Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) Project Upper South Dakota James River Saline/Sodic Soils Conservation Initiative is in its third year in portions of Western Day, Eastern Brown, Northeastern Spink, Northwestern Clark, and Southwestern Marshall Counties, South Dakota. This three-year project is one of 16 selected in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and is federally-funded through the NRCS conservation programs of the 2018 Farm Bill. The purpose of this project is to prevent saline/sodic prone agricultural land from becoming unproductive and bring those areas already effected by salts back into productivity and will be implemented by the NRCS in concert with landowners within the project areas who are eligible to apply for financial assistance. While applications are accepted year-round, the final day to apply for FY23 consideration is March 15, 2023.
Many producers have identified less productive areas in their fields. While healthy soils with high organic matter, good infiltration rates, high biological activity, and good granular structure can still provide acceptable yields even under adverse conditions, saline and sodic impacted soils lack this resiliency resulting in reduced yields and loss of income. It is with this in mind that the NRCS has decided to extend the application deadline for the Saline/Sodic Soil Health Conservation Initiative.
The NRCS conservation specialists and partners are coordinating these projects throughout the state. Through collectively focusing expertise and resources on the highest priority resource concerns in the highest priority areas, CIS projects can yield impressive returns. Collaborative funding and support from other agencies and groups create a coordinated community effort and focus on mutual issues of the highest priority. The Upper South Dakota James River Saline/Sodic Soils Conservation Initiative Project partners with the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, local conservation districts, South Dakota Corn Growers, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever to directly benefit landowners and local businesses. Implementing soil health practices, cost-shared by this project, will prevent these areas from forming and aid in bringing those areas already impacted back into production.
To apply to be a part of this project, find and contact your local NRCS Service Center at www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center, or contact the USDA Service Center in Webster, South Dakota, at (605) 345-4661, Ext. 3. For more information on the CIS in South Dakota, or if you have ideas for a project, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/south-dakota/south-dakota-conservation, or contact Jeff Vander Wilt, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs at jeffrey.vanderwilt@usda.gov or (605) 352-1226.
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