South Dakota is an important agricultural state in the United States with annual cash receipts from agricultural products exceeding $9 billion dollars. This production is possible because of large areas of productive soils. This publication describes the general characteristics and qualities of the major soil groups recognized in South Dakota. The soil forming factors are briefly described, soil classification is introduced, and the genesis of typical Udalf and Ustoll soils are discussed. Soil management issues impacting the use of SD soils are considered. Long-term (>70 yrs) cultivation has significantly reduced surface soil organic carbon levels (>30% reduction) when compared to non-cultivated soil. Soil test phosphorus levels significantly increased in cultivated fields due to commercial P fertilization. The major long-term production problems for SD soils are conservation of soil moisture, organic matter and nitrogen losses, fertility management, and wind and water erosion control.