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Soil Fertility

All Soil Fertility Content
Rain clouds gathering in the sky over a sprawling winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat and Nitrogen: Decisions for the 2027 Growing Season

Producers cannot control fertilizer or grain markets, but they can control how efficiently nitrogen is used on their farms. Learn some key strategies and considerations for the 2027 growing season.

Hands holding a clump of healthy soil from a no-till field.
Mar 03

Soil Health Hour

Join SDSU Extension experts to learn about soil health practices during this free webinar series on the first Wednesday of each month from October 7 through March 3 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Producer inspecting soil surface of a no-till field.

Does It Pay to Build Up Soil Phosphorus in High-pH Fields?

In high-pH soils, Phosphorus fertilizer can react with calcium already in the soil and form compounds that crops cannot easily use. It means that applied Phosphorus fertilizer can become “tied up” in the soil, leaving many farmers wondering whether the fertilizer they pay for is really working for them.

a field in the fall with a small ditch with water flowing through it

25th annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum brings latest research to Owatonna, Minnesota

August 24, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites the public to the 25th annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum this fall in Minnesota.

Two raised beds in a garden plot.

Understanding Unit Conversions for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizer Application Rates in Garden Soils

This factsheet provides unit conversions between different units that soil labs recommend for fertilizer application rates to gardens for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Impact of Swine Manure on Soil Organic Carbon

This fact sheet summarizes what research shows about how swine manure affects SOC and what that means for field-level decisions.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Best Practices for Swine Manure Application

This fact sheet summarizes research-based practices to help producers, consultants, and conservation professionals make practical decisions that protect both productivity and stewardship.

Fertilizer Recommendation Guide

SDSU Extension fertilizer recommendations are based on field research in South Dakota and neighboring states.

Nitrogen rate map layered on top of a field

SDSU Extension invites corn farmers to join on-farm nitrogen fertilizer trial program

February 06, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and Premier Crop Systems are recruiting corn farmers to participate in nitrogen fertilizer trials.

An oats field with numerous small rows of green, oat grass emerged throughout.

Oat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Guidelines: Do we use the yield goal or maximum return to nitrogen approach?

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient commonly applied to oat crops. It is important to apply an appropriate rate of nitrogen fertilizer to oats, as too little can reduce economic return, while too much can lead to potential negative environmental effects.