By Jamie Martin
Recent findings from a 21-year study by South Dakota State University show significant crop yield increases in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Corn yields rose by over two bushels per acre per year, while soybeans increased by more than half a bushel.
These gains are not just from better seeds but also from healthier soil. Using conservation methods like reduced tillage has raised soil organic matter by over 650 pounds per acre yearly. This helps soil store more water and nutrients.
In the past, deep tillage damaged soil health. Over time, farmers shifted to no-till systems, which now make up about 33% of U.S. farms. Between 2018 and 2021, 77% of eastern South Dakota farmers adopted reduced tillage practices.
The research team analyzed over 650,000 soil samples and found that South Dakota fields gained 428 pounds of soil carbon per acre yearly. Across the region, over 1.2 billion metric tons of carbon were stored in surface soil between 2000 and 2021.
These changes reduced erosion and lowered fertilizer needs. In 2024, SDSU researchers showed that nitrogen use could be cut by 25% in corn fields without affecting yields. Higher soil carbon also made crops more drought-resistant, saving South Dakota $1.1 billion in 2012 compared to past droughts.
Overall, healthier soil and smarter farming create a cycle of improvement. As carbon builds up, the soil gets stronger, supporting better yields and sustainability across seasons.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: National