U.S. Soil Erosion Rates: Myth and Reality

No problem of resource or environmental management can be rationally addressed until its true space and time dimensions are known. The limitations of the universal soil loss equation and the wind erosion equation are such that we do not seem to have a truly informed idea of how much soil erosion is...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2000-07, Vol.289 (5477), p.248-250
Main Authors: Trimble, Stanley W., Crosson, Pierre
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agrology
Bank erosion
Bibliography
Conservation (Concept)
Conservation (Environment)
Environmental aspects
Erosion
Erosion (Geology)
Evidence
Field Studies
Geomorphology
Land Use
Methods
Natural resources conservation
Policy Forum
Scientific Concepts
Sedimentary soils
Sediments
Soil conservation
Soil erosion
Soil resources
Soil Science
Soil water
Statistics
USA
Water
Wind erosion
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Description
Summary:No problem of resource or environmental management can be rationally addressed until its true space and time dimensions are known. The limitations of the universal soil loss equation and the wind erosion equation are such that we do not seem to have a truly informed idea of how much soil erosion is occurring in this country, let alone of the processes of sediment movement and deposition. The uncritical use of models is unacceptable as science and unacceptable as a basis for national policy. A comprehensive national system of monitoring soil erosion and consequent downstream sediment movement and/or blowing dust is critical. The costs would be significant; nevertheless, they would reflect efforts better focused on achieving better management of the United States' land and water resources.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.289.5477.248