The Transformation of American Prairie: Lost Ecosystems and Conservation Efforts

Nearly all of the tallgrass prairie in the United States has been converted to agriculture, although it's not entirely lost; it has simply been put to another use. Prairies, which are primarily grasslands with less than 10% tree cover, are now mainly used for farming, despite efforts to recreate prairie ecosystems in reserves and to preserve small remnants of original prairies.

Naming and Distribution of Tallgrass Prairie

Tallgrass prairie is so named because the first Europeans to ride across the prairie wrote about it as an unexpected terrain where a rider could not be seen through the tall grasses. Major areas of tallgrass prairie are located in the Midwest of the US and extend northward to parts of Manitoba in Canada. To the west, much of the Great Plains, an arid region, is dominated by shortgrass prairie.

The Productive Soils of American Prairie

American prairie soils are exceptionally fertile and well-suited for agricultural crops, which led to much of the original prairie being plowed and later developed into cities. A large portion of this fertile land is now used for farmland, with only a tiny fraction remaining in its natural state.

Historical Context and Development

The invention of the steel plow by John Deere in 1833 marked a significant turning point, as this tool allowed farmers to cultivate the rich topsoil of the tallgrass prairie more efficiently. As a result, this fertile soil has become one of America's most important agricultural resources, leaving over 95% of the original tallgrass prairie converted to farmland.

Efforts to Preserve and Recreate Prairie Ecosystems

Recognizing the ecological and historical significance of the prairie, some efforts have been made to preserve and recreate prairie ecosystems. Many reservations of prairie have been established, often complete with American bison, a species that is integral to the prairie's ecosystem.

Midewin Prairie: A Successful Example

An example of such a reservation is the Midewin Prairie in Illinois, a former army ammunition plant turned into a protected area. This prairie comprises 18,226 acres (73.76 km2), sufficient to support real prairie ecosystems, and is home to a herd of American bison. In Illinois, 21 million acres of prairie originally existed, but only 1% now remains in its natural state, indicating a significant loss of the vast sea of prairie that once covered the Midwest.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

While the transformation of American prairie into agricultural land is a testament to the productivity of its soil, it is also a testimony to the importance of conservation efforts. The preservation and regeneration of prairie ecosystems are essential for maintaining biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. As conservation efforts continue, there is hope for the long-term protection and restoration of these valuable ecosystems.