RESULTS

Major trends in land use change patterns within the study area are outlined in the tables below.  Our team also analyzed the data using statistical & spatial modeling techniques.  See the peer-reviewed publication in Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment for more details.

Overview of Entire Study Area

Land Use Change Over Time: 1930s - 2000s

Figure 1. Top Ten Most Common Land Use Change Patterns within the Study Area

Figure 2. Top Ten Most Common Land Use Change Patterns by State

Figure 3.  Top Ten Most Common Land Use Change Patterns by Vegetation Zone

Figure 4. Top Ten Most Common Land Use Change Patterns by Prime Farmland Designation

Cropland vs. Soil Capability

Non-Irrigated Soil Capability within Study Area [nirrcpl]

Irrigated Soil Capability within Study Area [irrcpl]

Findings

  • ~2/3 or the study area has good non-irrigated soil capability (69%).  
  • ~1/3 has poor non-irrigated soil capability (29%).
  • ~2/3 of the study area is missing data for irrigated soil capability.
  • ~1/3 of the study area has good irrigated soil capability (69%). 
  • ~70% of areas with "good" soil are cropped in all time periods.
  • ~30-40% of areas with "poor" soils are cropped in all time periods.

Land Use Change Matrices