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Natural Resources

All Natural Resources Content

A plot of soil with large cracks developing throughout.

Fall Tillage: Please Don’t Think About It

Conducting fall tillage results in lost topsoil, soil nutrients, and soil moisture. This ultimately leads to reduced soil productivity and profitability. An easy way to conserve topsoil and water resources is to skip fall tillage.

Left: Drill-planted cereal rye cover crop. Right: Pre-harvest broadcast cereal rye cover crop.

Choosing Whether to Preharvest Broadcast Vs. Post-Harvest Drill Cover Crops

Cover crops are frequently planted following the harvest of the grain commodity crops. A decision for producers to make is to whether to preharvest broadcast or postharvest drill the cover crop.

Tall, green grass surrounding a small, green yellow toadflax plant that hasn’t quite flowered yet.

Yellow Toadflax Has Not Flowered in Some Parts of South Dakota

Yellow toadflax is a difficult-to-manage weed that infests pastures and rangeland. In contrast with other weeds, yellow toadflax should be sprayed when flowers are present for more-effective management.

United States Environmental Protection Agency Sign plate outside the agency’s main office.

EPA Issues Emergency Order: Stop Using Dacthal

Following a review of data associated with the use of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (sold under the most-common trade name, Dacthal), the EPA has issued an emergency order to stop using this active ingredient effective immediately.

Sprawling rangeland with a diverse mix of native grasses and forbs.

Historical Trends in South Dakota’s Agricultural Land Values by Land Use

Average cropland and pasture values increased in all regions of South Dakota between 1991 and 2024. Learn some expert insights into South Dakota's regional trends in agricultural land values and rental rates for cropland and pasture/rangeland.

Fence line along a storm-damaged pasture in Butte County, South Dakota.

Pasture Recovery After Hail

When hail hits pastures, it essentially strips the leaves and breaks the stems of plants. When this occurs, it is essential to allow plants and grasses time to fully recover before grazing or haying again.

A series of combines harvesting a sprawling field in early fall.

An Update on Agricultural Carbon Markets

Agricultural carbon credits have recently re-emerged as a topic of discussion, and this time in a different policy and demand environment compared to the early 2000s.

Aerial view of flooding along the Vermillion River of South Dakota.

Educating About Flooding and Associated Activities

This series of five articles is designed to educate readers about flooding and the associated activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flood events.

Floodwaters rushing through the Gavin’s Point Dam in South Dakota.

Where do floodwaters go and what do they leave behind?

Understanding the pathways and impacts of receding floodwaters is crucial for effective flood management and recovery efforts.

Backpack with emergency supplies on a living room table.

Flood Preparedness

Floods can develop slowly or strike suddenly without warning. Learn some essential steps to help protect you and your loved ones before, during, and after a flood.