Research Resources
2023 Cover Crop Herbicide Resistance Trial
In the Summer of 2023, SDSHC and SDSU Extension researchers planted a trial plot to determine the effects of many common residual herbicides on several different species of cover crops. The results allow producers to choose cover crops that will work well with their herbicide programs. The plots were replicated on both irrigated land and dryland.
2023 Minnehaha County Soil Moisture Comparison
In the Summer of 2023, SDSHC staff placed two sets of soil moisture sensors about 1,000 feet apart – one set in a no-till soybean field and one set in a conventionally-tilled soybean field. The sensors were placed in the same soil types and on the same landscape position. Results show that the soil in the no-till field held its moisture much better throughout the summer than the soil in the tilled field.
Edmunds County Salinity Management Test Site
Beginning in 2019, the Edmunds County Conservation District took over management of 5 acres of land dominated by visible salts on the soil surface. The plot was planted with more salt tolerant species, and salinity has been monitored by electrical conductivity readings. Click the button below to see the results of this management effort as of 2023.
2022 Seed Treatment Effects on Yield and Soil Microbial Activity
In 2022, the South Dakota State University Extension and South Dakota Soil Health Coalition personnel conducted on-farm research at Garretson, SD, for Soil Health School to study the effects of corn seed treatment on grain yield and soil microbial activity. The results are linked below.
2022 Cover Crop/Herbicide Interaction
In 2022, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition conducted on-farm research at Garretson, SD, for Soil Health School to study the residual effect of various herbicides on several different cover crop species. The plot plan and trial results are linked below.
2020 Wide Row Corn Research
In 2020, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition conducted on-farm research at Gettysburg, Twin Brooks, and Garretson, SD, on the practice of planting wide-row corn interseeded with cover crops. The results examine yield data and cover crop biomass.
2019 Wide Row Corn Research
In 2019, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition conducted research on wide row corn interseeded with cover crops at a farm in Twin Brooks, SD. The results examine crop yield and cover crop biomass data.
2024 Soil Health Conference Registration Open!
The 2024 Soil Health School will be held Jan. 23-24 at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City, SD! Keynote speakers include Jay Fuhrer, Jerry Hatfield, Glenn Elzinga, and Zach Smith. There will be many other speakers, breakout sessions, and opportunties to network and socialize! Join us and be a part of our 2024 Soil Health Conference!
News & Events
Student video and essay contests now open
As part of the 2024 Soil Health Conference, the South Dakota Soil Health Conference have announced two exciting contests for students in South Dakota. The student video and essay contests have been designed to give students the opportunity to learn more about soil...
Moisture levels critical to cover crop decisions
By Stan Wise PIERRE, SD – Cover crops offer a wide range of potential benefits for producers – better nutrient cycling, more weed suppression, more livestock forage, better soil structure, increased soil organic matter, and healthier soil microbial communities. To...
Soil Health School offers new segment on diverse rangelands
By Stan Wise Healthy pastures are about more than just grass. That’s a fact that North Dakota State University Extension Rangeland Management Specialist Kevin Sedivec wants participants in the upcoming Soil Health School, Aug. 28-30 near Garretson, SD, to understand....