Wayne County’s loss of prime farmland is concerning -here’s what farmers can do
Quality farmland in Wayne County could be destroyed by development Wooster Daily Record
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Wayne County’s Farmland: A Valuable Resource for Sustainable Development
Wayne County, known for its rich farmland, plays a crucial role in the agricultural industry and is a source of pride for the community. The unique soil composition resulting from Ohio’s glacial history makes it one of the best areas in the country for agricultural production. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has even designated portions of Wayne County soil as “prime,” indicating its exceptional suitability for growing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops.
Glacial History and Soil Composition
Thousands of years ago, massive glaciers shaped the landscape of northern Ohio, including Chester, Wayne, Green, and Baughman Townships. As these glaciers melted, they left behind a mixture of finely ground rock, minerals, and organic matter. This glacial deposit created the fertile soil that exists in Wayne County today.
The Threat to Prime Farmland
Ron Becker, a retired Ohio State University Extension, Wayne County Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Coordinator, recognizes the value of the county’s soil structure. He raises concerns that ongoing development and progress may be endangering one of the region’s most valuable agricultural resources: prime farmland.
Becker explains that the topsoil, which is the uppermost layer of soil we walk on, depends on the composition of the subsoil beneath it. Construction projects involving land excavation and grading for infrastructure, residential areas, or commercial spaces often remove the topsoil layer and permanently damage the subsoil.
In his paper, Becker describes the composition of subsoil deposits lost during the development of prime farmland:
- Gravely soil – Contains large particle sizes and air spaces that allow for easy drainage and a firm base.
- Sandy soils – Contain smaller particle size, air space, and surface area than gravel, allowing some moisture to adhere, but still well-drained.
- Clay soils – Contain very small particle sizes and small air spaces that inhibit water movement through them. This impermeable characteristic protects groundwater from pollution and provides a sturdy base.
- Silt soils – Similar to a sponge, it holds moisture to a saturation point, allowing water to drain into lower ground layers.
The unique combination of these soil layers in Wayne County’s subsoil contributes to its exceptional fertility.
The Urgency of Preserving Prime Farmland
The loss of prime farmland is a growing concern within the agricultural community. Once farmland is developed, it is permanently lost for agricultural purposes. This loss leads to a decrease in the food supply and fewer farmers, ultimately resulting in higher prices for consumers.
According to the USDA, the United States lost 3,500 acres of prime farmland per day in 2021. This alarming trend highlights the need for immediate action to protect and preserve farmland.
To address this issue, Farmland Preservation Specialist Jessica Eikleberry collaborates with Ron Becker and utilizes tools like the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Agricultural Security Area (ASA) program. The ASA program allows farmers to secure land exclusively for agricultural use. Landowners with at least 500 contiguous acres can request enrollment in an ASA for a ten-year period, during which they may receive tax incentives for investing in agricultural infrastructure projects.
Since the ASA program’s establishment in 2008, Wayne County has successfully secured over 7,000 acres of prime farmland, surpassing any other county in Ohio.
For more information about establishing an ASA, please email Jessica Eikleberry at AgPlan@WayneOhio.org.
Dan Starcher is the Public Communications Coordinator for the Wayne County government.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
- Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
- Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area
- Indicator 15.3.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. |
|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world |
|
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 15: Life on Land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
– Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
– Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status
– Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area
– Indicator 15.3.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
These indicators can be used to measure the proportion of agricultural area under sustainable practices, the income of small-scale food producers, the extent of land degradation, and the coverage of important biodiversity sites.
By monitoring these indicators, progress can be measured towards ensuring sustainable food production systems, improving land and soil quality, combating desertification, and restoring degraded land and soil.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of preserving prime farmland and implementing sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and protect the environment.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: the-daily-record.com
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