Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

A screenshot of the website shows a map of the United States with green squares indicating where soil fertility trials have been conducted

New digital Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool launches nationwide

April 11, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension and project partners are proud to announce the nationwide release of the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST), a decision aid that provides an unbiased, science-based interpretation of soil phosphorus and potassium values for crop fertilization.

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.

Tractor planting seed in a no-till field.

Conservation Practices Increasing in South Dakota

The recently released Agricultural Census data of 2022 shows that the share of cropland acres under conservation practices has continued to increase in South Dakota.

A dial pressure canner gauge

Testing Dial Pressure Canner Gauges

For accuracy before use, it is recommended that dial gauges get tested each year. Gauges that read high cause under-processing and may result in unsafe food.

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.