Content by Hans Klopp

Corn residue resting in a partially harvested cornfield.

Consider Skipping Fall Tillage and Leaving Crop Residue in the Field

Leaving crop residue in the field and reducing or eliminating fall tillage can help dramatically improve soil health. Over time, these practices can increase soil organic matter, improve water-holding capacity, enhance infiltration, and reduce water loss through evaporation.

shovel with a clump of dirt with a green plant and root system

Learn more about soil health with SDSU Extension webinar series

September 10, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension will host a series of webinars for farmers and ranchers interested in learning more about soil health.

Hands holding a clump of healthy soil from a no-till field.
Mar 03

Soil Health Hour

Join SDSU Extension experts to learn about soil health practices during this free webinar series on the first Wednesday of each month from October 7 through March 3 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Red combine harvesting grain sorghum in early fall.
Feb 03

Soil Health Hour

Join SDSU Extension experts to learn about soil health practices during this free webinar series on the first Wednesday of each month from October 7 through March 3 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.
Jan 06

Soil Health Hour

Join SDSU Extension experts to learn about soil health practices during this free webinar series on the first Wednesday of each month from October 7 through March 3 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

A view of an open space in the White River community.
Dec 02

Soil Health Hour

Join SDSU Extension experts to learn about soil health practices during this free webinar series on the first Wednesday of each month from October 7 through March 3 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Producer inspecting soil surface of a no-till field.
Nov 04

Soil Health Hour

Join SDSU Extension experts to learn about soil health practices during this free webinar series on the first Wednesday of each month from October 7 through March 3 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

a group of black cattle out in a green grassy pasture.
Oct 07

Soil Health Hour

Join SDSU Extension experts to learn about soil health practices during this free webinar series on the first Wednesday of each month from October 7 through March 3 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Red combine harvesting grain sorghum in early fall.

Proper Residue Management is Essential When Adopting No-Till Practices

Minimizing disturbance and keeping the soil covered are two of the soil health principles. One of the best ways to incorporate these principles is to adopt no-till. To be successful when adopting no-till, it starts when combining the crop from the prior year.

Garden plots

SDSU Extension hosts community garden field day in Watertown

July 27, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension will host a field day at the Foundation Field Community Garden in Watertown on Aug. 6, 2026.