Our Vision
A collective effort to increase sustainable ag production through diversification and improved soil health.
News & Events
Soil Health Conference speaker shares many benefits of interseeding
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Soil Health Coalition Mechanic is among the many hats most farmers and ranchers wear. “Every farmer and rancher modifies equipment – it’s the nature of the game,” explained Paul Winkler, a Newell, S.D., rancher. Always eager to learn...
SD Soil Health Coalition and Millborn Seeds donate books to schools and libraries in South Dakota
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition and Millborn Seeds are partnering to donate copies of “The Soil Quilt” to every school and library in the state. “The Soil Quilt” is a new children’s book published by Ag Storytellers and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition....
2020 Research Report: 60-Inch Corn Rows Interseeded With Cover Crops
Project Summary Compared corn production management options of 60-inch corn rows with cover crops seeded in the wide rows to standard 30-inch corn rows without cover crops between the rows. Corn grain yield, moisture, and protein content was compared between the two...
Our Mission
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition is a producer led, non-profit, membership organization that was created in the spring of 2015. The Coalition is governed by a nine-member board of farmers and ranchers from across the state and includes several staff members. Staff and board members strive to carry out the Coalition’s mission to “Promote Improved Soil Health” through education and research.
5 Principles of soil health
1. Soil Cover
Keep plant residues on the soil surface. Look down, what percentage of your soil is protected by residue? Erosion needs to be minimized before you can start building soil health.
2. Limited Disturbance
Minimize tillage as much as possible. You will start building soil aggregates, pore spaces, soil biology, and organic matter.
3. Living Roots
Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil. Cover crops can add carbon to the soil, providing a great food source for micro-organisms. Start small to find the best fit for your operation.
4. Diversity
Try to mimic nature. Use cool and warm season grasses and broad leaf plants as much as possible, with three or more crops and cover crops in rotation. Grassland and cropland plant diversity increases soil and animal health.
5. Integrating Livestock
Fall/winter grazing of cover crops and crop residue increases livestock’s plane of nutrition at a time when pasture forage quality can be low, increases the soil biological activity on cropland, and improves nutrient cycling. Proper grassland management improves soil health.
Soil Health Benefits
Organic Matter
Builds organic matter which retains and cycles nitrogen and sequesters carbon; which in turn reduces fertilizer and fuel costs.
Water Infiltration
Improves water infiltration and retention which helps to better manage the effects of flood or drought and improves trafficability.
Water Quality
Healthy soils filter and clean water that moves through it, for improved water quality.
Reduced Erosion
Stabilizes soil aggregates which improves resistance to erosion by wind and water.
Wildlife Habitat
Enhances wildlife habitat and balances the biological community above and below ground.
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