Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin is a shared water resource of the United States and includes all or parts of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces. The 2,320,000 square mile basin covers 41% of the 48 contiguous United States, is the fourth largest river in the world, and is arguably the most visible and iconic American river.
Cropland
An important part of the Mississippi River Basin is the vast amount of cropland it encompasses. Crops include maize, soybeans, cotton, sorghum, and oranges. These are grown for production of food, fiber, and fuel, and on average 15 million hectares (37 million acres) of crop land can be found in the basin every year.
Farmland
Much of the cropland found in the Mississippi River Basin is farmland. In fact, a sizeable portion of the world’s grain production occurs here among the various states, provinces, and countries that make up the basin. This makes the Mississippi River Basin one of the most significant farming areas in the world.
Major States
The states with the most cropland in the Mississippi River Basin are Iowa, Illinois, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Each of these states account for at least 10% of the basin’s cropland overall. Iowa has the most cropland within the basin with 3.2 million acres, followed by Illinois with 2.6 million acres, Tennessee with 2 million acres, and Arkansas with 1.3 million acres. Of those four states, Iowa accounts for over 28% of the cropland in the Mississippi River Basin.
Significance of Cropland
The cropland in the Mississippi River Basin is crucial to the nation’s food supply. The fertile soil is conducive to high yields of quality crops, which supply food for animals, processed grains used in processed foods, fiber for clothing and other materials, and fuel for energy. Of course, the Mississippi River is also a major means of transportation for goods and resources, making it even more important.
Environmental Impact
The cropland in the Mississippi River Basin also has a major environmental impact. Practices such as monocropping, over-fertilization, and the use of harmful pesticides can damage the environment if not done responsibly. These practices can lead to soil erosion, water contamination, and the depletion of ground water.
Best Practices
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the environmental impact of cropland in the Mississippi River Basin. For example, farmers can use less-intensive cropping techniques that are more sustainable and do not rely on synthetic fertilizers. There are also ways to reduce soil erosion, such as planting cover crops and establishing buffer strips along waterways. Finally, farmers can conserve water by using drip irrigation and other water-efficient tactics.
Management
The management of cropland in the Mississippi River Basin is another important topic. Numerous local and federal policies exist to protect the environment and ensure responsible agricultural practices. State and federal agencies provide technical and financial assistance to farmers who implement these practices in order to conserve natural resources and sustain crop production.
Future of the Basin
The cropland in the Mississippi River Basin is of utmost importance to the future of the region and nation. By implementing best practices and following policies, farmers can help protect the environment while producing high yields of quality crops. As the needs of the nation continue to change, so too does the importance of the Mississippi River Basin.
Economic Impact
The cropland found within the Mississippi River Basin has an immense effect on the area’s economy. The production of crops creates jobs and income for farmers, while the goods it produces provide food, clothing, and energy to consumers. The river itself is a vital means of transportation, enabling goods and resources to be shipped to markets and consumers around the world.
Adoption of Technology
Technology has a growing role to play in the management of the cropland found in the Mississippi River Basin. New tools such as precision farming, drones, and other sensors are being adopted by farmers to increase yields and conserve natural resources. By utilizing these and other cutting-edge technologies, farmers can maintain the environmental and economic balance of the region.
Resource Management
Finally, resource management plays an important part in the production of crops in the Mississippi River Basin. Farmers must have access to clean water and quality soil in order to ensure that their crops are safe to consume and have a high yield. Various federal and state agencies have implemented policies and programs to manage the natural resources of the basin, with the goal of ensuring that the food supply is safe now and into the future.
