This 2011 RCA Appraisal provides an overview of land use and of the agricultural sector; analyses the status, condition, and trends of natural resources on non-Federal lands; defines USDA’s programme for soil and water resources conservation; examines interrelated issues that have implications for U.S. agriculture and forestry, such as climate change, biofuels production, and the quality and availability of water. This Document moves from the consideration that most of the land area of the United States remains rural, but rural land-use changed over the 25-year period 1982 to 2007, as the land shifted among agricultural and forested uses. The Document analyses: the role of farmers; the expansion of the markets for agricultural products; the importance of technology in improving productivity; issues about soil erosion; protection of natural resources, soil and water conservation; use of water for agricultural purposes. Chapter 1 concerns land use and focuses on: cropland; non-Federal forest land; non-Federal grazing lands; developed land. Chapter 2 provides an overview of agricultural sector and focuses on: farm size, farm income, and landownership; location of production; genetically engineered crops; pesticide use; irrigation; nutrient application; markets for agricultural products and international trade; institutional and policy development; environmental Regulations. Chapter 3 concerns: soil health; soil erosion on cropland and on rangeland; invasive plant species on rangeland; forest health; wetlands; wildlife habitats. Chapter 4 concerns: conservation approaches; research; land preservation; rural development; emergency response. Chapter 5 focuses on climate change impacts on agriculture and forestry and includes: greenhouse gas emissions and opportunities for mitigation; climate change implications for agriculture and forestry; potential impacts of biofuels production on natural resources; analysis of biofuels production; investment in biofuels development. Chapter 6 concerns water resources and conservation opportunities, and focuses on: water supply; water quality; soil and water conservation treatments.
美国 · 2011-07-01