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Many farmers in Iowa were hit with Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome this year due to the cold spring, moderate summer and large amount of rainfall. Now is the time to think about how to prevent this problem from reoccurring next year. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service it is not a good idea to till up soil and crop reside in fields affected by SDS, as it can lead to over compacted soil and poor drainage. State Agronomist Barb Stewart says there are many disadvantages for tilling fields. She says it reduces the overall soil quality and performance and costs more in the long run due to wear and tear on farm equipment. Instead farmers are encouraged to use resistant soybean varieties, avoid or reduce soil compaction, plant later in the spring and consider improving soil drainage.