The acres used for crops in the U.S. peaked in 1981 when farm income was low and farmers tried to make up for it by expanding production. The acres used for crops in 2022 was 14.7 percent fewer and the share of cropland successfully harvested had risen slightly to 85 percent. 

While the number of acres planted and then considered failed in production peaked during the Dust Bowl days of the 1930’s, failed acres in 2002 were the highest since 2002.

Notably, the number of acres double cropped has not increased with the higher crop values in recent years. The marginal returns may not offset the cost of inputs and soil sustainability. 

For similar reasons like the loss of nitrogen and soil moisture, the amount of summer...

TAGS – Farm Inputs, North America