Content by Anthony Bly
Inter-Seeding Cover Crops into Soybean
Recent studies have investigated the soil health and yield impacts of inter-seeding various cover crops into soybean plantings.
Soil Only Blows During Droughts?
What causes soil to blow during periods of adequate moisure? High winds can rapidly dry soil close to the surface. If the winds are high enough, even soil at intermediate water contents can blow.
How Soil Holds Water
Water retention is an important soil property and is related to soil texture, organic matter content, and density.
Accounting for Soil Wetness Prior to Conducting Farm Operations to Minimize Compaction
In the spring many agricultural producers are anxious to get into the field and perform tillage, planting, and chemical applications. However, if field operations are done when the soil is too wet, this can lead to soil compaction.
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio of Healthy Soils
The ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the soil is essential for soil biochemical functioning. Learn some expert tips on managing soil to create an ideal ratio of these critical elements.
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.
The Nitrogen Biochemical Cycle in Soil
Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and is contained in many forms in the soil. Soil microbiology is essential for transforming nitrogen into different forms in the soil.
Managing Soil for Carbon Storage
Did you know that adopting soil health principles can lead to increased soil carbon concentrations? Learn about some recent studies in South Dakota that evaluated the potential of land management activities to increase soil carbon.
Farming Practice Comparisons in South Dakota: A case study across the fence and implications for the future
This extension study intends to provide some new insights on the financial and carbon storage comparisons between neighboring farms using conventional farming versus conservation practices (mainly no-till and cover crops).
What Makes Up a Healthy Soil?
Healthy soil has strong soil structure that stays together whether it’s wet or dry. Learn about the many components that combine to make soil healthy.