Weeds & Invasive Plants

All Weeds & Invasive Plants Content

Early emerging bull thistle and common mullein in the rosette stage.

Biennial Weed Species Have Started to Emerge

The warmer weather this year has caused some biennial weed species to emerge earlier than normal. Learn some management considerations for areas that have been historically infested with biennial weeds.

Ground sprayer parked outside a field at sunset.

Over-the-Top Dicamba Ruling Explained

On February 6, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was ordered to vacate the registrations for dicamba products registered for over-the-top applications on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. Learn how the ruling will impact the upcoming growing season and beyond.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Weed Control: Pasture and Range

There are 24 million acres of native and tame pasture and range as well as 1.4 million acres of grass hayland in South Dakota.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

Dicamba Label Vacated: What are the implications for weed control in soybean?

The dicamba labels (Xtendimax, Engenia, and Tavium) have recently been vacated, which effectively means these products cannot be applied over-the-top of tolerant soybeans. Learn some important considerations for soybean weed control in the upcoming growing season.

Kochia plants growing in a field.

Kochia Preplant Burndown Management for 2024

Kochia is a weed that impacts many South Dakota crops, and it can reduce yields significantly if not properly managed. Learn some expert tips using chemical, cultural, and mechanical tactics to control it.

grass with field bindweed, a viny green weed with white flowers

Weed Control: Noxious Weeds

Noxious Weed Recommendations: Herbicides for pasture, range, and non-crop areas, including roadside and other right-of-way that may be harvested for hay or grazed, are given a priority.

Young farmer analyzing data on a tablet computer beside a crop sprayer.

Pesticide Mixing and Sprayer Calibration Equations

Pesticides need to be applied at proper rates to ensure effective control of the pest. Learn some common equations used to mix pesticides and calibrate sprayers.

Producer observing a bare field in late autumn.

Now Is the Time To Plan For Noxious Weed Control in 2024

Since most of South Dakota has experienced several frosts, fall herbicide applications are likely near completion. However, now is the time to plan for noxious weed management for both spring and fall of 2024.

Three pictures of a red combine with tan and black soybean and weed seeds spread throughout its surfaces.

Evidence That Combines Can Transport Weed Seeds

A combine deliberately harvests crop grain, but it can also unintentionally transport weed seeds. Learn some tips for cleaning equipment and containing residues during harvest to prevent weeds from spreading this fall.

Two photos of yellow soybeans, one with green and yellow weeds in between the rows and the other with a clearing in-between soybean rows.

Order of Fields Harvested Can Improve Weed Management

Weeds at harvest time are hard to avoid, and their severity in fields can range from “clean” to a “weedy mess.” Harvesting weedier fields last can help limit the movement of weed seeds and reduce future weed pressure.