Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

A group of youth and adults stand in a grassy pasture

Dedicated educators help South Dakota youth succeed nationally

January 20, 2026

In May, South Dakota sent 84 youth to the National Land and Range Judging Contest in El Reno, Oklahoma. Out of the 34 states that competed, only Texas came close to matching those numbers with 72 participants.

Aerial view of the SDSU Northeast Research Farm.
Jan      Feb 06 - 26

Crop Hour

SDSU Extension Crop Hour webinars provide valuable information for South Dakota crop producers to help them improve their profitability and prepare for the upcoming season.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

Transitioning to Soil Health Systems in Eastern South Dakota Intended for beginners: Where do I start?

Fact sheet for beginners on where to start transitioning to soil health systems in eastern South Dakota.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Jan 06 - 07

Southeast Research Farm Seminars @ Dakota Farm Show

Join SDSU Extension for a series of educational presentations during the Dakota Farm Show from January 6-7, 2026, at the USD DakotaDome (1101 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069).

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.

Oats growing in a no-till field.

Comparing Cover Crop Mixture Performance after Oats and its Effect on Corn Yield the Following Year

A research trial completed at the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Northeast Research Farm comparing cover crop mixture performance after oats and its effect on corn yield the following year.

shovel with a clump of dirt with a green plant and root system

Effect of Camelina Cover Crop on Soil Health and Corn Yield

Study results focused on the effect of camelina cover crop on soil health and corn yield.

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

SDSU Extension Crop Hour 2026 webinars start in January

November 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension’s Crop Hour webinar series for 2026 will return in January.

Two side-by-side fields. The left is a no-till field with crop residue throughout and minimal erosion. The right is a tilled field with no surface cover and notable erosion throughout.

SDSU Extension to host soil health meeting in Freeman

November 12, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host a Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit meeting on Dec. 9, 2025.

Cattle grazing corn residue in late fall.

Why Cropland Grazing Now?

The evidence is consistent: cropland grazing delivers measurable economic returns, proven soil health benefits, and growing adoption in South Dakota.