Chemical Properties
Reactive Carbon
Slaking is the breakdown of large, air-dry soil aggregates (>2-5 mm) into smaller sized microaggregates (<0.25 mm) when they are suddenly immersed in water. Slaking occurs when aggregates are not strong enough to withstand internal stresses caused by rapid water uptake. Internal stresses result from differential swelling of clay particles, trapped and escaping air in soil pores, rapid release of heat during wetting, and the mechanical action of moving water.
Soil Electrical Conductivity
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) measures the ability of soil water to carry electrical current. Electrical conductivity is an electrolytic process that takes place principally through water-filled pores. Cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, and NH4 +) and anions (SO4 2-, Cl-, NO3 -, and HCO3 -) from salts dissolved in soil water carry electrical charges and conduct the electrical current.
Soil Nitrate
Nitrate (NO3 -) is a form of inorganic nitrogen (N) naturally occurring in soils. Sources of soil NO3 – include decomposing plant residues and animal manure/compost, chemical fertilizers, exudates from living plants, rainfall, and lightning.
Soil pH
Soil pH generally refers to the degree of soil acidity or alkalinity. Chemically, it is defined as the log10 hydrogen ions (H+) in the soil solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14; a pH of 7 is considered neutral. If pH values are greater than 7, the solution is considered basic or alkaline; if they are below 7, the solution is acidic.
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
Taking Action: Soil Health Conference to Outline Benefits of Regenerative Ag
By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – For producer Blake Vince, running a successful farm comes down to acknowledging one simple fact. “I recognize the only thing, at the end of the day, that's totally 100 percent in my control is my expenses,” Vince said, “and by that, I mean...
SD Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants
Sand County Foundation Applications are being accepted for the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife...
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...