Biological Properties
Microorganisms
Microorganisms are very small forms of life that can sometimes live as single cells, although many also form colonies of cells. A microscope is usually needed to see individual cells of these organisms.
Macro Fauna
While the most well‐known nematodes are pests occupying and feeding on plant roots (such as the lesion nematode and the soybean cyst nematode), in fact most nematodes are beneficial organisms. Nematodes are extremely important because they consume a diverse array of food sources, which places them at multiple trophic levels in the soil food web.
Particuate Organic Matter
Particulate organic matter (POM) fraction referred to in this document comprises all soil organic matter (SOM) particles less than 2 mm and greater than 0.053 mm in size (Cambardella and Elliot, 1992). POM is biologically and chemically active and is part of the labile (easily decomposable) pool of soil organic matter (SOM).
Total Organic Carbon
Total organic carbon (TOC) is the carbon (C) stored in soil organic matter (SOM). Organic carbon (OC) enters the soil through the decomposition of plant and animal residues, root exudates, living and dead microorganisms, and soil biota.
Soil Enzymes
Soil enzymes increase the reaction rate at which plant residues decompose and release plant available nutrients. The substance acted upon by a soil enzyme is called the substrate.
Soil Respiration
Carbon dioxide (CO2) release from the soil surface is referred to as soil respiration. This CO2 results from several sources, including aerobic microbial decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) to obtain energy for their growth and functioning (microbial respiration), plant root and faunal respiration, and eventually from the dissolution of carbonates in soil solution.
Soil Health School
The 2026 Soil Health School is set for September 15-17 near Twin Brooks and Marvin, SD.
Small Scale Ag
Soil Health School
The 2026 Small Scale Ag Soil Health School is set for Aug. 28 in Huron, SD.
News & Events
Test grain for nitrates before using it as forage
By Stan Wise With the vast majority of South Dakota in a drought and experiencing high temperatures, grain producers are having to make some tough decisions about their crops. Will those grains produce enough yield to make harvesting them a financially viable option,...
Darling Creek Ranch Named 2026 SD Leopold Award Winner
Sand County Foundation Dan and Sharon Anderson’s Darling Creek Ranch has been selected as the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award® recipient. The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil...
Building operational resilience with soil health
By Stan Wise South Dakota Soil Health Coalition PIERRE, SD – Resilience. It’s one of the prizes that keeps conservation-minded land managers striving for improved soil health. Operational resilience in the face of floods, market fluctuations, rising input costs,...