Search

Two rows of corn at V5 leaf growth stage looking down from above. Between the corn rows there are 3 separate cotton strips placed on the soil surface just before burial in a 2-inch-deep trench. The cotton strips are numbered for their identification after recovery at three different dates.

Cotton Strip Soil Test: Rapid Assessment of Soil Microbial Activity in the Field

Soil has always been considered as a living system due to its biological components: fungi, bacteria and plant roots. Under several ongoing research projects, we started researching how we can use ‘cotton strip assay’ to compare different cover crop mixes to optimize field soil activity and build up better soil health.

Two pictures; The left has yellow soybean plants with only brown dirt throughout. The right has yellow soybean plants with greenish weeds throughout.

Weed Management via Harvesting Order

Despite The warm and wet growing season that promoted continuous flushes of weed germination, weeds are usually present at the time of harvest. Careful consideration should be taken to determine the order of fields to be harvested.

Chalkboard reading “Immune System” among various immune-boosting foods.

Healthy Habits for Immune Support

Many factors play into keeping us free from sickness. It is no secret that eating a well-balanced diet helps to keep us healthy by supporting our immune system. Keeping our immune system strong is especially important during cold and flu season.

Full plant profiles: Golden alexander and wild parsnip.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Golden Alexander and Wild Parsnip?

Golden alexander (Zizia aurea) is a striking native plant in South Dakota. However, another plant in this region often mistaken for golden alexander does not belong here and contains a harmful toxin.

a close up of buckthorn berries

Woody Weeds: Common Buckthorn

When considering weed control in tree plantings, the focus is generally placed on the control of herbaceous vegetation (grasses and forbs), particularly during the establishment phase. This focus is appropriate since control of herbaceous weeds is generally critical to establish a successful planting. As these plantings mature, providing perching sites for birds, another weed problem develops – the establishment of competing woody vegetation. These woody weeds are often left unchecked for many years because they look “natural” in a windbreak or other area of trees.

A wheat field at sunset.

Water Use by Plant Stage

Over the growing season, solar radiation, air temperature and plant size are the dominant factors in determining evaporative demand and the rate of water use by wheat. Water use can vary dramatically on a day-to day basis, depending on climate and wheat health.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

South Dakota Fertilizer Rate Guidelines Calculator for Corn, Soybean, and Wheat

Calculator for Fertilizer Guidelines for Corn, Soybean and Wheat in South Dakota

three older ladies laughing while looking at an iPad

SDSU Extension to co-host free virtual series on aging

April 21, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and North Dakota State University Extension will host a free webinar series on aging well.

three female 4-H youth showing wool sheep

4-H Sheep & Wool Project

Do you love sheep? Well, the 4-H Sheep Animal project area might be the perfect fit for you! 4-H members can learn the aspects of caring for sheep, such as management, production, marketing, showing, and evaluation.

Outside the SDSU Swine Education and Research Facility.

Basic Ventilation System Design for Pork Producers

Ventilation systems have the potential to maximize swine production with regard to animal growth and performance. Understanding the rationale behind their design can help any manager do the best job possible.