SDSU to host Saline/Sodic Soil Workshops

Have you ever noticed a field with streaks of white accents in amongst topsoil in unproductive areas? Those trouble spots are most likely due to excess salinity aka salt build-ups in the soil profile. Saline/sodic soils cause major problems for farmers as they halt the movement of water, preventing uptake by crops, making production non-existent.

To help farmers mitigate this growing problem, the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council has been working with South Dakota State University on a four-year study to find workable amendments that would alleviate salinity issues, making that ground productive once again.

This summer marks year three as researchers from South Dakota State University’s Plant Science department will host two Saline and Sodic Soil Management Workshops for growers who would like to learn more about how to combat this issue.

The first workshop will take place on Tuesday, July 7^th in Pukwana at the 4-H building from 9:30am – 3:30pm.

The second workshop will take place on Thursday, July 9th in Redfield at the Armory from 9:00am-3:00pm.

Both events will be similar with a workshop in the morning, lunch, demonstrations and field tours to follow.

Speakers will include SDSU’s Cheryl Reese, David Clay, Doug Malo and Sharon Clay who will discuss the study’s background, objectives, results and management options.

The National Resource Conservation Service will present on USDA program options for dealing with salts, and performing a rainfall simulator demonstration with saline/sodic soils.

The afternoon will include activities and demonstrations at a nearby farm. Transportation will be provided. Activities will include a soil pit site, soil amendment plots and gypsum vs. lime analysis. There will also be demonstrations, including soil stability tests, web soil surveys and instruction on several handheld soil measuring devices including electrical conductivity, pH meters, moisture probes and more.

Click on the following links to view each site’s agenda and registration information. We ask that you please pre-register so we can accommodate everyone for lunch.

Tuesday, July 7th in Pukwana

Thursday, July 9th in Redfield

There will be a charge of $15 per person collected at the workshop registration. This fee covers your lunch, snacks and all activities.