As soils degrade either more land has to be brought into production or additional inputs have to be used to maintain output levels. If agriculture is to make its full contribution to the economy of Chihuahua it is crucial that current farming practices that contribute to soil degradation have to be replaced by practices that enhance soil capability. The possibility of climate change that will further stress plant and livestock growth only increases the need to improve soil capability. The problem exists both for arable land and for pastures. While the drawdown of aquifers is obvious, because water has to pumped from a greater depth each year; losses in soil fertility are less apparent, other than where intense erosion occurs. Nevertheless, lower quality soil imposes clear costs in the form of: lower yields, lower rates of soil moisture retention and the need for higher rates of fertiliser application.