Soil Erosion and Conservation in the United States: An Overview

Richard Magleby, Carmen Sandretto, William Crosswhite and C. Tim Osborn

No 309733, Agricultural Information Bulletins from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: Soil erosion on agricultural land in the United States does not pose an immediate threat to the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber. However, erosion is impairing long-term soil productivity in some areas and is the largest contributor to nonpoint source pollution of the Nation's waterways. Over half of the soil erosion comes from slightly more than a quarter of total cropland acreage. New conservation programs since 1985 have specifically targeted these highly erodible lands, and erosion has significantly declined. Conservation and commodity programs are currently being coordinated to further conservation objectives. This report provides background information on soil use, erosion, and conservation policies and programs; summarizes assessments of economic and environmental effects of erosion; and discusses policies and programs as well as options for their improvement

Keywords: Agricultural and Food Policy; Environmental Economics and Policy; Land Economics/Use; Resource/Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 34
Date: 1995-10
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uersab:309733

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.309733

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