South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has proclaimed March 9-15, 2025, as Soil Health Awareness Week, recognizing the essential role that healthy soil plays in our state’s environment and economy. Agriculture is South Dakota’s largest industry, providing over 129,000 jobs and contributing $32.1 billion in total output. However, none of it would be possible without healthy, productive soil.
Why Soil Health Matters
Farmers and ranchers have long understood that soil is more than just dirt. It’s a living, breathing resource that supports crops, livestock, and natural ecosystems. When managed well, healthy soil:
Improves water infiltration and retention, helping to reduce flooding and drought impacts.
Filters and cleans water, keeping streams and groundwater healthier.
Reduces erosion, preventing valuable topsoil from being lost to wind or water.
Soil Health is Important for Everyone
You don’t have to be a farmer to take part in Soil Health Awareness Week! Whether you have a backyard garden, a flower bed, or even just a few houseplants, small changes can make a big difference in keeping soil healthy. Here are a few ways you can help:
Keep soil covered: Use mulch, leaves, or ground cover plants to protect the soil from erosion. This helps retain moisture, prevent weeds, and reduce the impact of heavy rain or wind.
Reduce digging: Tilling or digging too much can disturb the natural soil structure, harm beneficial organisms, and increase erosion. Instead, try adding compost or mulch on top and let the soil work with minimal disturbance.
Grow various plants: Planting a variety of species helps keep the soil healthy by attracting pollinators, enriching the soil with nutrients, and promoting natural pest control. Try mixing flowers, herbs, vegetables, and native plants to diversify the soil's benefits.
Add compost – Organic matter, such as compost, grass clippings, or fallen leaves, feeds the soil and boosts its ability to hold water. Healthy soil is rich with microbes and organisms that thrive on these organic materials, improving soil health over time.
Soil Health Awareness Week Activities
To help spread the word, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition will host a lunch for lawmakers at the State Capitol on March 13, where experts and producers will be available to discuss the benefits of soil health and regenerative land management.
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition works to promote healthy soil through education and outreach. They help farmers, ranchers, and landowners learn and implement practices that improve soil health, increase water retention, and reduce erosion. Their goal is to support sustainable farming and ranching practices that protect and preserve the land for future generations.
For those interested in learning more or talking with soil health experts, contact the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition Communications Coordinator Stan Wise at stan.soilhealth@sdconservation.net or 605-368-4091.
Get Involved in Soil Health
In addition to the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition's efforts, South Dakota’s local conservation districts play a key role in promoting soil health and sustainable land management practices across the state. To find out how your local conservation district can assist with soil health initiatives or to get involved, contact your local district: https://www.sdconservation.org/conservation-districts.
