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A patch of switchgrass growing at the edge of a field.

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Planting Switchgrass on Marginal Lands

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a tall, native, prairie grass that is often seeded on marginal lands in South Dakota. It has gained growing popularity over the past decade not only as a source of biofuel and feed, but also as a method to improve soil properties.

A green tractor planting seeds in a no-till field. Courtesy: United Soybean Board [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Crop Rotations and No-Till

Implementing crop rotations and no-till practices are common suggestions to reduce erosion, control pests, and improve yields. These practices can also improve soil health through an increase in soil carbon levels.

Three women in green jackets standing in front of a building

South Dakota State 4-H Ambassadors Attend National 4-H Summit on Healthy Living and 4-H Healthy Habits Conference

March 23, 2020

Three South Dakota State 4-H Ambassadors joined other teen leaders from across the country at the 4-H Healthy Habits Conference and National 4-H Summit on Healthy Living to learn how to be advocates for promoting healthy lifestyle choices in their communities.

Cover crops growing in a field of harvested corn.

Utilizing Cover Crops for Grazing: An Assessment on Economic Benefits

Grazing cover crops by cattle provides an option to offset cover crop seed costs and increase farm revenue. To facilitate farmers’ decision making, this article will evaluate the economic profitability from grazing cattle on cover crops using a partial budgeting approach.

A young girl with a notebook observing a sprig of flower blossoms.

Citizen Science in Your Own Backyard With Phenology

Have you ever noticed the first buds breaking on the trees outside? Perhaps you have made note of when you see the first robin of the spring? If so, then you have been studying phenology without even knowing it.

A sump pump and emergency backup battery set up in a basement. Courtesy: Jeff Covey (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Flooding and Sump Pumps

For many homes with a basement or crawl space, a sump pump and drainage system can help reduce the risk of a basement flooding from high water table situations. Here are a few tips for making sure your sump pump is working as it should, and you are not causing problems for your neighbors downstream.

series of red cells representing coronavirus

SDSU Extension Continues Outreach Efforts During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 03, 2020

While offices throughout the state are closed, SDSU Extension experts remain available remotely and encourage the public to reach out to them via email or by phone.

a large group of 4-H members and supporters standing on the Capitol stairs

South Dakota 4-H Hosts Inaugural Capitol Day Event

April 03, 2020

More than 160 4-H members and supporters from across South Dakota joined together for the inaugural South Dakota 4-H Capitol Day in Pierre on January 15.

young male 4-H member showing a hereford heifer

Competitions

Discover the main venues that our 4-H'ers ‘get their competitive juices flowing.'

a map of South Dakota's grasslands.

SDSU Extension Receives National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Award for South Dakota Native Habitats Study

December 21, 2020

An SDSU Extension native habitats research project recently received a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation award to support an ongoing effort to identify native habitats in South Dakota.