Soil Health Labs

Soil Health Labs
  • 4.8 (10)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
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The Soil Health Labs are located in the Environmental Health Sciences Department in the School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. That may be surprising to most, especially since the University of South Carolina has no Ag School! Our mission is to promote soil health, not only as something that’s good for the farmer and the environment, but we also want to highlight soil health as a public health tool. Think about it. Healthy soils and healthy crops, mean healthy farmers and consumers, never mind an ever-improving environment. One idea we are embracing is that of Regenerative Farming where we embrace the idea that if farmers change the way they manage the soils, they can actually improve, or regenerate environmental conditions through less disturbance, keeping soils covered with residue or canopies, keeping live roots I the soil year round and be reintroducing animals into the whole system. While we cut our teeth promoting soil health through video and social media (Soil Stories; Under Cover farmers: Science of Soil Health; Merit or Myth; Growing Resilience) we do have several research and outreach projects that we are doing with farmers in South Carolina.

  1. Agroecologist: Why Crop Rotations Outperform Both Tillage and No-Till in Long-Term Studies

    12/17/2025

    Agroecologist: Why Crop Rotations Outperform Both Tillage and No-Till in Long-Term Studies

    This is a short-form episode featuring Natalie Sturm, pulled from our recent interview and focused on one of the most important—and often overlooked—drivers of soil health: crop rotations. We’re launching these short-form episodes to better serve our audience. Instead of listening to a full 60–90 minute conversation, you can now jump straight into the most valuable insights—practical, research-backed takeaways you can apply immediately. In this segment, Natalie explains why the tillage vs. no-till debate misses the bigger picture. Drawing from her research at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm, she shares how two side-by-side no-till fields—managed with the same equipment and soil type—can perform completely differently based on rotation history alone. The difference shows up not just in yields, but in soil structure, organic matter, and resilience. For the full interview with Natalie, please stream the long-form episode here. Natalie Sturm didn’t grow up in agriculture—she’s originally from suburban Chicago. Her early concern for climate, biodiversity, and human health led her to Montana State University, where she earned a B.S. in Agroecology through the Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems program. She went on to complete her M.S. at South Dakota State University, studying long-term no-till crop rotations at Dakota Lakes Research Farm. Her thesis demonstrated that rotation diversity, small grains, cover crops, and livestock are key to improving soil quality and yields—not just no-till. Natalie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Washington State University, where she studies the effects of cropping systems on soil compaction in the Palouse region. In 2025, she will return to Dakota Lakes as its new Research Farm Manager. 📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📄 Natalie’s full M.S. thesis: “It’s Not Just No-Till: Crop Rotations Are Key to Improving Soil Quality and Grain Yields at Dakota Lakes Research Farm” 👉Read or download here🎥 Natalie’s video on crop rotations 👉Watch here on Dakota Lakes site🎥 Dakota Lakes 2020 Virtual Field Day Playlist (20 videos) 👉View full playlist here📝 Related Blog Post: Beyond No-Till: Why Crop Rotations Matter More Than You Think 👉Read the blog post

    16 min
  2. Rethinking No-Till: Why Rotations, Residue, and Diversity Matter More Than We Thought

    12/10/2025

    Rethinking No-Till: Why Rotations, Residue, and Diversity Matter More Than We Thought

    Guest: Natalie Sturm Hosts: Dr. Buz Kloot and Dr. Gabe Kenne Running time: 62 mins “We could take a shovel, and shovel up some soil in one field, and then just go across the dirt road, and the soils would look completely different... it kind of blew my mind that the only difference between those two fields was the crop rotation they had been under for the past 20 to 30 years.” —Natalie Sturm Episode Summary: Natalie Sturm is a rising voice in cropping systems and soil health. She joins us to reframe the tillage conversation—not as a binary between conventional and no-till, but as part of a broader system that includes crop rotation, residue management, livestock integration, and long-term soil function. Drawing on her M.S. research at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm, Natalie shares insights about why no-till alone isn’t enough and how thoughtful rotation design can drive both soil quality and profitability. We talk about: Why two side-by-side no-till fields can look dramatically differentHow biomass, not just crop diversity, builds better soilsThe drought resilience of long rotationsHow longer rotations can reduce herbicide and pesticide useThe economics of dryland vs. irrigated systemsPractical tips for transitioning into more resilient systems, one step at a timeNatalie's journey from suburban Chicago to the helm of Dakota LakesFeatured Guest Bio: Natalie Sturm didn’t grow up in agriculture—she’s originally from suburban Chicago. Her passion for climate, biodiversity, and human health led her to Montana State University, where she earned a B.S. in Agroecology. She then completed her M.S. at South Dakota State University studying long-term no-till crop rotations at Dakota Lakes Research Farm. Natalie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Washington State University on the effects of cropping systems on soil compaction in the Palouse region. In 2026, she will return to Dakota Lakes as its new research farm manager. 📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📄 Natalie’s full M.S. thesis: “It’s Not Just No-Till: Crop Rotations Are Key to Improving Soil Quality and Grain Yields at Dakota Lakes Research Farm” 👉Read or download here🎥 Natalie’s video on crop rotations 👉Watch here on Dakota Lakes site🎥 Dakota Lakes 2020 Virtual Field Day Playlist (20 videos) 👉 View full playlist here📝 Related Blog Post: Beyond No-Till: Why Crop Rotations Matter More Than You Think 👉Read the blog postAdditional Resources: ✨ BONUS ARTICLE: What Are We Really Arguing About When We Talk About Tillage: growingresiliencesd.com/post/what-we-re-really-arguing-about-when-we-talk-about-tillage

    1h 2m
  3. A Path for Grassland Restoration that Benefits Producers, Land and Wildlife

    09/18/2025

    A Path for Grassland Restoration that Benefits Producers, Land and Wildlife

    Featuring: Liz Kierl, Executive Director, Second Century Habitat FundBuz Kloot, Soil Health Lab, University of South CarolinaJoe Dickie, Videographer and Conservation Storyteller, Soil Health Lab📝 Episode Summary In this episode, we sit down with Liz Kierl, Executive Director of the Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF), to talk about one of South Dakota’s most effective and underappreciated conservation tools: the Working Lands Habitat Program. Liz unpacks how this unique initiative blends private lands stewardship, strategic habitat restoration, and flexible grazing options—all while keeping landowners in the driver’s seat. With videographer and conservation storyteller Joe Dickie sharing observations from years of working alongside ranchers, and Buz guiding the conversation, we explore how pheasants, pollinators, and producers all benefit when marginal cropland is converted back to native grasses and forbs. Liz also shares how SCHF’s funding model—including the famous Can-Am raffles—is helping build a lasting conservation legacy. Whether you're a landowner curious about signing up, or someone who just loves South Dakota’s prairies, this is a conversation about habitat that works with producers, not against them.   🔑 Key Topics The mission of the Second Century Habitat FundWhy marginal cropland is key to grassland restorationWhat makes the Working Lands Habitat Program different (hint: haying, grazing, and seed incentives)How Can-Am raffles and habitat decals help fund conservationLiz’s personal connection to hunting, habitat, and heritageThe South Dakota habitat funding model: voluntary, local, effective🧑‍🌾 Guest Bio: Liz Kierl Liz Kierl is Executive Director of the Second Century Habitat Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring South Dakota’s grasslands and sustaining wildlife through voluntary private lands partnerships. Originally from Nebraska, Liz grew up in a family of pheasant hunters and conservationists. She brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and landowner outreach. Since taking the helm at SCHF, Liz has expanded fundraising programs (like the Can-Am UTV raffles), built partnerships with agencies and NGOs, and helped landowners tap into the powerful incentives of the Working Lands Habitat Program—an effort that aims to restore grassland on over 100,000 acres. Additional Resources: ✨BONUS ARTICLE: What Are We Really Arguing About When We Talk About Tillage: growingresiliencesd.com/post/what-we-re-really-arguing-about-when-we-talk-about-tillage

    56 min
  4. The Future of Agriculture: The Next Generation’s Roadmap for Regenerative Ranching

    08/27/2025

    The Future of Agriculture: The Next Generation’s Roadmap for Regenerative Ranching

    In this episode, Joe Dickie and Buz Kloot sit down with Karlie Kammerer, a rising senior from western South Dakota whose wisdom and clarity around regenerative ranching belies her age. Karlie grew up on a cow-calf operation near Rapid City where her family, including parents Riley and Jimmie and sisters Katelyn and Kimball, is embracing holistic management and regenerative agriculture with open arms—and open minds. Though still in high school, Karlie has already presented at national rangeland competitions, been a featured voice in Amazing Grasslands, and dreams of running a consulting business with her dad (where he’ll work for her, of course). In this episode, Karlie shares what she’s learning on the land and in the classroom—lessons about livestock, soil health, and the importance of context, context, context. But she doesn’t stop there. We talk about how her dad’s paradigm shift reshaped their entire operation—allowing both her parents to come home full-time to the ranch—and how the mental and spiritual health of the family improved alongside the land. Karlie reflects on the influence of mentors like Mitch Faulkner and the power of intergenerational learning. She shares her thoughts on what the ag industry needs to do to keep young people not just interested—but inspired. You’ll hear Karlie speak with grace, humor, and a refreshing blend of scientific precision and deep, soulful connection to land. As she says: “We look at things on a microscopic level and at a huge level—and I think with all of us, it's like, how could there not be a Creator?” Whether you're a seasoned rancher, new to regenerative ag, or simply curious what the future looks like, this conversation will leave you hopeful—and maybe even a little humbled. Highlights: Karlie’s family’s transition from conventional to regenerative ranchingThe spiritual and emotional transformation of the land and peopleWhy livestock integration and context are critical for soil healthHow Karlie overcame public speaking fears to win a national rangeland competitionThe enduring influence of mentors like Mitch FaulknerA vision for the future of agriculture—and the role of young people in shaping itQuote of the Episode: “We all kind of have that further appreciation and understanding for something that isn't quite of this world... You feel something different when you're around animals and surrounded by pasture. I couldn’t explain it—but you feel at peace.” — Karlie Kammerer 🎧 Listen now and meet a young woman whose voice is already shaping the range. Karlie’s Advice for Aspiring Ranchers If you're a young person interested in rangeland management or regenerative ranching, here are a few things that helped me on my journey: SD Grassland Coalition: The SDGC provided me with numerous learning opportunities that not only helped light my spark for range but also educated me about a lot of what I know about the topic.Society for Range Management High School Youth Forum (SRM HSYF): The speaking competition that I won was put on by the SRM HSYF. This link directs you to the 2023 winners (note that they haven't updated it for 2024 and 2025), where you can read their essays and find the necessary information for the competition itself.SD Rangeland and Soil Days: This is the competition in which I won the state delegate position for SRM HSYF. You need to win something in your state (whether that's a Rangeland Days, FFA competition, speaking, or essay competition... it depends on the state) to go on and compete at the national level.Reach out to NRCS and local ranchers who are practicing regenerative or holistic management and ask if you can tag along and learn.Find learning and speaking opportunities near you. The more you learn, the better!Additional Resources: Our Amazing Grasslands - Young and Upcoming Generations Feature: youtube.com/watch?v=S_VlBwG9aks&ab_channel=USDANRCSSouthDakota ✨ BONUS ARTICLE: What Are We Really Arguing About When We Talk About Tillage: growingresiliencesd.com/post/what-we-re-really-arguing-about-when-we-talk-about-tillage

    55 min
  5. How Ranchers are Reviving Native Grasslands and Creating More Resilient Operations

    08/14/2025

    How Ranchers are Reviving Native Grasslands and Creating More Resilient Operations

    🧲 Quotable Quotes  “When people don't understand much about the prairie, it just kind of looks like this monolith… just one FLAT thing. But really, it's like an old growth forest — full of life.” - Kate Rasmussen “Once you learn about it, your brain can look for it — and it completely changes how you see your place.” - Kate Rasmussen 👩‍🌾 Meet Our Guest Kate Rasmussen grew up ranching in the South Dakota Badlands on her family's cattle operation. Today, she's a Grasslands Conservationist with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) based out of Spearfish, SD. Drawing from deep personal experience, Kate bridges the worlds of wildlife conservation and sustainable ranching across South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming. 🌾 Episode Highlights 🐄 Reconciling Ranching and Conservation Kate speaks candidly about the lingering perception that livestock and conservation are at odds.Through WWF’s Sustainable Ranching Initiative, she’s helping producers see how managing for wildlife and profit can go hand in hand.Her team works at the intersection of grazing management, prairie restoration, and community resilience.💡 Program Spotlight: WWF’s Sustainable Ranching Initiative Kate outlines two core programs: Grassland Reseeding Program: Funds and supports native reseeding efforts with technical guidance.RSVP (Ranch Systems and Viability Planning): Offers infrastructure cost-share, education stipends, ecological monitoring, and peer networking.📍 Geography Matters Their focus area includes: Western South DakotaEastern MontanaNebraska SandhillsNortheast Wyoming🧠 Insights & Advice for Landowners Start where you are: Kate encourages a judgment-free, continuum-based approach to grazing changes — from season-long grazing to adaptive strategies.Peer learning is key: Real change happens when ranchers talk to ranchers, not from prescriptive outside voices.Pain points drive change: Crisis often catalyzes innovation, but support networks make the transition manageable.🌱 Reseeding: Hope and Hard Truths Reseeding is slow, uncertain, and resource-intensive.Projects like those with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe show it can work with good prep and patience.Kate urges understanding of succession — that weeds and forbs are part of nature’s recovery plan.Seedbanks may hold surprises — prairie species can emerge decades later!🔬 Monitoring & Carbon WWF gathers soil and vegetation data (including organic matter), but does not run a carbon offset program to avoid restricting producers’ future opportunities.🤝 Ecology Meets Economy Kate sees sustainable ranching as a circular model — one that supports community, wildlife, and good food production.She’s passionate about facilitating relationships between ranchers, organizations, and conservation partners.🐦 Closing Reflections Get curious: Kate encourages landowners to explore what’s already living on their land.Tools like Merlin Bird ID make learning easy — and fun for kids too!Discovering wildlife shifts your perception of place and makes change exciting.🔗 Mentioned in This Episode South Dakota Grassland Coalition – Mentor NetworkSouth Dakota Grassland InitiativeLaura Kahler’s Podcast EpisodeMerlin Bird ID app – Free download for bird identification🙌 Thank You, Kate! From prairie reseeding to sheep shearing to rolling up sleeves in Spearfish, Kate Rasmussen reminds us that conservation begins with community and that we all have a role to play — no matter where we are on the journey.

    56 min
  6. Bridging Conservation and Profitability on the Prairie: What Every Rancher Should Know

    07/30/2025

    Bridging Conservation and Profitability on the Prairie: What Every Rancher Should Know

    In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Butzer to discuss her journey from her early life and career to her current work and future aspirations. Dawn shares insights into her deep connection with conservation and land management, emphasizing partnerships with the NRCS, South Dakota Grassland Coalition, and Ducks Unlimited. Early Life and Career Dawn Butzer’s roots in agriculture and conservation run deep. Growing up, she developed a strong appreciation for the land, learning firsthand about the challenges and opportunities in sustainable agriculture. Her early career saw her working in various capacities, where she gained valuable experience in land management, conservation programs, and working with producers to improve soil and water health. Current Work Dawn is currently involved in conservation efforts that focus on grassland restoration, soil health improvement, and sustainable grazing practices. Through her work with the NRCS, she collaborates with ranchers and landowners to implement conservation plans tailored to their needs. She is also actively engaged with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, which promotes voluntary conservation efforts among producers. Additionally, her work with Ducks Unlimited aligns with large-scale restoration efforts, ensuring that grasslands remain viable for wildlife and agriculture. Future Aspirations Dawn is passionate about continuing to bridge the gap between conservation initiatives and agricultural operations. She aims to expand her outreach, working closely with producers to adopt practices that benefit both the land and their bottom line. With increasing challenges such as climate variability and land-use changes, she hopes to play a crucial role in advocating for policies and programs that support long-term sustainability. Key Partnerships and Programs NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service): Dawn works with the NRCS to provide technical and financial support for landowners looking to implement conservation practices. These efforts include rotational grazing systems, soil health initiatives, and grassland preservation.South Dakota Grassland Coalition (SDGC): This producer-led organization promotes grassland management techniques that balance productivity with ecological health. Dawn collaborates with SDGC to support ranchers in adopting regenerative grazing methods.Ducks Unlimited: Recognizing the vital role grasslands play in water conservation and wildlife habitat, Dawn works alongside Ducks Unlimited on projects that protect these ecosystems while ensuring economic viability for ranchers.Resources Mentioned in This Episode Dawn and the hosts discussed several books and articles that provide further insight into conservation and sustainable agriculture. Here are a few key recommendations: Native Grass Forages by Patrick Keyser – Native Grass Forages for the Eastern U.S." by Patrick Keyser is a comprehensive guide focusing on the establishment, management, and benefits of native warm-season grasses as forage in the eastern United States. Designed for farmers, technical advisors, scientists, and conservationists, the book offers practical, science-based information on this topic.  See: https://nativegrasses.tennessee.edu/native-grass-forages/Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture by Ellen F. Davis: LinkCotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million): soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

    55 min
  7. New Research Reveals Why Fertilizer Efficiency Depends on More Than Nitrogen Rates and Soil Chemistry

    07/08/2025

    New Research Reveals Why Fertilizer Efficiency Depends on More Than Nitrogen Rates and Soil Chemistry

    In Part 2 of our series with Dr. Bhupinder Farmaha, we go deeper—literally.  Dr. Farmaha joins us again to talk about what’s happening below the topsoil and why it matters more than ever in nutrient decision-making. From soil testing at deeper depths to assessing the biological activity of soil microbes, Bhupinder's research is showing that one-size-fits-all recommendations just don’t cut it anymore. He shares a bold finding: only 50% of cotton production sites in his trials respond to nitrogen application. That insight could shake up fertilizer recommendations in a big way. Bhupinder also dives into chicken litter studies, the promise and risks of micronutrient buildup, and the long-term effects of organic amendments on sandy South Carolina soils. Highlights include: Working with USDA partners to integrate biological indicators into soil testsChicken litter vs. synthetic fertilizer: trade-offs and recommendationsHow climate-smart practices can stabilize yields in unpredictable weatherRethinking seed selection in light of resilient management systemsThe episode ends with a look at where this work is headed—toward more holistic, systems-based nutrient management. Bhupinder makes a strong case for moving beyond chemistry alone and embracing biology and farmer experience as critical parts of the fertility equation. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Cotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million):  soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

    46 min
  8. How to Cut Fertilizer Inputs Without Sacrificing Yield: Soil Fertility Specialist Shares New Soil Health Data

    06/24/2025

    How to Cut Fertilizer Inputs Without Sacrificing Yield: Soil Fertility Specialist Shares New Soil Health Data

    In Part 1 of our two-part conversation with Dr. Bhupinder Farmaha, we dig into the reality of shifting farmer mindsets around nutrient management. As Clemson Extension’s Soil Fertility Specialist, Bhupinder walks us through his journey from studying soil science at the University of Illinois to on-farm research in Minnesota and across South Carolina—where he’s working side-by-side with farmers to reevaluate how much (and what kind of) fertilizer is really necessary. We explore the difficulty of challenging generational practices and the importance of building trust through local, participatory research. Bhupinder shares stories of farmers like Sonny Price, who haven’t applied potash for nearly a decade—without any loss in yield—and how that’s pushing the envelope on conventional wisdom. Topics covered include: Why scaling back fertilizer use is as much cultural as it is agronomicThe importance of working on real farms, not just research stationsBuilding peer-to-peer farmer networks for changeHow soil health practices like cover crops impact profitability, pH, and nutrient cyclingLearning from farmer-led experiments and shifting extension modelsThis episode lays the groundwork for a broader conversation about nutrient efficiency, soil health, and what it takes to bring about real-world change in agricultural systems. Whether you're conventional, curious, or fully regenerative, there’s something here for everyone interested in growing smarter. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Cotton, Country Conservation: An 8-Year Case Study in Regenerative Agriculture (Following SC Farmer Sonny Price's path of reducing input costs, increasing organic matter, and saving over $2.5 million): soilhealthlabs.com/projects/cotton-country-conservation

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Soil Health Labs are located in the Environmental Health Sciences Department in the School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. That may be surprising to most, especially since the University of South Carolina has no Ag School! Our mission is to promote soil health, not only as something that’s good for the farmer and the environment, but we also want to highlight soil health as a public health tool. Think about it. Healthy soils and healthy crops, mean healthy farmers and consumers, never mind an ever-improving environment. One idea we are embracing is that of Regenerative Farming where we embrace the idea that if farmers change the way they manage the soils, they can actually improve, or regenerate environmental conditions through less disturbance, keeping soils covered with residue or canopies, keeping live roots I the soil year round and be reintroducing animals into the whole system. While we cut our teeth promoting soil health through video and social media (Soil Stories; Under Cover farmers: Science of Soil Health; Merit or Myth; Growing Resilience) we do have several research and outreach projects that we are doing with farmers in South Carolina.

Information

  • Creator
    Soil Health Labs
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Soil Health Labs

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