Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

A large orange butterfly with white spots feeding on a pale pink flower in a green grassy area.

Planting for Specialist Butterflies

Monarchs are not the only specialist pollinators in South Dakota. Many other butterflies also require a specific plant or family of plants to lay eggs on. Learn about some important host plants to help specialist butterflies in your yard!

Man using a dynamic cone penetrometer.

Soil Penetration Resistance as a Soil Health Indicator

Soil penetration resistance is an indicator of soil compaction and the force required for root growth through the soil. It can be measured in the field using a tool called a penetrometer.

Adult red earthworm, cabbage looper, and brown-belted bumble bee.

The Seen and Unseen World of Invertebrates and Vegetables: The good, the bad, and the cute

The seen and unseen worlds of invertebrates in our gardens offer an opportunity to understand how each organism plays a crucial role in the balance of our environment, whether they are good, bad, or even cute.

a man in a blue shirt with light brown hair and a light beard smiles at the camera

SDSU Extension welcomes new pesticide education specialist

October 12, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Stephen Robertson as a new Pesticide Education Field Specialist.

Wheel burrow full of fall yard and garden waste.

Fall Vegetable Garden Cleanup

Fall cleanup can help with the success of your garden next year, as diseased plants left over the winter can provide fungal or bacterial spores waiting to infect next year's plants. Learn some tips for getting started!

Three pictures of a red combine with tan and black soybean and weed seeds spread throughout its surfaces.

Evidence That Combines Can Transport Weed Seeds

A combine deliberately harvests crop grain, but it can also unintentionally transport weed seeds. Learn some tips for cleaning equipment and containing residues during harvest to prevent weeds from spreading this fall.

Pumpkins and winter squash on display at a farmer's market.

SDSU Extension to host off-season Garden Hour webinar series

October 02, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host four off-season Garden Hour webinars, starting in October 2023.

fresh vegetables including onions, potatoes, lettuce and squash are shown piled on a counter

SDSU Extension to host short educational course on high tunnels

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host a two-day High Tunnel Short Course on Oct. 16-17 at the Outdoor Campus – West in Rapid City.

high-quality headshot of James Doyle

SDSU Extension welcomes new Diversified Ag Field Specialist to Winner office

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Jimmy Doyle as a new Diversified Agriculture Field Specialist.

A soil coring device that has been pounded into ground. Next to it are trimmed samples in rings used to measure soil bulk density.

Bulk Density is an Indicator of Soil Health

Bulk density is a commonly measured soil property that can indicate how compacted a soil is and can be used to calculate the percent pore space in the soil.