Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

Monarch butterfly visiting a blanket flower near a backyard garden.

SDSU Extension to host Backyard Natural Resources series

May 01, 2025

South Dakota State University is pleased to announce the second year of its virtual Backyard Natural Resources series on May 6, 8, 13 and 15, 2025.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.

Gearing Up for the Grazing Season: Soil Health

Grazing season is around the corner and preparation before turning out is key. Understanding the intersection between soil health and grazing can help improve the function of your grazing system.

A hand holding a soil sample taken from a soybean field.

Soil Testing Labs

This page contains a list of nearby state or private laboratories that can be used for crop production fields, gardens and lawns.

Producer holding soil in cupped hands over a bare field in early spring.

80 South Dakota farmers needed for nationwide soil health project: Enroll today

April 03, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is inviting South Dakota farmers to participate in a new soil health survey.

Cropland illustrating soil surface cover in instances where there is and is not rye cover crops planted.

Conserving Soil Moisture During Dry Conditions

Dry conditions can create difficulties for agricultural producers. Using soil health principles can improve the resilience of agricultural systems to dry conditions.

People stand in a line in the middle of an open pasture

2025 Rangeland and Soil Days for youth is June 10-11 in Belle Fourche

March 20, 2025

The 41st annual Rangeland and 20th annual Soil Days for youth is June 10-11, 2025, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall.

hand examining clump of soil organic matter

Soil: It’s Not Just Dirt

Most soils are complex ecosystems with worms, insects and microscopic organisms, which all work together in helping plants grow.

A blooming prairie strip with a variety of grasses and wildflowers growing throughout.

Using Prairie Strips To Protect South Dakota Water

Prairie strips are a new continuous Conservation Reserve Program practice that integrates native prairie plantings oriented linearly within a row crop field to reduce soil erosion and runoff.

Variety of South Dakota native plants.

Range Roundup: SDSU’s Native Plant Initiative

The SDSU Native Plant Initiative aims to improve our understanding of South Dakota’s native plants, including which ones are best-suited for restoration and production. This information will help guide stakeholders in matching native species to desired restoration outcomes.

Rangeland and Soils Days participants observing rangeland.

Range Roundup: Opportunities for Youth

There are several opportunities for youth in South Dakota to get exposed to rangeland ecology and management, with involvement from several partners across the state. Learn about some exciting opportunities offered each year!