DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa has lost 97,000 acres of woodland in recent years as more land was used for farming.

The reduction in forested land may contribute to the state’s problems with farm runoff and poor water quality.

The federal Agriculture Department says Iowa lost 192,000 acres of trees between 2009 and 2013. During that same time, 95,000 acres of trees were planted.

More than two-thirds of the lost forest land was converted to cropland or pasture.

State Forester Paul Tauke says trees help prevent erosion and nitrogen and phosphorus losses that can promote toxic algae growth in lakes.