Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

Sunflower growing in a South Dakota field.
Jul 08

Growing Smarter: Research for Resilient Farms

The USDA Agriculture Research Service will host its 32nd Annual Field Day - Growing Smarter: Research for Resilient Farms on July 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT at the Eastern South Dakota Soil and Water Research Farm (3714 Western Ave, Brookings, SD 57006).

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 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.

Group of youth walking through a field
Jun 09

Rangeland and Soil Days

Rangeland and Soil Days will take place June 9-10, 2026, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall (512 6th Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717).

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

Impact of Swine Manure on Soil Organic Carbon

This fact sheet summarizes what research shows about how swine manure affects SOC and what that means for field-level decisions.