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.
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.
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,...