Growing Season Sites
Three sites were prepared and planted in eastern South Dakota at locations on the Northeast Research Farm west of South Shore, SD, the Volga Research Farm in western Brookings county SD, and the Southeast Research Farm in Beresford, SD. These sites were selected because of the availability of SDSU technicians and equipment. The locations were also important for comparisons because they experience roughly a range in similar annual moisture (differing by about 3.5"/annum) while differing significantly in the amount of Growing Degree Days (GDD) measured (2300 - 3000 GDD oF). The sites were flagged for each treatment plot strips (200’ long and 30’ wide) with alleyways between replications where appropriate. Corn stover was raked and baled on selected corn plots with commercial raking and baling equipment, weighed and then sampled for future nutrient analysis. The average stover removed ranged from about 25% (Northeast Research Farm) to 85% (Volga and Southeast research Farms. Tillage was applied the previous Fall (chisel plow) and following Spring (field cultivator) before planting. At physiological maturity, grain yields were harvested with a commercial combine and raw yield weights from the plots determined by a combine load cell. Grain yields were estimated on an acre basis after grain moisture was considered for each treatment. A small plot area of soybean residue was weighed for estimation of residue weight. Subsamples of the crop residue were harvested for future nutrient content analysis. Grain yields at the research sites were adversely affected by the severe drought which gripped the north- central region of the U.S. Grain yield harvested, were the lowest recorded in several decades. Comparisons between tillage and residue management were not appropriate because of the low yield potential, so only ranges were reported.

Climatic Influences
May and June air temperatures were above normal and precipitation was below normal. Air temperatures were well above normal for the remainder of

During a normal yield year which 2012 was not, information derived from best management practices may provide new insights into specific goals (either for soil C storage, grain yield or stover production). It is anticipated that two recommendations will be made for the best economic yield package of production treatments. In addition, a decision tree for soil C storage to obtain the most favorable scenarios for 'carbon credits' should be forthcoming. This carbon credit may offset any possible yield disadvantages.

An additional benefit of this research would identify those combinations of production practices which enhance the recycling of nutrients contained in crop residues in order to trim fertilizer costs when their cost is high.