NDSU Study Reveals $6,600 Cost of Losing 6 Inches of Topsoil
NDSU researchers have estimated the cost of topsoil lost to natural erosion and tillage practices.
January 6, 2026
A roadside ditch along Highway 2, about 5 miles west of Grand Forks, N.D., is full of topsoil from the adjoining field that was tilled in the fall. [Photo by NDSU.]
by Elizabeth Cronin, North Dakota State University
Losing 6 inches (in.) of topsoil could cost farmers more than $6,600 in nutrients and organic matter, according to a new analysis by North Dakota State University (NDSU) researchers.
Topsoil is the most fertile layer of a soil, rich in microbial activity and essential for crop production. When it erodes, thousands of dollars’ worth of nutrients and organic matter erode with it.
NDSU researchers’ findings showed the cost of direct nutrient loss and nutrient loss due to organic matter loss totals more than $1,100 for every inch of lost topsoil, or $6,600 for a 6-in. layer.
“Farmers, ranchers and landowners will eventually have to pay to replace those nutrients.” — Naeem Kalwar
These numbers show that soil erosion is an economic issue, not just an environmental one, says Naeem Kalwar, NDSU soil health specialist at the Langdon Research Extension Center. “Protecting topsoil from erosion is crucial. That layer is where farmers plant seed, and it is responsible for feeding the world.”
Soil erosion, which is the loss of soil sediments or material, can happen due to wind, water and tillage. Tillage can worsen wind- and water-related erosion by loosening the soil. When topsoil erodes into roadside ditches, it pollutes the drinking water for humans and livestock.
“Farmers, ranchers and landowners will eventually have to pay to replace those nutrients,” Kalwar says.
Kalwar set out to determine the value of an inch of topsoil in terms of replacing lost crop nutrients and organic matter. Researchers collected a 6-in.-deep sample of topsoil that had eroded into a roadside ditch from an adjoining field and sent it to a soil-testing laboratory for a comprehensive fertility analysis. Results showed appreciable quantities of essential plant nutrients and a significant amount of soil organic matter.
After calculating the cost of replacing the nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, sulfate-sulfur and iron present in the lost 6 in. of soil through commercial fertilizers, researchers determined the replacement cost to be $2,541.22, or $423.54 for every inch of lost topsoil. In addition, replacing nutrients associated with organic matter loss added another $4,141.73, or $690.28 per inch. Combined, the total cost is $1,113.82 per inch, or $6,682.95 for 6 in.
While fertilizers can replace nutrients, rebuilding soil organic matter could take decades, even with the adoption of best management practices. A study at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center determined soil organic matter increases by 1% after 27 years of consistent livestock manure applications. Based on that rate, replacing the 5.7% of organic matter lost from 6 in. of topsoil could take approximately 154 years, or nearly two lifetimes.
“Preventing erosion is far more cost-effective than trying to rebuild the soil,” Kalwar says. “Simple practices like reduced tillage and cover crops can save thousands over time.”
The full research report is available at ndsu.ag/erosion-cost . For research-based strategies to protect soil health and prevent erosion, visit ag.ndsu.edu/soilhealth.
Editor’s note: Elizabeth Cronin is director of ag communications for North Dakota State University Extension, which provided this article.
Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 18, No. 1-A
Topics: Industry News , Management , News , Sustainability
Publication: Angus Beef Bulletin
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