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Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

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.

Tractor working a field after harvest
Dec 09

Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit Meeting & Southeast Research Farm Annual Business Meeting

The Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit Meeting will be held on December 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Freeman Academy Arboretum (900 Cedar St., Freeman, SD 57029). The Southeast Research Farm Annual Business Meeting will also occur from 12:45-1:00 p.m.

Pigs in a feeding facility
Dec 03

Environmental Training for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

SDSU Extension will host an environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on December 3, 2025 at the Crossroads Convention Center (100 Fourth St. S.W., Huron, SD, 57350).

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.

Professional portrait of Ryan Lefers

SDSU Extension welcomes new water specialist

October 29, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Ryan Lefers as the new Griffith Endowed Chair in Agriculture and Water Resources, South Dakota Water Resources Institute Director and SDSU Extension Water Management Specialist.

Harvested crop field with deep soil ruts left by equipment tires.

How to Avoid Soil Compaction During Crop Harvest

Soil compaction can degrade soil health and lead to reduced crop yields. Learn some production practices that can implemented during harvest to avoid soil compaction.

A group of youth and adults stand in a grassy pasture

Dedicated educators help South Dakota youth succeed nationally

August 28, 2025

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.

Rye growing in in a no-till field.

Effects of Different Cereal Rye and Winter Camelina Seeding Rates on Biomass Production and Soil Properties When Broadcast Seeded

Benefits to soil health generally increase as cover crop biomass production increases. Recent research sought to determine how the seeding rate of two cover crop species and mixtures affected biomass production and some soil health indicators.

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.