RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Soil productivity in the Corn Belt: An assessment of erosion's long-term effects
JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
FD Soil and Water Conservation Society
SP 131
OP 136
VO 39
IS 2
A1 Pierce, F. J.
A1 Dowdy, R. H.
A1 Larson, W. E.
A1 Graham, W.A.P.
YR 1984
UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/39/2/131.abstract
AB Estimates of erosion's effects on soil productivity in the Corn Belt are projected over 25, 50, and 100 years. The weighted average loss in productivity is less than 8 percent for any major land resource area (MRLA) in the Corn Belt over the next 100 years. However, the productivity decline can be substantial on some soils in certain landscapes, especially where slopes exceed 6 percent. Deep, fertile soils and the preponderance of cropland on nearly level to gently rolling terrain buffers the Corn Belt against productivity reductions over the next 100 years.