Assessing the Retention Potential of Conservation Reserve Program Practices in Alabama

Abstract

Conservation reserve program (CRP) participants in Alabama were surveyed to determine the probable utilization of CRP acres should the contracts expire without opportunity for renewal. From over 9000 contracts established between 1986 and 1995, 594 contracts were randomly selected and surveyed for the study. Two hundred and fourteen surveys were completed and returned. Of these, 204 (34%) were usable. Results indicate that 90% of CRP tree acres would be retained in trees while nearly 60% of CRP grass acres would be converted to row crop production. In addition, there are no significant differences in the response bertween the minority and white participants with regard to the intended use of CRP acres. Therefore, for sustained mitigation of soil loss and reduction of excess production capacity, tree planting as a conservation practice choice should be advocated and encouraged.