Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

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.

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.

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.

Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond

SDSU Extension co-hosting regional water, drainage forum

August 08, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the 2025 Tri-State Drainage Research Forum on Sept. 9-10 at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

A field of no-till soybeans and corn.

SDSU Extension Tile Drainage Economics Calculator

Calculator for farmers who are interested in evaluating the decision to install tile drainage from an economic perspective.

Vegetables are displayed, including zucchini, potatoes and radishes

SDSU Extension to host weed management tour at Sisseton farm

July 30, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce a field tour featuring Koeppe Family Fields on Aug. 5, 2025.

Field showing sheet and rill erosion following a heavy rain event.

Soil Erosion Mitigation During Heavy Rainfall Events

Adopting soil health practices that minimize disturbance, increase surface cover and organic matter content, and keep roots growing in the soil can help to increase soil infiltration rates and reduce destruction of soil aggregates from heavy rain.

People are seen in the distance in a grassland under a blue sky

2025 Rangeland and Soil Days contest hosts 133 youth

July 10, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce that 133 youth participated in the 41st annual Rangeland and 20th annual Soil Days contests on June 10-11, 2025, in Belle Fourche.