Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

Producers surveying a rangeland site.

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.

2026 Rangeland and Soil Days Contest brings 115 youth to Belle Fourche

June 30, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce that 115 youth participated in the 42nd annual Rangeland and 21st annual Soil Days contests on June 9-10, 2026, in Belle Fourche.

a group of youth in a grassy pasture

Range and Soil Judging

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with local conservation districts, the natural resources conservation service, and the South Dakota Society for Range Management to facilitate the annual Rangeland and Soil Days event for youth.

Research plots at the SDSU West River Research Farm.
Jul 17

West River Organic Farm Tour

SDSU Extension will host an organic farm tour on Friday, July 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the SDSU West River Research Farm.

A girl with a blonde ponytail, wearing a grey T-shirt with the SDSU logo and jeans holds a microphone standing next to vegetable plots

SDSU provides updated recommendations on soil tarping

June 08, 2026

South Dakota State University has published new recommendations on soil tarping that can help producers manage weeds.

Road ditch near a crop field with noticeable soil deposited from wind erosion.

How to Maintain Soil Health During Dry Growing Conditions

Adopting soil health practices can help to reduce the loss of valuable topsoil by wind erosion during droughts. Learn how to manage your fields now or in the future to maintain soil health during periods of dry times.

A corn planter planting seeds into wheat residue in a no-till field.

The Economic Advantages of No-Till: Diesel Fuel

While no-till and conservation systems are often discussed for their soil health benefits, the economic advantages are becoming increasingly important in today’s farm economy, particularly when it comes to fuel costs.

Group of youth competing in a Rangeland and Soil Judging contest

Land Judging In South Dakota Guidebook

This guide is for high school aged students to prepare for land judging contests in South Dakota.

Group of Rangeland and Soils Day competitors observing grassland conditions during the competiton.

Judging South Dakota Rangelands for Livestock and Wildlife Values

This guide is for high school age students to prepare for range judging contests in South Dakota.

youth spread out on a grassy hill side with clipboards and paper

Wrangler Guide to South Dakota Rangelands

This guide is for middle school age students (Wranglers) to learn more about rangelands in South Dakota.