Revised Page: Annual Update 2003
  Introduction to the Farmlands Chapter
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Note that the data published in the 2002 State of the Nation’s Ecosystems Report as well as the 2003 and 2005 Web-Only Updates have been superseded by the 2008 Report and thus should be used with caution. For the most recent data, purchase the 2008 Report from Island Press.

Can we report trends? Are there other useful reference points?

System Dimensions Updated
Data Available Total Cropland How much land is used directly for production of crops and livestock? Trends 2003
2005
Data Available The Farmland Landscape How much of the farmland landscape is forest, grasslands and shrublands, wetlands, or urban and suburban? Current data only, regional comparison  
Data Inadequate Fragmentation of Farmlands Landscapes by Development How intermingled are croplands and urban and suburban development? No data reported  
Data Inadequate Shape of "Natural" Patches in the Farmland Landscape How much of the “natural” area in farmlands is in patches of different shapes? No data reported  

Chemical and Physical Conditions Updated
Data Available Nitrate in Farmland Streams and Groundwater How much nitrate is there in farmland streams and groundwater? Current data only, federal standard, cross-ecosystem comparison  
Data Available Phosphorus in Farmland Streams How much phosphorus is there in farmland streams? Phosphorus in Farmland Streams Current data only, federal guideline, cross-ecosystem comparison  
Data Available Pesticides in Farmland Streams and Groundwater How many pesticides are found in farmland streams and groundwater, and how often do they exceed federal standards and guidelines? Current data only, federal standards and guidelines  
Data Inadequate Soil Organic Matter How much organic matter is there in cropland soils? No data reported  
Data Available Soil Erosion How much cropland is subject to erosion by wind or water? Trends, national map  
Data Inadequate Soil Salinity How much cropland soil has high salt levels? No data reported  

Biological Components Updated
Data Inadequate Soil Biological Condition What is the condition of the microscopic animal communities in cropland soils? No data reported  
Indicator Development Needed Status of Animal Species in Farmlands Areas What is the condition of wildlife in areas that are heavily dominated by farmlands? No data reported  
Indicator Development Needed Native Vegetation in Areas Dominated by Croplands In areas that are heavily dominated by croplands, is most of the remaining non-cropland vegetation native or non-native? No data reported  
Indicator Development Needed Stream Habitat Quality What is the quality of the habitat in farmland streams? No data reported  

Human Uses   Updated
Data Available Major Crop Yields How has the per-acre yield of major crops changed over time? Trends 2003
2005
Data Available Agricultural Inputs and Unit of Output How have farm output and the inputs (pesticides, fertilizers, labor, land, etc.) needed to produce that output, changed over time? Trends 2003
Data Available Monetary Value of Agricultural Production What is the value of the nation’s production of crops and livestock? Trends, national map 2003
2005
Data Inadequate Recreation on Farmlands How much recreation takes place on farmlands? No data reported  

Data Available All necessary data Available Partial Data Available Partial data available Data Inadequate Data not adequate for national reporting Indicator Development Needed Indicator development needed

 
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Last Revised: Friday, 25-Apr-2008 11:33:50 EDT