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A bare crop field ready for planting

Nitrogen Credit: The Rest of the Story

We have all been programmed to think of soybean as fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and adding nitrogen to the soil. The SDSU lab and most other labs give nitrogen “credit” when another crop follows soybeans.

Bar Graph: South Dakota: Farm numbers by size in acres (1997-2017). For a complete description, contact Alvaro Garcia at 605-688-4940.

Farm Size in South Dakota: Where Are We Heading?

Agriculture is going through some difficult times not only in the United States, but globally as well. Aside from some short-lived price hikes for different products, the overall trend has been to higher costs of production and lower output prices.

patch of reed canary grass in pasture

Reed Canary Grass: Possible Prussic Acid & Alkaloid Issues

Prussic acid issues with reed canary grass are poorly understood and may go unrecognized if they occur. This article addresses a little-known but interesting aspect of the biology of reed canary grass.

Harvested, green tomatillo fruits on a brown paper bag.

Tomatillo: How to Grow It

Tomatillos are the lesser-known cousin of tomatoes, and they are commonly used in sauces or salsas. Learn some expert tips for planting, growing, and harvesting them in this resource!

Top: Field pennycress leaves and seeds. Bottom: Shepherd’s purse leaves and seeds.

Early Season Prevalence of Field Pennycress and Shepherd’s Purse

Many fields that are planted to winter wheat or have yet to be tilled may have a healthy infestation of field pennycress or shepherd’s purse. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing these weeds before they become a problem this growing season.

Implications of Excessive Soil Moisture for Disease Development in Winter Wheat

Although it is too early to start thinking about disease issues in winter wheat at this time, current flooding in some areas may have implications on diseases that may develop on winter wheat.

A companion planting of kale, pole beans, and marigolds in a small garden plot.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Integrated pest management is an environmentally conscious approach to managing insects, weeds and disease. By focusing on natural processes, growers use pest control methods beginning with the least toxic and amplifying the pest control needs gradually if problems persist.

A wheelbarrow full of harvested eggplants.

Eggplant: How to Grow It

Eggplant has culinary versatility, beautiful flowers and colors, and abundant yields. Learn some expert tips for planting, growing, and harvesting it in this resource!

SDSU Research Shows Effects Of Volunteer Corn In Corn And Soybeans

In 2007, researchers at South Dakota State University indicated that volunteer corn is much less competitive in corn than soybean. The South Dakota study (Alms et al. 2007) evaluated the full season effect of a range of volunteer corn densities (800-14,000 plants/acre) on both corn and soybean and reported yield losses that ranged from 0% to 13% in corn and 0% to 54% in soybean.

Left: Fireweed growing in a clearing. Right: Purple loosestrife growing in a meadow.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Fireweed and Purple Loosestrife?

Fireweed and purple loosestrife are often confused with one another due to their similar appearances, but the two plants have dramatically different impacts on the environment. Learn some key characteristics to help tell them apart.