Content by SDSU Extension
Wheat Seed Testing, Pure Live Seed, and Seeding Rates
To legally sell wheat seed in South Dakota, a standard test—following Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) seed testing protocols, for germination, purity, and noxious weeds—is required. This standard analysis, plus a seed count provides information needed to determine the seeding rate.
Looking Back: A History of Wheat Production in SD
In spite of the open winter and some of the worst drought conditions in history, South Dakota ended up with a very good wheat crop in terms of yield and quality in 2012. The winter wheat yields averaged 50 bushels to the acre; second highest average yield in SD recorded history.
Winter Wheat Planting Date Is Important
A five year study conducted in southwestern South Dakota evaluating seven winter wheat varieties over four planting dates from September 15 to November 1 showed that delayed planting decreases yields. The results determined that planting mid September to the first of October consistently had the highest grain yield over the duration of the experiment.
Mobile Walk-in Cooler for Growers
Growers in South Dakota who are looking for an inexpensive way to cool their produce may want to consider a technology adapted by North Carolina State University (NCSU) Researchers.
Understanding Water Conservation Measures for Lawns and Sports Turf
As of August 29th the city of Sioux Falls has moved from Stage 1 watering, which allowed every other day watering except between the hours of 12 noon and 5 PM, to Stage Two water restrictions; allowing only one day per week watering based upon the last number of the residence address. The watering schedule is determined by the flow of the Big Sioux River as measured by the USGS Monitoring Station located near Dell Rapids, SD.
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle: A late-summer friend in the garden
A number of ornamentals are in full bloom, ablaze with colors and, in some cases, buzzing with insects. One such insect that you may have noticed in your lawns is the goldenrod soldier beetle or Pennsylvania leatherwing (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus).
Fungicide Seed Treatments for Winter Wheat
As producers are preparing to plant winter wheat, one of the decisions to make is whether to use a fungicide seed treatment, and if the answer is yes, which product to use.
Beetles in Your Garden: Friends and Foes
Two types of beetles are increasingly common on vegetable garden this time of the year. Interestingly enough, one is a predator that helps out gardeners getting rid of pestiferous insects while the other is a pest busily munching on the foliage.
Nitrates and Livestock Water Quality
Nitrate poisoning is something we think about with forages such as millet, oats, corn, sorghum, sudan, kochia and others that have been fertilized or if there is a drought, but water can also be a contributing factor.
Foliar Fertilization for Soybeans
There has been much press and interest for foliar fertilization of soybean - especially for micronutrients based on plant analysis. In general, foliar fertilization has not proven effective unless there is severe deficiency of a particular nutrient.