Our Vision
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, led by farmers and ranchers, supports the advancement of land stewardship and profitability by nurturing life from the soil up.
Registration Open for 2026 Soil Health Conference!
The 2026 Soil Health Conference will be held Jan. 13-14 in Aberdeen, SD. Don't miss this outstanding opportunity to learn more about soil health land management practices! In addition to the keynote speakers, this conference will feature breakout sessions, discussion panels, award presentations, demonstrations, vendor booths, student contests, and more! This is a chance to network with experienced sustainable agriculture producers and experts and brainstorm solutions for your land management challenges!
News & Events
Fall harvest reveals wildlife benefits of soil health
By Janelle Atyeo for South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – Judging by the number of pheasants stirred up from his fields during corn harvest, Craig Stehly was anticipating a bountiful hunting season. He attributes that to the weather, a good hatch this...
Interseeding Alfalfa for Soil Health
By Stan Wise Late summer is a good time for producers to inspect their alfalfa fields and address any problem areas. If there are any bare spots or a stand reduction caused by heat stress, flooding, drought or cold temperatures the previous winter, producers can seed...
Consider herbicide residual impact when planting cover crops
By Lura Roti For South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – Cover crops are an increasingly popular land management tool capable of providing a numerous agricultural benefits including improved soil health, weed control, and additional revenue streams for...
Our Mission
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition works in collaboration with agriculturalists to support the implementation of practices to improve soil health. Our producer-led organization offers resources, training, and events that demonstrate how healthy soil results in vibrant communities.
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 physical, chemical, and biological disturbance 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. Try to add a perennial to your system. 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.
DID YOU KNOW?