In this, our first series on salinity, we talk to Kent Cooley, area resource scientist in Rapid City, SD.  We discuss some of the causes of salinity in South Dakota, where it's estimated that 7.5 million acres of land are affected by saline soils, with almost a million more acres added in the past 10-15 years due to management practices. Kent helps is dive into the geology aspects of the region, explaining how the presence of an ancient inland sea and subsequent sedimentation left a high concentration of salts in the soil. We also look at the natural processes that contribute to the formation of saline and sodic soils, including the role of parent material, climate, and water movement. Natural salinity can occur due to the upward movement of water dissolving salts in the soil, which then accumulate on the surface as the water evaporates. This process is exacerbated by certain agricultural practices that incorporate high disturbance, and low diversity. 

Our conversation also addresses the critical difference between saline and sodic soils, with sodic soils being particularly challenging to remediate due to their impact on soil structure and water infiltration. Kent stresses the importance of soil testing to accurately diagnose the condition affecting the soil, which in turn informs the appropriate remediation strategies.

We briefly touch on remediation (the subject of future podcasts) and these include diversifying crop rotations, adopting no-till farming practices, and perennial systems to make better use of soil moisture and keep salts deeper in the soil profile. The podcast underscores the significance of managing the recharge areas (upslope of the salinity area) to prevent the movement of salts to the surface in lower areas. Additionally, Kent touches on the challenges and potential solutions for managing salinity in irrigation districts, where the use of water with moderate to high salt content can further exacerbate soil salinity issues.

Kent emphasizes the need to be proactive and taking a comprehensive approach to addressing salinity including soil testing, appropriate residue management, crop selection, and the adoption of farming practices that preserve soil health and prevent the accumulation of salts in the soil profile.

Laura Kahler is the director of the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative (SDGI), pushing South Dakotan agriculture toward sustainability and heightened reverence for the natural landscape. Laura's mission is to provide resources and support to landowners, helping them keep their pasture lands not just profitable, but also sustainable and ecologically sound.

The SDGI aims to manage grasslands effectively while balancing profitability and environmental conservation. Grasslands are more than just land; they are ecosystems that require attentive, informed management to thrive. Laura emphasizes that the initiative is more than a conservation effort; it's a collaborative platform where hunters, ranchers, conservation groups, and others converge to share perspectives and solutions.

A key aspect of SDGI's approach is the integration of local knowledge with scientific research. Farmers and landowners bring generations of experience, while scientific insights offer new perspectives on soil health and ecosystem management. This blend of knowledge is crucial for developing effective, sustainable land management strategies.

Education forms the backbone of the SDGI. By educating landowners and the public about the importance of soil health and sustainable practices, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, one that spreads awareness and action across communities. This educational component is vital in cultivating a shared understanding and commitment to land stewardship.

At its heart, the success of the SDGI hinges on collaboration. By bringing together diverse groups, each with their own perspectives and interests, the initiative fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing complex environmental challenges.

The real-world impact of the SDGI and regenerative practices is profound. Farmers report healthier soils, increased biodiversity, and improved yields. Environmentally, these practices contribute to carbon sequestration, water retention, and habitat preservation - essential components in the fight against climate change.

Looking ahead, Kahler intends to continue expanding the initiative, deepening the understanding of regenerative practices, and fostering a community where every stakeholder has a voice in shaping the future of our grasslands.

The South Dakota Grasslands Initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a deep commitment to our planet. Regenerative practices and collaborative effort not only impact today’s soils, but have ripple effects into plant, animal and human life for years to come.

Links:

SD Grasslands Initiative Homepage: https://sdgrassinitiative.org/

SDGI Summit and Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikpzs8sA4xU

New Feature Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAoqp0cYwPc

In this insightful episode, Tate Lantz joins hosts Joe Dickie and Buz Kloot to discuss the Central Grasslands Roadmap. Lantz shares his personal journey from a childhood on a South Dakota cattle ranch to his current role in conservation, reflecting a deep connection to the grasslands. 

Tate grew up on a cattle ranch near Winner, SD and after high school attended SDSU majoring in range science. His career began at the Conservation District in Kingsbury County, after which he joined the NRCS in 1998 and currently serves as Assistant State Conservationist for field operations in Rapid City, SD since 2016. Lantz first got involved in the grasslands roadmap mission when the operation was temporarily housed in the Sturgis field office where he was positioned. He was immediately drawn into the aim: to combine the efforts of three countries and eight sectors to save one of the most vital ecosystems on earth- the grasslands. Grasslands face threats from urban sprawl, agricultural conversion, and tree encroachment, leading to grassland loss (32 million acres since 2012) as well as significant biodiversity loss. 

The Roadmap aims to raise awareness of grasslands' value in carbon sequestration and climate mitigation. To do this, the Roadmap emphasizes community involvement, including indigenous voices and industry partnerships. The Roadmap highlights the interconnection between grassland health and economic resilience of rural communities. It aims to bolster collective understanding and action, influence and push forward impactful legislation, heighten efficiency of resource use and allocation, refine shared progress monitoring standards and construct sustainability models to support scaling programs in grazing, regenerative agriculture, and industry. Tate Lantz's conversation sheds light on the Central Grasslands Roadmap's importance in preserving one of America’s most vital ecosystems. Stay tuned for more discussions on grassland conservation and the roadmap's impact across North America. 

Useful Links: 

Central Grasslands Roadmap Home page: https://www.grasslandsroadmap.org/ 

Our recommendation for understanding the roadmap: 

Roadmap Executive Summary New Feature Video on Grasslands loss and reclamation: Two Regenerative Ranchers Share Shocking Soil Health Discovery (growingresiliencesd.com/videos) 

Other Notes on the Central Grasslands Roadmap: 

History: 2018- Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (backbone organization) – Tammy VerCauteren’s (exec director of BCoR) vision. 

Need/Context: 50 million acres (size of SD?) lost in last 10 years? “Measures of human community health and healthy grassland ecosystems across the biome continue to decline. The time to act is now.” 

Scale: Mexico, US and Canada, 600 million acres, eight sectors (e.g., indigenous communities, landowners & ranchers federal agencies, industry/ag and private sector, state and provincial agencies, NGO’s, academia, foundations and funders). Diverse ecosystems and diverse communities What is the Central Grasslands Roadmap? A hub for information and connection across countries and sectors - “We must think, collaborate, and act differently.” 

Vision: Eight outcomes – all look like related to thriving economic, environmental and equity (3 tectonic plates of sustainability) outcomes for these communities, beginning with indigenous populations, but includes ranchers/landowners, NGOs policymakers.. 

Principles: Respect, priorities to sustain indigenous communities, ranching and rual communities, science priorities, eight sectors.