Conservation

All Conservation Content

Tractor planting seed in a no-till field.

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.

Aerial view of a cattle operation.

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.

Farmer standing in a no-till field.

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).

Sushant Mehan smiles at the camera. He is wearing a black suit and striped tie

SDSU Extension welcomes new water specialist

November 28, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Sushant Mehan as a new Water Resource Engineer Specialist and assistant professor.

Numerous winter-killed fish along the shoreline of a lake.

The Most-Common Cause of Fish Kills in South Dakota

There are many ways for fish kills to occur in freshwater lakes, but the most-common cause by far is dissolved oxygen depletion. Learn about some of the seasonal and environmental factors that can lead to oxygen depletion.

Grazing exclosure constructed in a rangeland area.

End-of-Season Monitoring

The end of the grazing season is a great time to monitor your pasture/rangeland resources. Learn about some strategies and tools available to help assess where you stand at the end of the season.

a metal structure with white tarps wrapped over it, resembling a hoop shape

SDSU Extension to feature Beadle Conservation District at High Tunnel Field Day

September 13, 2023

Perfect for farmers, technical service providers, gardeners and anyone curious about high tunnels, the field day is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CDT on Sept. 21, 2023, at the Beadle Conservation District site, 1174 Lincoln Ave. SW, Huron, South Dakota. It is free to attend.

Lush, densely vegetated riparian area 10 years after beginning the SRAM program.

2023 Marks the 10-Year Anniversary of the Seasonal Riparian Area Management Program

The Seasonal Riparian Area Management program has partnered with landowners to maintain healthy riparian areas to address common water resource concerns and improve water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes within the Big Sioux River watershed.

Workshop attendees at an aquatic species identification station.

SDSU Hosts South Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Citizen Monitoring Workshop

On August 10, 2023, the South Dakota Lakes and Streams Association, in conjunction with SDSU Extension, and the University of Minnesota held the inaugural South Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Citizen Monitoring Workshop.

Corn field with soil salinity problem.

SDSU Extension hosting Every Acre Counts Bus Tour on Aug. 24

August 14, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host a bus tour on Aug. 24 highlighting precision agricultural strategies used by farmers to mitigate saline soils while also maximizing productivity and profitability.