TREATMENT NEEDS FOR DRY CROPLAND 



Dry cropland comprises 13,341,009 acres, of which 5,700,733 acres 

 (42.8 percent) are adequately treated. The treatment needs for dry crop- 

 land to reduce soil loss and protect the resource from deterioration are 

 identified in terms of systems of management arranged in order of increas- 

 ing severity to meet the problem. To avoid duplication of acreage, each 

 category is mutually exclusive of all others and only the most severe 

 problems were considered in identifying the management systems needed. 



Crop residues, annual cover crops, stubble mulch or other annual 

 recurring measures are needed on 3,340,405 acres (22.3 percent) of the 

 total dry cropland to meet the erosion problem. This includes hay land 

 needing stand improvement or re-establishment. Sod in rotation is needed 

 on 262,120 acres (1.8 percent) of the dry cropland. 



Contour systems are needed on 142,587 acres (1 percent) of the dry 

 cropland and strip cropping, terraces and diversions are needed on 2,887,979 

 acres (19.3 percent) of dry cropland. This includes acreage needing a 

 system of sod waterways or windbreaks to control runoff and prevent erosion. 



A change to permanent cover of grass or trees is needed on 865,695 

 acres of dry cropland. These lands are critical sources of sediment when 

 cropped, and should be in a more permanent cover. 



Less than 1 percent or 141,490 acres of dry cropland needs drainage to 

 control excess water which interferes with the planting and harvesting of 

 crops. These are not marsh or cattail areas that are needed for wildlife. 



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