Everyone's food, forages for livestock and timber comes from the soil. Thinner topsoil decreases the productivity of soil. Less production means lost income to the landowner and higher prices for the consumer. Soil erosion also creates other environmental problems. Soil from the land often washes into rivers and streams.
Chemicals also can wash into the water with the soil.
Soil conservation decreases the amount of soil washed into streams, improving water quality and the health of the environment. Missouri citizens support soil conservation efforts. This Parks and Soils Sales Tax finances all SWCP program activities. This program refunds most of the annual interest costs on bank loans for erosion control practices and conservation equipment such as no-till drills and planters. A watershed is defined as an area drained by a river or large creek.