How to Reverse Soil Salinity with Regenerative Land Management

As we end the growing season, we want to air this podcast that Joe Dickie and Buz Kloot conducted with NRCS’s Shane Jordan and Kent Vlieger. This is the fourth podcast of the year that discusses salinity, the others being with Kent Cooley (Soil Scientist), Matt Hubers (Agronomist with Ducks Unlimited), and Lee Brise (Crop Consultant).  We wanted to time this podcast with the end of the growing season to (1) give you more time to listen and (2) help your thinking and planning for 2025, especially if you are farming in the James River Valley. While our previous podcasts (see links below) have dealt with various aspects of salinity, we think this episode does a nice job of tying up all the loose ends.Shane kicks off with his personal history and tenure in Spink County, discussing how shifts in farming practices have affected the salinity issue. He highlights the decrease of small grains in the rotation, the reduction of perennials (like alfalfa), and a decline in the number of livestock on pasture as some of the causes of salinity. These changes, along with the recent wet cycle, have led to a visible change in the landscape that Shane has observed firsthand.Kent then talks about how changes in farming practices, combined with weather patterns, have served to break the water cycle, making salinity a symptom of that broken cycle. As biological diversity decreases due to lands shifting to monocultures, soil structure is further impacted, exacerbating the busted water cycle. Kent discusses how effective water management—through the judicious use of plants—can combat salinity, especially in areas with high water tables, while highlighting the consequences of kicking the can down the road regarding these pressing issues.As we explore solutions, we look at the use of annuals in the form of cover crops, but we also spotlight the potential of perennial systems as a viable alternative to traditional row crops. Kent shares success stories from South Dakota farmers who have embraced these systems, showing how they can stabilize economic conditions over time. We stress the importance of patience, as transitioning to perennials isn’t an overnight fix.In the podcast, we emphasize the "Every Acre Counts" initiative as a crucial framework for reevaluating land management practices. We highlight that many farmers often overlook the hidden potential of less productive acres, focusing solely on traditional row crops like corn and soybeans. By adopting a broader perspective, farmers can identify opportunities for integrating diverse practices, such as cover crops and perennials, that not only enhance soil health but also improve long-term profitability. We argue that this approach encourages producers to assess the economic viability of each field comprehensively, revealing surprising insights about their land's true productivity and the potential benefits of sustainable practices. Through "Every Acre Counts," we advocate for a mindset shift that recognizes the value of all land, promoting strategies that support ecological balance and agricultural resilience.A significant part of the conversation involves Kent and Shane expressing frustration over the economic barriers that prevent farmers from adopting more diverse and sustainable practices. They point out that many producers rely heavily on crop insurance instead of addressing the root causes of soil degradation, making it challenging to implement effective solutions. Both emphasize the difficulty in shifting mindsets, particularly among absentee landowners (NOLOs) who may not fully understand the state of their land or be willing to give producers a break on rent to tackle salinity problems. Shane highlights the need for education to change perspectives about soil health and profitability, noting that without this understanding, landowners often prioritize immediate financial returns over long-term sustainability. This disconnect underscores the broader challenge of integrating conservation efforts with economic realities in agriculture.They see many farmers "kicking the can down the road," avoiding the tough decisions needed to address salinity and soil health issues. This tendency to delay action only exacerbates problems, making it harder to achieve long-term sustainability and economic viability in the face of mounting challenges.*insert link for video clip from this podcast discussion showing the soil test numbers change over an 8-year time span (To Be Created)Previous Podcasts on Salinity:59 Soil Expert on the Origins and Impacts of Saline Soils – Kent Cooley: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/podcasts/episode/251b4e9a/59-soil-expert-on-the-origins-and-impacts-of-saline-soils61 Agronomist Shares Top Strategies to Transform Saline Soils Into Productive Land – with Matt Hubers: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/podcasts/episode/27cd9227/61-agronomist-shares-top-strategies-to-transform-saline-soils-into-productive-land63 Crop Consultant Shares How to Earn 400 More Dollars an Acre on Saline Soils – with Lee Briese: https://www.growingresiliencesd.com/podcasts/episode/259b1fbd/63-crop-consultant-shares-how-to-earn-400-more-dollars-an-acre-on-saline-soils