Conservation
All Conservation Content
Backyard Natural Resources Webinar
Join SDSU Extension to learn about backyard soil health, water use, conservation and biodiversity. This four-part educational series will be held from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. CDT on May 14, 16, 21 and 23, 2024.
Conservation Practices Increasing in South Dakota
The recently released Agricultural Census data of 2022 shows that the share of cropland acres under conservation practices has continued to increase in South Dakota.
Ranching and Prairie Streams: Why Riparian Areas Matter
For many producers, riparian pastures are essential to their operations. However, land managers need to balance grazing and utilization needs with riparian health for the long-term benefit of their operation.
Ranching and Prairie Streams: What Healthy Riparian Areas Mean for Your Ranch
Prairie streams and their associated riparian areas can provide numerous ecosystem services to a ranching operation.
A Quick Start Guide to Selling Native Seeds
Guide that details what you need to know to sell seeds of native flowering plants (forbs) in South Dakota.
Carbon Markets and Beef Production: Overview
Learn about the Carbon Markets and Beef Production program, which aims to demystify many of the aspects of greenhouse gas emissions, climate-smart agriculture practices, and carbon markets for producers and landowners.
Farming Practice Comparisons in South Dakota: A case study across the fence and implications for the future
This extension study intends to provide some new insights on the financial and carbon storage comparisons between neighboring farms using conventional farming versus conservation practices (mainly no-till and cover crops).
Natural Resources & Conservation
South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.
What Makes Up a Healthy Soil?
Healthy soil has strong soil structure that stays together whether it’s wet or dry. Learn about the many components that combine to make soil healthy.
Does the COMET Carbon Model Address Soil Health Principles?
The COMET-Farm model, developed by USDA/NRCS and Colorado State University, is a whole farm and ranch carbon and greenhouse gas accounting system. Learn how it addresses the Five Soil Health Principles.