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Project to Study Soil Health Economics in South Dakota
Soil degradation has become one of the most pressing global issues, because of its adverse effects on world food security, environment and quality of life.
Do Cover Crops and Grazing Harm Soil Properties?
Fact sheet for a study that was conducted to compare short and long-term animal grazing on soil health and water properties at four locations in SD.
Cover Crop Adoption: Farmers’ perceived benefits & barriers
Cover crops are generally defined as crops planted between cash crops to cover and protect the soil. Some demonstrated benefits of cover crops include: reduced soil erosion, increased soil organic matter, increased biological diversity, increased nitrogen supply, and weed control. Depending on the farmers’ objectives, different species of cover crops can be planted. For example, if a farmer’s main objective is to increase nitrogen supply, then legume cover crops best suited to the farm area should be selected.
Optimal Design Drainage Rates for Eastern South Dakota
Fact sheet for the optimal design drainage rates for Eastern South Dakota.
Understanding Western South Dakota Prairie Streams
This document provides information and guidance for landowners and land managers in western South Dakota who are managing small intermittent streams.
Updating Corn Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Recommendations in South Dakota
Fact sheet updating corn Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Recommendations in South Dakota.
South Dakota Fertilizer Rate Guidelines Calculator for Corn, Soybean, and Wheat
Calculator for Fertilizer Guidelines for Corn, Soybean and Wheat in South Dakota
Carbon Markets and Opportunities for Farmers
There is growing interest in paying farmers for regenerative agricultural practices as a means for sequestering carbon. Learn about some of the benefits and challenges that carbon capture opportunities offer for producers.
Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota
Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.
Crop Diversity Reduced in South Dakota
The recently released 2017 Census of Agriculture data shows that South Dakota has experienced a considerable increase in acreage harvested of two major crops, corn and soybeans over the past decade.