By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $30 million to help North Dakota producers address salinity problems in the Prairie Pothole Region. The investment supports conservation practices designed to improve soil health, protect water quality, support agricultural production, and strengthen wildlife habitat.
The funding comes through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and a new effort called the Prairie Revitalization and Agricultural Improvement for Resilient, Integrated Ecosystems, or PRAIRIE.
The Prairie Pothole Region is one of the largest wetland landscapes in the nation. In North Dakota, the region includes about 1.6 million wetland basins across 39 counties. These wetlands are important parts of the agricultural and natural landscape.
Salinity is a major resource concern in areas around prairie potholes and seasonal wetlands. High salt levels and chemical concentrations can affect crop performance, reduce soil function, and make field operations more difficult.
Local working groups have identified salinity and chemical concentrations as top resource concerns in North Dakota for fiscal year 2027. The PRAIRIE effort is designed to provide producers with additional conservation tools to address these problems.
“Producers in North Dakota are facing real challenges from salinity, especially in areas shaped by prairie potholes and seasonal wetlands,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “This investment gives us an opportunity to support local leadership and expand conservation practices that strengthen both agricultural production and the broader landscape.”
The expanded list includes vegetative buffers, filter strips, grassed waterways, salinity management practices, annual forages, and wildlife habitat improvements. These practices can be used in upland areas as well as locations affected by wetlands.
Vegetative buffers and filter strips can help protect soil and water resources. Grassed waterways can help manage water movement across agricultural land. Salinity management practices focus on areas where excess salts affect soil and crop production.
Annual forages also provide another management option for producers. Wildlife habitat improvements can support wildlife while contributing to the broader health of the landscape.
“Producers have been asking for more tools to deal with salinity, and this investment answers that call,” said NRCS North Dakota State Conservationist Dan Hovland. “By supporting practices that reduce salinity and improve soil function, we’re helping producers maintain productive ground while protecting a landscape that is vital for agriculture, wildlife, and water quality within the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota.”
The PRAIRIE effort began this fall. Producers interested in voluntary conservation approaches to salinity management can contact their local NRCS office to learn more about available options.
The effort focuses on working with producers rather than requiring a single approach for every farm. Different fields have different soil, water, and production conditions, so conservation practices can be considered based on local needs.
Improving soil health is an important part of the program. Healthy soils can support crop production and help farms manage water more effectively. Protecting water quality is another goal because agricultural land and wetlands are closely connected across the Prairie Pothole Region.
The program also recognizes the connection between agriculture and wildlife. Wetland areas provide important habitat, while conservation practices can help protect natural resources without removing working agricultural land from consideration.
NRCS has worked with farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners for more than 90 years. The agency uses voluntary, science-based conservation approaches to improve air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle