Soil Health

All Soil Health Content
Cover crop mixture growing in a sprawling field.

Cover Crop Economics: Costs, Benefits, and Cost‑Share Programs

Cover crops are gaining attention across South Dakota as more producers look for ways to improve soil health, manage risk, and strengthen long-term productivity. Research consistently shows that cover crops improve soil structure, increase water holding capacity, reduce erosion, and help buffer crop losses during drought or extreme weather.

Corn residue resting in a partially harvested cornfield.

Consider Skipping Fall Tillage and Leaving Crop Residue in the Field

Leaving crop residue in the field and reducing or eliminating fall tillage can help dramatically improve soil health. Over time, these practices can increase soil organic matter, improve water-holding capacity, enhance infiltration, and reduce water loss through evaporation.

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

Learn more about soil health with SDSU Extension webinar series

September 10, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension will host a series of webinars for farmers and ranchers interested in learning more about soil health.

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.

Red combine harvesting grain sorghum in early fall.
Feb 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.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.
Jan 06

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.

A view of an open space in the White River community.
Dec 02

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.
Nov 04

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.

a group of black cattle out in a green grassy pasture.
Oct 07

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.