Content by Hans Klopp

Two examples of cover crops growing in research plots.
Oct 16

Cover Crop Field Day

SDSU Extension will host a Cover Crop Field Day at the SDSU Northeast Research Farm (15710 455th Ave., South Shore, SD 57263) on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT.

Various chemical symbols for common nutrients found in garden soil over a selection of young plants emerging from garden soil.

Managing Phosphorus and Other Nutrients in Gardens

Fact sheet on managing phosphorus and other nutrients in gardens.

Harvested crop field with deep soil ruts left by equipment tires.

How to Avoid Soil Compaction During Crop Harvest

Soil compaction can degrade soil health and lead to reduced crop yields. Learn some production practices that can implemented during harvest to avoid soil compaction.

Rye growing in in a no-till field.

Effects of Different Cereal Rye and Winter Camelina Seeding Rates on Biomass Production and Soil Properties When Broadcast Seeded

Benefits to soil health generally increase as cover crop biomass production increases. Recent research sought to determine how the seeding rate of two cover crop species and mixtures affected biomass production and some soil health indicators.

Field showing sheet and rill erosion following a heavy rain event.

Soil Erosion Mitigation During Heavy Rainfall Events

Adopting soil health practices that minimize disturbance, increase surface cover and organic matter content, and keep roots growing in the soil can help to increase soil infiltration rates and reduce destruction of soil aggregates from heavy rain.

Gardener inspecting soil in a backyard garden plot.

Are Cheap Home Garden Soil Test Kits Accurate?

Inexpensive soil test kits are a method available for gardeners available to estimate soil pH and the level of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium present in the soil.

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.

Salts accumulate on the soil surface of a field with salinity issues.

Soil Salinity, Sodicity, and Alkalinity in South Dakota Soils

Salinity and sodicity are issues that negatively affect crop production and soil health in South Dakota.

A plot of soil with large cracks developing throughout.

Fall Tillage: Please Don’t Think About It

Conducting fall tillage results in lost topsoil, soil nutrients, and soil moisture. This ultimately leads to reduced soil productivity and profitability. An easy way to conserve topsoil and water resources is to skip fall tillage.