Natural History Wanderings

The New York Times recently ran an editorial on the loss of top soil in Iowa and other states due to the practices of intensive farming.  As a result of the loss of top soil, farming is increasing needing to depend on chemical fertilizers to supply needed nutrients.  This is unfortunate as the methods of farming, such as crop rotation, that help support nutrients in soil are well-known.  Yet U.S. government policies give much more financial support for  high-intensity farming  than conservation.   In the 12 years before 2009 Iowa received ( for the twelve years before 2009, Iowa received almost $17 billion in subsidies for high-intensity farming and less than $3 billion to support conservation) To read the editorial go to: Washing Away the Fields of Iowa