Crop Management

All Crop Management Content

Oat Variety Trial Results

In 2026, oat variety trials were planted throughout various locations in South Dakota.

Cover crop mixture growing in a sprawling field.

Cover Crop Economics: Costs, Benefits, and Cost‑Share Programs

Cover crops are gaining attention across South Dakota as more producers look for ways to improve soil health, manage risk, and strengthen long-term productivity. Research consistently shows that cover crops improve soil structure, increase water holding capacity, reduce erosion, and help buffer crop losses during drought or extreme weather.

Corn residue resting in a partially harvested cornfield.

Consider Skipping Fall Tillage and Leaving Crop Residue in the Field

Leaving crop residue in the field and reducing or eliminating fall tillage can help dramatically improve soil health. Over time, these practices can increase soil organic matter, improve water-holding capacity, enhance infiltration, and reduce water loss through evaporation.

A sprawling green field of field pea plantings

Field Pea Variety Trial Results

2026 field pea trial results data from different locations in South Dakota.

Rain clouds gathering in the sky over a sprawling winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat and Nitrogen: Decisions for the 2027 Growing Season

Producers cannot control fertilizer or grain markets, but they can control how efficiently nitrogen is used on their farms. Learn some key strategies and considerations for the 2027 growing season.

SD Sundog growing within a series of crop performance testing plots.

Utilizing Cool-Season Crops for Weed Management

For producers facing increasing challenges from herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth or waterhemp, incorporating a cool-season crop can provide another tool for diversifying weed management.

aerial view of South Dakota farm and surrounding land

Crops

During the growing season, SDSU Extension provides weekly production recommendations.

Producer inspecting soil surface of a no-till field.

Does It Pay to Build Up Soil Phosphorus in High-pH Fields?

In high-pH soils, Phosphorus fertilizer can react with calcium already in the soil and form compounds that crops cannot easily use. It means that applied Phosphorus fertilizer can become “tied up” in the soil, leaving many farmers wondering whether the fertilizer they pay for is really working for them.

Red combine harvesting grain sorghum in early fall.

Proper Residue Management is Essential When Adopting No-Till Practices

Minimizing disturbance and keeping the soil covered are two of the soil health principles. One of the best ways to incorporate these principles is to adopt no-till. To be successful when adopting no-till, it starts when combining the crop from the prior year.

Mixed group of cattle grazing a diverse mix of forage.

Cover Crop Grazing Windows for South Dakota Crop Rotations

This guide is intended for livestock producers and crop producers interested in integrating cover crop grazing into cash crop systems. Recommendations identify opportunities for both fall grazing of rapidly establishing annuals and spring grazing of overwintering species, helping extend grazing seasons, reduce harvested feed costs, and improve nutrient cycling within crop rotations.