Weeds & Invasive Plants

All Weeds & Invasive Plants Content

Field pennycress, common ragweed, and kochia weeds emerging in early spring.

Early Emerging Weeds and Effective Management

Managing early emerging weeds before crop planting or emergence is important to minimize early season competition, which can lower yield potential, even if the weeds are managed later in the season. Learn some tips for getting started.

Row of young corn plants in dry soil.

Herbicide Carryover Concerns for 2024

Herbicides with residual activity have great utility for weed management. However, due to environmental conditions, some herbicides can persist so that the crop grown next year can be injured.

Soybean field in early spring.

Conventional Soybean Weed Management

Compared to GMO soybean varieties, weed management in conventional soybean is more difficult and requires more planning to be successful. Learn some expert tips for getting conventional soybeans off to a great start.

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 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.

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.