Cover Crops
All Cover Crops Content
Crops
During the growing season, SDSU Extension provides weekly production recommendations.
Alternative Forage Options During Dry Times
Although there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to boost forage production, reduce fallow acres, and enhance soil health.
Rye Variety Trial Results
The 2024 Rye Variety Trial Results include data from three locations across South Dakota.
Alfalfa Variety Trial Results
Progress reports for alfalfa variety trials
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.
Crop Rotation Potential: Improving Soil Health & Farm Profitability
Two-year corn-soybean rotation coupled with heavy chemical inputs has become the routine practice of agricultural production in the Midwestern United States. According to USDA/NASS data, corn and soybean prices received by producers in South Dakota both reached the peak levels of $7.39 and $16.00 per bushel, respectively, in August, 2012.
Cover Crop Usage in South Dakota is on the Rise
The number of South Dakota producers who use cover crops has been increasing at an accelerating rate over the past ten years.
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 variety, 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.
Soil Organic Matter Matters: How Conservation Practices Bring Value to Farmers
Conservation management practices, such as conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotation and livestock integration, help improve soil health over time and offer producers numerous economic benefits.
Feeding Hybrid Rye Grain to Cattle
Feedlot researchers at SDSU were approached to evaluate the potential for hybrid rye to be used in cattle finishing diets. See what they found in terms of cattle performance and feed efficiency.