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grass with field bindweed, a viny green weed with white flowers

Lawn Weed Control

Cultural weed control practices must be included in weed management programs to optimize control and inhibit re-infestation. A healthy, dense turf cover is the best overall defense against weed invasion. Some common cultural weed control practices include planting the most adapted turfgrass species for your environment (i.e. shade, full sun, or hot, dry conditions), maintaining a mowing height of 2.5–3.5 inches, watering deeply but less frequently, and proper soil maintenance including fertilization and core aerification.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.

Gearing Up for the Grazing Season: Soil Health

Grazing season is around the corner and preparation before turning out is key. Understanding the intersection between soil health and grazing can help improve the function of your grazing system.

Uncooked chickpeas, red beans, and lentils arranged on a countertop.

Healthy Bean Recipes for Eating on a Budget

Cookbook highlighting beans in both traditional and creative low-cost recipes.

fruit and vegetable garden with raised beds

Fire Blight

Fire blight is a disease that can infect apples, pears, and certain ornamental species including crabapples, cotoneaster, and mountain ash. Occasionally it may also appear on cherries, plums, Juneberry (also called Serviceberry or Saskatoon), and raspberry. This disease, caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora, can damage blossoms, fruit, leaves, shoots, and branches. If it is not controlled, fire blight may kill the entire tree or shrub. Infected tissue cannot be cured, but will need to be removed from the tree to prevent further spread.

Clover pathways after being mowed with sunsetting in the background.

Broccolini Performance in Three Established Clover Living Mulches in Eastern South Dakota: Year Two Results

Research report determining the impact of three established clover species on weed suppression, crop growth, and broccolini yield in year two.

black, clear and white tarps covering the middle and compost mounded around the edges with wooden pallets on top

South Dakota Vegetable Grower Experiences with Soil Tarping and Solarization during the 2024 Field Season

Research report on South Dakota vegetable grower experiences with soil tarping and solarization during the 2024 season

Growing Sweet Corn in South Dakota

Sweet corn is a delicious vegetable enjoyed by both kids and adults. It is popular in the mid-to-late summer and is often bought at stands on street corners and grocery stores throughout small towns in South Dakota. What many people don’t know, however, is that sweet corn is a remarkably easy vegetable to grow yourself. All you need are a few essential materials and some basic knowledge to grow your own delicious sweet corn.