Grassland History

Much of the fertile soil in the U.S. Midwest is a result of prairie development over hundreds of thousands of years and the accumulation of organic matter from these grasslands. Due to their fertility, prairie-derived soils are some of the most highly prized for agriculture. Throughout the world grasslands have been converted to cropland and are important areas for pasture and haying. However, grassland conversion at local, regional and global levels has contributed to soil loss, reduction in agricultural productivity, loss of livelihood, increased agricultural pests, food insecurity, water pollution, drought, flood, loss of wildlife and wild food resources, and loss of culturally important sources of inspiration and art.