The U.S. Department of Agriculture released new data that show a net national loss of non-cropland (e.g., prairie, forest) due to conversion to cropland. In a one year period from 2011-2012, Illinois netted a 10,000 acre gain in cropland. This means we are losing habitat for recreation, wildlife, stormwater management, and open space.
The reasons for these conversions vary, but high crop prices and federally subsidized crop insurance are among the primary drivers. These incentives are resulting in farmers breaking out sensitive lands that are prone to flooding and erosion.
Unfortunately, we can expect to see some negative impacts associated with increased cropland acres and development of sensitive lands. Farm fields can be very leaky, shedding fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides to the air and surrounding streams. Erosion can also be a problem, resulting in soil depositing in streams and ruining the habitat of certain mussel, fish, and insect species.
The increase in cropland acres makes it all the more imperative that conservation practices be adopted much more intensively on Illinois farms. Among the most environmentally-beneficial practices are reduced soil tillage, winter cover crops, and permanently vegetated buffers along streams and ditches. Fortunately, many conservation practices can be incorporated into working farms without reducing yields or increasing costs. But even if conservation costs money, it should be considered money well spent as a cost of doing business.
