search our site     home > key topics > natural resources, environment, & conservation   soil conservation Soil conservation policies and activities are instrumental in reducing soil erosion from wind and water, maintaining soil productivity, and preventing pollution of water and air from sediment and windblown dust. ERS examines the adoption, costs, and benefits of soil conservation measures and the evolution and effectiveness of soil conservation programs. related briefing rooms - offer an indepth discussion synthesizing ERS research Ag Chemicals and Production Technology Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) Conservation and Environmental Policy Global Resources and Productivity feature Conservation Tillage Firmly Planted in U.S. Agriculture—Farmers across the Nation used conservation tillage (no-till, ridge-till, and mulch-till) on more than 109 million acres in 2000, over 36 percent of U.S. planted cropland area and up from 26 percent in 1990. Use of no-till expanded threefold during the decade, due partly to conservation compliance requirements under farm programs. Conservation tillage together with other crop residue management practices helps reduce soil erosion, slow nutrient and pesticide runoff, and cut farmers' fuel costs. Agricultural Outlook (3/01). web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov updated: June 4, 2001  Also at ERS... latest publications (all) • Amber Waves, September 2004 • Measuring the Success of Conservation Programs • Amber Waves, June 2004 latest data products (all) • Crop Production Practices • Environmental Quality Incentives Program Data resources • Contact an ERS Expert • Calendar of Releases services • Receive E-mail Updates • E-mail This Page • Translate This Page

Ag Chemicals & Production Technology Agribusiness/Industry Concentration Agricultural Market/Trade Projections Agricultural R&D and Productivity Biotechnology Crops Diet, Consumption, & Health Farm Financial & Risk Management Farm Structure, Income, & Performance Farm/Rural Finance & Tax Food & Nutrition Assistance Programs Food Market Structures Food Prices, Spreads & Margins Food Safety International Agriculture Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Aquaculture Macroeconomics in the Ag & Food Economy Natural Resources, Environment, & Conservation Policy Topics Rural America Trade U.S./State Facts What's New State Facts Calendar of Releases E-Mail Updates Subject Specialists Archive