Salinity: A Complex Problem
Channel: USDA NRCS South Dakota
Date: 2020-04-14

Salinity has been a problem long in the making and in this wet cycle, we see the problem even more pronounced; the take-home is that there are no quick fixes, but that farmers can address the problem if they understand it.  Keep in mind that salinity patches are a symptom water management that starts upslope from the patch itself.  If we are not utilizing water upslope with cover crops or perennials, the salinity problem increases. 



In this video, farmers and field specialists discuss the problem an what measures can be taken to address this from just not adding inputs on the one side, to looking at perennial systems with native warm seasons grasses on the other side– there are no quick fixes, but by not addressing salinity, the problem will get worse.  At the very least, farmers should not be spending money on inputs in these areas and if some natural vegetation is growing, leave it alone. 



Speakers in order of appearance are Kent Vlieger (NRCS), Charlie Edinger (Producer). Daniel Harnish (Producer) and Craig Stehly (Producer).


Gain insights into 2020 crop year thinking from eight farmers and several technical specialists from South Dakota NRCS and SDSU. These videos, filmed in late-February in Mitchell and Crooks, SD, offer candid comments on issues they faced on 2019 Prevented Plant acres, and how their soil improvement journey makes their fields more resilient.


The views and opinions of the farmer participants expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.


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