Rethinking the Value of Marginal Cropland

April 8, 2025

Marginal cropland refers to portions of agricultural land that consistently yield poor results due to factors such as low soil fertility, inadequate drainage, or high salinity. These areas often cost more to cultivate than they return in harvest. In Saskatchewan, it is estimated that about 10% of cropland is considered marginal, saline, or located near wetlands - conditions that make these lands unsuitable for growing cash crops.
Identifying marginal cropland involves several methods, each offering key insights into underperforming areas. Yield maps can reveal consistently low-yield zones, while historical data highlights fields that have repeatedly posed challenges over time. Soil testing is essential for detecting issues such as low organic matter, extreme textures - like overly sandy soil - and abnormal nutrient balances. Visual clues also play an important role, including poor crop emergence, stunted growth, visible salts on the soil surface, aggressive weeds like kochia and foxtail barley, water pooling, compacted soil, and areas prone to erosion.

It is important to note that marginal cropland is not marginal land. While It may be marginal for annual crop production, it can still do a lot of good for the land, animals and people who rely on it.


So, the question is, if the area isn’t ideal for crops what can it be used for instead? 


Some great options include: 

  • Wildlife habitat – Supports biodiversity while reducing input costs 
  • Forage – Seed with perennial grasses or legumes to support livestock and reduce input costs 
  • Agroforestry – Plant trees or shrubs for windbreaks, carbon storage sequestration, or fruit/nut production
  • Pollinator & Insect Habitat – Planting flowering species to create spaces for pollinators such as bees, as well as to provide habitat for the predator insects and parasitic wasps that help keep pest insects in check 
  • Wetlands – Restore low-lying areas to improve water retention and biodiversity, and even qualify for conservation incentives 
  • Converting marginal cropland offers a range of compelling benefits for the farmer. Financially, it reduces wasted inputs on areas that consistently fail to deliver a return, helping to lower costs. It also creates new opportunities, such as growing and marketing forage crops, which can diversify income. Operational efficiency improves as resources are concentrated on the most productive land. Beyond profitability, these changes bring environmental advantages like supporting healthier soils, cleaner water, and greater biodiversity. 


Getting Started: 

  1. Begin by assessing your land using tools like yield maps, soil tests, and visual inspections to identify areas that may be better suited for alternative uses. 
  2. Next, choose a conversion option that aligns with your operation, whether it's wetlands, forage, agroforestry, or another approach. 
  3. Once you've decided, work with experts or programs to develop a plan and implement the changes effectively. 
  4. Finally, monitor the results over time, tracking the benefits and adjusting as needed to optimize land use and productivity.


Marginal cropland may not deliver consistent yields for annual row crops, but that doesn’t mean it’s without value. With strategic management, these areas offer opportunities to boost profitability while improving stewardship across the operation, contributing to overall farm resilience. 


There are many funding and support opportunities available for land conversion efforts: 

Author

Megan Venneman

Communications Coordinator

Bridge to Land Water Sky