Assessment of Changes in Missouri Farming Systems Needed to Reach T by Two-Thousand

Background

In 1990, the Soil and Water Conservation Program in MDNR set a goal of reducing soil loss in Missouri to "T" or less by the year 2000. T is the soil loss which can occur without impairing long-run soil productivity.

Objectives

  1. Determine the relative contribution of tillage methods, cropping systems and conservation practices to soil loss in Missouri between 1982 and 1987 (amended to include 1992) based on data included in the National Resources Inventory (NRI).
  2. Assess further changes needed in farming practices in Missouri, including tillage methods, cropping systems and other conservation measures, to reduce soil loss to "T" by the year 2000.

Method

The NRI data for 1982, 1987, and 1992 were utilized to assess progress in reducing soil loss in Missouri and to identify factors, including government programs and farming practices, which have contributed to soil conservation. Potential strategies for achieving the goal of "T by 2000" were gleaned from the analysis of past trends and the current status of soil loss in Missouri.

Major Findings

Government programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program and conservation compliance, have contributed to the reduction in soil loss in Missouri. However, farmers have achieved soil conservation in situations where there were no government incentives to reduce erosion. Soil erosion on most Missouri cropland that is currently eroding at levels greater than "T" could be brought to "T" or less by making relatively modest changes in tillage methods. Erosion rates on nearly all cropland can be reduced to "T" by including less erosive crops, such as small grains or hay, in crop rotations. The remaining small acreage of extremely erodible land would likely be as profitable if converted from crop production to efficient livestock grazing systems. The latter would virtually eliminate soil erosion.

Publications

Monson, Sandra and John E. Ikerd. 1993. Assessment of Changes in Missouri Farming Systems Needed to Reach T by Two-Thousand. Special Research Project Report to Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Districts Commission, Missouri Department of Natural Resources.


Monson, Sandra and John E. Ikerd. 1995. Monitoring Progress in Missouri's Farming Systems Towards the "T by 2000" Goal." Special Research Project Report to Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Districts Commission, Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Presentations

Monson, Sandra. Assessment of Changes in Missouri Farming Systems Needed to Reach T by Two-Thousand. Southern Agricultural Economics Association Meeting, New Orleans, LA, January 30 - February 3, 1993.

Monson, Sandra. Monitoring Progress in Missouri's Farming Systems Towards the "T by 2000" Goal." Southern Agricultural Economics Association Meetings, Nashville, TN, February 5-9, 1994.

Monson, Sandra. Assessment of Changes in Missouri Farming Systems Needed to Reach T by Two-Thousand. American Agricultural Economics Association Meeting, San Diego, CA, August 1994.

Investigators:

John Ikerd and Sandra Monson

Funding Amount:

$120,932

Funding Source:

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Project Duration:

October 1991 - September 1995

130 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
Tel: 573.882.7458 | Fax: 573.884.2199
Division of Applied Social Sciences
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

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