Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

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

Heavy Metals in Swine Manure

This fact sheet explains what heavy metals are, how they enter swine manure, how they behave in soil, and what practical steps producers can take to reduce long-term risks.

A man in a yellow shirt kneels in a pasture with a group of youth and teenagers standing in a circle around him

A Guide to South Dakota's Rangeland and Soil Days

Fact sheet to provide an overview of the South Dakota Rangeland and Soil Days program. This also includes detailed guidelines and contest information.

Group of youth competing in a Rangeland and Soil Judging contest

New Ranger Guide to South Dakota Rangelands

This guide is for elementary age students (New Rangers) to learn more about rangelands in South Dakota.

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.

Group of youth participants at rangeland and soil days.

SDSU Extension invites youth to 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days

March 24, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites youth interested in learning more about grasslands and soil health to the 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days in Belle Fourche.

a group of youth in a grassy pasture

Range and Soil Judging

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with local conservation districts, the natural resources conservation service, and the South Dakota Society for Range Management to facilitate the annual Rangeland and Soil Days event for youth.

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.

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.

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)