Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

A soybean root with several small white cysts growing on it.

Scout and Soil Test for the Soybean Cyst Nematode 

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the main soybean production constraint in South Dakota. Soybean plants can be infested with SCN but may not display visible symptoms.

a newly planted soybean field with white fertilizer sprinkled throughout

Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Soybeans

SDSU Extension conducted a study during the 2016 growing season at five Eastern South Dakota sites to evaluate the effects of added N fertilizer (as urea) on soybean yields.

A pod sprouting from a healthy soybean plant.

Late-Season Nitrogen For Soybean?

Some South Dakota soybean fields that were planted early and have had sufficient moisture have reached early pod setting stage (R3) and are looking good.

Brown roots with white spots on them. The white spots are SCN cysts that contain eggs. Smaller image shows a broken cyst with eggs coming out of it.

Test Your Soil for the Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) This Spring

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major soybean pathogen that causes significant yield loss. Fields that were not tested for SCN last year can still be sampled this spring to determine the presence of SCN or SCN population changes if testing was done in the past.

A green tractor, pulling a red, high-clearance planter through a field of emerging corn.

Interseeding Cover Crops Effect on Corn and Soybean Production: 2019

Incorporating cover crops into our cropping systems and moving from conventional tillage to no-till can improve soil organic matter, soil structure, and water and nutrient holding capacity of our soils.

: Gray caterpillar with dark markings, white splotches and a white stripe running down the middle of its back.

Monitor Alfalfa for Cutworm Activity

During the spring, there are a lot of insects to scout for in alfalfa. One pest group that should be focused on right now are cutworms. There are a couple of cutworm species that are active earlier in the season than others.

A stunted planting of corn with purple coloring on its leaves.

Fallow Syndrome: What is it and how do I deal with it?

Fallow syndrome received its name from the dry plains states, where fields routinely benefited from the additional moisture available after a year where the ground was fallowed. Corn sometimes had symptoms of phosphorus deficiency when grown on this previously fallowed ground, thus it received its current name, “fallow syndrome.”

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Range Improvements, Grazing Systems and Net Present Value, What is the Right Balance?

As farms and ranches across South Dakota continue to endure increasing costs of production while receiving less cash for grain and livestock marketed; ranch managers must be extra diligent when implementing new range improvements and grazing systems on their ranches.

two black beetles rolling a ball of dung

An identification guide to common Dung Beetles of South Dakota

A guide of common dung beetles of South Dakota.

A father and daughter working on a fence along rangeland.

Strategic and Scenario Planning in Ranching: Conducting a Ranch Inventory

During times of belt-tightening, it’s imperative to make sure all the resources of the ranch are being utilized as efficiently as possible. Conducting a complete ranch inventory is a perfect time for ranch managers to take an in-depth look at their operation.