NDSU study reveals cost of losing 6 inches of topsoil per acre

  • Soil analysis results of the 0-6-inch deep lost topsoil for key soil properties and levels. NDSU graphic
    Soil analysis results of the 0-6-inch deep lost topsoil for key soil properties and levels. NDSU graphic
  • A roadside ditch along Highway 2, about 5 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota, full of topsoil from the adjoining field that was tilled in fall on Dec. 19, 2021.
    A roadside ditch along Highway 2, about 5 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota, full of topsoil from the adjoining field that was tilled in fall on Dec. 19, 2021.
  • The dollar amounts for replacing direct nutrient loss and by losing soil organic matter for 0-6-inch soil depth and for every inch of topsoil. NDSU graphic
    The dollar amounts for replacing direct nutrient loss and by losing soil organic matter for 0-6-inch soil depth and for every inch of topsoil. NDSU graphic
  • Topsoil blowing a mile east of Langdon along Hwy 5 on March 25, 2024. NDSU photo
    Topsoil blowing a mile east of Langdon along Hwy 5 on March 25, 2024. NDSU photo

    NDSU researchers have estimated the cost of topsoil lost to natural erosion and tillage practices

    LANGDON, N.D. - Losing 6 inches of topsoil could cost farmers more than $6,600 in nutrients and organic matter per acre, according to analysis by North Dakota State University researchers.

    Topsoil is the most fertile layer of a soil, rich in microbial activity and essential for crop production. When it …