PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – It’s been a difficult year for farmers to control weeds, especially on prevent plant acres. South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Health Specialist Kent (Vuh-lee-gur) Vlieger suggests producers forgo tillage and plant cereal crops to aid in controlling those weeds this fall.

He says those cereal crops not only aid in controlling weeds but also improve soil health.

Vlieger says there is still time to plant winter wheat or winter rye.

Vlieger says one major advantage of cereal crops is that cereal rye will take up excess moisture, protect the soil from wind and water erosion and build soil structure. By planting something and getting it growing this fall, it will aid in better planting conditions next spring.