Air Quality

Improving air quality is another important priority for the cotton industry, and one that is achieved through current practices like conservation tillage. This involves leaving crop residue on the land, which prevents soil erosion and can reduce dust emissions and wind erosion. In 2003, estimates of wind erosion from cropland showed a reduction to 56% of levels present in 1982. Air quality is also a high priority at the cotton gin, where the cotton fiber is separated from the seed.