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Cotton Strip Soil Test: Rapid Assessment of Soil Microbial Activity and Diversity 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.
How’s Life in the Soil? Ask (Count) the Earthworms.
Earthworms are ‘very special’ creatures on earth, and their contribution in soil nutrient cycling and fertility management has been acknowledged from the beginning of agriculture. So, the question needs to be asked, how can we help improve earthworm populations?
Organic Herbicides: Garden and Flower Bed Weed Control
Many South Dakota homeowners do not want to use inorganic or synthetic herbicides due to potential health impacts. Organic herbicides can be a useful tool for weed control when combined with other management practices.
Crop Tolerance to Soil Herbicide Residual
Some herbicides can persist in soil, especially dry soil. Herbicide carryover could be an issue in 2021 across the state depending upon last year’s moisture levels and field conditions.
Weed Control in No-Till Gardens
Mulch is the key to successful weed control in no-till gardening. It is best to start a no-till garden in the fall to give applied mulch the time to breakdown and suppress any weed growth.
How Well Will Pre-Emergence Herbicides Work in 2021?
It is always good to start with a pre-emergence program to prevent weeds from becoming resistant. With the spring starting out below normal in subsoil, there are questions as to how well preemergent herbicides will work.
Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops After Corn Silage
As cover crop usage has increased in recent years, managing weeds through a longer residual herbicide program has become more complicated. Learn some considerations for cover crops following corn silage.
Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops After Wheat
Increased use of cover crops following major crops brings up questions of herbicide effects on cover crop establishment and rotation restrictions. Learn some considerations for cover crops following wheat.
Weed Control in Sweet Corn
When growing sweet corn on a large scale, weed control can be challenging, and certain steps need to be taken before choosing an herbicide.
Revegetation of Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota
This publication provides suggested native species suitable for the revegetation of salt-impacted soils. The suggested species are listed as native to South Dakota according to the USDA NRCS Plants Database.