Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

Water flowing from a drain tile pipe.

Nutrient Loss Calculator

Trying to figure out the nutrient loss in your tile drainage system? The Nutrient Loss Calculator can help. This useful tool helps landowners collect a snapshot of nutrient loss in their drainage systems.

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

Impact of Swine Manure on Soil Organic Carbon

A publication on the impacts of swine manure on soil organic carbon.

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

March 04, 2026

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

Cover crops grow throughout a no-till crop field.
Mar 12

Organic Conference @ Sioux Falls

SDSU Extension and the SDSU Southeast Research Farm will host an organic conference on March 12 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel (3200 W Maple St, Sioux Falls, SD 57107)

Organic crop field

SDSU Extension invites growers to Sioux Falls Organic Conference

February 17, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and the Southeast Research Farm at SDSU invite farmers to attend the Sioux Falls Organic Conference on March 12.

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.

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.

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).

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.