Conference Proceedings Available!
Proceedings
Year
| Filter results43 paper(s) found. |
|---|
1. Amelioration of Water Repellant Soils and Improving the Production of Calcareous Soils in South Australia - a Farmer ExperienceWe farm 18,000 acres of grain at Lock which is on central Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The crops grown are wheat, lentils, barley and canola. Crops are estabilished with full residue retention and zero tillage. The soils are duplex sands over clay and other areas of calcareous sands with high pH. The duplex sands tend to be water repellant which often means poor crop establishment and reduced yields. We have developed various techniques and mac... A. Polkinghorne |
2. Assessment of Microalgae Amendments on Soil Nutrient Dynamics and Cotton Productivity Under Limited Irrigation in Texas High PlainsTexas High Plains (THP) is a major cotton producing region of Texas. However, declining soil fertility and increasing risk of crop yield penalties associated with extreme weather patterns and low organic input have raised concern in sustainability of farmlands in this region. Micro-algae amendment is relatively new and emerging farm practice in crop production which is getting attention due to its ability to stimulate soil health and enhance crop productivity. There are no prior records on mi... A. Kafle, K. Lewis, J. Burke, H. Nakabuye, M. Jonhson |
3. Carbon & Nitrogen Transformation in Soil After Biosolids or Inorganic Fertilizer ApplicationBiosolids are nutrient rich organic residues which could be a potential alternative to conventional fertilizers. However, their C and N mineralization rates vary depending on treatment processes and soil properties. A laboratory incubation was carried out to evaluate C and N dynamics in contrasting soils by quantifying gaseous losses and assessing N transformations between organic and inorganic pools. Soils collected from Texas (sandy clay loam, pH: 8.4) and Florida (sandy loam, pH: 7.6) were... S. Bhatta, L. Slaughter, M. Siebecker, J. Adjei, K. Lewis, O. Gecgel, C. Alvarez-pugliese, K. Millerick, B. Rao, O. Mbuya, G.G. Botte |
4. Carbon and Nutrient Cycling in Texas Plains Regenerative CottonClimate change, drought, and economic pressures are likely to put extreme stress on agricultural production in the Texas High Plains, a region responsible for close to a third of the annual US cotton crop, over the next decade. As these threats increase, alternative production practices will need to be adopted to maintain long-term production viability in the region. A shift towards regenerative practice adoption could be a solution to this problem. Conventional cotton production involves int... N. Boogades, C. Cobos, J. Burke, K. Lewis |
5. Cover Crop Function and Management Optimization for Semiarid West Texas Cropping SystemsWater-use is a primary concern preventing integration of cover crops in dry climates. Recent research has demonstrated that adequate cover crop residue (with optimal termination timing) is more likely to improve soil water dynamics for the subsequent crop. Regarding cover crop function in West Texas, wheat stubbles as a fallow may offer a cheap and effective solution to prevent wind erosion and facilitate water storage in soil profile. Optimum management practices are likely different t... T. Hussain, R. Noland, R. Matschek, . Delaune, E. Kimura , J. Muir |
6. Cover Crop Planting Time Effects on Biomass Productivity, Soil Health and Wheat Yield in Dryland SystemsEcosystems benefits of cover crops (CCs) in semi-arid dryland cropping systems are dependent on CC biomass productivity. This study evaluated how CC planting time (spring vs. fall) and fallow management practices [no-tillage (NT) vs. occasional tillage (OT)] influenced CC biomass, surface residue, selected soil health properties and crop yields in within a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench)–fallow (WSF) rotation. The experiment was conducted fr... A. Obour, Z. Carson, P. Akporsoe, L. Simon, J. Holman |
7. Defining Critical Tissue-Potassium Concentrations for Furrow Irrigated Corn ProductionPotassium (K) is a critical nutrient for adequate corn (Zea mays L.) production, and tissue testing is an essential tool to ensure adequate K nutrition. Despite the important role of K in plant physiological functions, there are no calibrated critical tissue-K concentrations (TKc) for furrow-irrigated corn in Arkansas. This study aimed to define critical TKc values to maximize corn grain yield across different growth stages. From 2022 to 2024, twelve single-site-year and four long-te... J. Silva, G. Drescher, T. Roberts, J. Kelley, A. Smartt, Q. Sarfaraz, W. Rongey, G. Andrade leite mengez, M. Ramos do prado |
8. Different Sources and Rates of Nitrogen Fertilizers Influence Carbon Mineralization, Nitrogen Cycling and Soil pH of Two Major Soil Series of Texas High PlainsNitrogen is regarded as the most limiting factor in agricultural production because of its complex transformation, low uptake efficiency and multiple loss pathways. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers is practiced for agricultural production in Texas High Plains which impacts soil health in long run. With distinct soil types that run through the region, appropriate guide on fertilization is crucial, however, the information is still lacking. Hence, this study aims to investigate how d... A. Kafle, K. Lewis, D. Clarke |
9. Does Phosphorus and Potassium Timing or Rate Drive Productivity in Oklahoma Wheat-soybean Double-cropping?Wheat-soybean double cropping is an economically important system in Oklahoma and the Southern Great Plains that allows producers to maximize land productivity and profitability within a single growing season. However, the compressed soybean growing season and high nutrient demand of both crops create unique phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) management challenges not addressed by Oklahoma’s full-season recommendation. This study evaluated the effects of P and K application timing (fall, ... C. Ejezie, S. Phillips |
10. Evaluating Charging and Inoculating Biochar Derived from Invasive Species Effects on Growth and Yield of Crops and Soil Health in Oxisol and Mollisol SoilsInvasive species like Leucaena are taking over arable-lands in Hawaii. Producing biochar using the invasive species can help with invasive species eradication, reclaiming arable-land, producing high-quality soil amendment, and improving soil health/crop productivity. Biochar is a carbon-rich amendment but it is still unclear whether biochar should be inoculated/charged before applying ... S. Meaney, A. Ahmad |
11. Evaluating Side-Dress N Application Method in SorghumGrain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a resilient cereal crop widely grown across the Great Plains, where nitrogen (N) management decisions are often constrained by equipment availability and application timing. While in-season N applications may improve flexibility for producers, concerns remain regarding potential leaf injury (“nitrogen burn”) from high-rate applications. This study evaluated the effects of N source and app... B. Arnall, C. Camacho |
12. Evaluating the Existing Calibration Curve for Sensor-Based N Management in Grain SorghumNitrogen (N) response in grain sorghum is spatially and temporally variable, complicating estimation of optimum N rates and limiting the effectiveness of uniform fertilizer recommendations. This study evaluated within-field and year-to-year variability in N response using block-level response modeling and soil variability analysis. Field experiments were conducted in Stillwater, Oklahoma, during the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons using six N fertilizer rates (0,39, 79, 118, 157, and 196 kg N h... D. Pokharel |
13. Evaluating the Profitability of Nitrogen Management Strategies to Increase Yield in Regenerative Cotton Production SystemsSoil health management practices, such as cover crops and no-till systems, are common in semi-arid cropping systems to reduce wind erosion. However, implementing these practices can also lower cotton yield. As a result, cotton production using no-till and cover crop systems in semi-arid environments tends to be less profitable than conventional systems, despite lower costs from fewer tillage operations during the growing season. For these soil health practices to be economically sustainable i... A. Wright, J. Burke, K. Lewis, W. Keeling, W. Keeling |
14. Evaluation of E-Grow Effects on Soil Plant Systems Gas ExchangeE-Grow is a novel fertilizer which effect on the soil- plant system is critical for understanding it’s impact on the crop productivity and environmental sustainability in agricultural operations that will be crucial for updating nutrient application recommendations, to understand this we conducted an experiment with the main objective of this study is to determine the effect of E-Grow on CO2 and H2O fluxes in agricultural soil and soil- cotton plant systems (seedling stage). This experi... V. Sabbineni, E. Enninful, S. Jacobo, O. Gecgel, G.G. Botte, H. Laza, C. Simpson, L. Slaughter, Y. Emendack |
15. Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Rhizobium Inoculation to Improve Grain Yield and Quality of Soybean and Dry Bean in Eastern MontanaInterest in production of irrigated soybean and dry bean in eastern Montana’s Lower Yellowstone River Valley increased substantially following the closure of a sugar beet processing facility in Sidney, MT resulting in the need for a replacement crop(s) on 30,000 to 40,000 acres annually. Yields of soybean and dry bean in this region varied significantly from 20 to 80 bu ac-1 in recent growing seasons, indicating a need for improved management practices. However, res... B. Franck, C. Kuester, K. Herhalo, C. Chen |
16. Forages and Livestock to Diversify Wheat-based Cropping SystemIntegrating annual forages and ruminant livestock to intensify dryland cropping systems have the potential to increase profitability, increase water use efficiency, and improve soil health. The objective of this study was to determine the crop yield and soil property impacts of intensifying traditional no-till winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench)-fallow (W-GS-F) with annual forages as well as integrating livestock. This study was initiat... Z. Carson, A. Obour, J. Holman, K. Roozeboom |
17. Genotypic Variation in Winter Wheat Yield Components Response to Nitrogen Management and Seeding DensityAchieving optimal winter wheat grain yield requires understanding genotypic variations in yield component formation under nitrogen (N) application timing and seeding density management strategies. This study evaluated whether modern winter wheat genotypes exhibit differential yield formation pathways under varying N timing and seeding rate conditions, and whether reducing N rates while increasing seeding density (or vice versa) could maintain yields while reducing input costs. Additionally, w... S. Abiola, A. Silva, S. Phillips, P.R. Abiola, B. Arnall |
18. How Do Nitrogen, Irrigation, and Seeding Density Affect Corn Production?This study investigates how multispectral and thermal UAV imagery can refine nitrogen and irrigation management in a corn experiment consisting of 107 plots in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Four nitrogen rates (0, 100, 175, 250 lb N acre⁻¹), three irrigation regimes (16, 20, 24 inches), and three plant population targets (24 k, 28 k, 32 k plants acre⁻¹) are factorially arranged as a split-plot design across the field. Six UAV flights during the growing season acquire paired multispect... A. Biaou, A. Biaou |
19. Impacts of Crop Management on Grain Yield, Grain Quality, Cover Crop Biomass, Residue Cover, and Residual Nitrogen in Dryland SystemsCrop production depends on interactions among management practices, yet most studies evaluate the effect of individual practices rather than their interaction. This field experiment was established in 2024 at the Kansas State University Harold and Olympia Lonsinger Sustainability Farm (Osborne County, Kansas) to assess how combinations of common practices affect crop productivity and soil properties in a dryland system Treatments were a factorial combination of crop rotations (conti... J. Schwartze, D. Ruiz diaz, A. Obour, J. Holman, O. Brian, M. Reiman, A. Rosa |
20. Impacts of Nitrogen Rates and Enhanced Efficiency Products on Kansas CottonThe purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect that different nitrogen fertilizer rates and additives have on cotton. Response parameters included seed cotton yield and gin turnout (lint percentage), as well as fiber quality factors such as length, uniformity, micronaire, strength, and color. Nitrogen management is crucial for Kansas cotton, given its indeterminate growth and relatively short growing season. Conducting nitrogen fertilizer studies across environments to develop reg... C. Sohm, D. Ruiz diaz, L. Simon |
21. Influence of Nitrogen Management and Precipitation on Sorghum Nitrogen Use EfficiencyGrain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a key crop in Kansas which can benefit from optimized nitrogen (N) management that enhances yield while minimizing N losses. Understanding the relationships among physiological efficiency (PE), recovery efficiency (RE), and agronomic efficiency (AE), as well as their interactions with climatic factors such as precipitation, is essential for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Experiments were conducted across five rai... M. Platero |
22. Long-term Effects of Cover Cropping and Potassium and Phosphorus Fertilization on Soil Test Results in a Row Crop Production SystemPotassium (K) and phosphorus (P) availability can be affected by fertilizer inputs and the use of cover crops (CC) through their effects on nutrient cycling. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effects of CC and fertilizer-P and -K applications on soil-test K (STK) and soil-test P (STP) in two long-term field-scale experiments. Field trials were established in 2017 on silt-loam soils at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station (LMCRS) and at the Rohwer Research Station (RRS), Arkansas. Each... J. Silva, G. Drescher, T. Roberts, N. Slaton, A. Smartt, Q. Sarfaraz, G. Andrade leite mengez, M. Ramos do prado |
23. Maize Response to Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization RatesDue to reduced atmospheric deposition and advancements in agronomic management, sulfur (S) deficiency has become an increasing concern in maize production systems. Because S plays a fundamental role in nitrogen (N) metabolism, S availability may influence maize yield response to N fertilization. This study evaluated maize response to N and S fertilization rates across six locations in Oklahoma. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments and fo... N. Mathey, J. Derrick, B. Arnall |
24. Managing High-pH Soils: Restoring Nutrient Function with Polysulphate and Acidic Phosphate FertilizersHigh soil pH often reflects the active consumption of hydrogen ions (H⁺) by carbonates and bicarbonates, which suppresses calcium solubility and reduces the availability of phosphorus, potassium, and key micronutrients. These limitations are driven by soil chemistry rather than true nutrient deficiency, restricting nutrient mobility and root access. This presentation will examine Polysulphate® as a functional calcium and sulfate source that improves system efficiency. In addition, ... A. Foster, J. Hagele, T. Donoho, D. Tollefson |
25. Monitoring Nitrogen Transformations and Their Interaction with Potassium Uptake in Cotton Production SystemsUnderstanding the temporal dynamics of soil nitrogen (N) is critical for optimizing nutrient management in cotton production. This research monitored soil N transformations, specifically ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻), throughout the cotton growing season. An additional focus was also placed on interactions between soil N forms and the uptake of essential plant nutrients, particularly potassium (K). Soil samples were collected at multiple depths and time points across different ma... J. Derrick, B. Arnall, N. Mathey, B. oliveira liberato, C. Camacho |
26. Nitrogen and Sulfur Interaction in Corn Production- Multi-state StudyMulti-state effort to better understand the impact of sulfure fertilization on nitrogen response curve in corn production. Over 30 site years harvested in 2025. ... B. Arnall, V. Reed, T. Roberts, R. Roth , K. Steinke, J. Jones, D. Quinn |
27. Nitrogen Management in Texas Corn Using UAV-based Multispectral ImagingEfficient nitrogen (N) management is essential for maximizing corn yield while reducing environmental impacts. Over-application of fertilizers during early crop stages leads to atmospheric N losses, resulting in economic inefficiency and increased pollution. Traditional, generalized N fertilizer recommendations often fail to capture the complexity of soil systems and are inadequate for synchronizing N supply with crop demand. Fluctuating fertilizer prices and low N use efficiency further unde... G. Baath |
28. Nutrient Uptake Variability of Modern Cotton CultivarsCotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is one of the most economically important crops in Texas, generating more than $3B in annual revenue. Since the development of transgenic cotton cultivars in the early 2000s, cotton yield potential has increased. Despite these advances, little is known about the nutrient uptake and partitioning patterns of these different cultivars. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutrient uptake and partitioning patterns of five modern cotton cultivars grown under th... J. Burke, K. Lewis |
29. Optimization of Zinc Fertilizer in CottonSemi-arid environments often face many weather-related challenges while overcoming the issues associated with an elevated soil pH (> 7.5). Zinc availability can become more limited as soil pH increases, possibly reducing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) production. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for cotton and is important from the seedling stage to boll and fiber formation. Because of the many reactions reducing zinc availability in soil, fertilizer source, and application time and method ... K. Lewis, J. Alford |
30. Optimizing Nitrogen Inputs in Barley Production in Idaho, Montana, and North DakotaNitrogen (N) management plays a critical role in balancing yield and malting quality of two-row spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in the Northern Great Plains. In 2025, a field experiment was conducted across seven locations in North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho to evaluate the effect of N fertilizer source on barley yield, protein, and kernel plump. Treatments included the commercially available N sources urea, enhanced efficiency urea, urea ammonium nitrate, calcium ... B. Goettl, . Souza, J. Spackman, J. Jensen |
31. Phosphorus and Potassium Impacts on Field Crop Production in the Intermountain WestMacronutrients such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) are essential nutrients often required in large quantities for optimal plant growth, with fertilizers typically supplementing soil nutrients. Fertilizer recommendations can vary significantly depending on the source and greatly affect crop profitability. Guidelines in Utah and many other states in the region were developed decades ago and need to be reassessed. Current Utah State University (USU) Guidelines identify 15 mg kg... M. Baker, M.A. Yost |
32. Plant Tissue Analysis: Do the Numbers Make Sense?Plant tissue analysis is a widely used nutrient management and diagnostic tool. Plant tissue nutrient concentrations are affected by many factors, including soil nutrient status, weather, and others. The interpretation of sufficiency/deficiency ranges in tissue samples helps to determine if growth problems are due to potential nutrient deficiencies or to other causes. Results of an individual analysis are only a one-time “snapshot” within a season-long time-frame. We conduct... F. Vocasek, S. Harrold |
33. Post-wheat Summer Cover Crop Effects Crop Yields and Soil Properties in a No-till Dryland Cropping SystemTraditional dryland cropping systems in the semi-arid Great Plains include long fallow periods of up to 14 months to conserve soil moisture. However, such systems are inefficient even under continuous no-till (NT) management. As less water is necessary to produce forage compared to grain, cover crops (CCs) may be successfully integrated into dryland crop rotations for increased soil cover and potentially greater income when hayed or grazed as annual forages. One study was initiated in 2016 ne... L. Simon, A. Obour, J. Holman, S.K. Johnson |
34. Raw Manure Applications Combined with Nitrogen Stabilizers to Increase Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency in Cotton Production SystemsThe Texas Southern High Plains is one of the most productive cotton-growing regions in the United States. This region is also characterized by a high density of cattle production, resulting in substantial quantities of manure that present an opportunity for integration into regional cotton nutrient management programs. Cotton production in this area is challenged by inherently low soil organic matter and low precipitation. Application of raw cattle manure has the potential to increa... N. E curbelo, K. Lewis |
35. Root-Restrictive Layer Depth As a Driver of Crop Yield VariabilityEvery soil possesses unique features shaped by its genesis-factors such as parent material, climate, topography, native vegetation and time. Interactions among geological and pedological factors contribute to spatially variable soil attributes causing variability in crop yield. Root-restrictive subsurface layers are formed at varying depths in soil due to interactions among the geological and natural soil-forming factors, and sometimes due to anthropogenic causes including compaction due to h... I. Kaur, S. Phillips |
36. Season-long Tools for Effective Potassium Management in Arkansas Cotton ProductionKnowledge of how accurately soil testing and plant analysis identify nutrient-deficient soils and recommend the proper fertilizer rate is important to ensure farmers are profitable. However, critical tissue-potassium (K) concentrations have not been established for modern high-yielding cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars currently grown across the U.S. cotton belt. Likewise, limited research has investigated the window of opportunity to correct K-deficient cotton with in-season ... G. Drescher, T. Roberts, M. Popp, N. Slaton, M. Ramos do prado, A. Smartt, Q. Sarfaraz, G. Andrade leite mengez |
37. Seeding Rate and Planting Configuration Affect the Interspecific Function of a Wheat-pea Cover CropCover crop species mixtures have potential to maximize overall biomass as well as net N contribution if temporary immobilization of available N by non-legume species can promote greater N fixation by legumes. The growth and ultimate function of legumes in cover crop species mixtures is often limited, however, by excessive competition with other species, particularly grasses, in the mix. The objective of this work is to iden... N. Nielsen, T. Hussain, R. Matschek, R. Noland, M. Mcculloch |
38. Sheep Grazing Preference and Nutrient Cycling Implications Among Cover Crop SpeciesThe vast and interspersed livestock and crop industries of Texas lend opportunity for livestock integration to benefit regional agricultural systems. Texas leads sheep production in the U.S. and small ruminant integration in crop systems has become an appealing opportunity in recent years due to strong meat markets and generally poor commodity crop markets. Many winter cover crops are likely suitable forages, and challenges of nutrient immobilization could be (at least partially) mitigated by... R. Matschek, R. Noland, N. Nielson, J. Thorne, M. Mcculloch |
39. Short-Term Changes in Soil Properties Following Simulated Wildfire After Winter Wheat HarvestWildfires on croplands can destroy residue cover, soil organic matter and negatively impact crops yields in semi-arid Great. Approximately 16 acre field of winter wheat stubble was subjected to wildfire event at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS to study management strategies that can restore soil health in croplands impacted by wildfires. Control burning to stimulated wildfire was done in summer 2025 by igniting fire on a down-wind corner at the i... P. Akporsoe, A. Obour, J. Holman, K. Harmoney, Z. Carson, L. Simon, D. Ruiz diaz |
40. Stacking Regenerative Agricultural Practices Under Irrigated Forage ProductionIncorporation of forage production into producer landscapes is an opportunity to hedge economic risk and increase yield stability. Regenerative agricultural management practices that also reduce N fertilizer and pest control costs, recycle nutrients, and preserve and capture precipitation are needed in semi-arid regions. There is little information on how the combination of regenerative practices such as no-tillage (NT) and cover crops will influence the timing and effect (e.g., additive... C.E. Stewart, D.K. Manter, S. Del grosso, G. Miner, P. Kleinman |
41. The Past, Present, and Future of Soil TestingA keynote adress from Dr. Ray Ward, Founder of Ward Laboratories, Inc. ... R. Ward |
42. Using Theory and Experiments to Understand Plant Physiological Responses to Nutrient AvailabilityFor decades, quantitative theory has been developed to understand plant physiological responses to shifting environmental conditions. However, this theory has primarily focused on responses to aboveground conditions. My group has been working on extending this theory below ground, with an explicit focus on plant-nutrient relations. In this presentation, I will discuss the theoretical developments that we have made. I will also present results from experiments designed to test the theory and s... N. Smith |
43. Wheat Zinc Nutrition: Agronomic Biofortification That Delivers Yield and Better Grain NutritionLow Zn availability in calcareous soils is a common issue in the Canadian prairies, where much of the wheat is exported, making Canada one of the world’s largest wheat exporters. Globally, 19% of the population, mostly pregnant women, infants, and children, suffers from Zn deficiency, highlighting the need to enhance Zn bioavailability in wheat grain. Agronomic biofortification offers a promising strategy to improve grain nutrient density while optimizing plant health and development. W... M. Proulx, X. Gao |