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Garden plant surrounded by a layer of wood chip mulch.

Organic Garden Mulches To Conserve Moisture and Prevent Weeds

If you want to reduce time spent in your vegetable and flower gardens watering or pulling weeds, consider mulching the soil surface with an organic material to improve plant health and your enjoyment of the garden.

Field bindweed spreading in a patchof bare soil.

Field Bindweed Control in Yards and Gardens

Field bindweed is one of the most-serious weed problems in South Dakota. Learn some tips for identifying, managing and controlling this invasive weed in your yard and garden before it becomes an issue.

Large patch of grab grass growing on lawn.

Is Crabgrass Taking Over Your Lawn?

Each year homeowners and businesses typically find crabgrass invading their lawns. If you desire a nice lawn, you may not be happy about this. Crabgrass can be a bit tricky to control—especially after it has established itself for the season.

Small group of cattle grazing near a sorghum field at sunset.

Prussic Acid Precautions

During periods of drought, it is important to aware of the factors that can be a concern during these conditions, specifically nitrates and prussic acid. It is important to take precautions when using feeds that could contain one or both compounds.

Tall, slender kochia weed growing in a test plot.

The Fall Advantage of Kochia Control

Kochia is a problem in north central South Dakota row crops. New post-emergent options in corn and soybean have helped alleviate kochia competition from many fields, but these herbicide options shouldn’t be completely relied upon for a long-term control plan.

Small cluster of dandelions among fallen leaves on a lawn.

Fall Weed Control in Lawns

In lawns, fall is the best time to chemically control broadleaf perennial weeds. Examples of these weeds could include dandelions, Canada thistle, creeping bellflower, field bindweed and ground ivy.

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Resources for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

Producers often have difficulties locating fellow producers to buy, sell or rent forages and grazing acres too. South Dakota now has two widely recognized, free resources to aid in these connections.

A field of flowering alfalfa.

Nitrate QuikTest for Forages

The Nitrate QuikTest for Forages is available at various SDSU Extension locations and veterinary clinics across the state and is designed to be used with standing forages prior to harvesting for hay or grazing.

Cream mite on a green-colored caterpillar.

Straw Itch Mites

Straw itch mites, also known as hay mites or grain mites, can be a major problem when present in hay or grain. The best way to avoid a straw itch mite infestation is to keep commodities at low moisture levels and bale straw when it is thoroughly dry.

Three poisonous rangeland plants. From left: Hemlock, Halogeton and Buffalo Bur.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Hemlock, Halogeton and Buffalo Bur

Several species of poisonous plants are invasive and can easily establish dense stands when there is a disturbance on rangelands. Hemlocks, halogeton and buffalo bur can all be found throughout South Dakota and are toxic to livestock.