Natural Resources

All Natural Resources Content

sign outside park office with fire danger level listed as "very high"

Campfire Safety in Drought Conditions

During fire season, open fires may be prohibited or otherwise restricted by the regulatory agency in charge of the campground or facility that you are visiting.

healthy, well-mainted rangeland with ample ground cover

Natural Resources: The Ranch Foundation During Drought

Just as every factory needs a sturdy and healthy foundation to be sustainable, a ranch manager must keep a watchful eye on the natural resources of the ranch during drought.

Hot Weather Challenges Beef Cattle

Hot weather conditions create challenges for grazing beef cattle.

Two ranchers in a pasture reviewing a mangement plan.

The Importance of Math in the Art of Grazing

It might seem a bit silly to check in on your stocking rate calculations, but it is something that is undoubtedly worth your time, whether you’re a seasoned rancher or you’re still trying to get your feet under you.

One-month precipitation outlook map for September 2020. South Dakota has a 40-50% chance of below-normal precipitation.

September 2020 Climate & Drought Outlook

Summer has its last hurrah the first week of September before we see potential for our state’s first freeze of the fall season, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

NOAA climate map with preciptation outlook as of July 12, 2020. Most of South Dakota is predicted to have average to above average precipitation.

Late Summer 2020 Climate Outlook

Drought concerns in South Dakota may be relieved later this summer, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlook released this week.

Field with field peas and blue sky with fluffy white clouds

Weed Control: Pulse Crops

Weed competition can cause significant yield reduction in pulse crops. Pulse crops are weak competitors with weeds, therefore planning an effective weed control program is one of the keys to profitable production.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

X-Ray Scanning Confirms Soil Health Benefits from Conservation Practices

Summary report of X-ray scanning confirms soil health benefits from conservation practices.

Map of South Dakota showing divisional precipitation rankings. For a complete description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

2020 Climate Summary

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations’s National Center for Environmental Information, 2020 ranked as the 21st driest and the 18th warmest year for South Dakota.

Revegetation of Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota

This publication provides suggested native species suitable for the revegetation of salt-impacted soils. The suggested species are listed as native to South Dakota according to the USDA NRCS Plants Database.