Agronomic Considerations During Drought

May 26, 2026

By David Karki and Anthony Bly et.al

Despite the technological advances, weather factors still play a major role in crop production, especially precipitation. The current U.S. Drought Monitor shows that almost all of South Dakota is under abnormally dry or moderately to severe drought conditions (Figure 1). Even though crop producers with established irrigation systems are usually able to manage crop water needs more effectively, some agronomic considerations may prevent the situation from getting worse for producers under dryland management systems.

Weed Control

Weeds under drought conditions tend to show more tolerance to applied herbicides that those growing under optimal conditions because plants may develop thicker wax layer on the leaf surface to conserve moisture which can obstruct the herbicide absorption. Herbicides applied during highly stressful environmental conditions may cause unwanted injuries to already stressed crops and not affect weeds as intended. Systemic herbicides such as Roundup and SU herbicides are known to have reduced effects during hot and dry conditions.

Insects

Weather factors can influence insect populations quite dramatically, both in favor of and against the growing crops. One of the insects to lookout for during hot and dry conditions is grasshoppers. Warmer winter and springs like the one in 2025-26 usually favor early hatch and subsequent growths of grasshoppers. Under hot and dry conditions, a small grasshopper population can do as much damage as a large population under cool, wet conditions. Another important insect that can thrive during dry conditions is thrips. Crops, especially soybean is susceptible to thrips early in the season and conditions may worsen during hot and dry weather. Soybean aphids, considered one of the major pests of soybean also tend to have more pronounced effects on plants that are stressed by hot and dry weather conditions.

Source : sdstate.edu

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