Soil Health

All Soil Health Content

Vast, rolling rangeland with spring plant growth.

Investigating Rangeland Systems and Practices

Curriculum to teach students about the facets of rangelands.

Several red angus cattle feeding at a feed bunk.

Register now for Dec. 6 Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations training

November 13, 2023

There will be an environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on Dec. 6, 2023, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

A spade stands upright in a corn field with tall, green corn stalks around it

SDSU Extension to host soil management conference in December

November 08, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host the 2023 Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit conference on Dec. 12.

Man using a dynamic cone penetrometer.

Soil Penetration Resistance as a Soil Health Indicator

Soil penetration resistance is an indicator of soil compaction and the force required for root growth through the soil. It can be measured in the field using a tool called a penetrometer.

A lush, native grassland with a variety of wild flowers blooming.

How do we describe biodiversity? It's multidimensional!

Fact sheet on the importance of biodiversity

A soil coring device that has been pounded into ground. Next to it are trimmed samples in rings used to measure soil bulk density.

Bulk Density is an Indicator of Soil Health

Bulk density is a commonly measured soil property that can indicate how compacted a soil is and can be used to calculate the percent pore space in the soil.

a man in a suit and tie smiles for the camera

SDSU Extension welcomes new soil health expert to Watertown office

September 18, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Hans Klopp as a new Soil Health Field Specialist.

Gardener holding a handful of healthy soil.

Soil Health and Why it Matters

Investing in soil health will benefit your garden or farm for generations to come. Learn how to actively manage the physical, chemical, and biological properties of your soil to optimize its long-term health.

Corn field with soil salinity problem.

SDSU Extension hosting Every Acre Counts Bus Tour on Aug. 24

August 14, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host a bus tour on Aug. 24 highlighting precision agricultural strategies used by farmers to mitigate saline soils while also maximizing productivity and profitability.

Tractor pulling manure a spreader through a harvested crop field.

Using Feedlot Manure to Reduce Crop Production Costs

Livestock waste can be a valuable source of crop nutrients when correctly managed. Taking a strategic approach to feedlot manure application can increase the value of manure as part of your overall system.