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Next 'Notes from the Field' Webinar to be held June 4

June 01, 2021

South Dakota growers and agribusiness professionals are invited to join soybean research and Extension specialists from land-grant universities across the country as they host the monthly webinar series, "Science for Success: Notes from the Field."

South Dakota native grassland with a variety of plants and grasses growing.

Grassland Fertilization: Ecology

In the first article in this series, we discussed basic terminology and economics. This article focuses on the ecological impacts of fertilization in various grassland plant communities, including native rangelands and prairies.

Healthy, South Dakota native grassland with a variety of plants and grasses growing.

Grassland Fertilization: Native Pasture Case Studies – McPherson, Deuel, Grant and Clark Counties

Even our best native pastures, rangelands and prairies suffer from at least some level of invasion. Within this reality lies a wide gradient of quality of native grasslands that is largely influenced by past and present management.

A native pasture community with noticable invasive plant issues.

Grassland Fertilization: Native Pasture Case Study - Hamlin County

Whether fertilization pays or not depends on the species present, the past management history and the type of grazing strategy. This study compares two very different plant communities that represent typical pastures and management schemes in this area.

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

Grassland Fertilization: Native Grass Planting Case Study - Codington County

Management goals of planted grasslands are an important driver in the consideration of whether fertilizer applications will be beneficial or harmful. Here, we will discuss various plant communities and the impact of fertilization on each.

A grassland plot with a variety of exotic grass plantings growing throughout.

Grassland Fertilization: Exotic Grass Planting Case Studies - McPherson and Jerauld Counties

Our previous installment of this series discussed the effects of fertilization on native grassland plantings. This last installment addresses the options for fertilization on low-diversity exotic grassland plantings.

Aflafla field with light colored alfalfa mixed in with green alfalfa.

Why’s My Alfalfa Field Turning White?

There have been a lot of reports of alfalfa fields in South Dakota with a white or light-brown canopy. This discoloration is the result of extensive alfalfa weevil larvae feeding.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 3, 2021

It has been a busy week for alfalfa weevils. Throughout the state, alfalfa weevils have been causing significant feeding damage. We recommend scouting alfalfa fields for the next week and treating when necessary.

Green corn leaf with ragged holes through-out caused by common stalk borer feeding.

Common Stalk Borers Observed in South Dakota Corn

While scouting corn this week, clear signs of common stalk borers were observed. Although our degree day estimates indicate that common stalk borers probably aren’t moving into corn yet, they can be forced into corn fields in certain situations.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 3, 2021

We still haven’t reached the degree day accumulation levels to see common stalk borers moving into corn fields. However, if weeds and grass are sprayed out along field borders, there is a very high probability that they will be forced into corn early.