Integrating soil conservation practices into farmland leasing arrangements

ABSTRACT:

Leasing arrangements offer some potential for increasing the adoption of conservation practices on farms in New Jersey, where much cropland has been under urban pressure because of population dispersal. The pressure has resulted in landowner absenteeism, shortened planning horizons, and a prevalence of indefinite year-to-year leases. A survey of 201 farm operators renting land and farming at least 10 acres revealed that 81 percent leased that acreage on a year-to-year basis; two-thirds of the leases were oral agreements. However, detailed data on the largest field indicated that the land had been rented for an average of 8.4 years. Leasing was further complicated by the number of different landlords the farm operators reported renting land from. Uncertainty over continued use of the land and lack of interest on the part of landowners were major problems facing farm operators. Leaving crop residues, fall/winter cover crops, and reduced tillage were the most frequently mentioned practices used with cover crops, improved drainage, and reduced (conservation) tillage most in need. A significant number of the operators who leased land for less than 3 years and indicated a need for a conservation practice were willing to pay for a part of the cost of that practice. Economic incentives, such as a graduated lease premium and educational program directed at landlords, should be considered in any attempt to increase the use of conservation practices.