Content by Peter Sexton

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Heavy Metals in Swine Manure

This fact sheet explains what heavy metals are, how they enter swine manure, how they behave in soil, and what practical steps producers can take to reduce long-term risks.

Using Swine Manure Phosphorus More Efficienlty in South Dakota Cropping Systems

This fact sheet explains how feeding strategies, especially the use of low-phytate corn and related diet adjustments, can reduce phosphorus excretion in swine manure.

Swine Manure and Nitrate Leaching

This fact sheet explains how nitrate leaching occurs, why swine manure increases risk under certain conditions, and what producers can do to keep nitrogen where crops can use it.

Best Practices for Swine Manure Application

This fact sheet summarizes research-based practices to help producers, consultants, and conservation professionals make practical decisions that protect both productivity and stewardship.

Impact of Swine Manure on Soil Organic Carbon

This fact sheet summarizes what research shows about how swine manure affects SOC and what that means for field-level decisions.

SDSU Extension invites growers to Sioux Falls Organic Conference

February 17, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and the Southeast Research Farm at SDSU invite farmers to attend the Sioux Falls Organic Conference on March 12.

An oats field with numerous small rows of green, oat grass emerged throughout.

Oat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Guidelines: Do we use the yield goal or maximum return to nitrogen approach?

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient commonly applied to oat crops. It is important to apply an appropriate rate of nitrogen fertilizer to oats, as too little can reduce economic return, while too much can lead to potential negative environmental effects.