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Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond

Conservation Drainage Complexities Part 2

What can we do to prepare for the future of conservation drainage?

Two poisonous rangeland plants. Left: Woolly Locoweed.  Right: Lambert Crazyweed (Purple Locoweed).

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Locoweed and Crazyweed

Locoweed and crazyweed are found throughout South Dakota rangelands, and both can cause livestock poisoning.The names locoweed and crazyweed are often used interchangeably. However, there are notable differences between the species.

Three woody plants. From left: Ponderosa pine tree, chokecherry bush and greasewood.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Woody Species

Several woody plant species that are poisonous to livestock are found throughout South Dakota rangelands, including ponderosa pine, chokecherry, greasewood and broom snakeweed.

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?

Color-coded map of the United States indicating precipitation probability for September through November 2021. Odds are leaning towards drier than average conditions in the three-month fall season.

Fall 2021 Climate and Drought Outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seasonal Climate Outlook, released Aug. 19, 2021, projects drought conditions to continue through the fall season.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

Optimal Design Drainage Rates for Eastern South Dakota

Fact sheet for the optimal design drainage rates for Eastern South Dakota.

papers and drainage boxes sitting on a table

Balancing Controlled Drainage

Will controlled drainage help maintain a healthy nutrient cycle with extreme weather changes and improve yield and water quality?

an irrigator spraying water in a corn field

Subirrigation

Why is it important to know what the system needs before installing subirrigation?

Stream running through West River South Dakota rangeland.

Water Rights in a Time of Drought

During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.

A herd of cattle grazing near a pond on an open range.

Ranch Drought Planning

Fact sheet with general drought planning tips from the range and natural resource perspective.