New research from South Dakota State University reveals reductions in tillage intensity across the region have led to an increase in soil organic carbon levels and an increase in corn and soybean yields since 2000.
In a comprehensive, 21-year study led by Distinguished Professor David Clay, it was found that in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska, corn yields are increasing at over two bushels per acre per year, and soybean yields are increasing at over half a bushel per acre per year.
Two thousand five hundred times smaller than a grain of salt but mysteriously powerful and stable, nanobubbles — microscopic, gas-filled bubbles — are being utilized in a variety of fields, including drug delivery, agriculture and water pollution.
At South Dakota State University, nanobubbles are being utilized to help the dairy industry improve its wastewater treatment. When dairy products are produced, large amounts of wastewater, or effluent, are generated. This wastewater, containing pathogens, organic compounds, nutrients and other pollutants, must be treated before it is discharged into surface water as the pollutants can be harmful to human health and can create environmental issues.
Led by associate professor Maneesha Mohan, nanobubbles are showing promise in efficiently treating dairy effluent — without the use of chemicals — before it is discharged.
Native plants are crucial to vibrant and healthy ecosystems. They also provide key habitat for wildlife and pollinators. But native plants have been pushed out by human activity and invasive species. South Dakota State University researchers are working to bring them back.
Through the Northern Great Plains Native Seed Partnership, SDSU is a leading a collaborative effort to increase the availability and accessibility of native seeds. While there is increasing interest in native grasses and wildflowers in South Dakota, a lack of available seeds is providing a significant challenge. This was underlined in a 2023 report from National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which found a better native seed production and distribution system in the Northern Great Plains was needed.
Researchers in South Dakota State University's Department of Natural Resource Management are leading efforts to slow the spread of invasive carp in South Dakota and parts of the Missouri River basin.
Led by assistant professor Alison Coulter, graduate research assistant Hannah Mulligan and other faculty members, their research is focused on understanding the ramifications of invasive carp and ways to prevent them from spreading into new waterways.
Recently, Mulligan and Coulter published a study investigating the different ways states and other countries are acting to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species via the live baitfish trade. With this information, they also provided recommendations for what can be done with limited resources to slow the spread.
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