1989 Agricultural Research, Southeast Kansas Branch Station

Research on beef cattle and crops at Southeast Kansas Branch Station.


Introduction
Soybean hulls are a high-fiber by-product from the manufacturin g process of soybean meal. The fibrous fraction of soybean hulls is highly digestible, resulting in an acceptable feed value. Previous research reported that using soybean hulls as the sole energy source in a finishing ration reduced animal performance and efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine if soybean hulls could replace 25% of the grain sorghum in a finishing ration without affecting animal performance.

Experimental Procedure
Twenty steers (avg. wt. 878 lb.) and 14 heifers (avg. wt. 798 lb.) of varied genotype were randomly allotted by weight within sex into two groups of 10 steers and two groups of 7 heifers. All cattle were vaccinated against clostridial organisms and dewormed with fenbendazole . Steers were implanted with Synovex-s and the heifers with zeranol. One group of each sex was offered a finishing ration consisting of 75% ground grain sorghum, 20% corn silage, and 5% protein supplement (Table 1) on a dry matter basis {M). The remaining group of each sex was offered the same ration except that 25% of the ground grain sorghum was replaced with soybean hulls on a dry weight basis (SBH) .
Cattle were fed the respective ration for 107 days, then slaughtered, and carcass data were collected. 1 Results cattle fed SBH tended (P>.10) to gain faster and consume more feed, but to convert feed less efficie ntly to gain than cattle fed GS (Table 2). However , due to the price differe ntial of soybean hulls and grain sorghum ($80 vs. $87.50/ ton, respect ively), feed cost per unit of livewei ght gain was less (P<.05) from cattle fed the diet with soybean hulls. Dressin g percent age was lower (P<.01) from cattle fed SBH than from those fed GS. Other carcass charac teristic s were unaffec ted by dietary treatme nt (Table 3).
When steers and heifers were compare d, steers had heavier initial (P<.01) and final (P<.05) weights , more desirab le feed efficie ncies (P<.10) , and lower (P<.01) feed cost per unit of gain (Table 2). Steers tended (P>.10) to gain faster and consume more feed, also. Steers had heavier (P<.05) hot carcass weights and lower (P<.05) dressin g percent ages (Table 3). Other carcass charac teristic s were similar between steers and heifers .
These data indicat e that soybean hulls may be include d in a finishin g ration for cattle at up to 25% of the energy source without adverse ly affecti ng cattle gain or feed efficie ncy. Therefo re, the price differe ntial between soybean hulls and grain sorghum should be the major conside ration in decidin g whether or not to use soybean hulls. a,~eans within the same row and within either treatment or sex comparison with unlike superscripts differ (P<.01). c,dMeans within the same row and within either treatment or sex comparison with unlike superscripts differ (P<.05). e,fMeans within the same row and within either treatment or sex comparison with unlike superscripts differ (P<.10). a,~eans within the same row and within either treatment or sex comparison with unlike superscripts differ (P<.01). c,dMeans within the same row and within either treatment or sex comparison with unlike superscripts differ (P<.05).

INFLUENCE OF GRAZING DIFFERENT FESCUE VARIETIES ON SUBSEQUEN T FEEDLOT PERFORMAN CE OF STEERS
Kenneth P. Coffey, Joseph L. Moyer, and Lyle W. Lomas summary A feedlot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of previous grazing on different fescue varieties on subsequen t feedlot performan ce of steers. Forty, Angus x Hereford, crossbred steers were fed a common feedlot ration consistin g of 79% ground grain sorghum, 15% corn silage, and 6% protein supplemen t on a dry matter basis for 125 days following a 208-day grazing period. The steers previously grazed either highendophyte Kentucky 31 (HE), low-endop hyte Kentucky 31 (LE), lowendophyte Missouri 96 (M096), or HE interseede d with ladino clover (HE+LC). Steers that previousl y grazed LE and HE+LC were heavier (P<.01) at the initiation of the feedlot phase and produced heavier (P<.05) carcasses at the terminatio n of the study, but gained at a slower (P<.05) rate than the steers that previousl y grazed HE or M096. Steers that previousl y grazed HE had a more desirable (P<.10) feed efficiency than those that previousl y grazed LE or HE+LC.
Final weights were similar (P>.10) among previous forage type. Therefore , cattle that previousl y grazed high-endo phyte tall fescue appeared to compensat e for lower pasture performan ce and to more efficient ly convert feed to liveweigh t gain during the finishing phase.

Introducti on
Tall fescue stands with plants that are infected with the endophyti c fungus, Acremonium coenophial um, have been shown to adversely affect the performan ce of animals consuming this forage.
The symptomol ogy of tall fescue toxicity does not immediate ly disappear when the cattle are removed from the toxic fescue.
However, the carryover effects of previousl y grazing tall fescue on subsequen t feedlot performan ce are inconclus ive. The data in this report represent the second year of a 3-year study that emphasize s the effects of grazing different fescue varieties on subsequen t feedlot performan ce of cattle.

Experiment al Procedure
Forty, Angus x Hereford, crossbred steers were allotted randomly by weight into eight replicates of five head each. The replicates were allotted randomly such that two replicates each were assigned to graze either high-endop hyte Kentucky 31 (HE), low-endoph yte Kentucky 31 (LE), low-endoph yte Missouri 96 (M096), or HE interseeded with ladino clover (HE+LC) for 209 days beginning on April 9, 1987. The cattle were not implanted and received no supplement al feed during the pasture phase. The cattle were weighed off of pasture on the mornings of November 3 and 4 to determine pasture ending weights and feedlot initial weights. The cattle were moved to the SEKES feedlot facility at Mound Valley, with previous pasture replicates maintained . All steers were implanted with Synovex-s, dewormed with levamisole, and vaccinated against clostridia l infection. The cattle were fed a corn silage based ration initially. Grain level replaced corn silage until a final ration of 79% ground grain sorghum, 15% corn silage, and 6% protein supplement was being offered. The supplement contained monensin to provide 25 g/ton in the complete ration. The cattle were fed for 124 days, then slaughtered , and carcass data were collected.

Results
Steers that previously grazed HE+LC and LE entered the feedlot phase heavier (P<.01) than those that previously grazed HE and M096 (Table 1). Final weights were similar, however, indicating that HE and M096 cattle compensate d for reduced pasture phase gains. Steers that previously grazed M096 gained 47 lb more (P<.05) and those that previously grazed HE gained 82 lb more (P<.05) than those that previously grazed LE and HE+LC. Steers that previously grazed HE converted feed to gain more efficiently (P<.10) than those that previously grazed LE.
Steers that previously grazed HE+LC had greater (P<.05) backfat than those that previously grazed HE or M096 (Table 2). Yield and quality grade were not affected by previous forage treatment. Over both pasture and feedlot phases, HE cattle gained 39 and 49 lb. less than HE+LC and LE cattle, respectivel y (Table 3).
These data indicate that although cattle grazed on tall fescue infected with A· coenophialu m weigh less when placed in the feedlot, compensato ry gain may occur. More efficient feed conversion to gain may accompany the faster rate of gain, such that feed cost per unit of gain may be lower.  2.3 aMeans within the same row with unlike superscr ipts differ (P<.05). Table 3. Effect of Pasture Type on Overall Steer Performa nce (April 9, 1987-March 8, 1988 Forty-six crossbred steers that previously strip-graze d (SG) or continuous ly grazed (CG) fescue (F) or fescue -ladino clover (FL) pastures were fed a finishing ration for 141 days to determine the effect of previous forage type and management on feedlot performanc e. Steers that previously grazed FL were heavier (P<.01) at the initiation of the feedlot phase. Other feedlot performanc e parameters were statistical ly similar (P>.10) between F and FL. Steers previously managed by CG were heavier at the initiation (P<.01) and termination (P<.10) of the feedlot phase. Gain and feed efficiency were not affected by previous management .
Previous forage type had no effect on carcass characteri stics, whereas previous management affected dressing percentage but had no effect on carcass quality or yield grades. Therefore, weight reductions incurred during the pasture phase by either strip-grazi ng or by grazing fescue were not compensate d for during the feedlot phase of the study.

Introductio n
The effect of previous management has been demonstrate d to have a significan t impact on feedlot performanc e. However, the repercussio ns of grazing tall fescue containing the endophytic fungus, Acremonium coenophialu m, on subsequent feedlot performanc e are highly variable and may be notably affected by forage and cattle management . The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of grazing tall fescue and fescueladino clover forages in a continuous or strip-grazi ng system on subsequent feedlot performance of steers.

Experiment al Procedure
Forty-eigh t Limousin crossbred steers were allotted randomly by weight into replicates of six head each. Each replicate was assigned randomly to a particular pasture containing either tall fescue (F) or tall fescue that was interseeded with ladino clover (FC). Approximat ely 65% of the fescue plants were infected with A· coenophialu m. Pastures from both forage types were either continuous ly grazed (CG) or were grazed in a short-dura tion intensive manner (strip-gr azing; SG) for 197 days beginnin g on April 21, 1987. The cattle were not implante d and received no suppleme ntal grain during the pasture phase of the experime nt. At the end of the 197-day pasture phase, the cattle were implanted with Synovexs, vaccinate d against clostrid ial infection , dewormed with levamiso le, and placed in the SEKES feedlot facility near Mound Valley. Pasture replicate s were maintain ed during the feedlot phase. The steers were offered a corn silage-ba sed ration; a portion of which was replaced by ground grain sorghum until a final ration of 79% ground grain sorghum, 15% corn silage, and 6% protein suppleme nt was achieved . The protein suppleme nt containe d monensin to maintain a 25 g/ton level in the complete ration. The steers were fed for 141 days, then slaughte red, and carcass data were collecte d.

Results
Steers that previous ly grazed F entered the phase weighing 44 lb. less (P<.01) than those that previous ly grazed FC (Table  1). Although statistic ally similar (P>.10), steers that previous ly grazed F tended to gain faster and more efficien tly during the feedlot phase than FC but still averaged 39 lb. lighter at the time of slaughte r. Steers that were managed by CG were 38 lb. heavier (P<.01) at the initiatio n of the feeding period and 52 lb heavier (P<.10) at the time of slaughte r than those managed by SG. Steers previous ly CG tended to gain faster and more efficien tly than those previous ly SG.
Previous forage type had little effect on carcass characte ristics (Table 2h and previous manageme nt only affected dressing percenta ge (P<.10).
In a treatmen t compariso n across the pasture and feedlot phases (Table 3), steer gain was improved by 6.5% by grazing pastures with ladino clover, whereas strip-gra zing fescue and fescueladino clover pastures reduced total gain by 8.4% compared with continuo usly grazing similar pasture types.
In summary, managing cattle both by strip-gra zing and by allowing them to graze monocult ures of tall fescue resulted in lower animal weights at the initiatio n of the feedlot phase. These cattle failed to significa ntly compensa te for reduced pasture performa nce and, therefore , maintain ed a lower body weight through the feedlot phase until slaughte red.  Sixty-two crossbred steers were used in a study to evaluate the effect of different management practices on pasture and subsequent feedlot performanc e by stocker steers grazing highendophyte tall fescue interseeded with ladino clover. Management practices evaluated were the effect of implanting with Synovex-S, orally administeri ng a bolus containing copper oxide needles, and summer rotation to bermudagra ss. Rotation of the steers to bermudagra ss lowered (P<.01) ending pasture weights and animal gain but did not affect gain/acre. Rotated cattle had lower (P<.10) hot carcass weights and feed efficiencie s than continuous ly grazed cattle.
Implanted cattle were heavier (P<.10) at the end of the grazing phase and produced more (P<.01) gain per animal and per acre during the pasture phase but gained less (P<.10) during the feedlot phase and had lower (P<.10} carcass quality grades. Cattle receiving boluses with copper oxide needles had lower (P<.05) carcass quality grades than cattle not receiving boluses. These data indicate that management practices that helped to improve gain during the pasture phase reduced feedlot performance , so that final weights were statistical ly similar across treatments.

Introductio n
Performance of cattle grazing tall fescue containing the endophytic fungus, Acremonium coenophialu m, has typically been suboptimal . Many treatments and management practices have been and are currently being tested to minimize the effects of A· coenophialu m on cattle.
In the present experiment , Synovex implant; copper oxide needles: and rotation of the cattle from fescue in the spring, to bermuda in the summer, then back to fescue in the fall were evaluated as treatments to help minimize performance reductions caused by the endophyte. Experimen tal Procedure , Limousin, crossbred steers were used in an compare continuou s grazing (CG) of tall fescuevs. rotation of the cattle from fescuein the spring and fall to bermudagr ass in the lant with synovex-s (I) vs. no implant (NI); and oxide needles (CO) vs. no copper (NCO). imate 70% of the fescue plants were infected with the ic fungus.
The cattle were dewormed with fenbendaz ole and ear tagged with Tomahawk@ ear tags to control face flies. Continuou sly grazed cattle were divided into five replicate s of five head and one replicate of six head, and each replicate was then placed on a specific 5-acre pasture for a 207-day grazing The remaining cattle were divided into one replicate of 15 head and one replicate of 16, head with each replicate assigned to a 5-acre pasture until May 27. On May 27, RG cattle were moved such that each replicate was assigned to one 5-acre bermudagr ass pasture until September 15. On August 23, shortage· of available forage necessita ted the removal of nine RG cattle, leaving 12 head in each of the two replicate s. At that time, the steers originally receiving an implant were reimplant ed. Rotated cattle were returned to the fescue -ladino pastures on September 15 and grazed those pastures until November 8. All steers had ad libitum access to water and mineral supplemen t throughou t the experimen t.
On November 8, all cattle were dewormed with levamisol e, implanted with Synovex-s , vaccinate d against clostridi al feet , then transporte d to the SEKES feedlot facility at Mound Vall The steers were fed a silage-ba sed ration, with levels of sorghum increased until a final ration of 75% gra sorghum, 15% corn silage, and 5% protein supplemen t matter basis was achieved. The steers were fed the rat for 111 days, then slaughter ed, and carcass data Results of the cattle to bermudagr ass reduced (P<.01) weight by 78 lb. and per animal gain by 80 lb However, gain/acre tended (P>.10) to be higher from the feedlot phase, RG cattle tended to gain more, so that final weights were statistica lly similar (P>.10) between CG and RG cattle (Table 2). Continuou sly grazed cattle produced (P<.10) carcasses than RG, but other carcass st were similar between CG and RG (Table 3). Rotationa l grazed cattle converted feed to gain more 4 fici (P<.10) than CG (Table 4).
cattle ined 17.1% more (P<.01) weight and were (P<.10) at the end of the pasture phase than NI.
Howev er, NI gained 32 lb. more than I during the finish ing phase , so that final weigh ts of the two group s were simil ar (Table 2). cattle impla nted during the pastu re phase had lower (P<.10 ) carca ss quali ty grades than NI (Table 3).
Admi nister ing boluse s with coppe r oxide needle s had no effec t on pastu re (Table 1) or feedlo t perfor mance (Table 2) or carca ss chara cteris tics (Table 3), with the excep tion of a reduc tion (P<.05 ) in carcas s quali ty grade from CO vs. NCO steers .
These data indica te that remov ing the cattle from fescueladino pastu res during the summe r month s and grazin g them on bermu dagras s did not help anima l perfor mance but actua lly hinde red indivi dual anima l gains . The summe r of 1988 was dry, so norma l forage produ ction was restri cted during these month s. Along with the exces sive stock ing rate impose d upon the rotate d cattle , this caused a reduc tion in availa ble forage , which is the most proba ble reason for the reduc tion in indivi dual anima l gain. The improv ement in perfor mance from Synov ex was great er than norma lly expec ted. Howev er, simil ar improv ements have been shown with other impla nts in cattle grazin g high-e ndoph yte tall fescue . In the prese nt experi ment, feedlo t perfor mance appea red to be adver sely affect ed by pastu re perfor mance . Treatm ents that improv ed pastu re perfor mance also improv ed feedlo t perfor mance , and treatm ents that reduce d pastu re perfor mance result ed in improv ed feedlo t perfor mance .    Copper did not affect animal weights or gains on either of the three forage types.
Cattle grazing M096 were 77 lb. heavier (P<.10) than those grazing HE and 90 lb. heavier (P<.10) than those grazing HE+LC at the end of the High-end ophyte fescue pastures containi ng ladino clover not produce improved performa nce compared with high-end ophyte fescue pastures without ladino clover,a s was the case in the i two years of this experim ent.

Introduc tion
In the previou s two years at SEKES, cattle grazing Missour i 96 or high-end ophyte fescue intersee ded with ladino clover have gained more than those grazing high-end ophyte fescue. This study represe nts the third and final year of an designed to compare performa nce of cattle grazing either 31 tall fescue stands, in which approxim ately 70% of the are infected with the endophy tic fungus, Acremon ium the same fescue intersee ded with ladino clover; or a Iowendophy te variety , Missour i 96.

Experim ental Procedu re
Thirty crossbre d steers (Angus x Hereford ) having initial weight of 550 lb. were allotted randomly by we six replicat es of five head each. The replica tes then were allotted randomly to graze one of six, 5-acre pastures of Kentucky 31 tall fescue having approxim ately 70% of the infected with the endophy tic fungus, Acremon ium 1 Copper oxide needles and fly tags provided by Animal Health, Kansas City, MO.
14 's (HE), HE interseede d with ladino clover (HE+LC), or Missouri 96 tall fescue having less than 10% of the plants infected with A· coenophia lum (2 pastures of each forage type). Within each forage type, half of the cattle received boluses containin g 20 g of copper oxide needles. All steers were dewormed with fenbendaz ole and were given a Tomahawk@ ear tag for face fly control. The steers grazed the respectiv e pastures for 222 days beginning on April 14. At the end of the pasture phase, the cattle were placed in the SEKES feedlot facility to be finished to slaughter specifica tions.

Results
Boluses containin g copper oxide needles had no effect on animal weights or animal gain. Steers grazing M096 were heavier (P<.10) at the end of the study and tended (P=.11) to gain faster than those that grazed HE or HE+LC. Steers that grazed HE+LC tended to gain less than those that grazed HE. The reason for this is uncertain but can probably be attributed to limited summer rainfall during 1988. Ladino clover is more productiv e under wetter condition s and is not as drought tolerant as other legumes. Poor ladino productio n would also lead to poor fixation of nitrogen for the fescue and, therefore , poor fescue productio n. The HE+LC pastures probably had limited available forage during the latter days of the experimen t, which could have resulted in reduced performan ce. Fifty-n ine crossb red steers were fed diets of either high-(HE) or low-(LE) endoph yte Kentuc ky 31 tall fescue hay and supplem ented with 2 lb/hea d daily of one of three soybea n-hull based supplem ents contain ing essent ial minera ls and salt. The supplem ents contain ed either no copper (NC) or copper at a level to provid e 108 mg/hea d daily from either copper oxide (COX) or copper protein ate (CPR). steers offered the LE hay consum ed more (P<.01) forage (lb. and% of body weight ), conver ted consum ed forage to gain more (P<.01) efficie ntly, and gained faster (P<.01) than those offered HE. Copper source had no effect on gain, intake , or efficie ncy but did appear to affect final cerulop lasmin levels . Theref ore, feeding hay that contain s Acremo nium coenop hialum may reduce hay intake and cattle perform ance.

Introd uction
Cattle consum ing tall fescue contain ing Acremo nium coenop hialum exhibi t certain symptom s that mimic copper deficie ncy. Althou gh many source s of copper are availa ble to the cattle produc er, these source s may differ greatly in their bioava ilabili ty. It has been postul ated in recent years that chelat ion of copper with specif ic protein s (coppe r protein ate) would greatly enhanc e copper absorp tion and utiliza tion by livesto ck. The purpos e of this experim ent was to compar e the effect s of copper oxide and copper protein ate with no supplem ental copper on cattle consum ing highand lowendoph yte fescue forage .
Experi mental Proced ure Fifty-n ine crossb red steers were allotte d random ly by weight into 11 replica tes of 5 head each and one replic ate of 4 head. Six replic ates were fed forage harves ted from Kentuc ky 31 tall 1 Minera l packag e and feed analys es were provid ed by Prince Agri Produc ts, Quincy , IL. f escue fields in which approximat ely 65% of the plants were infected with A· coenophialu m (HE), and six replicates were fed forage harvested from endophyte-free Kentucky 31 tall fescue fields (Table 1). The replicates assigned to each forage type were divided such that two replicates each would supplement s containing either no copper (NC) or 108 mg/head daily from either copper oxide (COX) or copper proteinate (CPR) . The supplement s were formulated to provide the levels of essential minerals shown in Table 2 and blended in a soybean hull carrier.
The cattle were fed ad-libitum quantities of the respective hays for 58 days, beginning on July 27. All cattle were fed the NC supplement for the first 30 days, followed by 28 days of feeding the respective supplements containing no copper or copper from the respective copper sources. The steers were weighed on July 27 and August 26, following a 16 hour removal from feed and water to determine initial and final weights. Cattle were bled via jugular puncture prior to the initiation of feeding supplements with copper and again at the end of the study. Packed cell volume, or hematocrit, was determined on whole blood samples, and ceruloplasm in was determined on blood serum samples. Hematocrit values represent the volume of blood that is red blood cells and is used to access the degree of anemia encountered in the blood. Ceruloplasm in is a copper-rela ted enzyme that is a very good indicator of blood copper levels.

Results
Presence of the endophytic fungus, A· coenophialu m, in the tall fescue forage significan tly reduced (P<.01) ending weight by 5.3%, total and daily gain by 44.6%, feed intake by 9.4% and 6.9% (lb. and% body weight, respective ly), and the efficiency of feed conversion by 67.0%. Copper source had no effect (P>.10) on animal performanc e or feed intake.
A significan t (P<.05) forage type x copper source interaction was detected for final ceruloplasm in levels. Therefore, all blood data are shown as the interactive means. No effect of either forage type or copper source was detected for initial or final hematocrit or change from initial to final hematocrit . Final ceruloplasm in levels were similar (P>.10) for the different copper supplements fed to cattle consuming LE. Within the steers fed HE, final ceruloplasm in levels were highest from those offered the supplement with CPR, lowest from those offered the supplement without copper {NC), and intermedia te from those offered the supplement with cox. However, changes in ceruloplasm in levels from initial to final values did not significan tly differ.
These data indicate that the presence of A· coenophialu m in tall fescue hay may have a significan t impact on cattle performance and forage intake. Although it is suspected from other studies that the endophy te level in fescue may affect the copper status of the cattle grazinq the infected fescue, these factors could not be shown in the present experim ent.  Three experim ents were conducte d to evaluate continuo us anthelm intic treatme nt of stocker steers with morante l tartrate . In Experim ents 1 and 2, morante l tartrate was provided free choice in mineral mixture s to steers grazing smooth bromegr ass. In Exp. 3, morante l tartrate was provided via sustaine d-releas e trilamin ate orally adminis tered to steers grazing bermuda grass pasture s. Fecal parasite counts were low through out each indicati ng only low levels of parasite infectio n. Therefo re, effects of parasite treatme nt on animal perform ance were Experim ental Procedu res Exp. 1.
Sixty, Limousi n, crossbre d steers were allotted randomly weight to one of 10 10-acre , smooth bromegr ass pastures . Followin g a 2-week adaptati on to a nonmedi cated mineral containi ng trace mineral ized salt and dicalciu m phospha te (C; Table 1), the cattle were offered ad-libit um access to one of four mineral mixture s shown in Table 1 for 56 days, beginnin g on Novembe r 10. The mineral mixtures consiste d of the mineral mixture (C), C with 5.58 mg of the anthelm intic morante l tartrate per gram of mineral mixture (MT), C with 10% of the mineral replaced with dried cane molasse s (CM), and CM with 5.58 mg morante l tartrate per gram of mineral mixture (CM-MT) . Mineral mixture s were provided in covered "weathe r-vane" type mineral feeders.
Fecal samples were collecte d from half of the steers at the beginnin g and end of the study, and fecal egg counts were determin ed.
One hundred twenty crossbre d steers were allotted randomly by weight into six lots of 10 head or four lots of 15 head each, 1 Morante l tartrate products and partial financia l support were provided by Pfizer, Inc., Lee's Summit, MO. 20 each group placed on one of ten 10-acre, smooth bromegras s All cattle were vaccinate d against eight strains of Clostridi al organisms , IBR, PI 3 , BVD, and five strains of Leptospir osis, and implanted with Synovex-s . Three lots of 10 head and two lots of 15 head received morantel tartrate in a mixture (MT ; Table 1), while the remaining lots received no internal parasite treatment (C; Table 1). Mineral was offered ad libitum from covered "weather vane" type mineral feeders. Pastures were stocked with either 1.5 steer/acr e from April 8 to June 24 for the early-inte nsive (EI) treatment or at 1.0 acre from April 8 to September 1 for the season-lon g (SL) treatment . Fecal samples were collected from half of the steers on April 8, May 20, June 24, and September 1, and fecal nematode egg counts were determine d.
Eighty mixed crossbred steers were allotted randomly by we to one of eight lots of 10 head each. The lots were allotted randomly such that three lots received a single injection of levamisol e (L), three lots received sustainedrelease trilamina te containin g morantel tartrate (MSRT), and two lots received no deworming treatment (C). All cattle were vaccinate d against eight strains of Clostridi al organisms , IBR, PI 3 , BVD, and 5 strains of Leptospir osis, and implanted with synovex-s . Each lot was then allotted randomly to one of eight 5-acre bermudagr ass pastures which they continuou sly grazed for 140 from May 11 to September 29. Fecal samples were collected from the steers on May 11, August 3, and September 29 for fecal nematode count determina tion.

Results
Total gain and average daily gain were similar among groups offered different mineral mixtures (Table 2). Fecal ite counts were lower from cattle consuming mineral with morantel tartrate (MT and CM-MT) than from those consuming unmedicat ed mineral mixtures (C and CM). Consumpti on of CM was (P<.05), followed by CM-MT, indicating an intake stimulatio n from the addition of molasses but an intake suppressio n from the addition of morantel tartrate in this type of mineral mixture.
Consumpti on of MT also tended to be lower than that of C but differenc es were not statistic ally (P<.10) different . At these levels of consumpti on, average morantel tartrate ingestion was 128 and 335 mg daily from MT and CM-M~ respectiv ely.

Exp. 2.
Steers grazing EI pasture s were removed on June 24. At that time, steers grazing SL pasture s were 15 lb heavier (P<.05) than EI steers ( Table 2). The SL steers gained 33 lb during the grazing period between June 24 and Septemb er 1, such that those steers were 49 lb heavier (P<.05) on Septemb er 1 than EI steers had been on June 24.
Steers grazing EI pasture s produce d 95 lb more (P<.05) beef per acre by June 24 than steers on SL pasture s (Table 3). Even though SL pasture s were grazed 70 days longer, gain/ac re on Septemb er 1 was still 62 lb greater (P<.05) from EI pasture s.
Mineral consum ption was similar (P>.10) between both main effects of dewormi ng treatme nt and stockin g rate.
Parasit e treatme nt had no effect (P>.10) on animal perform ance, whether express ed on a per animal or per acre basis. This was possibl y due to the relativ ely low nematod e infesta tions observe d through out this study (Table 4). Statist ical differe nces in nematod e egg counts were detecte d (P<.10) between MT and c on May 20 and June 24, but the infesta tion in the c steers was still quite low. Morante l tartrat e consum ption ranged from 296 mg/head /day for week 1 to 494 mg/head /day for week 7 and was not affecte d by stockin g rate.

Exp. 3.
No signifi cant differe nces were detecte d for animal perform ance parame ters (Table 5). Deworm ing cattle with levamis ole numeri cally (P>.10) improve d animal gain by 14.9%, whereas dewormi ng with the MSRT numeri cally (P>.10) improve d animal gain by 11.2%. Fecal interna l parasit e egg counts were similar (P>.10) across all treatme nts on May 11 and August 3. on Septemb er 29, egg counts from cattle receivi ng levamis ole were lower (P<.10) than those from of cattle receivi ng no parasit e treatme nt. Egg counts from cattle receivi ng MSRT were similar (P>.10) to those from both levamis ole and control groups.
These data indicat e that parasit e infesta tion in cattle during dry years such as 1988 may not be suffici ent to adverse ly affect perform ance. Howeve r, the data give no indicat ions of the expecte d respons e of cattle to dewormi ng program s during years of adequat e or above average rainfal l.    Yields of the cultivar '630 1 were higher than those of any other cultivar in 1988, giving it the highest 3-year total productio n.
'Endure' and KS196 continued to perform well, whereas relative productio n of other varieties was less consisten t.

Introduct ion
The importanc e of alfalfa as a feed crop and/or cash crop has increased in recent years.
The worth of a particula r variety is determine d by many factors, including its pest resistanc e, adaptabil ity, longevity under specific condition s, and productiv ity. The third growing season of this test has just concluded .

Experimen tal Procedure
The 15-line test was seeded (12 lb/acre) in April, 1986 at the Mound Valley Unit. Plots were sprayed with Lorsban (1.5 pt/acre) on April 19, 1988 to control a moderate but increasing weevil populatio n.

Results
Forage yields for each of the five cuttings and total 1988 productio n are shown in Table 1. Yields were excellent in 1988, ranging from 7.22 to 8.92 tons/acre (12% moisture) , despite periods of extreme drought.
Good, uniform stands were maintaine d in 1988, with only minor infestatio ns of crabgrass in the third and fourth cuttings. One cultivar, 1 630', produced more forage than any other in 1988, and 'Arrow' yielded significa ntly (P<.05) more than the two lowest-yi elding cultivars , K82-21 and 'Riley'. 'Southern Special' and 'Endure' also outproduc ed K82-21 in 1988. Total 3-year forage product ion (Table 2) of the top-yie lding cultiva r, 630, was signifi cantly greater than product ion of 10 other cultiva rs in the test. Five high-yi elding cultiva rs produce d signifi cantly more forage than the two that yielded least, K82-21 and Riley. Endure has perform ed well in all 3 years of the test; WL-320 and KS196 perform ed well in the first 2 years, but were average in product ion this year: K82-21 and 655 perform ed well only the first year of the test.

Summary
Forage production in 1988 was affected by dry June conditions , so treatment effects on yield were minor.
No effects on forage crude protein content were found.
The good late-summe r grass and lespedeza regrowth may increase the likelihood of detecting legume effects in 1989.

Introductio n
Hay production from native meadow has been increased by small amounts of nitrogen (N). However, returns from fertilizati on do not always cover the cost, and fertilizati on can encourage undesirable species. Since native hay is usually low in nutrients such as protein and minerals, legumes in the stand could add N for grass growth and improve overall forage quality. This study was established to determine whether lime and/or P-K fertilizati on would promote legume establishm ent, production , and native forage yield and quality.

Experiment al Procedure
Lime was applied to designated plots on March 19, 1980 at 2400 lb ECC/acre. Fertilizer sufficient to provide 40 lb/acre each of P 2 o 5 and K?O was applied in April, 1980. Legumes were broadcast-s eeded in 1981, but dry spring weather prevented stand establishm ent. In 1987 and 1988, the plot area was burned on April 9 and 7, respectivel y. Seeding was performed with a notill plot seeder using a rate of 20 lb/acre on April 21 and 20 in 1987 and 1988, respectivel y.
Common Korean lespedeza seed was obtained locally, and Ark s-100 seed was obtained from Dr. Beuselinck at the University of Missouri.
Plots were harvested with a flail mower (3'x 20 1 strip) on June 29, 1988. Subsamples of the chopped forage were collected for moisture and crude protein determinati ons.

Results
Fertilizati on with P and K in 1980 had mixed effects on native grass forage production in 1988 (Table 1).
Plots seeded with Ark s-100 that received no P-K fertilizer yielded significantly less than Ark S-100 plots that had received P and K. Plots seeded with Korean lespedeza appeared to follow the same trend, but unseeded plots did not. Liming increased yields only where P-K fertilizer was applied. No differences in forage crude protein content were detected among treatments.
The low amount of lespedeza produced early in 1988 was not sufficient to affect forage quality and also indicates that little N was fixed.
Late-summer and early-fall regrowth of grass and legumes was not harvested, so the carryover effect may be greater in 1989 than in previous years. Thus, legumes will be seeded for another year to check for N-fixation effects. In the second harves t year of the test, 'Phyte r' and 'MO 96' were the only cultiv ars that produc ed more first-c ut forage than averag e at an earlie r-than -avera ge matur ity.
'Kenhy ' was higher in second -cut yield than all but Phyter and Ky 31. Total 1988 produc tion was highes t in Phyter , Kenhy, and Ky 31, and lowest in 'Stef' .

Introd uction
Tall fescue is the most widely grown forage grass in southe astern Kansas . New and old cultiv ars were compar ed for agrono mic adapta tion and forage qualit y, since effect s of variet y chosen for a new seedin g will be felt for as long as the stand exists .

Experi mental Proced ure
Plots were seeded on Septem ber 4, 1986 at 20 lb/acr e at the Mound Valley Unit, ostens ibly with seed free of Acremo nium coenip hialum endoph yte. Plots were 30 x 7.5 ft each, in four random ized compl ete blocks . Applic ation of 120 lb N/acre was made on Januar y 19, 1988, follow ing fertil izatio n with N-P-K in the previo us fall.
Plots were cut on May 9 and Novem ber 3, 1988. A subsam ple from each plot was collec ted for moistu re determ inatio n.

Result s
In the first cuttin g, 'Fawn' yielde d signif icantl y more than 'Stef' , 'Johns tone', and 'Kenhy ' (Table 1). Three cultiv ars that ranked highes t in matur ity (degre e of headin g) were three of the top four in firstcut yields . The except ion was 'Phyte r', which ranked third in yield, but was signif icantl y less mature than 'Trium ph', 'Forag er', and Fawn. Kenhy and stef appear ed relati vely late-m aturin g, and had lowest firstcut yields .
By the second cuttin g, Kenhy was the highe st-yie lding, produc ing signif icantl y more than threefourth s of the other cultiv ars.
For the year, Phyter and Kenhy produc ed signif icantl y more forage 30 than Stef and Johnstone.
Two years' production was significantly higher from Kenhy than from stef, Johnstone, and 'Mozark'. Six cultivars yielded more than Johnstone, and it was the only cultivar that failed to exceed Stef in 2-year production. Forage producti vity and quality, seed productio n, and other adaptive traits were measured on four big bluestem cultivar s. Forage productio n was similar among the entries, averaging about 1.9 tons/acr e from two cuttings in 1988. Forage quality in terms of 1987 crude protein and neutral-d etergent fiber (NDF) was also similar among cultivar s.
'Pawnee' produced significa ntly less seed in 1988 than the other three cultivar s.

Introduc tion
Warm-sea son, perennia l grasses are needed to fill a productio n void left by cool-seas on grasses in certain forage systems. Reseedin g improved varietie s of certain native species, such as big bluestem , also could help fill the summer productio n "gap." This test compared old and new cultivar s for several agronomi c and adaptive traits.

Experime ntal Procedur e
Big bluestem was seeded with a cone planter in 12-inch rows on June 20, 1985 at 12 lb PLS/acre in four randomiz ed blocks. Stand counts, plant heights, and other seedling measurem ents were taken after the first growth season, the center rows were cut twice in 1986 and on June 29, 1987 for forage productio n, and culms from the outside rows were counted and threshed for estimatio n of seed productio n.
In 1988, forage was harvested from the plots on June 28 and August 22, and seed was harveste d on Septembe r 30.

Results
Forage yields, crude protein content, and neutral-d etergent fiber (NDF) from the big bluestem cultivar test are shown in Table 1.
'Kaw' ranked highest in first-cu t and total 1988 yield, but no differen ces were significa nt (P>.05).
crude protein and NDF contents did not vary in the cutting obtained in 1987. Seed productio n in 1988 was lower for 'Pawnee' than for the other big bluestem cultivar s (Table 1). Stands after 4 years were s lar for the cultivar s, averaging 70% (data not shown). Both fescue and bromegrass responded with increased forage yield to N fertilizati on at rates up to 150 lb/a. Split N application of 2/3 in fall and 1/3 in spring resulted in the highest 1988 yield for both species, even though timing did not affect yields in 1987. Knife application s tended to result in higher yields than broadcast application s, with dribble application s resulting in intermedia te yield values.

Introductio n
Several million acres of seeded cool-season grasses exist in eastern Kansas, mostly tall fescue and smooth bromegrass pastures. Much of the cool-season grass in southeaste rn Kansas has been in long-term production and continually fertilized by top-dressin g. This study was initiated in 1986 to determine how yield of tall fescue and smooth bromegrass is affected by 1) timing of N application , 2) method of fluid N application as either broadcast, dribble, or knife at 4 11 , and 3) N rates of 75 and 150 lb/a.

Experiment al Procedure
Nitrogen fertilizati on timing schemes were 1) 100% of the N applied in the fall, 2) 100% of the N applied in the spring or split N application s consisting o~ 3) 67% of the N in fall and 33% of the N in spring, and 4) 33% of the N applied in fall and 67% of the N in spring. Target application dates were late Oct. or early Nov. for the fall UAN (urea-ammon ium nitrate solution -28% N) fertilizati on, whereas spring N application s were in mid-March. Dribble and knife spacings were 15 inches. Uniform broadcast application s of 39 lb P 2 0 5 /a and 77 lb K 2 0/a were made each fall immediately preceeding N application . A 3 ft x 20 ft area was harvested in mid-May.

Results
Tall fescue or bromegrass yields were not affected by timing of N application in 1987 (Table 1). However, in 1988, fescue and 34 bromegrass yields were affected by timing, with highest yields obtained with two-thirds of the N applied in the fall and onethird in the spring. Knife applications resulted in 0.28 to 0.71 ton/a higher yields than broadcast for fescue and bromegrass in both years. Knife applications also resulted in higher yield than dribble application for fescue, whereas dribble and knife applications for bromegrass were not significantly different in 1987. Increasing the N rate from 75 to 150 lb/a increased fescue and bromegrass yields by approximately 0.5 ton/a in 1987 and 1988. However, in both years, a 0.73 to 1.25 ton/a yield increase over the check was obtained when 75 lb N/a was applied. A three-way interaction of timing, method, and N rate for fescue yield in 1988 suggested, especially at the 150 lb N/a rate, that yield was increased by knife as compared to surface applications in systems including fall applications, whereas knifing in the spring did not increase yields above those with surface applications.  1988, however , some quality paramet ers were improved . Final fescue forage was approxim ately 1 ton/a more with knifing as compared to surface applica tions, although quality tended to decreas e.

Introdu ction
Since sulfur is a necessa ry element for both plant and animal growth, sulfur fertiliz ation not only may benefit forage growth but may improve animal perform ance. Tall fescue is one of the major forages in southea stern Kansas, as well as in other parts of the country. Thus, this research was initiate d to evaluate the effect of fluid S rate, method of applica tion, and source on yield and quality of tall fescue.

Experim ental Procedu re
The experim ent was establis hed in spring 1988 at an offstation site (Terry Green farm).
Factors included O lb S/a compared with 15 and 30 lb S/a as ammonium sulfate and ammonium thiosul fate. Methods of applica tion were broadca st, dribble , and knife. Spacing for dribble and knife applica tions was 15 inches. Nitrogen was balanced to 150 lb N/a with UAN. Uniform broadca st applica tions of 77 lb P 2 0 5 /a and 84 lb K 2 0/a were made to all plots.
Approxi mately 3 weeks after fertiliz ation, forage samples , termed interme diate harvest s, were clipped from an 18" by 84 11 subplot (1 m 2 ) within each plot. Final forage product ion was harveste d near full bloom from a 3' by 20' area.

Results
Intermediate harvest yields were not affected by rate of sulfur, when applied as ammonium sulfate (Table 1). However, the application of 30 lb S/a as ammonium thiosulfate resulted in a 15% increase in early forage yield as compared to 15 lb S/a or no sulfur. Sulfur rate did not affect N concentration or NDF values in the intermediate harvest. However, the addition of s did increase S concentration in the plant.
Intermediate yields, N concentrations, and s concentrations tended to be lower with knife applications than with dribble or broadcast (Table 1). However, knife applications tended to increase NDF values when the s source was ammonium sulfate. Increased NDF values may be related to decreased digestibilty for animals.
Rate of sulfur application, regardless of source, did not significantly affect final yield (Table 2).
Increasings rate resulted in increased s concentrations in the final harvest. However, with ammonium thiosulfate, NDF values were significantly decreased with increasing S rate.
Knife applications resulted in approximately 1 ton/a higher yield than either broadcast or dribble regardless of S source (Table 2). However, S concentrations were lower and NDF values were higher with knife applications. Thus, even though yield was increased with knife applications, selected quality parameters declined.    Previo us legume crops increas ed grain sorghum yields at two sites in the first year after the legume (1987) but not in the second year (1988). Simila rly, tillage affecte d yields in 1987 but not in 1988. In the first year after the legume s, N applic ation rate did not affect yields ; howeve r, yields tended to increa se with N rate in 1988.

Introdu ction
This study was initiat ed to evalua te the use of springseeded (red clover ) and fall-se eded (hairy vetch) legume s in reduced and no-till age system s on subseq uent grain sorghum produc tion. Nitrog en rates from o to 120 lb/a were applied in each system to estima te the N contrib ution from the legume s.

Experi mental Proced ure
The experim ent was a splitsplit plot arrange ment of a random ized comple te block design with three replic ations . The whole plots were previo us crop: red clover , hairy vetch, or grain sorghum . The first split was tillage system : reduce d tillage or no tillage . The second split was N rates of o, 30, 60, 90, and 120 lb/a. The experim ent was conduc ted on two adjace nt sites at the Parson s Field of the Southe ast Kansas Branch Experim ent Statio n. Site 1 had 24 lb availab le P per acre and 160 lb availa ble K per acre, wherea s Site 2 had 8 lb availa ble P per acre and 120 lb availa ble K per acre in the surfac e soil zone. Site 1 was plowed from native grass in spring 1979, wherea s Site 2 was plowed from native grass in fall 1983. To establ ish the previo us crop for subseq uent grain sorghum produc tion, red clover was plante d on March 21, 1986, grain sorghum was planted on June 17, 1986, and hairy vetch was planted on Septem ber 10, 1986. No-til l plots in the red clover and hairy vetch areas were spraye d with 1 qt/a of glypho sate and 3 pt/a of 2,4-D ester in May, 1987. No-til l plots in the previo us grain sorghum area were spraye d with 1 qt/a of glypho sate in May. Reduce d tillage plots in all previo us crop areas were offset disced with one pass in May. Nitroge n as UAN solutio n (28% N) was dribbl e applied in 40 June prior to planting at the rates listed above.
Pioneer 8585 grain sorghum seed was planted in all areas at 62,000 seed/a. Plots were established in 1988 as in 1987.

Results
At site 1, yields of grain sorghum following either red clover or hairy vetch were higher in 1987 than those of grain sorghum following grain sorghum (Table 1). At site 2, the lower soil P and K fertility site, grain sorghum yields following hairy vetch were 11 bu/a higher than those following red clover; however, this difference was not significant.
Both previous legume crop systems resulted in higher yield in 1987 than continuous grain sorghum. However, in 1988, grain sorghum yield was not significantl y affected by previous legume crop. At Site 1, though not statisticall y significant, yields were more than 13 bu/a less with continuous grain sorghum than where legumes were grown in 1986-87. At both sites in 1987, reduced tillage resulted in more than 15 bu/a higher yields than no tillage; however, tillage did not affect grain sorghum yield in 1988. For the first grain sorghum crop to follow the legume systems (1987), nitrogen rate did not significantly affect yields at either site. In contrast, for the second grain sorghum crop to follow the legumes (1988), nitrogen rate tended to increase yields, with no interaction between previous crop and N application rate. Moisture stress in both years likely influenced yield potential in all systems.

Summary
Total alfalfa yield was increased by fluid P additions up to 12 o lb. P 2 0 5 / a; however, K additions only produced approximately -o.5 ton/a more forage at the first cutting. · Preplant dribble and knife applications resulted in approximately 0.7 ton/a more total forage than broadcast.

Introduction
Alfalfa production in Kansas totals approximately 1 million acres.
Efficient fertilizer use can result in large economic returns for alfalfa producers. Limited work has been done in Kansas concerning fertilizer options for alfalfa. Therefore, a study was initiated to determine how alfalfa yields are affected by P and K rates and method of fluid fertilizer application.

Experimental Procedure
An on-station site was planted in fall 1987. Background soil P and K levels in the surface 6" were 11 and 120 lb/a, respectively. The treatments were randomized in a complete block with four replications. Two separate analyses (experiments) were made. The first analysis compared liquid fertilizer P rates of o, 40, 80, and 120 lb P?0 5 /a and K rates of o, 80, and 160 lb K 2 0/a when dribble applied. The second analysis compared broadcast, dribble, and knife (4-inch depth) application methods at P rates of 40 and 80 lb P 2 0 5 /a and K rates of o and 80 lb Fertilizer applications were made preplant in fall 1987. Three cuttings were taken from a 3 x 20' area of each plot in 1988. A fourth, dormant cut was taken in late fall after fall fertilization in 1988, but is not included in these results.

1
Research is partially supported by grant funding from the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation.

Experime nt 1
At the first cutting, signific ant yield increase s were obtained with P and K rates up to 80 lb P 2 0 5 /a and 80 lb K 2 0/a (Table 1). First cutting yields doubled with 80 lb P 2 0 5 /a as compared to no-P treatmen ts. Though differen ces in mean yields were small, second and third cutting yields tended to increase with increasin g P level, with the 120 lb P 2 0 5 /a rate resulting in the highest yield. Total yield of the three cuttings increased with increasin g P rate.
In contrast , except for the first cutting, K rate had no significa nt effect on alfalfa yield. The number of crowns/m 2 in this new stand was affected by the preplant fertiliza tion.
In April, stand count was increased by increasin g P rate, with the most notable differenc e occurrin g with the first 40 lb P0 5 /a that was applied. However, by November (after the fail fertiliza tion), P or K rate did not affect plant stand.

Experime nt 2
First and second cutting yields, as well as the total were affected by fluid fertilize r placemen t (Table 2). Dribble and knife applicat ions resulted in more than 0.5 ton/a higher first cut yield than broadcas t. Yields from the second and third cuttings were small; thus, final yields were approxim ately 0.7 ton/a higher with dribble and knifing as compared to broadcas t. However, no differen ce was obtained between dribble and knife applicat ions.
First cut and total yields were increased by 80 as compared to 40 lb P 2 0 5 /a and 80 lb K 2 0/a as compared to no K. Even though plant stand in April was not affected by the main effect of fertiliza tion method, an increase in the April plant stand of 50 crowns/m 2 when 80 lb K 2 0/a was knifed as compared to no K resulted in a method by K rate interacti on (data not shown). However, after the fertiliza tion in fall 1988, plant stand was significa ntly less with knife applicat ions as compared to the surface applicat ion methods.    The previous residue management for doublecrop soybeans affected subsequent wheat yield in 1988. Where soybeans were grown no;till, wheat yield and grain protein were reduced compared to where the previous residue was burned then disced. Doublecrop soybean yields were low in 1988; however, no tillage resulted in the highest yields.
Introduction Doublecropping soybeans after .wheat or other small grains, such as oats, is practiced by many producers in southeastern Kansas. Several options exist for dealing with straw residue from the previous small grain crop. The method of managing the residue may affect not only the doublecrop soybeans but also the following small grain crop. Wheat (or oat) residue that is not removed by burning or is not incorportated before planting soybeans may result in immobilization of N applied for the following small grain crop (usually wheat) . Therefore, an additional objective of this study was to observe whether an increase in N rate, especially where doublecrop soybeans were grown with no tillage, could increase small grain yields.

Experimental Procedure
Three wheat residue management systems for doublecrop soybeans with three replications were established in spring 1983: no tillage, disc only, and burn then disc. After the 1983 soybean harvest, the entire area was disced, field cultivated, and planted to wheat.
In spring, urea was broadcast as a topdressing to all plots so that the total N rate was approximately 80 lb N/a. Wheat yield was determined in areas where the three residue management systems were imposed previously. In spring 1985, residue management plots were split, and two topdress N rates were applied for wheat. These two rates were added to give total yearly N applications of approximately 80 and 130 lb N/a. These residue management and total N rate treatments were continued through 1988.

Results
Wheat grown where soybeans were no-till doublecropped in 1987 yielded over 7 bu/a less than wheat in areas where 1987 wheat straw was burned, then disced before planting the doublecrop soybeans (Table 1) . Increasing the N rate lowered wheat yield by 5 bu/a. No interaction between wheat residue management system and N rate was measured.
Wheat grain protein was reduced (p<0.10) in previous notillage areas as compared to areas that were burned, then disced for doublecrop soybeans (Table 1). In contrast to yield, grain protein was increased by the higher N rate.
Soybean yields were low in 1988 because of sparse rainfall (Table 1). No tillage resulted in the highest yields, whereas soybean yields in the burn system were less than 2 bu/a. Even though not measured, these yield differences were likely related to soil moisture, as evidenced by visual stress in the burn treatments. Residual N from applications to the wheat did not affect soybean yields. In 1988, the sixth cropping year of a grain sorghumsoybean rotation , tillage systems or residua l N fertiliz ation did not affect soybean yields.

Introdu ction
Many kinds of rotation al systems are employed in southea stern Kansas. This experim ent was designed to determin e the effect of selected tillage and nitrogen fertiliz ation options on the yields of grain sorghum and soybean s in rotation .

Experim ental Procedu re
A split-p lot design with four replicat ions was initiate d in 1983, with tillage systems as whole plots and N treatme nts as subplot s. The three tillage systems were convent ional, reduced , and no tillage . The convent ional system consiste d of chiselin g, discing, and field cultivat ion. The reduced tillage system consiste d of discing and field cultiva tion. Glyphos ate was applied each year at 1.5 qt/a to the no-till areas. The four nitrogen treatme nts for the 1983, 1985, and 1987 grain sorghum were a) zero N applied , b) anhydro us ammonia knifed to a depth of 6 inches, c) broadca st urea-amm onium nitrate (UAN -28% N) solution , and d) broadca st solid urea. N rates were 125 lb/a. Harvest s were collecte d from each subplot for both grain sorghum and soybean crops, even though N fertiliz ation was applied only to grain sorghum .

Results
No signific ant differen ces related to tillage or residua l N fertiliz ation were found for soybean yield in 1988 (data not shown summ ary In the firs t two year s of this stud y, the soil com pact ion regim es used did not affe ct yiel ds of eith er soyb ean or grai n sorgh um.
Intr odu ctio n Clay pan soil s are typi cal in sout heas tern Kans as. Thou gh some vari atio n occu rs, thes e soil s have appr oxim ately 1 ft of silt loam over lyin g 3 ft or more of silt y clay . The refo re, mec hani cal oper atio ns that affe ct the top 12" of soil may sign ific antl y impa ct plan t grow th and crop prod ucti on. Soil com pact ion is one poss ible cons eque nce of tilla ge and harv estin g oper atio ns. Thus , the obje ctiv e of this expe rime nt was to dete r-mine the long -term effe ct of sele cted com pact ion syste ms on soyb ean and grai n sorgh um grow th and yiel d and on soil prop er-ties .
Expe rime ntal Proc edur e The expe rime nt was esta blis hed at the Colu mbus Fiel d of the Sou thea st Kans as Bran ch Expe rime nt Stat ion in 1987 . Five comp ac-tion syste ms com prise d the whol e plot s of a spli t-pl ot expe rime n-tal desi gn. The com pact ion regim es incl ude 1) enti re area com-pact ed, 2) whee l trac k com pact ion, 3) whee l trac k com pact ion that has rece ived a subs eque nt chis el oper atio n, 4) wet disc oper a-tion , and 5) no inte ntio nal com pact ion. Subp lots were two soy-bean vari etie s, Will iams 82 and Bay, and one grai n sorgh um variety, Pion eer 8585 . Plot s were com pact ed in the spri ng each year by use of a four -whe el driv e trac tor with a tota l weig ht of 1~64 0 lb in 1987 and 20,1 40 lb in 1988 . Doub le pass es in the same trac k were made by the trac tor. In add ition , sinc e the tire widt h was 20 11 , side -byside , doub le-p asse d trac ks were used to make a 40" compacted area. These tracks were made perpendicular to the subsequent row planting. The chisel operation for designated wheel track treatments was done perpendicular to the wheel tracks in April at a depth of 8 11 and on a spacing of 12 11 • Wet disc operations were done in May. All plots, including those receiving no intentional compaction, were disced and field cultivated in June prior to planting. Soybeans and grain sorghum were planted in mid-June at approximately 140,000 and 66,000 seeds/a, respectively. Soybeans were fertilized with 153 lb/a of 6-24-24 applied as a side band with the planter. Grain sorghum was fertilized with a blend of 67 lb N/a as urea (46-0-0) and 145 lb/a of 6-24-24 applied as a side band with the planter.
Plots were harvested for yield. Yield components were determined from a sample taken from a 30 x 52" area within the plot. In addition, plant height at maturity, leaf area index, and dry weight were measured. Oxygen diffusion rates at 4 11 and gravimetric m<;>is~~!~. content_were measured in the soil.

Results
Even though visual symptoms were apparent by 1988, the compaction systems did not result in statistical differences in yield of soybeans or grain sorghum in 1987 or 1988 or in differences in most of the measured plant and soil parameters in 1987 (data not shown). This study will be continued to determine long-term effects of annual compaction schemes.

EFFECT OF TILLAG E SYSTEM S ON SOYBEA N YIELD 1
Danie l w. Sween ey, James B. Sisson 2 , and Mary Beth Kirkha m 2 Summa ry Soybe an yield was not signif icantl y affec ted by tillag e system when grown contin uous. Soybe an yields were affect ed by a tillag e and cultiv ar intera ction when grown in rotati on with grain sorghu m. At both sites, no· tillag e tended to resul t in lowes t yields .

Introd uction
South easter n Kansa s accou nts for appro ximat ely one-th ird of soybea n produ ction in the state. Thus, much of Kansa s soybea n produ ction occur s on claypa n soils typica l of the area. Though some varia tion occur s, claypa n soils of south easter n Kansa s have appro ximat ely 1 ft of silt loam overly ing 3 ft or more of silty clay. There fore, mecha nical opera tions such as tillag e that affec t the top 12" of soil may signif icantl y impac t plant growth and crop produ ction. The objec tive of this study was to determ ine the effec t of six select ed tillag e system s on soybea n yield in contin uous monoc rop and in rotati on with grain sorghu m.
Exper imenta l Proced ure The experi ment was estab lished at the Mound Valley Field in 1988. Three areas were subdiv ided from a 9-acre field. The first area is for contin uous soybe ans, and the second and third areas will be in rotati on with grain sorghu m, so that soybea n inform ation will be collec ted one year from the second area and in the next year from the third area. The six planne d till system s includ ed spring plowin g, late winte r chise ling, spring chise ling, ridge -tilla ge, reduce d tillag e, and no tillag e. Three cultiv ars (Willi ams 82 -Group III; Spark s -Group IV; Bay -Group V) were plante d in each tillag e system .

Results
Tillage system did not affect yields of continuous soybeans (Table 1); however, yields tended to be lower with notillage than with the other systems, whether grown continuously or in rotation with grain sorghum. However, when soybeans were grown in rotation, yields were influenced by an interaction between tillage system and cultivar. Yields were higher for Bay than Sparks, with Williams 82 having intermediate values at both sites. This study will be continued to determine long-term effects of tillage on soybean production.  In 1987, limited irrigati on did not signific antly increase the yield of soybeans planted in early or late June. An interact ion (p<0.10) suggeste d that during 1987 1 irrigati on may have been more importa nt for late-pla nted soybean s than for those planted in early June. In 1988, soybean yield was increase d by as much as 25% by the addition of limited irrigati on.

Introdu ction
Irrigati on of soybean s is not extensiv e in southea stern Kansas. This is due partly to the lack of large irrigati on sources . Limited irrigati on, supplied by the substan tial number of ponds in the area, could be used to help increase soybean yields. The objectiv es of this experim ent were to determin e the optimum reprodu ctive growth stage for irrigati on with a limited water supply and to determin e if planting date affects soybean respons es to irrigati on.

Experim ental Procedu re
An experim ent was establis hed in 1987 to determin e the effect of four irrigati on schemes on yield of three soybean cultiva rs planted at two dates. The four irrigati on schemes were no irrigati on, 1 11 applied at the Rl growth stage (first bloom), l" applied at the R4 growth stage (pod 0.75" long at one of four uppermo st nodes), and 1 11 applied at R6 growth stage (full-si zed green beans at one of the four uppermo st nodes). The two planting dates were early and late June. The three soybean cultiva rs were Crawford , Douglas , and Sparks. All cultiva rs were seeded at approxim ately 146,000 seed/a. All areas were fertiliz ed with 112 lb/a of 6-24-24 prior to planting .

Results
In 1987, soybean yie+d was not signific antly affected by irrigati on scheme, planting date, or cultiva r selectio n (Table 1) and averaged 38.7 bu/a. An interact ion between planting date and variety in 1987 showed that Sparks was little affected by 54 planting date, whereas both Crawford and Douglas yielded approximately 2 to 3 bu/a less when planted in late June rather than in early June. In 1988, the planting date by variety interaction was due to the larger reduction in yield for Douglas planted at the later date than for the other two varieties. An interaction (p<0.10) between irrigation scheme and planting date in 1987 suggested that yields of the three cultivars were not affected by irrigation schemes when planted at the early date. However, when the three cultivars were planted in late June, they appeared to respond to the irrigation systems. Yields were increased by 3 to 6 bu/a when the soybeans received l" of irrigation at the Rl and R6 reproductive growth stages, as compared to either no irrigation or irrigation at the R4 stage (data not shown). Even though rainfall occurred sporadically in 1987, the yields suggest that moisture stress periods were minimal. In contrast, yields were lower in 1988 and were likely influenced by dry conditions. Thus, soybean yields were 2.5 to 4.1 bu/a higher with than without irrigation in 1988. In addition, early June planting and Sparks soybeans resulted in higher yield than late planting and Crawford and Douglas varieties. Winter wheat and barley were plante d in early Octobe r, 1987, and spring oats and spring wheat were plante d in early March, 1988. Winter wheat was harves ted in June with an averag e yield of 71 bu per acre. Winter barley had an averag e yield of 89 bu per acre. The spring small grains were harves ted in late June. Spring oat variet ies, Ogle and Bates, had the highes t yields . Yields of spring wheat were much lower than those of winter wheat. The spring wheats do not appear very promis ing becaus e of the warm humid condit ions in early spring in southe astern Kansas , which increa se the poten tial for diseas es.

Introd uction
The small grain variet y tests are conduc ted to help southe astern Kansas grower s select variet ies best adapte d for the area. Compl ete result s for these tests are availa ble in Kansas Agric. Expt. Stn. Report of Progre ss 551 and Report of Progre ss 565. The small grains tested in 1988 includ ed winter wheat, winter barley , spring oats, and spring wheat.

Experi mental Proced ure
Thirty -six winter wheat and five winter barley cultiv ars were plante d on Octobe r 1, 1987, and eight spring oats and six spring wheat cultiv ars were plante d on Februa ry 29, 1989. Seedin g rates were 1,080, 000 seeds per acre for wheat, 70 lb. per acre for barley , and 90 lb. per acre for the spring oats. All grains were fertil ized with 75 lb. N per acre.

Winter Wheat Resul ts
Averag e yield for all variet ies tested was 71 bu/a, with Pionee r 2551, DeLang e 7846, Terra SR 87, Bounty WH1800 01 1 2172, Chisho lm, TAM 107, and AgriPr o Thund erbird being the top yielde rs. The fall was very favora ble for planti ng and establishing stands. The winter was cold, but the wheat was well established, so there was little, if any, winter kill. The spring was drier than normal, but rainfall was adequate to produce excellent yields. Yields of the some varieties may be found in Table 1.

Winter Barley Results
Barley yields ranged from 80 to 99 bu/a (Table 2). Lodging was a major problem for most varieties. Post produced the highest yield for 1988 and for the 2-and 3-year averages.

Spring Oats Results
Yields and yield components of spring oats are shown in Table 3. Average yield of the test was 35 bu per acre, and test weights averaged 28 lb per bushel. Yields ranged from 15 to 57 bu per acre, with Ogle being the highest yielding variety. Yields were lower than normal because of a cool spring and low rainfall for May and June.

Spring Wheat Results
Yields and yield components for spring wheat may be found in Table 4. The spring wheat test averaged 11 bu per acre, and the highest yielding cultivar was Yecora Rojo (16 bu per acre). Test weight ranged from 50 to 58 lb per bushel. The dry spring reduced yields for these wheats. -----------Bu/a-----------     summ ary A corn perfo rman ce test was plan ted in Mont gome ry Coun ty unde r irrig ated and dryl and cond ition s to dete rmin e the top corn hybr ids in sout heas tern Kans as. Seve ral hybr ids have pote ntia l for this area with and with out irrig atio n. Yiel ds of the irrig atio n test were not as high as in prev ious year s.

Intro duct ion
Corn hybr ids are grow n in sout heas tern Kans as in both dryl and and irrig ated cond ition s. Dete rmin ing whic h hybr ids will perfo rm best in this area is of prim e impo rtanc e to farm ers with and with out irrig atio n faci litie s.

Expe rime ntal Proc edur e
In 1988 , 55 and 36 corn hybr ids were plan ted in offstat ion test s unde r irrig atio n and dryl and cond ition s, resp ectiv ely. All corn was plan ted on Apri l 24 in 30-i nch rows in Mont gome ry Coun ty. The irrig ated corn was wate red on June 9, 10, 23, 24 and July 14, 15, and 28 with 1 inch of wate r on each day. The irrig ated test was thinn ed to a popu latio n of 24,6 00 plan ts per acre , and the dryla nd test was thinn ed to 16,1 00 plan ts per acre on May 26. Corn from the irrig ated test was harv ested on Sept embe r 1. Beca use of inse ct and bird prob lems , yiel ds were not repo rted for the dryl and test .

Resu lts
May and June were drie r than typi call y expe cted , thus , yiel ds were lowe r than thos e of prev ious year s. The irrig ated test aver aged 138 bu per acre , with a rang e of 110 to 175 bu per acre .

Summ ary
Soyb ean varie t from matu rity group s III, IV, and V werP plant ed in mid-J une at the Colum bus Field of the Sout heast Kans as Branc h Stati on. Weat her cond ition s were not very favor able for good soybe an grow th durin g the early part of the grow ing seaso n, but were bette r durin g July. Matu rity group V soybe an varie ties conti nue to have the most cons isten t high yield s for south easte rn Kane. as.

Intro ducti on
Soyb eans are an impo rtant crop for south easte rn Kans as, which has appro xima tely onethird of the state 's acrea ge. Testi ng and deve lopin g varie ties that are adap ted to the area is of prime impo rtanc e to local farm ers.
culti vars from matu rity group s ITT, IV, and V were n 1988 at the Colum bus Field . Soyb eans wer0 plant ed on June 20 in 30-in ch rows with a John Deere Maxemerg e plan ter equip ped with cone s.

Resu lts
Rain fall was below norm al for June with ads of heat stres s, wher eas July had above norm al rain fall. Al , rainf all tendP d to incre ase late in the grow ing seaso n, which bene fited the late group IV and V entri es. Yield s for matu ri group V soybe ans avera ged 28 bu per acre, wher eas yield s for the group III and IV soybe an were sligh tly lowe r. Some of the more comm only grown varie ties are liste d in Table 1. Comp lete resu lt are comp iled in Kans as Agric . Expt. Stn. Repo rt of Prog ress 564.
Depa rtmen t of Agron omy, KSU. Soybe an varie ties from matur ity group s V and VI from priva te and public sourc es were plante d in early June. Sever al matur ity group V soybe ans, which are not curre ntly marke ted in the area, have poten tial for south easter n Kansa s. Matur ity group VI soybea ns yields were sligh tly less than those of group V soybe ans.

Introd uction
Many matur ity group V soybea n varie ties are not curre ntly grown in south easter n Kansa s. Some priva te compa nies have not promo ted these soybe ans in the area. The possi bility also exists that matur ity group VI soybea n varie ties might be grown .
Exper imenta l Proced ure Soybe ans varie ties from matur ity group V and VI were obtain ed from public and priva te breed ers. These were plante d at the Colum bus field on June 6 in 30-inc h rows with eight viable seeds per foot in a linea r row (139,0 00 seeds per acre). Lexon e DF at the rate of 0.33 lb/a and Dual at the rate of 1.5 pt/a were applie d after planti ng.

Resul ts
Soybe an yields ranged from 20 to 38 bu per acre, with Hartz 5164, a group V soybe an, having the highe st yield (Table 1). The highe st yielde r in group VI was Asgrow A6295 , with 34 bu per acre. Lodgin g was a proble m for sever al varie ties (Table 1). Plant heigh t ranged from 27 to 47 inches (Table 1). The taller varie ties tended to lodge more than the short er varie ties.

1
This resear ch is suppo rted by a grant from the Kansa s Soybe an Comm ission. Summ ary Sinc e doub lecro ppin g soyb eans afte r whea t is a comm on prac tice in sout heas tern Kans as, a stud y was cond ucted to exam ine the resp onse of soyb ean cult ivar s to sele cted doub lecro p tilla ge syste ms.
In late June , 1988 , afte r harv estin g 'TAM 107' whea t, 12 soyb ean cult ivar s repr esen ting thre e matu rity grou ps were plan ted in thre e tilla ge syste ms. Soyb ean yiel ds rang ed from 1 to 11 bush els per acre , with Staf ford and Nort hrup King 844-77 in the no-t illag e syste m bein g the top yiel ders . A cult ivar by tilla ge inte ract ion sugg ests that yiel ds of grou p III and IV soyb eans were lowe st in the burn syste m, wher eas yiel ds of grou p V soyb eans were lowe st with no tilla ge.
Intro duct ion Doub lecro ppin g of soyb eans in sout heas tern Kans as is a comm on prac tice , when time and soil mois ture are avai labl e. Sele ction of the best cult ivar is usua lly base d on resu lts from the soyb ean perfo rman ce repo rt, whic h is for fullseas on soy-bean s. Seve ral stat es have repo rted that thes e resu lts can be used for doub lecro p syste ms; howe ver, othe r stat es have indi cate d that ther e are diffe renc es. A stud y was initi ated to exam ine the resp onse of diff eren t soyb ean cult ivar s afte r whea t in thre e diff eren t tilla ge syste ms.

Expe rime ntal Proc edur es
Whea t was plan ted in Octo ber, 1987 , and harv ested in late June , 1988 . Afte r whea t harv est, thre e tilla ge syste ms were esta blish ed: a) burn (burn whea t stub ble, disc seve ral time s); b) minim um tilla ge (disc twic e with offs et disc ): and c) no tilla ge.
Twelv e soybe an cultiv ars (four and V} were plant ed in 30-in ch plant er modif ied with a cone. the Parso ns Field . each from matur ity group s III, IV, rows with a John Deere Max-E merge The study was plant ed in 1988 at Soybe ans were plant ed at a targe t popul ation of 139,0 00 plant s per acre (8 seeds per foot) .
Data colle cted were stand count , plant heigh t, numbe r of seeds per pound , and yield . Numbe r of seed per pound was determ ined by the conve rsion of 100-s eed weigh t.

Resu lts
Yield and yield compo nents are shown in Table 1. Yield , plant heigh t, seed size, and plant popul ation were signi fican tly affec ted by an intera ction of soybe an culti vars with tillag e system s. Yield s were low becau se of scarc e rainf all durin g the repro ducti ve growt h stage s. Soybe an culti vars in the burn system appea red to be stress ed more than culti vars in eithe r the minim um or no-ti llage system s. This stres s perio d tende d to reduc e the yield s of the group III and IV soybe ans more in the burn system than in the minim um or no-ti llage system s. Howev er, group V soybe ans yield s were highe r in the burn and minim um system s than in the no-ti llage system . The group V yield s in the no-ti llage system may have been reduc ed by a hail storm in mid-O ctobe r. Seeds from the minim um and no-ti llage system s tende d to be large r than seeds from the burn system . Soybe an cultiv ars were talle r in the no-ti llage system than in eithe r the burn or minim um tillag e system s. Incre ased soybe an plant heigh t in the notillag e system may have been due to elong ated nodes resul ting from shadi ng by stand ing wheat stubb le. Plant stand s in the burn system were signi fican tly highe r than those in eithe r the minim um or no-ti llage system s. Altho ugh plant stand s of group III and IV soybe an in the burn system were appro ximat ely twice as dense as stand s in the no-ti llage system , seeds from the no-ti llage system were signi fican tly large r than those from the burn system . This may have been due to a great er comp etitio n for soil moist ure in the burn system or bette r conse rvatio n of moist ure in the notillag e system .

Introduct ion
Interest has increased in growing early soybeans, with wheat following them in the fall. Maturity group 00, o, and I soybeans are normally grown in the northern part of the United States; however, the possibili ty exists of growing these soybeans in southeast ern Kansas. The growing season will be shorter, and plant height will be reduced. The objective of this study was to examine yield potential of group oo, O, and I soybeans.
Experimen tal Procedure s Thirty soybean cultivars from maturity groups oo, o, and I were obtained and planted on 22 April on the Calvin Flaharty farm near McCune. Soybeans were drilled in 7-inch rows at the rate of 336,000 seeds per acre. Plant height, height to first pod, maturity, yield per acre, and number of seeds per pound were recorded. A composite seed sample from the four replicatio ns was analyzed for protein and oil content.

Results
Yields ranged from 7 to 30 bu per acre, with Jacques J-201, Pioneer 9181, and Pioneer 9202 being the top yielders (Table 1). All cultivars matured during late July to early August and were harvested in mid-Augus t.
Protein content ranged from 36 to 40 percent, whereas oil content ranged from 18 to 20 percent. Cultivars from maturity group I generally yielded higher than cultivars from maturity group O or oo. in earl y Apri l, mid-Apri l, and earl y May. Yiel d, seed qual ity and size , plan t heig ht, heig ht to firs t pod, plan t popu latio n, and matu rity were meas ured . Soyb eans from matu rity I plan ted in mid-Apri l and earl y May had the high est in 1988 . How ever, the twoyear aver age indi cate d mid-Apri l as the optim al plan ting date .
Intro duct ion Inte rest in earl y soyb eans has incre ased in sout heas tern Kans as. How ever, the best time to plan t thes e soyb eans has been dete rmin ed. The obje ctive of this stud y was to effe ct of plan ting date s on yiel d and yiel d comp onen ts cult ivar s from matu rity grou ps 00, o, and I.

Expe rime ntal Proc edur es
Thre e soyb ean cult ivar s each were obta ined from matu rity grou ps oo, o, and I, and all were plan ted on Apr ils, 1 22, and May 9 at the Pars ons Fiel d. Plan ting rate was 336, 000 seed s per acre , usin g a 12 row, 7-in ch plot grai n dril l. , matu rity, plan t heig ht, pod heig ht, plan t popu latio n, seed size , and seed qual ity were meas ured .

Resu lts
Yiel d and yiel d comp onen ts are show n in Tabl es 1 and 2. Ther e were sign ifica nt diffe renc es for yiel d, seed size , plan t heig ht, and matu rity beca use of the inte ract ion of cult ivar and plan ting date . High est yiel d for Hodg son 78 was from the Apri l 22 plan ting , wher eas the othe r cult ivar s from May 9 plan ting . Plan t heig ht of the soyb ean cult follo wed the same patt ern as yiel d. Seed qual ity was 1 This rese arch is supp orted by a gran t from the Kans as Soyb ean Com miss ion. all cultiv ars, except weber 84 and Hodgso n 78. Sevent y percen t of the seeds planted emerge d, regard less of cultiv ar or plantin g date.

Introduct ion
Interest in planting early soybeans (maturity groups oo, o, and I) has increased , but questions have been asked about how they compare to full-seaso n soybeans (maturity groups III, IV, and V). A study was initiated to examine how early soybeans yields and yield component s compare to those of full-seaso n soybeans.

Experimen tal Pro£ed4£~~
Soybean cultivars from maturity groups 00, O, I, III, IV, and V were obtained and planted at the Parsons Field of the Southeast Kansas Experimen t Station. Soybeans were drilled in' 7inch rows at the rate of 336,000 seeds per acre on April 22 and planted in 30-inch rows at a rate of 139,000 seeds per acre on June 16. Date of first bloom, yield, maturity, plant height, pod height, seed size, and seed quality were determine d. Table 1. Yields ranged from 11 to 26 bu per acre. Hodgson 78, a group I soybean, planted in April had yields similar to Bay, a group V soybean, planted in June. Yields of the early soybeans (groups 00 and O) were generally increased for the June planting because of ra in July , and yields of the full-seaso n soybeans were slightly higher for the June planting.

Yield and yield component s are shown in
1 This research is supported by a grant from the Kansas Soybean

Introduction
Diversificat ion into early maturing soybeans could spread labor, machinery, crop management, and cash flow over a longer time period each year, enhancing returns and improving economic stability.
Producers considering early maturing soybeans need information about their economic potential compared to traditional, full-season soybeans. This study summarizes returns above variable costs for early maturing and traditional soybeans on two planting dates.

Experimental Procedures
Budgeting was used to measure receipts minus variable costs (Table 1).
Budgeted gross returns reflect differences in yields and soybean prices for different cultivars on different planting dates. Yields are reported on page 76 of this report.
Assuming soybeans were sold at harvest, the soybean price in each budget was the average of weekly cash bids for country elevators in the Kansas City, KS areafor the week harvested.
These prices, reported in USDA's Grain and Feed Market News, indicated a price advantage for soybeans sold prior to the traditional fall harvest.
Budgets also reflect variable costs differences for the two planting dates.
Soybeans planted in April were drilled in 7-inch rows and used more than twice as many seeds as soybeans planted in June, which were planted in 30-inch rows. Seed costs for maturity groups 00 through I were higher than seed costs for groups III through V because freight charges were added for seeds not normall y sold in southea stern Kansas.
Machin ery operati ons for soybean s planted in April include d field cultiva tion, herbici de sprayin g, plantin g with a drill, and combini ng.
Machine ry operati ons for soybean s planted in June include d field cultiva tion, herbici de sprayin g, plantin g with a planter , row cultiva ting, and combini ng. Thus, machine ry costs were greater for soybean s planted in June because an extra cultiva tion was used and because plantin g more expensi ve then drillin g.
Since labor require ments were directl y tied to machine ry operati ons, soybean s planted in June requ more labor.

Results and Discuss ion
Results indicat e that produc tion of early-m aturing soybean s is a viable diversi ficatio n option in southea stern Kansas (Table  2). Based on the two years of data availab le, the most profita ble cultiva r and plantin g date were Hodgson 78 (Group I} planted in April. The most profita ble cultiva r planted in June was Bay (Group

V) •
Because product ion of early-m aturing soybean s is not a well establi shed cultura l practic e in southea stern Kansas, questio ns remain about input require ments, variab ility, harvest ing problem s, and seed quality .
Researc h has not been perform ed to determi ne optimal seeding and fertiliz ation rates for early-m aturing soybean s. The data availab le are not enough to measure variab ility over time.
Divers ificatio n into early-m aturing soybean s might reduce whole-f arm income variab ility.
Early-m aturing soybean s are short and tend to pod closer to the ground; thus, farmers may have problem s cutting low enough to get all the soybean s in the combine . Howeve r, opportu nities to harvest early soybean s in August, when weather is typical ly dry, may be an advanta ge.
Appeara nce of early-m aturing soybean s suggest s poor seed quality .
The authors know of two produce rs, who have not experie nced dockage with early-m aturing soybean s.
Howeve r, if product ion of early-m aturing soybean s increas es signifi cantly, dockage might occur.
Tillage operati ons and timing of the two soybean systems have implica tions for the effect of early-m aturing soybean s on farm structu re and the environ ment.
April-p lanted, early-m aturing soybean s require primary and seconda ry tillage perform ed in a narrow time period; but few machine ry operati ons for other major crops are require d during th s time.
llage operati ons for fullseason soybean s, planted in June, are perform ed during a broader time frame. Primary tillage occurs in April and May and seconda ry tillage in June prior to plantin g. With a combin ation of and traditi onal soybean s, more acres might be operate d smaller produce rs without i the machine ry complim ent. S y, 78 larger producers might operate more acres. Thus, this technology could benefit farms of various sizes and would likely contribute to increased production of soybeans. Impacts on farm size will depend on the desires of individual producers and the opportunitie s available to them.
The early canopy coverage of early-maturi ng soybeans during the rainy part of spring should reduce sheet and rill water movement over fields. Thus, soil erosion and herbicide and fertilizer runoff might be reduced.
Such potential impacts on farm structure and the environment may become important in southeastern Kansas, if research continues to indicate that production of early-maturi ng soybeans is a viable alternative. 79 co 0 brhis sum appears to be off by 1 cent because computer calculati ons are more accurate than calculati ons on numbers rounded to the nearest penny. based

Introdu ction
Growin g under drylan d condit ions may be critic al for fullseason corn, if rains do not come during the reprod uctive stage of growth . Corn that mature s in 100 to 115 days planted at higher than normal popula tion may have more potent ial than fullseason corn. The object ive of this study was to determ ine the best popula tion for growin g short-s eason corn.

Experi mental Proced ures
Fifteen corn hybrid s were obtaine d, packag ed, and planted on the Dale Spring er farm on April 24. Plots were thinned to one popula tion becaus e of a problem with insect s and birds. Corn was harves ted from two 25-foo t rows in early Septem ber. Mid-si lk date, 1 , droppe d ears, yield, and test weight were record ed.

Result s
Corn and yield compon ents are shown in Table 1. Yields average d 95 bu per acre, with DeKalb DK 535, Cargil l 6127, and Golden Harves t EX 723 being the top yielde rs.
Test weight s ranged from 58 to 60 lb per bushel . Lodgin g and ear drop were not problem s for any hybrid . Popula tion did vary with hybrid , and genera lly hybrid s with higher popula tions had a higher yield.
Extens ion Agrono mist, Southe ast Kansas .  Seed of three hard red winter wheat varieti es, one hybrid hard red winter wheat, and one soft red winter wheat variety was cleaned and saved from the 1987 study. In the fall, both certifi ed seed and cleaned 1-year and 2-year old, saved seed were drilled at the rate of 1,080,0 00 seeds per acre. In June, 1988, wheat yields were measure d. Caldwe ll and Chishol m were the two highest yieldin g varieti es. Certifi ed seed of Bounty BH 205 yielded 15 and 20 percent higher than the 1-year and 2-year old saved seed of BH 205. Howeve r, 1-year old, saved seed of Chishol m gave signifi cantly higher yield than the certifi ed Chishol m seed.

Introdu ction
Seed saved from year to year, especia lly from hybrids , usually yields lower than certifi ed seed. Corn seed that has been saved from the previou s season yields lower and produce s a lot of variati on in plant height.
It would seem that wheat hybrids would follow a similar pattern . A study was initiat ed to examine the effect of saving seeds compare d to using certifi ed seed of the same wheat varieti es or hybrids .

Experim ental Procedu res
Three hard red winter wheat varieti es (Arkan, Chishol m, and TAM 107), one hard red winter hybrid wheat (Bounty BH 205), and one soft red winter wheat (Caldwe ll) were first planted in the fall, 1985; seed was saved and planted again with certifi ed seed in 1986 and 1987.
Seed from 1987 was cleaned to remove any trash and light test weight seeds. Certifi ed seed of the same wheat varieti es was obtaine d in the fall, 1987. On Septem ber 25, cleaned 1-year and 2-year saved seed and certifi ed seed were planted with a 8-foot plot grain drill (7-inch row spacing ) at a rate of 1,080,0 00 seeds per acre. Wheat was harvest ed on June 15, 1988. At harvest , yield, test weight, protein content , and 1000-ke rnel weight were determi ned.

Results
Yield and yield components are shown in Table 1. Significant differences were found in yield for variety and the interaction of seed source with variety. Yields from cleaned, 1year old, saved wheat seed generally were higher than those from the certified wheat seed. Caldwell and Chisholm were the highest yielding wheat varieties, and Bounty BH 205 and Arkan were the lowest.
Yields from the cleaned, 1-year old, saved Chisholm seed were significantly higher than yields from the certified Chisholm seed. However, yield from certified Bounty BH 205 seed was 15 to 20 percent higher than that from 1-year or 2-year old, saved seed.
Test weight was significantly higher for Chisholm than for any other variety. Arkan, Bounty BH 205, and TAM 107 had the highest protein content. Chisholm produced the smallest seed, whereas Caldwell produced the largest seed. In Kansas, wheat diseases destroy 10 to 25 percent wheat yield and reduce the quality of harvested grain. on the year, the severity and incidence of the diseases Notable diseases for southeastern Kansas are leaf rust, leaf blotch, and tan spot.
of the Depending change. speckle Addition of fertilizers have boosted yields, reduced lodging, and improved test weight. Research in the northwestern part of the United states also has indicated a decrease of disease incidence with certain fertilizer nutrients.
Chloride has been shown to decrease take-all disease in wheat. The objectives of this study were (1) to examine the P, K, Cl, or the P -K interaction effects on the incidence of leaf rust, speckle leaf blotch, or tan spot in different wheat cultivars and (2) to determine whether fertility factors affect (a) plant nutrient concentrations, (b) protein content, (c) wheat yield, and (d) yield components.

Experimental Procedures
The study site was in soybeans for the previous three years and planted to wheat in the fall following soybean harvest. Eleven fertility levels were established with the soybean study and continued for the wheat study. Three P rates (O, 30, and 60 lb P 2 0 5 /a) were used in combination with three K rates (O, 40, and 80 lb K 2 0/a). Two rates (O and 64 lb/a) of Cl also were used. All fertilizers were broadcast by hand. Wheat cultivars planted were Agripro Thunderbird, BH 205, Caldwell, Karl, Newton, and TAM 107. At the boot , plots were split with one side receiving the fungic At the boot stage, 44 inches row of each plot was harvested for determination of dry matter production and nutrient concentration. Before harvest, the number of heads per area was counted, and 20 heads were selected randomly from each split plot to determine kernels per head. Plant height, yield, test weight, and 1000-kernel weight also were determined.

Results
The 1987 -1988 growing season was very good for wheat, with overall yields averaging 72 bu/a. Yield, test weight, kernels per head, heads/m 2 , disease rating for leaf rust, protein content, P uptake, K uptake, soil P, and soil K were significantly affected by the addition of P, K or the P -K interaction (Tables 1 and 2). Wheat yields were increased with each increment of P and K, but the highest yields were obtained with the addition of 60 lb of P 2 o 5 and 40 lb of K?O per acre (Table 1) .
Test weight was increased with each addition of K, whereas the addition of P decreased test weight. Applied P decreased the number of kernels per head, but increased the number of heads/m 2 • Applied K decreased the number of kernels per head. Addition of K decreased the severity of leaf rust, whereas the addition of P had no effect.
(Leaf rust was the major pathogen present in the 1987-1988 growing season.) Protein content was decreased with the addition of P 2 o 5 • Uptake of P was significantly affected by the interaction of applied P and K ( Table 2). As P and K rates increased, the amount of P taken up by the plant increased. Soil P was increased with P fertilization, whereas soil K was decreased. Soil K was increased with K additions.
'Tilt', cultivar, and the interaction of 'Tilt' and cultivar significantly affected yield, test weight, kernels per head, heads per meter, disease rating of leaf rust, and protein content (Table 3).
'Tilt' increased yield, test weight, and the number of kernels per head and decreased the percent of leaf rust on the flag leaf. Caldwell and Bounty BH 205 were the highest cultivars, and Karl had the highest test weight and protein content. Newton and TAM 107 had the highest incidence of leaf rust.
'Tilt' increased yield and test weight of Newton and TAM 107, but had no effect on yield and test weight of AgriPro Thunderbird, Bounty BH 205, Caldwell, and Karl. All cultivars had a decrease of leaf rust with 'Tilt'.
Yield, test weight, kernels per head, and protein content were significantly influenced by the interaction of P fertilization and cultivar (Table 4). Yield of all cultivars increased significantly with 30 lb P 2 0 5 /a. Test weight, kernels per head, and protein content decreased with each additional increment of P.
Yield, test weight, kernels per head, heads/m 2 , disease rating for leaf rust, and protein content were significantly affected by the interaction of applied Kand cultivar (Table 5). Even though yield tended to increase with 40 lb K 2 0/a, only the yield of TAM 107 was significantly increased by K additions. Test weight, heads/m 2 , and disease rating increased with K fertilization. Kernels per head, disease rating for leaf rust, and protein content decreased for some cultivars with the addition of K fertilizer.
Chloride and the Cl by cultivar interaction significantly affected yield, test weight, disease rating for leaf rust, Cl uptake, and soil Cl (Table 6). Yield, test weight, Cl uptake, and soil Cl were significantly increased with the addition of Cl. The incidence of leaf rust was decreased with the addition of Cl. TAM 107 yield was significantly increased with Cl, whereas the other cultivars (except AgriPro Thunderbird) were not significantly affected. Test weights of most cultivars were increased (significantly for TAM 107): however, that of Thunderbird remained unchanged.      Nitrogen fertilizer and foliar fungicide effects were evaluated with selected winter cultivars at two sites in 1988. The optimum management system at the Parsons Unit consisted of a conventional fall N application followed by a foliar fungicide treatment in late spring. However, at the Columbus Unit, the intensive N system (fall + late winter) alone produced the highest grain yield.

Introduction
The objective of intensive cereal management is to produce winter wheat as efficiently as possible.
cultivar selection, time of N application, and use of foliar fungicide are important components in intensive wheat management systems. This research seeks to compare conventional and intensive wheat management systems for the climatic conditions in southeastern Kansas.

Experimental Procedure
In 1987 and 1988, 10 winter wheat cultivars were evaluated under'conventio nal N management (75 lb N/a as a preplant, fall application) and an intensive N system (75 lb N/a applied in the fall+ 50 lb N/a topdressed in late winter). Urea was the N source. The presence or absence of a foliar fungicide (Tilt) was evaluated in both N systems. Tilt was applied in late April at the rate of 4 oz/a. At the Parsons Unit, wheat followed wheat, and at the Columbus Unit, whea.t followed soybeans in the rotation.

Results
At the Parsons Unit (Table 1), highest grain yield and test weight were obtained with a conventional fall N application + foliar fungicide; however, disease-suscep tible cultivars showed the largest yield response to fungicide application. The fall + late winter N application without fungicide significantly reduced both grain yield and test weight across all cultivars.
Yield component data indicate that applying additional N in late wintermay be reducing the number of fertile tillers per plant, which would lower grain yield.
Effects of nitrogen and fungicide on wheat yield components also were evaluated at Parsons (Table 2). Applying additional N resulted in more kernels per head and reduced the individual kernel weight. However, the foliar fungicide had no effect on kernels per head, although individual kernel size was increased.
Plant tissue and grain samples were analyzed at the Parsons Unit (Table 3) for nitrogen concentrations to determine the effect of split-nitrogen application.
The split-N application increased the N concentration in the plant and also increased grain protein. Arkan had the highest grain protein among wheat cultivars tested.
At the Columbus Unit, when wheat followed after soybeans (Table 4), the additional N application in late winter significantly increased the grain yield for selected varieties. Because foliar disease pressure was light in the spring of 1988, there was no response to foliar fungicide at this location.
This study will be continued in 1989 to further evaluate the optimum wheat management system for the climatic conditions of southeastern Kansas. Results at this point indicate that a foliar fungicide may be practical in some management systems and with specific wheat cultivars. Seed producers especially may be able to benefit from foliar fungicide applications, since they may be in a better position to recover the added fungicide expense through the sale of higher quality seed wheat. However, additional research is needed to determine the optimum nitrogen requirement for wheat grown in southeastern Kansas.

Introduction
Wheat is planted over a wide range of planting dates in southeastern Kansas because of the varied cropping rotations in the area. More research is needed to determine if planting date has an effect on the occurrence of foliar leaf diseases and also to evaluate the effectiveness of a foliar fungicide in preventing leaf diseases using selected cultivars that differ in disease resistance.

Experimental Procedure
Ten winter wheat cultivars were planted on Sept. 25 and Oct. 16, 1987. A third planting date on Nov. 22 was destroyed because of poor stands. A foliar fungicide (Tilt) was applied at 4 oz/a at growth stage (GS) 8, which corresponds to flag leaf emergence.

Results
Wheat planted in September made good vegetative growth in early fall, but the lower leaves of all cultivars had a distinct yellow color that appeared to be associated with an environmental factor or disease complex. October-planted wheat did not grow as much vegetatively in the fall; however, the plants appeared much healthier. Grain yield was high for both September and October planting dates (Table 1) and did not appear to be affected by the early yellowing.
The optimum planting date varied with individual cultivars. Response to the foliar fungicide also varied among cultivars. Century, Chisholm, and Tam 107 yielded significantly higher with the fungicide treatment.
Both soft and hard wheat cultivars with a high degree of disease resistance did not show any yield benefit from the Tilt application.

Introduction
Foliar diseases have reduced both grain yield and grain quality the past 5 years in southeastern Kansas. Typically, leaf rust, septoria leaf spot, and powdery mildew have been the primary foliar leaf diseases that affect wheat. Previous research has shown that systemic fungicides, like Tilt and Bayleton, are effective in controlling certain leaf diseases during the critical grain filling stage. However, more information is needed under various climatic conditions to fully evaluate the use of foliar fungicides in eastern Kanasas.

Experimental Procedure
Four foliar fungicide treatments were compared in late April and early May across six wheat cultivars with various levels of disease resistance. Folicur, from Moybay. has not received federal clearance as a foliar fungicide as of this date.

Results
Grain yields (Table 1) were not affected by any of the foliar fungicide treatments at this site in 1988. Disease pressure was very light, which explains the lack of fungicide response. Of the selected cultivars compared, Chisholm was the top yielding. Avg.
- Cheatgrass is a problem annual weed in many wheat fields where wheat has been grown continously or when wheat is planted on government set-aside land. Since wheat and cheatgrass are both in the grass family, herbicide control of cheat is difficult.

Experimental Procedure
Tycor and Sencor were applied both in late fall and late winter at the Parsons Unit to winter wheat that was densely populated with cheatgrass. Tycor has not received federal clearance as a wheat herbicide as of this date.

Results
Tycor applied in late November (Table 1) gave excellent cheatgrass control, whereas late winter applications provided only fair to good control, with the exception of the higher rate of Tycor.
When Sencor was tank-mixed with Tycor in the fall, wheat injury was increased and wheat grain yield was reduced somewhat. However, the addition of Sencor to the tank-mix in late winter significantly increased cheat control. Typically, they are grown in several cropping sequences with wheat and grain sorghum or in a doublecropping rotation with wheat~ More information is needed to the long-term agronomic effects of cropping sequences on full-season soybeans.
Full-season soybean yields were compared across all four cropping systems in even-numbered years.
in 1984, an identical study was started adjacent to the site so that full-season yield effects could also be odd-numbered years. All.rotations received the same amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (80 lb/a), which was applied to the crop proceeding full-season soybeans.

Results
Soybean yield over the 7-year period is shown in Table 1. follow grain sorghum, wheat, or a wheat-doublecrop , grain yield has essentially been the same over the rotations; however, when soybeans are grown on the same was supported by the Kansas Soybean Commission. 107 site, yield is reduced approxi mately 10%. Soil analyse s reveal that the soil fertili ty level is nearly the same for all rotatio ns, and the initial level has been maintai ned with the 80 lb/a applica tion rate of phospho rus and potassiu m every 2 years. Over an 8-year period, comparisons between three wheat and soybean cropping systems indicate that doublecrop soybean yields can vary from a complete crop disaster to yields comparable to those of full-season soybeans. The long-term agronomic effects of double-cropping on subsequent crops that follow in the rotation are still being evaluated.

Introduction
In southeastern Kansas, producers often rotate wheat after soybean, or plant doublecrop soybeans following wheat harvest. Management practices of one crop, therefore, may affect the production of the next crop. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of doublecropping and the risk factors associated with a particular cropping rotation.

Experimental Procedure
Beginning in 1981, three different wheat and soybean cropping rotations were established at the Parsons Field: 1) [wheat -doublecrop soybean], 2) [wheat -doublecrop soybean]soybean, and 3) full-season soybean following 2 years of wheat. Wheat straw has been burned and then disced prior to planting doublecrop soybean. Soybean maturity has consisted of group IV and group V for doublecrop and full-season soybeans, respectively. When wheat has winter-killed or was not planted in the fall because of wet soil conditions, spring oats were planted in late winter.

Results
Soybean yields (Table 1) for the three crop rotations reflect the typical soil moisture variations that are commonly encountered in southeast Kansas during the summer growing season. Draughty soil conditions during August of 1988 affected doublecrop soybeans more than full-season soybeans.
In 1988, wheat yield (Table 2) also appeared to be affected by the previous crop rotation : however, more data are needed before any conclusio ns can be made regardin g the effects of doublecro pping on the wheat crop that follows in the rotation .  1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 - Incomes based on 1988 yields favor a 3-year sequence of 2 years of wheat followed by full-season soybeans.
Incomes based on 1988 wheat yields and average annual 1981-88 soybean yields favor a 1-year sequence of wheat followed by doublecrop soybeans.

Introduction
Farmers producing wheat and soybeans in southeastern Kansas select a cropping sequence in order to manage soil fertility, control weeds, and maximize income. An ongoing experiment at the Parsons Unit of the Southeast Kansas Branch Experiment Station provides biological data about alternative cropping sequences. The purpose of this study is to provide information about returns associated with these alternative sequences.

Experimental Procedures
Budgeting was used to calculate incomes above variable costs for each crop in three crop sequences (Table 1). Crop sequences included a 1-year sequence of wheat and doublecrop soybeans; a 2year sequence of wheat, doublecrop soybeans, and full-season soybeans; and a 3-year sequence of 2 years of wheat followed by full-season soybeans. Output prices and seed costs were assumed to be the same for a given crop, regardless of when production occurred.
Fertilizer prices were the same for all wheat, and interest rate was the same for all crops. No fertilizer was applied on soybeans. Yields and machinery operations differed according to the crop sequence (Table 2}. For purposes of this study, labor was not included as a variable cost.
Incomes above variable cost for each crop were added to provide total income for each sequen ce; these totals were then divide d by the number of years requir ed to comple te a sequen ce to provid e averag e annual income s for each sequen ce.
Income s above variab le costs were calcul ated based on 1988 yields for both wheat and and also based on 1988 yields for wheat and the averag e annual yields for soybea ns for 1981 throug h 1988.

Result s
Based on 1988 yields , the highes t income above variab le costs was obtain ed for the 3-year sequen ce consis ting of 2 years of wheat follow ed by 1 year of full-se ason soybea ns (Table 3). When averag e yields for soybea ns were used, the highes t above variab le cost was obtain ed for the 1-year sequen ce of wheat follow ed by double crop soybea ns.
In 1988, becaus e of soil condit ions in Augus t, double crop soybea n yields were much more below normal than full-se asons soybea n yields . These result s indica te that on the averag e, double croppi ng has been more profit able than single croppi ng, when profit is measur ed income above variab le costs. But in a given year, such as 1988, income from crop rotati ons includ ing double croppi ng may be lower than income from crop rotatio ns contai ning all full-se ason crops.      Four tillag e metho ds (plow , burndisc, disc, and burnchise ldisc) have been compa red for doubl ecrop soybe an produ ction to evalu ate both the shortand longterm effec ts in a wheat and soybe an cropp ing system .
For the dry soil condi tions in 1988, discin g the wheat stubb le and leavin g the straw mulch on the soil surfa ce conse rved soil moist ure and gave the highe st yield .

Intro ducti on
Produ cers in south easte rn Kansa s typic ally grow doubl ecrop soybe ans after wheat , when soil moist ure and time permi t.
Vario us tillag e metho ds are used, depen ding to some degre e on the type of equip ment that is avail able. The prima ry goals of doubl ecrop ping are to plant soybe ans as quick ly as possi ble after wheat harve st and produ ce accep table grain yield s as econo mical ly as possi ble. Howev er, the longterm effec ts from the doubl ecrop tillag e metho ds have not been thoro ughly evalu ated for shallo w, clayp an soil condi tions .

Exper iment al Proce dure
Since 1982, four tillag e metho ds have been compa red for doubl ecrop soybe ans after wheat harve st at the Colum bus Field . Tillag e metho ds are: l} plow under stubb le, 2) burn stubb le and then disc, 3) disc stubb le, and 4) burn stubb le and then chise l. The tillag e study is altern ated each year betwe en two diffe rent sites , so that the doubl ecrop tillag e metho ds can be compa red yearl y when the cropp ing rotati on is [whea tdoubl ecrop soybe an]full-s eason soybe ans. All plots are chise led in the sprin g follow ing doubl ecrop soybe ans. Ferti lizer is appli ed only to the wheat crop.

Resul ts
In 1988 when soil moist ure was limite d durin g Augus t, highe st doubl ecrop soybe an yield (Table 1) was obtain ed by discin g the wheat stubb le and leavin g the stubb le on the soil surfa ce to conse rve soil moist ure.
Howev er, over a 6-yea r perio d, plowi ng the stubb le under has given the highe st doubl ecrop soybe an yield .       Soil bulk density represents a soil depth of 0-4". Soil moisture measurements were taken at the early pod stage of soybean growth.

Introduction
Soybeans are considered poor responders to direct fertilizer applications . In southeast Kansas, soybeans are often grown in rotation with wheat or a row-crop, such as grain sorghum or corn. When grown in rotation with another crop, soybeans are seldom fertilized, since they can utilize the residual fertility from the previous crop. However, this research was initiated to determine if soybeans respond to direct fertilizer applications when following soybeans, which occurs quite often in southeastern Kansas.

Experimental Procedure
In the spring of 1988, fertilizer was applied to two locations in Cherokee County, where the previous crop was soybeans in 1987. At site 1 (Bill Shaffer farm), grain sorghum was grown in 1986, and at site 2 (Dee Shaffer farm), soybeans had been grown for the past 3 years and no fertilizer had been applied. Both locations tested medium in available P (26 and 40 lb/a) and low in exchangeable K (110 lb/a). The fertilizer treatments were incorportate d with a field cultivator prior to soybean planting. Leaf samples were collected at the early podfill stage of soybean growth to determine P and K nutrient concentratio ns.

Results
Grain yield at both locations did not show a significant response to direct fertilizer application (Table 1). There was a trend toward higher yield with increasing rates of potassium at site 2, but this was not statistically significant. Leaf anaylse s at this same site did show that higher potassiu m levels were present in the plant at the early pod-fil l stage when fertili zer K rates were increas ed.

Summary
Cocklebur control was evaluated using alternative herbicides and application methods or no herbicide application , with narrow row spacings, wide row spacings, and wide row spacings with one cultivation . Budgeting was used to measure returns above variable costs based on biological data from P•l21-124 of this report. Returns above variable costs ranged from $16.18 to $127.12 for narrow row spacings, from $2.31 to $80.81 for wide row spacings, and from $27.25 to $107.79 for wide row spacings with one cultivation . Results could differ for different years or locations. However, in 1988, the postemerge nt herbicide Classic used with narrow row spacings returned the highest income above variable costs.

Introductio n
Farmers who need to control cocklebur in soybeans consider several different herbicides and production systems. This study measures returns and variable costs associated with six herbicides and three application methods that can be used with three production systems, narrow (7-inch) rows, wide (30-inch) rows, or wide rows with a cultivation to control weeds.

Experiment al Procedure
Budgeting was used to measure receipts, variable costs, and income above variable costs (Table 1). A budget was prepared for each herbicide and application method for each of the three production systems.
Soybean price, seed price, fertilizer rates and prices, and cost of Treflan to control grasses were the same for all budgets. Yields, herbicide costs, machinery costs, and interest costs differed for the different combination s of herbicide, application method, and production system. Machinery costs were based on machinery operations typical of Southeaster n Kansas farms (Table 2).
Based on the assumption that most farms in Southea stern Kansas rely primari ly on family labor, costs of labor and managem ent were not included .
In comparis ons of individu al herbicid es, Basagran and Classic applied posteme rgent resulted in the two highest income levels with soybeans planted in wide rows or narrow rows (Table  3). When wide rows with a cultivat ion were used, Scepter applied posteme rgent had the highest income; Classic and Basagran applied posteme rgent had the second and the third highest income levels. Thus, posteme rgent herbicid es resulted in the two highest income levels for all three producti on systems .
Canopy and Preview applied preemer gent with narrow row spacing s also resulted in high income levels.
In comparis ons of the producti on systems , the use of narrow rows resulted in the highest income levels for all herbicid es. Cultiva tion was more profitab le than no cultivat ion in 30-inch row soybean producti on.
This study focused on the effectiv eness of selected herbicid es, applica tion methods , and producti on systems in 1988. Thus, issues such as herbicid e carryov er and possible detrime ntal impacts on human health and the environm ent were not addresse d. Weather , soil, and other conditio ns that affect herbicid e product ivity vary. Since this study only conside rs results at Columbu s, Kansas in 1988, produce rs should conside r informa tion from other years and other location s in selectin g the appropr iate weed control strategy for individu al farms.  Narrow Rows Wide Rows Cultiva tion Narrow Rows Wide Row § Cultiva tion ---------------------Nu mber of Times Over the Field------------------------- Tandem       Soybea n herbic ides applie d postem ergent gave the best cockle bur contro l and highes t soybea n yield in 1988. Drier soil condit ions during May and early June eviden tly did not adequ ately activa te prepla nt and espec ially preem ergent herbic ides for optimu m cockle bur contro l.

Introd uction
Determ ining the optimu m time to apply broadl eaf herbic ides for problem weeds, such as cockle bur, is an import ant consid eratio n for many soybea n produc ers in southe astern Kansas . This resear ch seeks to evalua te the effect ivenes s of broadl eaf herbic ides and determ ine the optimu m time of applic ation for cockle bur contro l.
Experi mental Proced ure Variou s soybea n herbic ide tankmi xes that are curren tly labele d for cockle bur contro l were compar ed at the Columb us Field on a site where cockle bur was the predom inant weed compe tition. The soil type was a Parson s silt loam with 1.3% organi c matter and a pH of 6.8.

Result s
In 1988, the best cockle bur contro l and highes t soybea n yields were obtain ed with postem ergent herbic ide applic ations . Result s are shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3. Preem ergent herbic ide applic ations provid ed only fair to good weed contro l, even though adequa te rainfa ll occurr ed within 10 days of applic ation. Cockle burs may have emerge d before the preem ergent herbic ides were activa ted by rainfa ll. Scepte r applie d immed iately prior to planti ng appear ed to reduce soybea n yield on some lighttextur ed soils. Howev er, when Scepte r was applie d severa l weeks ahead of planti ng, soybea n injury appear ed to be reduce d. With modera te cockle bur compe tition, Pursu it provid ed signif icantl y better weed contro l when applie d postem ergent rather than prepla nt or preem ergent .   Sum mary Var ious app lica tion met hod s and her bici des wer e eva luat ed for vel vet leaf con trol , and all trea tme nts prov ided exc elle nt bro adle af wee d con trol in 198 8.
Intr odu ctio n Vel vetl eaf has beco me a seri ous bro adle af wee d prob lem in many fiel ds of sou thea ster n Kan sas. Whe n vel vet leaf is pre sen t 1n a mod erat ely heav y pop ulat ion and germ inat es at the sam e time as soyb eans eme rge, it com pete s with soyb eans for ava ilab le ligh t and soi l moi stur e and can redu ce yie lds sign ific ant ly.
Exp erim enta l Pro ced ure Pre plan t inco rpo rate d trea tme nts wer e app lied with a fiel d cul tiva tor prio r to plan ting . Inco rpo rted and pree mer gen t her bici des wer e app lied on the sam e day tha t soyb eans wer e plan ted. Pos tem erge nt her bici des wer e app lied 3 wee ks late r whe n vel vet leaf was in the 2to 4-le af stag e of grow th. Soi l type was a Pars ons sil t loam with 1.3% org anic mat ter and a pH of 6.8 .

Res ults
Vel vetl eaf con trol was good to exc elle nt for all her bici de com pari sons in 1988 (Tab le 1).
Lack of rain fall for 10 day s afte r plan ting may have been the reas on for the low er wee d con trol with pree mer gen t app lica tion s. How ever , tim ely rain fall and high hum idit y prov ided exc elle nt clim atic con diti ons for pos tem erge nt vel vet leaf con trol . The add itio n of liqu id 28% N fer tili zer to pos tem erge nt trea tme nts also imp rove d vel vet leaf con trol .   Summ ary Soyb ean herb icid es and appl icat ion meth ods were eval uate d for annu al weed cont rol in 1988 . In the abse nce of adeq uate weed com petit ion, trea tme nts also were eval uate d for poss ible effe cts on soyb ean yiel d beca use of crop inju ry asso ciat ed with a part icul ar app lica tion meth od or herb icid e.

Intro duct ion
Annu al gras s and sma ll-se eded broa dlea f weed s can beco me seri ous prob lems for soyb ean prod ucer s in sout heas tern Kans as. When weed s comp ete for avai labl e ligh t, wate r, and soil nutr ient s duri ng the enti re grow ing seas on, soyb ean yiel ds are ofte n redu ced sign ific antl y. Crop rota tion s are help ful in brea king some weed cycl es, but prop er sele ctio n and appl icat ion of herb icid es are esse ntia l for obta inin g optim um soyb ean yiel ds in most field s.
Expe rime ntal Proc edur e Prep lant , pree merg ent, and post eme rgen t soyb ean herb icid es were comp ared at the Colu mbus Fiel d. Soil type was a Pars ons silt loam with 1.3% orga nic matt er and a pH of 7.0. Weed com petit ion was very ligh t at this site in 1988 and cons isted prim arily of smoo th pigw eed.

Resu lts
Com paris ons for the vari ous soyb ean herb icid e tank mixe s are show n in Tabl es 1, 2, and 3. In gene ral, post eme rgen t trea tmen ts prov ided the leas t crop inju ry, best weed con trol , and high est soyb ean yiel d in 1988 . Some of the post eme rgen t trea tmen ts, such as Cobr a and Tack le, resu lted in sign ific ant soyb ean leaf burn ing, but plan ts soon resum ed norm al grow th, and yiel d was not affe cted . How ever, a slig ht yiel d redu ctio n appe ars to be poss ible with some of the newe r soyb ean herb icid es, when they are appl ied prep lant inco rpor ated imm edia tely prio r to soyb ean plan ting . The exac t reas on for this yiel d redu ctio n on ligh t-text ured soil s is not full y know n.
More stud ies are plan ned to furt her inve stig ate this prob lem.  Four postem ergent spray additi ves were evalua ted with select ed postem ergent soybea n herbic ides to determ ine if cockle bur contro l would be affect ed. Since soil moistu re and humid ity were ideal for postem ergent applic ations in 1988, no signif icant differ ence was found among the additi ves tested (surfa ctant, crop oil conce ntrate , liquid -N, or Dash).

Introd uction
Postem ergent soybea n herbic ides often are applie d in southe astern Kansas to contro l broad leaf weeds. The effect of adding variou s spray additi ves to the herbic ide tankmi x is not fully known for certai n broad leaf weed proble ms, such as cockle bur. Clima tic condit ions at the time of sprayi ng also are known to have an effect on the perform ance of postem ergent herbic ides.
Experi mental Proced ure Four, select ed, postem ergent soybea n herbic ides were compar ed with four differ ent spray additi ves at the Columb us Field, where cockle bur was the predom inant weed proble m.

Resul ts
Excel lent cockle bur contro l was obtain ed with all herbic ides and additi ves tested in 1988 (Table 1). It appear s that the additi on of a spray additi ve is not as import ant for cockle bur contro l as it might be for other broadl eaf weeds, such as velve tleaf and pigwee d. In additi on, when weeds are somew hat drough t stress ed, the additi on of a spray additi ve has signif icantl y improv ed weed contro l in previo us resear ch trials , when pigwee d was the predom inant weed. The charts that follow show graphically the daily weather in Parsons during the last two years. Each chart has three smooth curves to represent the average weather conditions at Parsons based on 30 years of records from the Experiment Station files. The actual temperature and accumulated precipitation totals that occurred throughout 1987 and 1988 are plotted by the rough lines on these charts, so that the "weather" can be compared with the climatic averages. Table 1 summarizes the monthly average values for weather conditions at the station. These values are also compared to the monthly normal values.
As indicated by the charts and table, the weather was cooler than normal in Parsons during 1988 with near-normal precipitation. However, precipitation was not evenly distributed throughout the year or throughout the area. This change from very wet to very dry periods contributed to many weather problems in southeastern Kansas. Fortunately, the area was not as severly affected by drought conditions as other areas of the state.
Daytime temperatures were cooler than normal for 6 of the 12 months in 1988. October was particularly cool, with a mean temperature over 8° below normal. The first 4 months were also quite cool, as was July.
Temperature extremes for the year ranged from 10l°F on August 10th to -8°F on January 8th. Unlike 1987, when no temperatures below zero were recorded, there were 6 such days in 1988. There were 14 days during the year when temperatures dipped below l0°F. The last freeze occurred on March 30th; the first freeze in the fall did not occur until October 31st, giving a freeze-free period of 215 days.