Estimation of Cropland Damages Caused by Overland Flooding, Two Case Studies

Abstract

Two case studies from Southern Ontario are described in which overland flooding in the early spring caused extensive localized erosional and other damage to cropland. Pedologic and economic appraisals of damages were undertaken. The extent of soils damage was evaluated from a survey of soils and surface elevations along transects crossing the damaged zones. Baseline conditions were determined from soil profiles in undisturbed areas. Soil samples were collected for an assessment of nutrient content, pH levels and physical properties.Farm operators using damaged land were interviewed to determine cropping patterns, rehabilitation plans for damaged lands and perceptions regarding long-term impacts. Crop yields in disturbed and undisturbed areas were determined in the following growing season. In one case models were used to ascertain changes in the soil water regime and in yield impacts under alternative weather conditions.Yield reductions observed in the field for grains, corn and soybeans varied from 12 to...