The Threat of Soil Erosion to Long-Term Crop Production

Abstract

National increases in row crops at the expense of hay and pasture crops, particularly on steeper slopes, have made the control of erosion a difficult prospect. Management practices that fit the various field conditions are needed to accomplish effective erosion control. These measures should be selected on the basis of soil characteristics, landscape type, and the amount of ongoing erosion. The maintenance of a cropland base adequate to our needs must be a primary national goal.