Cover Crops

Effects of Different Cereal Rye and Winter Camelina Seeding Rates on Biomass Production and Soil Properties When Broadcast Seeded

Benefits to soil health generally increase as cover crop biomass production increases. Recent research sought to determine how the seeding rate of two cover crop species and mixtures affected biomass production and some soil health indicators.

Soil Erosion Mitigation During Heavy Rainfall Events

Adopting soil health practices that minimize disturbance, increase surface cover and organic matter content, and keep roots growing in the soil can help to increase soil infiltration rates and reduce destruction of soil aggregates from heavy rain.

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.

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.

Your Cash Crop Flooded Out. What’s Plan B?

With significantly higher than normal precipitation in eastern South Dakota, many producers will soon be seeking a "Plan B" for their flooded-out row crops.