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tubes with water sitting on a table

Controlled Drainage Logistics

How is controlled drainage a beneficial conservation practice in maintaining the water in your fields?

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.

Watershed Academy attendees discussing riparian area management in the countryside on a bridge over a waterway.

The Importance of Riparian Areas

Riparian areas occur along streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, and shorelines and can be considered the last line of defense before pollutants enter a body of water. Learn about the many benefits these areas offer and the programs available to support their conservation.

an above ground pipe installation

Recent Changes in Above-Ground Pasture Pipe Requires Matching Pipe and Fittings Correctly

Above-ground water systems have become a very popular tool to deliver clean water from reliable sources to pastures across South Dakota. Many of us assumed some of the new fittings from different manufacturers are universal, but it turns out they are not!

Cattle outfitted with virtual fence collars on an open rangeland.

Range Roundup: Virtual Fencing Project Takes Place at the Cottonwood Field Station

Virtual fencing (borders without physical barriers) has started making waves in the cattle industry, and it can be used to implement precision grazing management. Our team is researching its use and utility at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station starting this summer.

Herd of cattle grazing a flood-impacted pasture.

Management of Flood-Damaged Pastures

Receding flood water is just the start of recovering pasture ground following a flood event. Learn some expert tips for thoroughly evaluating damaged pastures before regrazing.

Two flies side-by-side. The left fly is a Western horse fly. The right fly is a deer fly.

Horse Flies and Deer Flies Becoming Abundant

The above-average precipitation this year has led to increased numbers of horse flies and deer flies across South Dakota. Widespread flooding and an overall abundance of available water has made conditions perfect for these flies.

Two headwater prairie streams in Butte County.

Ranching and Prairie Streams: What Healthy Riparian Areas Mean for Your Ranch

Prairie streams and their associated riparian areas can provide numerous ecosystem services to a ranching operation.

Leaves clogging stormwater drain.

Urban Stormwater Systems and Leaf Litter

Leaf litter can be a significant source of organic debris to urban stormwater systems during fall rain, which can mean nutrient spikes in the receiving bodies of water. Learn some expert tips for managing leaf litter this fall.

A hand displaying a welded pipe system joint.

Welded Connections and Shallow Bury Pasture Pipe Offers Alternative to Above Ground Systems

Above-ground systems offer a great amount of flexibility in delivering water and options for changing pasture designs over time or space. However, some producers do not desire to maintain as much flexibility in their systems, and for those individuals more-permanent options exist without going to a deep-bury system.