No-Till Wheat and Grain Sorghum Production Presented by Gary Strickland Extension Educator, Agriculture Jackson County

Why Residue Management is Important in Dryland Crop Production - Agronomically Soil Erosion Prevention Increased Soil Water Storage Capacity Increased Water Infiltration Rates Decreased Soil Evaporation Rates Increase of In-Season Precipitation Use Efficiency Increased Organic Matter Pool Increased Cation Exchange Complex (CEC) Increased Anion Exchange Complex (AEC) Decrease in Soil Compaction in the Long Term

Review of Previous Work in No-Till Systems

Factors Related to Dryland Grain Sorghum Yield Increases: 1939-1997 Factors Related to Dryland Grain Sorghum Yield Increases: 1939-1997. (Unger and Baumhardt, 1999) Crop residues increased in season precipitation use efficiency After 1970’s, soil water at planting showed an increase in No-Till fields Over a 58 year time period, yield increases were related 46% to improved hybrids and 93% to improved soil water at planting Soil water content at planting improved with the implementation of soil conservation practices

Feasibility of Four-Year Crop Rotations in the Central High Plains (Schlegel et al., 2002) This study showed that Grain Sorghum and Wheat Yields were greater in rotation sequences than in mono-crop situations However, another study: “Deep Tillage and Crop Rotation Effects on Cotton, Soybean, and Grain Sorghum on Clayey Soils”, (Wesley, et al., 2001), showed yields were increased but not net returns due to the low value of the grain sorghum component

Dryland Winter Wheat as Affected by Previous Crops, (Norwood, 2000) Soil water at planting was increased with corn and grain sorghum rotations but not with sunflower or soybean. Wheat grain fill and number of heads were better with corn and grain sorghum rotations. These rotations were conducted across CT, RT, and NT tillage systems

Nitrogen Management in No-Tillage Grain Sorghum Production, (Khosla et al., 2000) Study showed that high mineral N in the one inch seed zone area indicated that starter-band or side-dress applications were not necessary for optimum economic return to N fertilization. Low mineral N in the same seed zone area indicated a response to the starter-band in conjunction with the side-dress application.

Interaction of Tillage and Soil Texture, (Needelman et al., 1999) Soil organic matter increased by 35% in the 0-5 cm range in the NT system when compared to the CT system Potentially mineralizable N increased in this same soil depth range by 54% in the NT system However when looking at the 0-15 cm soil depth range there were no tillage differences

Managing Soils to Achieve Greater Water Use Efficiency – A Review, (Hatfield et al., 2001) Increase SOM was reported to increase water holding capacity Studies indicate that the above factor may positively affect WUE due to improved soil water dynamics and related improved nutrient uptake One report showed Grain Sorghum yields higher in the NT system Another study (done in El Reno) looking at wheat cultivars showed the NT system had the greatest response in growth and yield under unfavorable conditions

Current Work in Jackson County Tillage and Cropping Systems Study to Increase Dryland Crop Production Tillage Systems: (NT) No Tillage; (CT) Conventional Tillage Cropping Systems: (C-W-GS) Cotton-Wheat-Grain Sorghum; (C-W) Cotton-Wheat; (C-GS) Cotton-Grain Sorghum; (W-DCGS-C) Wheat-Double Crop Grain Sorghum-Cotton; (C) Cotton; (W) Wheat; (GS) Grain Sorghum

Soil Organic Matter Results

C-GS Cropping System - % OM Tillage System S-03 S-04 S-05 S-06 NT 1.91 1.82 1.64(2) 1.77(6) 1.89(2) 1.85(6) CT 1.90 1.78 1.55(2) 1.44(6) 1.67(2) 1.60(6)

W-DCGS-C System - %OM Tillage System F-02 S-03 S-04 F-05 NT 1.9 1.77 1.73 2.15(2) 1.59(6) CT 2.08 1.78(2) 1.61(6)

W Only System - %OM Tillage System F-02 F-03 F-04 F-05 NT 1.84 1.6 1.84(2) 1.46(6) 1.95(2) 1.58(6) CT 1.7 1.77(2) 1.78(2) 1.61(6)

GS Only System - %OM Tillage System S-03 S-04 S-05 S-06 NT 1.96 1.95 1.88(2) 1.45(6) 2.52(2) 1.89(6) CT 1.80 1.86 1.55(2) 1.48(6) 1.89(2) 1.69(6)

No Till Grain Sorghum Production - Some Practical Points Plant Management Fertilizer Herbicides

Plant Management Plant Populations (Desired Population Per Acre/(germination% * emergence%)) Soil Temperatures Maturity Groups and Planting Dates and Times Planting Dates and Times Varieties – TR 434, DK 44, KS 585, NC+6B50, Garst 5515 Soil to Seed Contact in No-Till Systems

Bed or Row Hugger Double Disc Opener with Seed firmer 25 wave Coulter with Residue manager Spaded Closing Wheels

Fertilizer and Placement Types of Fertilizer: Urea ((NH2)2CO, Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3), UAN, Ammonium Sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), etc Broadcast 2 x 2 band or 3 x 2 band With Seed (Be Careful!) Be aware of potential loss avenues of N (volatilization, denitrification, immobilization, leaching, higher N consumption for crop production) Phosphorus, Potassium, Micro-nutrients, and pH

Herbicides Know the weed species you are trying to control Know the herbicide application window Be sure and have as close to the right plant and environmental conditions as possible for optimal plant uptake of the chemical Be familiar with the label requirements for both application and tank mix additives Higher GPA required in high residue Your sprayer is replacing most of your tillage equipment in the No-Till System, so take care of it Calculate the economics

Some Herbicide Options Bicep (Dual + Atrazine, pre, heavier soils only) Aim (postemergence) Phenoxy Herb. (2,4-D or Banvel) Buctril (postemergence) Peak (postemergence) Roundup (preplant or preemergence) Dual Magnum (pre-emergence app., safened seed only) Lasso (pre-emergence, safened seed only) Atrazine (post-emergence app., crop rotation concerns with cotton and wheat)

Current Work in Jackson County No Till Grain Sorghum

2003 Grain Sorghum Production Economics Treatments Yield – Lbs./A Returns - $/A W-DCGS-C(NT) 1023 $1.05 GS(NT) Lost Crop $-32.03 W-DCGS-C(CT) 1092 $3.73 GS(CT) $-39.63

2004 Grain Sorghum Production Economics Treatments Yield – Lbs./A Returns - $/A C-GS(NT) 3108 $37.76 GS(NT) 2955 $31.84 C-GS(CT) 3774 $46.78 GS(CT) 2627 $5.46

2005 Grain Sorghum Production Economics Treatments Yield – Lbs./A Returns - $/A GS(NT) 4963 $60.10 GS(CT) 4827 $51.82

Preliminary Data – 2006 Grain Sorghum Tillage System Yield Lbs./A Return – Dollars/A C-W-GS(NT) C-W-GS(CT) 2274 $24.28 $-65.37 C-GS(NT) C-GS(CT) 3709 $74.48 GS(NT) GS(CT) 2864 $44.93

NO-TILL WHEAT PRODUCTION Some Practical Points

Wheat Conservation Tillage Systems Wheat after Wheat Wheat-Fallow Wheat in Rotations (Cotton, Grain Sorghum, and Canola(?))

Variety Recommendations Utilizing Local Variety Trial Results (Olustee and Frederick) No known distinctions in variety selection when considering reduced tillage Potential for disease issues should probably (?) be considered Top Varieties: (Olustee Trial) Jagger, Jagalene, Cutter, Endurance, Overley, Deliver, OK Bullet)

Planting Rates The primary point to remember here is, in general, recommendations are to increase seeding rates by 10-20%. This is related to planter unit utilized and soil to seed contact

Fertility Recommendations Types of Fertilizer: Urea ((NH2)2CO, Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3), UAN, Ammonium Sulfate (NH4SO3), etc New technology is available for N rate recommendations but in no-till would probably stay with 2 Lbs./N per bushel of yield goal for now Increased Nitrogen needed for Conservation Tillage Systems initially Broadcast applications are ok Placement of fertilizer can be important for P, K, and micronutrients depending on soil pH With Seed (Watch the salt index!) Be aware of potential loss avenues of N (denitrification, immobilization, leaching, higher N consumption for crop production) Phosphorus, Potassium, Micro-nutrients, and pH

Weed Control Know the weed species you are trying to control Know the herbicide application window Be sure and have as close to the right plant and environmental conditions as possible for optimal chemical uptake by the plant Be familiar with label requirements for both application and tank mix additives Increased coverage needed in no-till situations Rotational crop concerns, very important Calculate the economics

Grass Herbicides (In Season) Bromegrass Control Maverick Olympus Olympus Flex Finesse G&B Wild Oat Control Puma Osprey Olympus Flex Hoelon Finesse G&B Beyond (Clearfield Wheat Only)

Broadleaf Weed Herb. (In Season) Glean Finesse Maverick Peak Ally Amber Harmony Extra MCPA and 2,4-D Banvel Beyond (Clearfield Wheat Only) Area Broadleaf Weeds Henbit Pepperweed Cutleaf Evening Primrose Field Pennycress Sheperdspurse Tansey Mustard Flixweed Prickley Lettuce

Equipment Notes Sprayer and Planter two most important pieces of equipment in a conservations tillage system Need good soil to seed contact Coulters most likely required Enough weight or ability to place more weight by pressure or actuality needed Good press wheel seed furrow closure important Unit must be able to handle both initial system compaction and eventual heavy stubble

Current Work in Jackson County – No Till Wheat

2002/2003 Wheat Production Economics Trts. Gr. Yield-Bu./A Returns - $/A For. Yield – Lbs./A Beef Gain - $/A W-DCGS-C(NT) 15 $-4.97 N/A W(NT) 23 $19.00 W-DCGS-C(CT_ 20 $-9.76 1060 $90.60 W(CT) 22 $-4.32 1221 $103.79

2003/2004 Wheat Production Economics Treatments Grain Yield – Bu./A Returns - $/A W(NT) 68 $164.00 W(CT) 57 $115.00

2004/2005 Wheat Production Economics Trts. Gr. Yield-Bu./A Returns-$/A For.Yield-Lbs./A Beef Gain $/A CWGS (NT) 73.6 $159.20 1553 $155.30 CW (NT) 61.3 $119.40 1979 $197.90 W (NT) 51.1 $86.30 1265 $126.50 CWGS (CT) 64.2 $124.60 2073 $207.30 CW (CT) 68.2 $137.60 1624 $162.40 W (CT) 55.5 $96.15 849 $84.86

Tillage and Cropping Systems Production Economics Summary Table

Summary of Production Economics

Conclusions – To Present Study showing a trending of the NT System treatments to have slightly higher yields or higher returns above prod. Inputs The wheat NT treatments are performing as good as the CT treatments. Finally, with only a few exceptions the crop rotations have indicated a trend for higher yields and dollar return than the mono-crop systems, regardless of tillage.