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.

Registration Open for 2026 Soil Health Schools!

The Coalition will host two Soil Health Schools in 2026! The West River Soil Health School is set for June 24-25 near Caputa, SD, and the South Dakota Soil Health School is set for Sept. 15-17 near Twin Brooks and Marvin, SD. These events are designed for agricultural producers as well as anyone with an interest in learning how to manage soils for resiliency and profit. The agenda features classroom style presentations by producers and technical experts from across the state and region, as well as hands-on experiences in the field. Area producers will share their challenges and successes with various methods for improving soil health, to an average class size of 30-40. Registration is open, so check out our events page to learn more!