232 THE FUTURE OF ARID LANDS 
4. Determine the most desirable size of farm and ranch units 
from an economic standpoint. 
Summary 
The basic physical soil conservation objective of the U. S. 
Department of Agriculture, ‘““The use of each acre of agricultural 
land within its capabilities and the treatment of each acre of 
agricultural land in accordance with its needs for protection and 
improvement,” is the best approach to solution of the complex 
land problems we confront in the arid areas of the United States 
and elsewhere. Sustained production and permanent occupancy 
of these lands cannot be achieved unless agriculture of the arid 
areas is based on such a concept. 
