Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

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.

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.

A logo of a cow with a calf over the words Sweetheart Ranch

SDSU Extension hosting hands-on soil health workshop at Iona ranch

June 18, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting an educational soil health workshop for women and couples involved in agriculture at the Sweetheart Ranch near Iona.

Four teenage boys in matching olive green shirts stand between their coaches wearing medals around their necks

South Dakota youth earn high marks at 2025 National Range, Land and Homesite judging contests

May 30, 2025

South Dakota youth once again placed well at the National Range Judging and National Land and Homesite Judging contests held May 1 in El Reno, Oklahoma.

A trailer with the SDSU Extension logo and aerial footage of landscapes is shown

SDSU Extension helps producers navigate precision ag

May 28, 2025

Precision agriculture practices are growing as technology continues to evolve, and SDSU Extension is leading the state’s efforts to monitor and understand the role it plays.

A tall, grassy warm-season cover crop blend grown in South Dakota.

Alternative Forage Options During Dry Times

Although there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to boost forage production, reduce fallow acres, and enhance soil health.