Agricultural. Experiment Station. Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trials in Colorado, Technical Report TR04-02 January 2004

Transcription

1 Technical Report TR04-02 January 2004 Agricultural Experiment Station College of Agricultural Sciences Department of Soil and Crop Sciences Arkansas Valley Research Center Plainsman Research Center Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trials in Colorado, 2003

2 K. J. Larson, Superintendent/Research Scientist Plainsman Research Center F. C. Schweissing, Superintendent /Research Scientist Arkansas Valley Research Center D. L. Thompson, Technician III Plainsman Research Center Funded by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station **Mention of a trademark proprietary product does not constitute endorsement by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station.** Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.

3 SORGHUM HYBRID PERFORMANCE TRIALS IN COLORADO, 2003 Page Introduction: Seed Companies Entered in Trials 2 Experimental Methods and Evaluations 3 Statistical Method 4 Acknowledgments 4 References 5 Early Maturing Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Walsh 6 Dryland Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trials Vilas 10 Walsh 14 Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trials Hartman 18 Walsh 22 Dryland Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Walsh 26 Irrigated Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trials Walsh 31 Rocky Ford 36 Tillage System Comparisons for Dryland Grain Sorghum Production 39 Zn Fertilization of Irrigated Grain Sorghum in Southeastern Colorado 43 Broadleaf Weed Control of Common Herbicides in Dryland Grain Sorghum 47 Long-Term, Low-Rate, Seedrow P and N in Dryland Grain Sorghum 49 i

4 1 SORGHUM HYBRID PERFORMANCE TRIALS IN COLORADO, 2003 K.J. Larson, F.C. Schweissing, and D.L. Thompson \1 The 2003 Colorado grain sorghum crop was estimated at 5.7 million bushels, more than three times higher than 2002 drought year. For Colorado, the 5.7 million bushels is slightly above the 25-year average. The increase in sorghum production this year compared to last year was due mainly to a increase in harvested acres, and secondarily to an increase in average bushels per acre. There was a 2.3 fold increase in harvested acreage from 90,000 in 2002 to 210,000 in In 2003 the average yield was 27 Bu/A, whereas, in 2002 the average yield was 20 Bu/A. The yield of 27 Bu/A is 6 Bu/A less than the 5-year average. Sorghum silage production in 2002 was 135,000 tons, down 1.8 times from Sorghum silage production for 2002 was the lowest recorded over the past 25 years. The decrease in silage production was because of lower yields, 9 Tons/A from 15,000 acres in 2002, and 20 Tons/A from 12,000 in 2001 (Colorado Agricultural Statistic Service, 2003). This publication is a progress report of the sorghum variety trials conducted by the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University, Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station, and Cooperative Extension. The sorghum trials were located at four sites in Southeastern Colorado: dryland grain sorghum trials were conducted at Vilas and Walsh; irrigated grain sorghum trials at Hartman and Walsh; irrigated forage sorghum trials at Rocky Ford and Walsh; and a dryland forage sorghum trial at Walsh. Tests are partially funded by entry fees paid by commercial firms. Commercial seed representatives interested in entering sorghum hybrids in any of the tests should contact Kevin Larson, Plainsman Research Center, Box 477, Walsh, Colorado 81090, or phone (719) , or Kevin.Larson@colostate.edu for further details. Names and addresses of firms submitting entries in 2003 are shown in Table 1. Each firm selected entries for testing and furnished seed for the tests. The Agricultural Experiment Station as a standard of comparison included selected open-pedigree hybrids. A closed-pedigree corn hybrid was also included in the forage sorghum trials as a comparative standard and was sponsored by the Colorado State Agricultural Experiment Station. Summary tables for weather data (on-site portable weather stations and NOAA, 2003), soil analysis, fertilization (Soil Testing Laboratory, Colorado State University), and available soil water graphs derived from gypsum block readings are provided for each trial location. Other information, where available, was included: site description, emergence date, irrigation, pest control, field history, and pertinent comments. \1 Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh; Superintendent, Arkansas Valley Research Center, Rocky Ford; Technician III, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh.

5 2 Table 1.--Entrants in the 2003 Colorado Sorghum Performance Trials. Brand Entered by AERC AERC Inc., 34, Colonnade Road, Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K2E 7J6 Canada ASGROW Monsanto, RR 3, Box 119, Plainview, TX BUFFALO BRAND Sharp Brothers Seed Co., P.O. Box 140, Healy, KS CAL/WEST SEEDS CAL/WEST Seeds, Rt.1, Box 70, West Salem, WI DEKALB Monsanto, RR 3, Box 119, Plainview, TX DRUSSEL SEED GOLDEN HARVEST Drussel Seed and Supply, 2197 West Parallel Road, Garden City, KS Golden Harvest Seeds/The J.C. Robinson Seed Company, P.O. Box A, Waterloo, NE NC+ NC+ Hybrids, P.O. Box 4408, Lincoln, NE SORGHUM PARTNERS Sorghum Partners, Inc., 403 S. Monroe, P.O. Box 189, New Deal, TX PIONEER BRAND TRIUMPH Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., 390 Union Blvd., Suite 500A, Lakewood, CO Triumph Seed Co., Inc., P.O. Box 1050, Hwy. 62 Bypass, Ralls, TX Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station entered the following as checks: grain sorghum, TXms399 X TXR2737 (399 X 2737); forage sorghum, NB 305F; corn hybrids, DEKALB 642 and TRIUMPH 1866 Bt.

6 3 Growing Degree Days for sorghum were calculated from planting through first freeze using a maximum of 111 o F and a minimum of 50 o F for threshold temperatures (Peacock and Heinrich, 1984). They are calculated by averaging daily high and low temperatures and subtracting the base temperature of 50 o F from the average. When daily temperatures are less than 50 o F, 50 o F is used, when temperatures are above 111 o F a maximum temperature of 111 o F is used: (Daily Minimum Temp. + Daily Maximum Temp.) - 50 o F 2 Experimental Methods and Evaluations Trials were planted with a four-row cone planter and harvested with a modified, self-propelled John Deere 4420 combine equipped with a four-row row-crop head to enhance harvest of lodged tillers. Sorghum forage was cut and chopped with a single row John Deere 8 silage cutter. Days to Emergence. Seedling emergence was determined as the number of days after planting until approximately half of the seedlings become visible down a planted row. 50 % Bloom. Number of days after planting until half of the main heads had pollinating florets. Number of days to half bloom provides a good measure of relative maturity between hybrids. 50 % Maturity. Number of days after planting until half of the kernels in half of the main heads reached physiological maturity, i.e., the black layer becomes visible at the base of the kernel. Plant Height. Plant height was measured in inches from the soil to the tip of the main head. Lodging. The percentage of tillers with broken basal stems or broken peduncles or were leaning more than a 45 degree angle were considered lodged. Since the combine was equipped with a row crop head, most of the leaning tillers were harvested. Harvest Density. Plant population in plants per acre was counted prior to harvest. Test Weight. Test weight was determined using a hand-held bushel weight tester. A low test weight indicates that a hybrid did not fully mature prior to the first freeze or that it suffered environmental stress, such as a water deficiency. Grain Yield. The grain yield in bushels per acre was corrected to 14 percent moisture content.

7 4 Yield as a % of Test Average. Yield as a percentage of test average provides a comparison between yields within a trial and allows easy comparisons among years, irrespective of annual growing conditions. Forage Yield. Forage yield in tons per acre was corrected to 70 % moisture content. A representative sample of fresh silage was oven-dried at 167 o F (75 o C) until there was no more weight loss, and then yields were adjusted to 70 % moisture content. Stem Sugar. The sugar content, expressed as a percent, in the stem of forage sorghums at harvest was measured with a hand refractometer. Available Soil Water Available soil water was measured by placing gypsum blocks at 6, 18, 30, and 42 inches below the soil surface. Electrical resistance readings were made weekly. Resistance readings vary with the amount of soil water present. Using resistance readings, available soil water was determined by extrapolating from soil water depletion curves for each particular soil. Statistical Method Tests were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. No less than three replications were harvested. Analysis of variance was applied to the results and the least significant difference (LSD) was computed at alpha = Analysis of variance and regression were performed with CoStat Statistical Software a product of Cohort Software, Berkeley, California. Acknowledgments We are sincerely grateful to the grower-cooperators for their assistance in the offstation trials: Fred Williams, Hartman; and Terrill Swanson, Vilas, Colorado. We are also grateful to the NOAA weather observer, William Wilson, Holly, Colorado for collecting the weather data utilized at Hartman.

8 5 References Colorado Agricultural Statistics Service. November, Ag Update, vol. 23, no. 22. CASS, CDA, USDA. 4p. Colorado Agricultural Statistics Service Annual report, 2002 preliminary 2001 revised. CASS, CDA, USDA. 157p. NOAA, May-October, Climatological Data, Colorado. vol. 108, no NOAA, NWS, NESDIS, NCDC. Peacock, J.M. and G.M. Heinrich Light and temperature response in sorghum. pp In: Agrometeorology of Sorghum and Millet in the Semi-Tropics: Proceedings of the International Symposium. November 15-20, India, ICRISAT, WMO.

9 6 Early Maturing Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Walsh, 2003 COOPERATORS: Plainsman Agri-Search Foundation, and Kevin Larson, Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh, Colorado. PURPOSE: To identify high yielding hybrids, when planted late in the season (June 25), under drip-irrigated conditions with 2780 sorghum heat units in Silty Loam soil. PLOT: Four rows with 30 row spacing, 50 long. SEEDING DENSITY: 87,100 Seed/A. PLANTED: June 25. HARVESTED: November 4. EMERGENCE DATE: 5 days after planting. SOIL TEMP: 72 F. IRRIGATION: Drip irrigated for 12 weeks with 10.1 A-in./A. Summary: Growing Season Precipitation and Temperature \1 Walsh, Baca County. Month Rainfall GDD \2 >90 F >100 F DAP \3 In No. of Days June July August September October Total \1 Growing season from July 1 (planting) to October 26 (first freeze, 22 F). \2 GDD: Growing Degree Days for sorghum. \3 DAP: Days After Planting. PEST CONTROL: Preemergence Herbicides: Roundup 16 Oz/A. Post Emergence Herbicides Clarity 4 Oz/A, Atrazine 1.0 Lb/A, COC 32 Oz/A. CULTIVATION: Once. INSECTICIDES: None. FIELD HISTORY: Last Crop: Sorghum. FIELD PREPARATION: Disc. COMMENTS: Planted in good soil moisture. Weed control was very good. Near normal precipitation for the growing season with a wet June and dry July and September months. No greenbug infestation. None of the hybrids lodged. Late freeze date. Yields and test weights were very good considering the late date of planting. SOIL: Silty Loam for 0-8 and Silty Loam 8-24 depths from soil analysis. Summary: Soil Analysis. Depth ph Salts OM N P K Zn Fe mmhos/cm % ppm Comment Alka VLo VHi Lo Lo VHi Lo Marg Manganese and Copper levels were adequate. Summary: Fertilization. Fertilizer N P 2 O 5 Zn Fe Lb/A Recommended Applied Yield Goal: 120 Bu/A. Actual Yield: 117 Bu/A.

10 7 Available Soil Water Irrigated Grain Sorghum, Early Maturing, Walsh, Flowering Available Soil Water 5 (in. of water/4 ft. soil depth) Depth 1 ft. Depth 2 ft. Depth 3 ft. Depth 4 ft Weeks After Planting Fig. 1. Available soil water in drip irrigated grain sorghum at Walsh. Gypsum block measurements taken to 4 ft. with 1 ft. increments. Total rainfall at Walsh from planting to first freeze was 6.22 in. Any increase in available soil water between weeks not attributed to applied irrigation is from rain.

11 8 Table 2.--Irrigated Grain Sorghum Early Maturing Hybrid Performance Test at Walsh, \1 Yield % Days to 50% Bloom 50% Mature Plant Harvest Lodged Test Grain of Test Brand Hybrid Emerge DAP GDD DAP Group Ht. Density Plants Wt. Yield Average In Plants/A % Lb/Bu Bu/A % (1000 X) DEKALB DKS E SORGHUM PARTNERS KS E/ME ASGROW Rew ard E DEKALB DK-28E E TRIUMPH TR X E SORGHUM PARTNERS E SORGHUM PARTNERS K35-Y ME SORGHUM PARTNERS HD M (Check) 399 X SD ML Average E LSD \1 Planted: June 25; Harvested: November 4. Yields are corrected to 14.0% seed moisture content. DAP: Days After Planting or maturation of seed at first freeze (22 F, October 26). Seed Maturation: PM, pre-milk; EM, early milk; MM, mid-milk; LM, late milk; ED, early dough; SD, soft dough; HD, hard dough; DAP, mature. GDD: Grow ing Degree Days for sorghum. Maturity Group: E, early; ME, medium early; M, medium; ML, medium late; L, late.

12 9 Table 3.--Summary: Grain Sorghum Early Maturing Hybrid Performance Tests, Grain Yield Yield as % of Test Average 2-Year 3-Year 2-Year 3-Year Brand Hybrid Avg Avg Avg Avg Bu/A % ASGROW Reward DEKALB DK-28E DEKALB DKS PIONEER 87G SORGHUM PARTNERS KS SORGHUM PARTNERS K35-Y SORGHUM PARTNERS (Check) 399 X Average Grain Yields were corrected to 14.0 % seed moisture content. Dryland at Vilas for 2001; Irrigated at Walsh for 2002 and 2003.

13 10 Dryland Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Vilas, 2003 COOPERATORS: Terrill Swanson Farm, Vilas, and Kevin Larson, Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh, Colorado. PURPOSE: To identify high yielding hybrids under dryland conditions with 3200 sorghum heat units in a Sandy Clay soil. PLOT: Four rows with 30 row spacing, 50 long. SEEDING DENSITY: 39,200 Seed/A. PLANTED: June 2. HARVESTED: November 5. EMERGENCE DATE: 12 days after planting. SOIL TEMP: 68 F. PEST CONTROL: Preemergence Herbicides: Roundup 16 Oz/A, Atrazine 0.63 Lb AI/A. Post Emergence Herbicides: Clarity 5 Oz/A, 2,4-D 0.28 Lb AI/A. CULTIVATION: Once. INSECTICIDE: None. Summary: Growing Season Precipitation and Temperature \1 Walsh, Baca County. Month Rainfall GDD \2 >90 F >100 F DAP \3 In No. of Days June July August September October Total \1 Growing season from June 2 (planting) to October 26 (first freeze, 22 F). \2 GDD: Growing Degree Days for sorghum. \3 DAP: Days After Planting. FIELD HISTORY: Last Crop: Sorghum. FIELD PREPARATION: Chisel. COMMENTS: Planted in good soil moisture. Weed control was poor to fair. Below normal precipitation for the growing season, June was wet but the rest of the season was very dry. Seed set was poor because it was very hot and dry at flowering. No greenbug infestation. None of the hybrids lodged. Grain yields were poor. SOIL: Sandy Clay for 0-8 and Sandy Clay 8-24 depths from soil analysis. Summary: Soil Analysis. Depth ph Salts OM N P K Zn Fe mmhos/cm % ppm Comment Alka Vlo Mod Lo V Lo VHi V Lo Adeq Manganese and Copper levels were adequate. Summary: Fertilization. Fertilizer N P 2 O 5 Zn Fe Lb/A Recommended Applied Yield Goal: 60 Bu/A. Actual Yield: 16 Bu/A.

14 11 Available Soil Water Dryland Grain Sorghum, Vilas, Flowering Available Soil Water (in. of water/4 ft. soil depth) Depth 1 ft. Depth 2 ft. Depth 3 ft. Depth 4 ft Weeks After Planting Fig. 2. Available soil water in dryland grain sorghum at Vilas. Gypsum block measurements taken to 4 ft. with 1 ft. increments. Total rainfall at Walsh from planting to first freeze was in. Any increase in available soil water between weeks is from rain.

15 12 Table 4.--Dryland Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Test at Vilas, \1 Yield % Days to 50% Bloom 50% Mature Plant Harvest Plants Test Grain of Test Brand Hybrid Emerge DAP GDD DAP Group Ht. Density Lodged Wt. Yield Average In Plants/A % Lb/Bu Bu/A % (1000 X) PIONEER 85G ME/M DEKALB X ME ASGROW Pulsar ME DEKALB DK ME/M SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ME ASGROW Seneca ME/M DEKALB DK-40y ME/M DEKALB DKS ME SORGHUM PARTNERS NK M SORGHUM PARTNERS K59-Y M SORGHUM PARTNERS NK M PIONEER 84G M SORGHUM PARTNERS KS M SORGHUM PARTNERS K73-J M SORGHUM PARTNERS M (Check) 399 X ML SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ML Average ME/M LSD \1 Planted: June 2; Harvested: November 5. Yields are corrected to 14.0% seed moisture content. DAP: Days After Planting or maturation of seed at first freeze. Seed Maturation: EM, early milk; MM, mid milk; LM, late milk; ED, early dough; SD, soft dough; HD, hard dough; mature (DAP). GDD: Grow ing Degree Days for sorghum. Maturity Group: E, early; ME, medium early; M, medium; ML, medium late; L, late.

16 13 Table 5.--Summary: Dryland Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Tests at Vilas, Grain Yield Yield as % of Test Average 2-Year 3-Year 2-Year 3-Year Brand Hybrid Avg Avg Avg Avg Bu/A % ASGROW Seneca ASGROW Pulsar DEKALB DKS DEKALB DK DEKALB DK-40y PIONEER PIONEER 85Y PIONEER 85G SORGHUM PARTNERS KS SORGHUM PARTNERS K59-Y SORGHUM PARTNERS NK SORGHUM PARTNERS K73-J SORGHUM PARTNERS NK TRIUMPH TR TRIUMPH TR (Check) 399 X Average Grain Yields w ere corrected to 14.0 % seed moisture content.

17 14 Dryland Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Walsh, 2003 COOPERATORS: Plainsman Agri-Search Foundation, and Kevin Larson, Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh, Colorado. PURPOSE: To identify high yielding hybrids under dryland conditions with 3450 sorghum heat units in a Silty Loam soil. PLOT: Four rows with 30 row spacing, 50 long. SEEDING DENSITY: 39,200 Seed/A. PLANTED: May 22. HARVESTED: October 30. EMERGENCE DATE: 10 days after planting. SOIL TEMP: 63 F. PEST CONTROL: Preemergence Herbicides: None. Post Emergence Herbicides: Clarity 4.0 Oz/A, Buctril 16 Oz/A, Atrazine 1.0 Lb/A, COC 1 Qt/A. CULTIVATION: Once. INSECTICIDES: None. Summary: Growing Season Precipitation and Temperature \1 Walsh, Baca County. Month Rainfall GDD \2 >90 F >100 F DAP \3 In No. of Days May June July August September October Total \1 Growing season from May 22 (planting) to October 26 (first freeze, 22 F). \2 GDD: Growing Degree Days for sorghum. \3 DAP: Days After Planting. FIELD HISTORY: Last Crop: Wheat. FIELD PREPARATION: Sweep plow. COMMENTS: Planted in good soil moisture. Weed control was fair. Near normal precipitation for the growing season with a wet June and dry July and September months. No greenbug infestation. None of the hybrids lodged. Grain yields were fair. SOIL: Silty Loam for 0-8 and Silty Loam 8-24 depths from soil analysis. Summary: Soil Analysis. Depth ph Salts OM N P K Zn Fe mmhos/cm % ppm Comment Alka Vlo Hi Mod VLo VHi Lo Adeq Manganese and Copper levels were adequate. Summary: Fertilization. Fertilizer N P 2 O 5 Zn Fe Lb/A Recommended Applied Yield Goal: 45 Bu/A. Actual Yield: 26 Bu/A.

18 15 Available Soil Water Dryland Grain Sorghum, Walsh, Available Soil Water (in. of water/4 ft. soil depth) Flowering 2 1 Depth 1 ft. Depth 2 ft. Depth 3 ft. Depth 4 ft Weeks After Planting Fig. 3. Available soil water in dryland grain sorghum at Walsh. Gypsum block measurements taken to 4 ft. with 1 ft. increments. Total rainfall at Walsh from planting to first freeze was in. Any increase in available soil water between weeks not attributed to applied irrigation is from rain.

19 16 Table 6.--Dryland Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Test at Walsh, \1 Yield % Days to 50% Bloom 50% Mature Plant Harvest Lodged Test Grain of Test Brand Hybrid Emerge DAP GDD DAP Group Ht. Density Plants Wt. Yield Average In Plants/A % Lb/Bu Bu/A % (1000 X) TRIUMPH TR E SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ME ASGROW Seneca ME/M ASGROW Pulsar ME NC+ NC+ 5B ME/E PIONEER 85G ME/M DEKALB X ME DEKALB DKS ME TRIUMPH TR ME DEKALB DK-40y ME/M DEKALB DK ME/M SORGHUM PARTNERS NK M NC+ NC+ 7C M SORGHUM PARTNERS M SORGHUM PARTNERS K73-J M/ML SORGHUM PARTNERS NK M SORGHUM PARTNERS KS M SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ML PIONEER 84G ML/M SORGHUM PARTNERS K59-Y ML/M (Check) 399 X ML Average M LSD \1 Planted: May 22; Harvested: October 30. Yields are corrected to 14.0% seed moisture content. DAP: Days After Planting or maturation of seed at first freeze. Seed Maturation: LM, late milk; ED, early dough; SD, soft dough; HD, hard dough; mature (DAP). GDD: Grow ing Degree Days for sorghum. Maturity Group: E, early; ME, medium early; M, medium; ML, medium late; L, late.

20 17 Table 7.--Summary: Dryland Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Tests at Walsh, Grain Yield Yield as % of Test Average 2-Year 3-Year 2-Year 3-Year Brand Hybrid Avg Avg Avg Avg Bu/A % ASGROW Seneca ASGROW Pulsar DEKALB DK-40y DEKALB DK DEKALB DKS NC+ NC+ 6B NC+ NC +5B74E NC+ NC+ 5B PIONEER 85G PIONEER PIONEER 85Y SORGHUM PARTNERS KS SORGHUM PARTNERS K59-Y SORGHUM PARTNERS NK SORGHUM PARTNERS K73-J SORGHUM PARTNERS NK TRIUMPH TR (Check) 399 X Average Grain Yields were corrected to 14.0 % seed moisture content. Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Hartman, 2003

21 18 COOPERATORS: Fred Williams Farm, Hartman, and Kevin Larson, Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh, Colorado. PURPOSE: To identify high yielding hybrids under irrigated conditions with 2750 sorghum heat units in a Silty Clay soil. PLOT: Four rows with 30 row spacing, 50 long. SEEDING DENSITY: 113,250 Seed/A. PLANTED: June 12. HARVESTED: November 18. EMERGENCE DATE: 8 days after planting. SOIL TEMP: 68 F. PEST CONTROL: Preemergence Herbicides: None. Post Emergence Herbicides: Avalanche 0.5 Oz/A. CULTIVATION: Once. INSECTICIDE: None. Summary: Growing Season Precipitation and Temperature \1 Holly, Prowers County. Month Rainfall GDD \2 >90 F >100 F DAP \3 In No. of Days June July August September October Total \1 Growing season from June 12 (planting) to October 6 (first freeze, 28 F). \2 GDD: Growing Degree Days for sorghum. \3 DAP: Days After Planting. FIELD HISTORY: Last Crop: Corn. FIELD PREPARATION: Disc. COMMENTS: Planted in good soil moisture. Weed control was very good. Below normal precipitation for the growing season with all monthly averages except August below normal. No greenbug infestation. Some of the hybrids lodged. Grain yields were good. SOIL: Silty Clay for 0-8 and Silty Clay 8-24 depths from soil analysis. Summary: Soil Analysis. Depth ph Salts OM N P K Zn Fe mmhos/cm % ppm Comment Alka Mod VHi VHi VLo VHi Adeq Adeq Manganese and Copper levels were adequate. Summary: Fertilization. Fertilizer N P 2 O 5 Zn Fe Lb/A Recommended Applied Yield Goal: 140 Bu/A. Actual Yield: 109 Bu/A.

22 19 Available Soil Water Irrigated Grain Sorghum, Hartman, Available Soil Water (in. of water/4 ft. soil depth) Flowering Depth 1 ft. Depth 2 ft. Depth 3 ft. Depth 4 ft Weeks After Planting Fig. 4. Available soil water in irrigated grain sorghum at Hartman. Gypsum block measurements taken to 4 ft. with 1ft. increments. Total rainfall at Hartman from planting to first freeze was 6.03 in. Any increase in available soil water between weeks not attributed to applied irrigation is from rain.

23 20 Table 8.--Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Test at Hartman, \1 Yield % Days to 50% Bloom 50% Mature Plant Harvest Lodged Test Grain of Test Brand Hybrid Emerge DAP GDD DAP Group Ht. Density Plants Wt. Yield Average In. Plants/A % Lb/Bu Bu/A % (1000 X) SORGHUM PARTNERS E SORGHUM PARTNERS KS 560Y ME/M SORGHUM PARTNERS KS ME SORGHUM PARTNERS K35-Y ME SORGHUM PARTNERS KS M SORGHUM PARTNERS NK X M/ML SORGHUM PARTNERS K59-Y M SORGHUM PARTNERS K73-J M/ML PIONEER 84G ML NC+ NC+ 7R ML/M DEKALB DKS ML SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ML (Check) 399 X ML SORGHUM PARTNERS NK X ML ASGROW A ML/M TRIUMPH TR ML Average M LSD \1 Planted: June 12; Harvested: November 18. Yields are corrected to 14.0% seed moisture content. DAP: Days After Planting or maturation of seed at first freeze. Seed Maturation: LM, late milk; ED, early dough; SD, soft dough; HD, hard dough; mature (DAP). GDD: Grow ing Degree Days for sorghum. Maturity Group: E, early; ME, medium early; M, medium; ML, medium late; L, late.

24 21 Table 9.--Summary: Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Tests at Hartman, 2000, 2001, Grain Yield Yield as % of Test Average 2-Year 3-Year 2-Year 3-Year Brand Hybrid Avg Avg Avg Avg Bu/A % ASGROW A ASGROW A DEKALB DK DEKALB DKS PIONEER 84G SORGHUM PARTNERS K73-J SORGHUM PARTNERS NK TRIUMPH TR (Check) 399 X Average Grain Yields w ere corrected to 14.0 % seed moisture content. No yield data from 2002 because of drought.

25 22 Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Walsh, 2003 COOPERATORS: Plainsman Agri-Search Foundation, and Kevin Larson, Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh, Colorado. PURPOSE: To identify high yielding hybrids under irrigated conditions with 3400 sorghum heat units in a Silty Loam soil. PLOT: Four rows with 30 row spacing, 50 long. SEEDING DENSITY: 87,100 Seed/A. PLANTED: May 23. HARVESTED: October 31. Summary: Growing Season Precipitation and Temperature \1 Walsh, Baca County. Month Rainfall GDD \2 >90 F >100 F DAP \3 In No. of Days EMERGENCE DATE: 8 days after planting. SOIL TEMP: 66 F. IRRIGATION: Drip irrigated for 14 weeks with 11.8 A-in./A. PEST CONTROL: Preemergence Herbicides: Roundup 16 Oz/A. Post Emergence Herbicides: Clarity 4 0z/A, Atrazine 1.0 Lb/A, COC 1 Qt/A. CULTIVATION: Once. INSECTICIDES: None. May June July August September October Total \1 Growing season from May 23 (planting) to October 26 (first freeze, 22 F). \2 GDD: Growing Degree Days for sorghum. \3 DAP: Days After Planting. FIELD HISTORY: Last Crop: Sorghum. FIELD PREPARATION: Disc. COMMENTS: Planted in good soil moisture. Weed control was good. Near normal precipitation for the growing season with a wet June and dry July and September months. No greenbug infestation. None of the hybrids lodged. Grain yields were very good. SOIL: Silty Loam for 0-8 and Silty Loam 8-24 depths from soil analysis. Summary: Soil Analysis. Depth ph Salts OM N P K Zn Fe mmhos/cm % ppm Comment Alka VLo VHi Lo Lo VHi Lo Adeq Manganese and Copper levels were adequate. Summary: Fertilization. Fertilizer N P 2 O 5 Zn Fe Lb/A Recommended Applied Yield Goal: 125 Bu/A. Actual Yield: 125 Bu/A.

26 23 Available Soil Water Irrigated Grain Sorghum, Walsh, Flowering 8 7 Available Soil Water (in. of water/4 ft. soil depth) Depth 1 ft. Depth 2 ft. Depth 3 ft. Depth 4 ft Weeks After Planting Fig. 4. Available soil water in irrigated grain sorghum at Walsh. Gypsum block measurements taken to 4 ft. with 1 ft. increments. Total rainfall at Walsh from planting to first freeze was in. Any increase in available soil water between weeks not attributed to applied irrigation is from rain.

27 24 Table 10.--Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Test at Walsh, \1 Yield % Days to 50% Bloom 50% Mature Plant Harvest Lodged Test Grain of Test Brand Hybrid Emerge DAP GDD DAP Group Ht. Density Plants Wt. Yield Average In Plants/A % Lb/Bu Bu/A % (1000 X) SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ME SORGHUM PARTNERS K73-J M/ML SORGHUM PARTNERS KS M SORGHUM PARTNERS M PIONEER 84G ML DEKALB DKS ML ASGROW A ML NC+ NC+ 7R ML/M SORGHUM PARTNERS K59-Y ML/M SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ML (Check) 399 X ML SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ML DEKALB DKS ML SORGHUM PARTNERS NK ML Average ML LSD \1 Planted May 23; Harvested: October 31. Yields are corrected to 14.0% seed moisture content. DAP: Days After Planting or maturation of seed at first freeze. Seed Maturation: LM, late milk; ED, early dough; SD, soft dough; HD, hard dough; mature (DAP). GDD: Grow ing Degree Days for sorghum. Maturity Group: E, early; ME, medium early; M, medium; ML, medium late; L, late.

28 25 Table 11.--Summary: Irrigated Grain Sorghum Hybrid Performance Tests at Walsh, Grain Yield Yield as % of Test Average 2-Year 3-Year 2-Year 3-Year Brand Hybrid Avg Avg Avg Avg Bu/A % ASGROW A DEKALB DKS NC+ NC+ 7R PIONEER 84G SORGHUM PARTNERS KS SORGHUM PARTNERS K59-Y SORGHUM PARTNERS KS 73-J SORGHUM PARTNERS NK SORGHUM PARTNERS NK TRIUMPH TR (Check) 399 X Average Grain Yields w ere corrected to 14.0 % seed moisture content.

29 26 Dryland Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Walsh, 2003 COOPERATORS: Plainsman Agri-Search Foundation, and Kevin Larson, Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh, Colorado. PURPOSE: To identify high yielding hybrids under dryland conditions with 3200 sorghum heat units in a Silty Loam soil. PLOT: Four rows with 30 row spacing, 50 long. SEEDING DENSITY: 69,700 Seed/A. PLANTED: May 23. HARVESTED: October 8. EMERGENCE DATE: 10 days after planting. SOIL TEMP: 66 F. PEST CONTROL: Preemergence Herbicides: None. Post Emergence Herbicides: Atrazine 1.0 Lb/A, Clarity 4 Oz/A, Buctril 16 Oz/A, COC 1Qt/A. CULTIVATION: Once. INSECTICIDES: None. Summary: Growing Season Precipitation and Temperature \1 Walsh, Baca County. Month Rainfall GDD \2 >90 F >100 F DAP \3 In No. of Days May June July August September October Total \1 Growing season from May 22 (planting) to October 8 (harvest). \2 GDD: Growing Degree Days for sorghum. \3 DAP: Days After Planting. FIELD HISTORY: Last Crop: Wheat. FIELD PREPARATION: Sweep plow. COMMENTS: Planted in good soil moisture. Weed control was fair. Near normal precipitation for the growing season with a wet June and dry July and September. No greenbug infestation. Forage yields were fair. SOIL: Silty Loam for 0-8 and Silty Loam 8-24 depths from soil analysis. Summary: Soil Analysis. Depth ph Salts OM N P K Zn Fe mmhos/cm % ppm Comment Alka VLo VHi Mod VLo VHi Lo Adeq Manganese and Copper levels were adequate. Summary: Fertilization. Fertilizer N P 2 O 5 Zn Fe Lb/A Recommended Applied Yield Goal: 10 Ton/A. Actual Yield: % MC.

30 27 Available Soil Water Dryland Forage Sorghum, Walsh, Flowering Available Soil Water (in. of water/4 ft. soil depth) Depth 1 ft. Depth 2 ft. Depth 3 ft. Depth 4 ft Weeks After Planting Fig. 5. Available soil water in dryland forage sorghum at Walsh. Gypsum block measurements taken to 4 ft. with 1 ft. increments. Total rainfall at Walsh from planting to harvest was in. Any increase in available soil water between weeks is from rain.

31 28 Table 12.--Dryland Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Test at Walsh, \1 Days Stage \3 Yield % Forage Days to to 50% Harvest Plant at Stem Plant Forage of Test Brand Hybrid Type \2 Emerge Bloom Density Ht. Harvest Sugar Lodg. Yield Average Plants/A In. % % Tons/A % (1000 X) AERC AERC SSH 51 FS 9 Veg Veg BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 340 FS MT SORGHUM PARTNERS SS 405 FS 10 Veg Veg BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 310 FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 248 FS MT (Check) NB 305F FS MT AERC AERC SSH 35 FS SD BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 208 FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex II FS MT SORGHUM PARTNERS NK 300 FS MT SORGHUM PARTNERS 1990 FS 9 Veg Veg BUFFALO BRAND Buffalo Brand SS MT BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II W SS MT SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan Headless SS 10 Veg Veg SORGHUM PARTNERS Trudan 8 SS MT BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II SS MT DRUSSEL SEED DSS Bonus-R BMR SS 9 Veg Veg SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan 79 SS MT BUFFALO BRAND Grazex BMR 727 SS MT TRIUMPH TR 1866 Bt Corn 8 Veg Veg Sorghum Average FS MT LSD \1 Planted: May 23; Harvested: October 8. \2 Forage Type: FS, Forage Sorghum; SS, Sorghum Sudangrass. \3 Seed Maturation: PM, premilk; EM, early milk; MM, midmilk; LM, late milk; ED, early dough; SD, soft dough; HD, hard dough; MT, mature. Forage Yield corrected to 70% moisture content based on oven-dried sample.

32 29 Table 13.--Summary: Dryland Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Tests at Walsh, Forage Yield Yield as % of Test Average 2-Year 3-Year 2-Year 3-Year Brand Hybrid Avg Avg Avg Avg Tons/A % BUFFALO BRAND Canex BUFFALO BRAND Canex II BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR BUFFALO BRAND Buffalo Brand BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II W BUFFALO BRAND Grazex BMR BUFFALO BRAND Grazex BMR GOLDEN HARVEST Re-Gro H-22B GOLDEN HARVEST Re-Gro H SORGHUM PARTNERS NK SORGHUM PARTNERS HiKane II SORGHUM PARTNERS SS SORGHUM PARTNERS SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan Headless SORGHUM PARTNERS Trudan (Check) NB 305F (Check) Corn Average Forage Yields w ere corrected to 70% moisture content based on oven-dried sample.

33 30 Table 14.--Dryland Forage Sorghum Hybrid Dry Matter Analysis at Walsh, Days Plant Forage to Height Net Energy Brand Hybrid Type \1 Boot at Boot CP ADF NDF IVTD TDN RFQ Main. Gain Lact. In % MCal/lb----- AERC AERC SSH 51 FS Veg SORGHUM PARTNERS 1990 FS Veg (Check) NB 305F FS BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 340 FS BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 310 FS SORGHUM PARTNERS SS 405 FS Veg BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 208 FS BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 248 FS BUFFALO BRAND Canex FS AERC AERC SS 35 FS BUFFALO BRAND Canex II FS SORGHUM PARTNERS NK 300 FS SORGHUM PARTNERS Trudan 8 SS SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan Headless SS Veg DRUSSEL SEED DSS Bonus-R BMR SS Veg BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II W SS BUFFALO BRAND Buffalo Brand SS BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II SS SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan 79 SS BUFFALO BRAND Grazex BMR 727 SS TRIUMPH TR 1866 Bt Corn Sorghum Average FS \1 Forage Type: FS, Forage Sorghum; SS, Sorghum Sudangrass. Infrared analysis performed on w hole plant samples taken at boot. CP, Crude Protein; ADF, Acid Detergent Fiber; NDF, Neutral Detergent Fiber; TDN, Total Digestible Nutrients; IVTD, In Vitro True Digestibility; RFQ, Relative Forage Quality. Net Energy: Maintenance, Gain, Lactation.

34 31 Irrigated Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trial at Walsh, 2003 COOPERATORS: Plainsman Agri-Search Foundation, and Kevin Larson, Superintendent, Plainsman Research Center, Walsh, Colorado. PURPOSE: To identify high yielding hybrids under irrigated conditions with 3200 sorghum heat units in a Silty Loam soil. PLOT: Four rows with 30 row spacing, 50 long. SEEDING DENSITY: 113,250 Seed/A. PLANTED: May 22. HARVESTED: October 9 and 10. Summary: Growing Season Precipitation and Temperature \1 Walsh, Baca County. Month Rainfall GDD \2 >90 F >100 F DAP \3 In No. of Days EMERGENCE DATE: 10 days after planting. SOIL TEMP: 63 F. IRRIGATION: Three furrow irrigations: July 2, July 23, and August 7, total applied 14 A-in./A. May June July August September October Total \1 Growing season from May 22 (planting) to October 9 & 10 (harvest). \2 GDD: Growing Degree Days for sorghum. \3 DAP: Days After Planting. PEST CONTROL: Preemergence Herbicides: None. Post Emergence Herbicides: Clarity 4 Oz/A, Buctril 16 Oz/A, Atrazine 1.0 Lb/A, COC 1 Qt/A. CULTIVATION: Once. INSECTICIDES: None. FIELD HISTORY: Last Crop: Wheat. FIELD PREPARATION: Sweep plow. COMMENTS: Planted in good soil moisture. Weed control was fair. Near normal precipitation for the growing season with a wet June and dry July and September months. No greenbug infestation. Forage yields were very good. SOIL: Silty Loam for 0-8 and Silty Loam 8-24 depths from soil analysis. Summary: Soil Analysis. Depth ph Salts OM N P K Zn Fe mmhos/cm % ppm Comment Alka VLo VHi Mod VLo VHi Lo Adeq Manganese and Copper levels were adequate. Summary: Fertilization. Fertilizer N P 2 O 5 Zn Fe Lb/A Recommended Applied Yield Goal: 18 Ton/A. Actual Yield: % MC.

35 32 Available Soil Water Irrigated Forage Sorghum, Walsh, Irrigation Flowering 8 7 Available Soil Water (in. of water/4 ft. soil depth) Depth 1 ft. Depth 2 ft. Depth 3 ft. Depth 4 ft Weeks After Planting Fig. 6. Available soil water in irrigated forage sorghum at Walsh. Gypsum block measurements taken to 4 ft. with 1 ft. increments. Total rainfall at Walsh from planting to harvest was in. Any increase in available soil water between weeks not attributed to applied irrigation is from rain.

36 33 Table 15.--Irrigated Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Test at Walsh, \1 Days Stage \3 Yield % Forage Days to to 50% Harvest Plant at Stem Plant Forage of Test Brand Hybrid Type \2 Emerge Bloom Density Ht. Harvest Sugar Lodg Yield Average Plants/A In. % % Tons/A % (1000 X) NC+ NC+ Nutri-Ton II FS LM DRUSSEL SEED DSS Dividend BMR FS HD DEKALB FS-5 FS HD DEKALB FS-25E FS EM NC+ NC+ Nutri-Cane II FS HD SORGHUM PARTNERS NK 300 FS MT (Check) NB 305F FS HD SORGHUM PARTNERS SS 405 FS LM SORGHUM PARTNERS 1990 FS 11 Veg Veg AERC AERC SSH 35 FS HD BUFFALO BRAND Canex FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 248 FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 340 FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex II FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 310 FS MT AERC AERC SSH 51 FS LM DEKALB DKS FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR 208 FS MT BUFFALO BRAND Grazex BMR 727 SS MT SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan Headless SS PM SORGHUM PARTNERS Trudan 8 SS MT CAL/WEST SEEDS CW SS MT BUFFALO BRAND Buffalo Brand SS MT BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II W SS MT BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II SS MT CAL/WEST SEEDS CW SS MT SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan 79 SS MT CAL/WEST SEEDS CW SS MT CAL/WEST SEEDS CW SS MT CAL/WEST SEEDS CW SS MT CAL/WEST SEEDS CW SS MT TRIUMPH TR 1866 Bt Corn HD Sorghum Average FS MT LSD \1 Planted May 22; Harvested: October 9 and 10. \2 Forage Type: FS, Forage Sorghum; SS, Sorghum Sudangrass. \3 Seed Maturation: PM, premilk; EM, early milk; MM, midmilk; LM, late milk; ED, early dough; SD, soft dough; HD, hard dough; MT, mature. Forage Yield corrected to 70% moisture content based on oven-dried sample.

37 34 Table 16.--Summary: Irrigated Forage Sorghum Hybrid Performance Tests at Walsh, Forage Yield Yield as % of Test Average 2-Year 3-Year 2-Year 3-Year Brand Hybrid Avg Avg Avg Avg Tons/A BUFFALO BRAND Canex BUFFALO BRAND Canex II BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR BUFFALO BRAND Canex BMR BUFFALO BRAND Buffalo Brand BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II BUFFALO BRAND Grazex II W BUFFALO BRAND Grazex BMR BUFFALO BRAND Grazex BMR CAL/WEST SEEDS CW CAL/WEST SEEDS CW CAL/WEST SEEDS CW CAL/WEST SEEDS CW GOLDEN HARVEST Si-Gro H GOLDEN HARVEST Si-Gro EX NC+ NC+ Nutri-Cane II NC+ NC+ Nutri-Ton II SORGHUM PARTNERS NK SORGHUM PARTNERS HIKane II SORGHUM PARTNERS SS SORGHUM PARTNERS SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan SORGHUM PARTNERS Sordan Headless SORGHUM PARTNERS Trudan RICHARDSON SEED Honey Graze BMR RICHARDSON SEED Sw eeter N Honey BMR (Check) NB 305F (Check) Corn Average Forage Yields w ere corrected to 70% moisture content based on oven-dried sample.