South Dakota farms - conventional vs conservation practices showdown

By Scout Nelson

A recent study in South Dakota has opened new avenues in the agricultural sector by comparing conventional and conservation (no-till and cover crops) farming practices.  The aim was to unravel the financial viability and carbon storage capabilities of these contrasting methods. 

In 2018-2019, a farming system study was conducted across four locations in South Dakota. The study meticulously recorded and compared various aspects of farming, such as corn yield, use of nutrients, and diesel consumption, the findings were intriguing.  

Both conventional and no-till farms showed similarities in farm size, corn yield, and nutrient use. Stark differences emerged in diesel usage and equipment investment. Conventional farms consumed almost double the amount of diesel and invested $225 more per acre in equipment than their no-till counterparts. 

When it comes to carbon storage, the study employed the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) carbon model. The results were eye-opening.  

The conventional farming system showed no contribution to soil carbon storage, whereas the no-till system added a significant 4,231 grams of carbon per bushel of corn. Despite these contributions, the net carbon emitted was still positive in both systems, indicating that more comprehensive changes are necessary for achieving carbon neutrality in farming.  

For South Dakota farmers, this study presents a complex scenario. While no-till farming shows promise in terms of reduced equipment costs and potential carbon storage, achieving carbon neutrality or negative emissions remains a challenge.   

The study suggests that even with carbon payments for adopting conservation practices, farmers would need to offset their own carbon emissions before contributing to broader industry offsets.  

Agriculture is expected to continue to be influenced by carbon and greenhouse gas issues, with farms expected to actively address their carbon footprints and soil carbon storage from conservation cropping systems potentially earning carbon neutrality credits.  

This study not only sheds light on the current state of farming practices in South Dakota but also charts a path for future agricultural strategies, balancing financial viability with environmental responsibility. 

Photo Credit - gettyimages-eugenesergeev