Which method of land use in the US has decreased the most since 1949? pastures cropland urban areas national wildlife areas

Since 1949, **pastures** have experienced the most significant decrease in land use in the United States. Here's a brief overview of each category: 1. **Pastures**: Historically used for grazing livestock, pastureland has declined due to several factors, including the intensification of agricultural practices, consolidation of smaller farms into larger operations, urban expansion, and the conversion of pasture land to other agricultural uses or development projects. 2. **Cropland**: While there have been fluctuations, overall cropland in the U.S. has remained relatively stable or seen a slight decrease. Advances in agricultural technology have improved yields, allowing for the maintenance of production levels with less land. 3. **Urban Areas**: Urban land has consistently increased due to population growth, suburban expansion, and infrastructure development. 4. **National Wildlife Areas**: These areas have generally increased as conservation efforts have grown, aiming to protect wildlife habitats and natural resources. **Conclusion:** Among the options provided, **pastures** have decreased the most since 1949. **Answer:** Pastures have decreased the most of these land uses in the US since 1949.