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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.

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

Warm-Season Grasses of South Dakota

Fact sheet about warm-season grasses in South Dakota.

Rows of soybean growing in corn residue in a diverse, no-till crop rotation.

Economics of Different Crop Rotation Systems in South Dakota

Economic returns are an important factor to consider when selecting crop rotation systems.

Female rancher standing in front of a cowherd.

The Power of Women as AgVocates Rescheduled to March 4 and 5

February 08, 2022

The Power of Women as AgVocates Conference has been rescheduled for March 4-5, 2022 in Fort Pierre, South Dakota at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center and the Missouri Avenue Event Center in Pierre.

A soybean root with several small white cysts growing on it.

Scout and Soil Test for the Soybean Cyst Nematode 

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the main soybean production constraint in South Dakota. Soybean plants can be infested with SCN but may not display visible symptoms.

Camelina crop growing in a field.

Spring and Winter Camelina in South Dakota

In the semi-arid, western portion of South Dakota, camelina has potential value as a fall-seeded cover crop, providing flexibility in crop rotations for improving soil health.

A tiger swallowtail drinking nectar from a purple blazing star flower.

Five Range Management Principles: #3 Ecosystem Biodiversity

Milkweed can help make rangelands a better environment for both cattle and neighboring plants and animals by having a shielding effect on companion plants, preventing erosion and accelerating the decomposition process, whole also providing nectar, habitat and organic material for ecosystem services.

A sprawling, planted field with young crops emerging

Fall Cover Crops Boost Soil Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Which Can Lead To Reduced Inputs

Fall cover crops provide multiple benefits to producers. These benefits include pathogen and pest protection, drought protection, weed control, reduced soil erosion, nutrient acquisition and retention, increased soil organic matter, and conservation of soil water by improvement of soil structure that increases infiltration and water holding capacity.

Oats growing in a field.

Effects of Plant Growth Regulator in Oats

Plant growth regulators are human-applied chemicals that manipulate the hormone functions in plants. Learn how they can be used in oats to help reduce lodging and prevent yield loss.

Two producers inspecting freshly cut alfalfa in a field.

Alfalfa Harvest Timing and Objectives

Guessing when to make that first cutting can be difficult, as using plant maturity or calendar dates alone can be quite risky. Get the most out of your first cutting with some expert tips that consider the timing and objectives of alfalfa harvest.