Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Field with severely scoured crops due to blowing soil.

Soil Only Blows During Droughts?

What causes soil to blow during periods of adequate moisure? High winds can rapidly dry soil close to the surface. If the winds are high enough, even soil at intermediate water contents can blow.

variety of fresh vegetables in basket

Family Fun With Gardening

Gardening is a fun way to incorporate physical activity into your day, and is a great way to connect kids to where their food comes from!

A man smiles for the camera standing outside in a field of row crops

SDSU Extension welcomes new agronomy field specialist

June 10, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Clarence Winter as a new Agronomy Field Specialist.

Phytophthora root and stem rot damage observed in a field of soybeans.

Watch Out for Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot in Soybean

Current weather conditions of continuous rainfall are saturating our fields, which is creating a favorable environment for Phytophthora root and stem rot.

Green veins are striking compared to the necrotic (brown) tissue on SDS-infected soybean.

Are You at Risk for Sudden Death Syndrome in Soybean?

The present weather conditions of heavy rainfall and cool temperatures provide a favorable environment for sudden death syndrome in soybeans. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing it this growing season.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 5, 2024

In southern South Dakota, enough degree days have accumulated for common stalk borer caterpillars to begin moving from alternative hosts into corn. Fields should be monitored for leaves with signs of defoliation.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: June 5, 2024

Peak emergence of the second generation of seedcorn maggots is occurring in a few areas of the state. The rest of the state is between the second and third generation emergences.

Tractor applying postemergence herbicide to a corn field early in the growing season.

Considerations of Corn Postemergence Herbicides

Managing weeds after emergence is important to protect the yield potential of corn crops. Learn some important application considerations before selecting a postemergence herbicide.

Cottonwood Creek on the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.

Ranching and Prairie Streams: Why Riparian Areas Matter

For many producers, riparian pastures are essential to their operations. However, land managers need to balance grazing and utilization needs with riparian health for the long-term benefit of their operation.

Baskets of fresh vegetables at a farmers market

Local Foods: Whole Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

Fresh, whole raw fruits and vegetables grown in South Dakota can currently be sold without a food service license from the South Dakota Department of Health.