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Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Row of young crops emerging from a tire rut in compacted soil.

Accounting for Soil Wetness Prior to Conducting Farm Operations to Minimize Compaction

In the spring many agricultural producers are anxious to get into the field and perform tillage, planting, and chemical applications. However, if field operations are done when the soil is too wet, this can lead to soil compaction.

Producer holding soil in cupped hands over a bare field in early spring.

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio of Healthy Soils

The ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the soil is essential for soil biochemical functioning. Learn some expert tips on managing soil to create an ideal ratio of these critical elements.

Decaying sunflower stalk that has cream colored larvae visible.

Sunflower Bud Moth Caterpillars Observed at the Base of Sunflower Stalks

When we think of observing sunflower bud moths, it probably isn’t during the fall before harvest. However, there are two generations of sunflower bud moth, and the caterpillars of the later generation move to the base of the plant to overwinter.

Image showing a brown stalk with a hollowed out pith area and a white beetle larva present.

Prompt Harvest Can Reduce Lodging Caused by Dectes Stem Borer in Sunflower

If you notice an increased amount of lodging in your sunflower field, it is recommended to harvest the field as soon as possible to reduce losses from Dectes stem bore infestations.

Producer loading pesticide into a sprayer tank.

Chlorpyrifos Products Can be Used in 2024 for Insect Pest Management

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys recently announced that currently registered insecticide products with the active ingredient chlorpyrifos will be legal to use on labeled crops during the 2024 growing season.

New vineyard with landscape fabric in-row.

Grape Production Resources

Quality wine grapes can be grown in South Dakota with careful attention to growing site, cultivar selection and production techniques. View a collection of resources for getting started today.

Vast, rolling agricultural landscape with a variety of plant life.

The Nitrogen Biochemical Cycle in Soil

Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and is contained in many forms in the soil. Soil microbiology is essential for transforming nitrogen into different forms in the soil.

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 boy drills a tap into a tree stump during a Maple Syrup Workshop at McCrory Gardens

McCrory Gardens to host maple syrup workshop

February 29, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens in Brookings will host their annual maple syrup and tree tapping workshop on March 23, 2024.

Bolting broccoli head.

2023 Evaluation of Newly Established Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Sustainable Broccoli Production in Eastern South Dakota

Research report on observing the performance of three different clover species used in a broccoli production system.