping. Weed Science: The impact of glyphosate-tolerant volunteer corn in a wheat-corn-fallow rotation was evaluated. Wheat yield was reduced 1 bu/A for approximately every 75 volunteer corn plants/A in a wheat-corn-fallow rotation. Producer fields averaged 455 volunteer corn plants/A, which would cause an estimated yield loss of 4.3 bu/A. Change in action: Clientele are interested in our research and attend extension meetings, conferences, and field days to learn about our research. Several producers have experimented with producing canola; other producers have incorporated information from our forage research into their production systems; others have adopted information from our volunteer corn research and have incorporated the information into their systems. Change in conditions: Information obtained through research and disseminated to clientele has led to increased profitability for producers, and increased the sustainability of agricultural production.

Publications

• Holman, J., C. Thompson, R. Hale, and A. Schlegel. 2008. Effect of grazing on yield and quality of hard red and hard white winter wheat. Agronomy Journal (accepted).
• Roozeboom, K., D. Shoup, B. Olson, J. Holman, D. Peterson, C. Thompson, S. Duncan. 2008. No-till Handbook Series: Rotations and cultural practices. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin (in press).
• Roozeboom, K., D. Blasi, J. Holman, V. Martin, and D. Shoup. 2008. Nontraditional forages as emergency or supplemental feedstuffs. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-2872.
• Roozeboom, K., D. Blasi, J. Holman, V. Martin, and D. Shoup. 2008. Summer annual forages: selection and production characteristics. Kansas State University Extension Bulletin MF-2871.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, A. Schlegel, and R. Hale. 2008. Cattle grazing effects on yield and quality of hard red and hard white winter wheat varieties. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, A. Schlegel, R. Hale, and T. Herrman. 2008. Cattle grazing effects on milling characteristics of hard red and hard white winter wheat varieties. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Stamm, M., J. Holman, V. Martin, K. Roozeboom, and C. Godsey. 2008. Residue management to improve establishment and survival in no-till canola. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Thompson, C., P. Stahlman, D. Shoup, B. Olson, L. Maddux, J. Holman, J. Falk, S. Duncan, R. Currie, M. Claassen, and K. Al-Khatib. 2008. Introducing a new weed control technology for grain sorghum to Kansas growers. In Annual meetings abstract [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, and A. Schlegel. 2008. Crop yield improvements over the last 50 years as measured by southwest Kansas crop performance results. Great Plains Soil Fertility Conference, Denver, Colorado, March, 2008
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, and B. Olson. 2008. How volunteer Roundup Ready corn may affect dryland wheat yields. Kansas State University. Agronomy e-updates. No. 164, November 7, 2008.
• Thompson, C., A. Schlegel, and J. Holman. 2008. ExpressSun sunflower-a new weed control system. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 997:40-44.
• Holman, J., M. Stamm, C. Thompson, G. Miller, and S. Maxwell. 2008. Winter canola, spring canola, and spring camelina variety trials. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 997:69-74.
• Holman, J., A. Schlegel, G. Miller, and S. Maxwell. 2008. Chloride research on corn, sorghum, and wheat in southwest Kansas. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 997:75-78.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, A. Schlegel, R. Hale, T. Herrman, and L. Murray. 2008. Effect of grazing on milling characteristics of hard red and white winter wheat varieties. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 997:79-87.
• Holman, J., C. Thompson, A. Schlegel, R. Hale, and L. Murray. 2008. Effect of grazing on grain yield and quality of hard red and white winter wheat varieties. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 997:88-96.
• Holman, J., K. Roozeboom, M. Stamm, S. Maxwell, and G. Miller. 2008. Effect of winter canola planting date on winter survival. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Report of Progress. 997:97-100.
• Holman, J. 2008. Garden City, Kansas. p. 38-39. In M. Stamm and C. La Barge (ed.) 2007 National Winter Canola Variety Trial. Publication SRP990. Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS.
• Holman, J., M. Stamm, C. Godsey, S. Maxwell, G. Miller, and K. Roozeboom. 2008. Effect of row spacing, tillage, opener, and coulter on winter canola. Proceedings 4th annual Oklahoma-Kansas winter canola conference, Enid, Oklahoma, July 15, 2008
• Godsey, C., R. Taylor, K. Roozeboom, V. Martin, M. Stamm, and J. Holman. 2008. Canola establishment study. Proceedings 4th annual Oklahoma-Kansas winter canola conference, Enid, Oklahoma, July 15, 2008
• Holman, J., and A. Schlegel. 2008. Chloride research in southwest Kansas on corn, sorghum, and wheat In Kansas Fertilizer Research 2007. Report of Progress 993:9-12. Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS.
• Warner Holman, M., and J. Holman. 2008. Opportunities in Agriculture. Fall Agriculture Supplement to the Dodge City Daily Globe, September 25th, 2008, Vol. 98, No. 265.
• Holman, J. 2008. Do cover crops have a fit Spring Agriculture Supplement to the Dodge City Daily Globe, March 20th, 2008, Vol. 98, No. 103.