English: Degraded plant condition caused by overgrazing and drought conditions. Left side of fence shows poor plant productivity and health, right side of fence shows healthy plant community.

Plant Productivity and Health

Improper fertility, management, or plants not adapted to site negatively impact plant productivity, vigor, and/or quality.

What is it?

Plants established in locations where the climate, soils, or moisture availability are unfavorable can be stressed and may not thrive even with excellent management. Natural events such as drought or cultural practices such as grazing and mowing can cause plant stress. Improper management (e.g., exorbitant plant populations)are a stressor that can affect plant productivity and health. Plants under stress are more susceptible to disease and insect damage. Symptoms of poor plant vigor and health may include slow growth, discoloration of leaves, wilting or drooping foliage, leaf drop, root pruning, changes in growth form and discolored roots, and even plant death.

Why is it important?

To meet productivity and conservation goals, it is important that plants are adapted to the site on which they are growing, established in proper populations, provided with enough nutrients, water, and sunshine, and protected from excessive levels of stress.

What can be done about it?

Using conservation practices can help establish and maintain plant productivity and health. Assistance from a crop specialist, grazing land specialist, forester, or biologist may be needed to set realistic production and conservation goals that consider species suitability, soils, climate, management options, and local data for similar cropping/forestry systems. The NRCS Web Soil Survey (websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm) is a source of soils information for the growth of crops and trees. Extension programs and educators from local universities are resources for cultural and management practices that keep plants healthy and productive. Nutrient management guides the rate, source, timing, and placement of nutrients as needed to meet production and health goals. Integrated pest management provides techniques to detect, avoid, and treat pests and diseases. Forestry conservation practices can remove and replace unhealthy trees and treat woody debris to reduce risks from insects and diseases. Conservation practices in cropping systems address soil problems such as erosion, compaction, low organic matter, or contaminants through the use of cover crops, new crop rotations, or changes in tillage and/or harvesting methods. Conservation practices in grazing systems can assist in alleviating stressors such as plant vigor and reduced production yields by increasing grazing distribution, managing forage stubble heights, and providing adequate rest periods during seasonal growth variations.

For more information on South Dakota's resource concerns, visit www.sdresrouceconcerns.org or www.farmers.gov/conserve/tool. You can also reach out to your local NRCS office or Conservation District. Find your local USDA NRCS office and employee directory at: bit.ly/ContactNRCSSD