Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

A clump of healthy soil.

Register Now for SDSU Extension Soil Management Workshop

November 22, 2022

This year’s Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit program is Dec. 2 at the NFAA Yankton Archery Complex Community Center in Yankton.

small water channel next to green grass

Saturated Buffer for South Dakota

Saturated buffer fact sheet for producers, tile drainage contractors, conservation professionals, other ag professionals.

Muddy field with no residual forage exhibiting signs of extreme soil erosion.

Five Range Management Principles: #4 Residual Forage

Residual forage is the amount of green leaf left after a grazing event. Understanding its importance can help producers capitalize on the symbiotic relationship that occurs when soil health is front and center on rangelands.

Rain gauge on a fence post along a well-managed rangeland area.

Five Range Management Principles: #5 Climate Ready

Understanding your ranching system is critical, and identifying anticipated soil-plant-animal responses during periods of dry, wet, or normal conditions will enable you to develop climate-ready practices. Learn how to get started today!

Healthy soil with ample organic matter throughout.

Why Is Carbon So Important to Agriculture and Society?

Carbon is not only vital to soil health—it’s the foundation of our long-term food security. Learn some incredible facts about the role carbon plays in our soil and environment.

Group of youth participants at rangeland and soil days.

38th Annual Rangeland and 17th Annual Soils Days Held in Murdo

August 16, 2022

SDSU Extension, along with the Jones County Conservation District and the South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), hosted the 38th Annual Rangeland and 17th Annual Soils Days June 14-15, 2022, in Murdo, South Dakota.

A no-till and conventionally managed watershed side-by-side. The no-till field has dramatically less flooding and runoff.

Tale of Two Watersheds

See the difference that cover crops and a no-till cropping system can have on watersheds when high winds and heavy rains impact our region. The difference in the amounts of run-off water is astounding!

Extension staff analyzing a soybean plant with a stakeholder.

SDSU Extension to Host Informational Sessions at Dakotafest

August 08, 2022

Producers are invited to visit the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest August 16-18 in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Hands holding a clump of healthy soil from a no-till field.

Biological Agronomy

Biological agronomy is an adaptive soil management system used to build soil microbiology through intensive regenerative practices that increase carbon and nutrient availability for profitable crop production.

A low-gradient prairie river that is very meandering.

Understanding Western South Dakota Prairie Streams

This document provides information and guidance for landowners and land managers in western South Dakota who are managing small intermittent streams.