Our Vision
A collective effort to increase sustainable ag production through diversification and improved soil health.
2022 Soil Health Conference registration is open!
The 6th Annual Soil Health Conference will be held Jan. 18-19 at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Aberdeen, SD! Don't this chance to learn more about soil health with an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, contests, awards, and social events!
News & Events
Treating problems, not symptoms: Conference brings soil experts to Aberdeen
By Stan Wise Soil health is the new hot topic in agriculture. It’s showing up everywhere from government policy discussions to industry initiatives, from news articles to documentary films. Why is it so important? “Soil health is the foundation of the whole food...
Milpa Gardens Can Build Soil Health and Communities
By Stan Wise Sometimes a little chaos provides an opportunity for growth. That’s certainly the case with a chaos garden, also called a milpa garden. It’s a similar concept to the three sisters garden in which the three “sisters” of corn, beans and squash are planted...
Student Contests Announced for Soil Health Conference
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition is excited to announce student photo and essay contests for the 2022 Soil Health Conference, Jan. 18-19 in Aberdeen, SD. The contests are open to students in middle school, high school, and post-secondary institutions. Winners...
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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