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Natural Resources

All Natural Resources Content

Secchi disk being used to measure lake transparency.

The Trophic State Index

The Trophic State Index is a means for lake professionals and volunteers alike to numerically measure the productivity of a natural lake or man-made reservoir. Learn how it's used in South Dakota to survey the condition of our water resources.

A low-gradient prairie river that is very meandering.

Understanding Western South Dakota Prairie Streams

This document provides information and guidance for landowners and land managers in western South Dakota who are managing small intermittent streams.

2021 grazing school attendees.

Eastern Grazing School to be Held July 26-28

July 12, 2022

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition, through a partnership with SDSU Extension and others, will host the Eastern South Dakota Grazing School July 26-28, 2022 near Marvin, South Dakota.

an irrigator spraying water in a corn field

Subirrigation

Why is it important to know what the system needs before installing subirrigation?

papers and drainage boxes sitting on a table

Balancing Controlled Drainage

Will controlled drainage help maintain a healthy nutrient cycle with extreme weather changes and improve yield and water quality?

tubes with water sitting on a table

Controlled Drainage Logistics

How is controlled drainage a beneficial conservation practice in maintaining the water in your fields?

small water channel next to green grass

Saturated Buffer Performance, Challenges and a Path Forward

What are the challenges of a saturated buffer and can they work in other states?

Streamlines

Saturated Buffer Situations

What is a saturated buffer and how can they be beneficial to farmers?

Hole in the ground with an installed bioreactor

Bioreactors and Your Bottom Line

Why are bioreactors unpopular and what can we do to incentivize farmers to put them in?

Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond

Conservation Drainage Complexities Part 2

What can we do to prepare for the future of conservation drainage?