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Content by Christopher Graham

close-up view of sorghum plants in a field

Determining Sorghum Seeding Rate

Seeding rate can have significant impacts on sorghum yields.

Field with field peas and blue sky with fluffy white clouds

An identification guide of common Diseases of Dry Peas in South Dakota

A guide depicting common diseases of Dry Peas in South Dakota

Winter wheat emerging from a planted field.

Starter Fertilizer in Winter Wheat

Winter wheat planting season is soon at hand. Questions often abound on the issue of fertilization rates, timing and placement. Over the years, a lot of research has focused on starter fertilizers or split-applying nitrogen (N) and other nutrients. In general, phosphorus placed with the seed has been shown to increase tillering and total grain yield. Nitrogen is more uncertain, due to the possibility of salt burn and the associated yield losses.

A sprawling sorghum field ready for harvest

Sorghum Trial Results

In 2024, sorghum trials were conducted in 2 locations in South Dakota.

A sprawling green field of field pea plantings

Field Pea Variety Trial Results

In 2024, field pea trials were planted at different locations in South Dakota.

oats

Oat Variety Trial Results

In 2024, oat variety trials were planted at 7 locations throughout South Dakota.

wheat field

Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results

The 2024 spring wheat reports include data from 8 locations across South Dakota.

a field of wheat starting to grow

Split Application of Nitrogen in Winter Wheat

Adequate N early in the growing season is important to support healthy tillering and to give young plants the best opportunity to survive the sometimes-harsh South Dakota winter

A diagram with two winter wheat plots side-by-side.

The Difficulty in Winter Wheat Stand Assessments

From freak snow storms to sub-zero temperatures and on to a recent lack of moisture and a cool spring, the climate in South Dakota has left many winter wheat growers and agronomists wondering about the health of their stands.