Soil Health Improvement

and Planning Project

Project Overview

The Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program has designated funds in South Dakota to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners and operators within the program’s active watershed project areas who are willing to help improve water quality by adopting certain soil health best management practices.

Project Application

The application for financial and technical assistance under the Soil Health Improvement and Planning Project should be filled out and returned to any South Dakota Soil Health Coalition staff member. Staff member contact information is available in the project overview. Once the application is received and evaluated, SDSHC will contact you with next steps.

2023 Soil Health School Registration Open!

The 2023 Soil Health School will be held August 28-30 on the farms of Anthony Bly and Bruce Carlson near Garretson, SD! There will be classroom sessions, field excercises, discussion panels, and opportunities to network with researchers, industry professionals, and experienced producers who can help you on your soil health journey! Class size is limited, so learn more and register today!

News & Events

Long-term research reveals advantages of diverse crop rotations

Long-term research reveals advantages of diverse crop rotations

By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – It can take time for scientists to build new knowledge of biological processes, especially when those processes play out over the course of years. Researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service North Central...

‘Park the chisel’: First step toward soil health can be simple

‘Park the chisel’: First step toward soil health can be simple

By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – The benefits of improved soil health for agricultural producers and gardeners are numerous and valuable – reduced input costs, improved profitability, drought and flood resilience, reduced erosion, improved water quality, increased wildlife...

Saline Soil Management: More Money With Fewer Crop Acres

Saline Soil Management: More Money With Fewer Crop Acres

By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – Salinity areas. Trouble spots. White deserts. Regardless of what they’re called, saline soils are a problem for South Dakota. White, salty areas where nothing grows are a common sight in fields across the state. “The amount of salinity that's...