The traditional land use planning process is explored and ecological planning concepts are discussed. A case study involving a resource inventory and analysis in Harvey County, Kansas is utilized in Chapter IV to evaluate and identify areas in terms of relative suitability for specific land uses, including agricultural suitability, based on inherent physical characteristics of the landscape. Through this process, the competition between agriculture and urban development for prime farmland is examined and important factors identified. The conclusions of this study clearly indicate that efforts to preserve prime farmland in Kansas are desperately needed in light of future global and national demands. The solution to our agricultural land dilemma will ultimately rest on the willingness of society to accept short term economic costs in order to avoid long term social costs.
Chapter V discusses various recommendations and programs for preserving agricultural land.