Where agriculture and water quality intersect in South Dakota

By Sushant Mehan, PhD, SDSU Extension
Dec 31, 2024
Dec 31, 2024

Wetland — A serene wetland is surrounded by lush greenery, highlighting the critical role of natural landscapes in water filtration and biodiversity preservation.
Submitted photo by Sushant Mehan

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By Sushant Mehan, PhD, SDSU Extension

Over the past three decades, water quality in South Dakota has played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural practices, crop production, and environmental sustainability. The complex relationship between land-use changes, water management, and water quality continues to influence the state’s agricultural landscape and its long-term ecological balance.

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Sushant Mehan is assistant professor and SDSU Extension water resource engineer specialist based in Brookings, South Dakota. Reach him at 605-688-5487 or Sushant.mehan@sdstate.edu.